Supplying hazardous chemicals and working safely David Walters Cardiff university

What this presentation is about Nature of the problem Evidence of what works Supply chain regulation — REACH?

Hazardous chemicals Global production of chemicals: 1million tonnes in 1930 — 400 million tonnes currently. More than 100,000 different kinds. Used everywhere - also present in work environment as bi-products of operation Harmful effects from accidental and routine exposures, including burns, asphyxiation, poisoning, respiratory disease, cancer, skin disease and neurotoxin disorders. Hard evidence of risk available for only a small proportion Manage risks according to ‘precautionary principles’

Regulatory strategies Two approaches — Workplace based and substance based Supplier orientated regulation from early days Requirements on risk assessment and information to enable safe use. Currently consolidated and extended by REACH

The problem of managing the risks of hazardous chemicals in small firms Limited evidence. Usually recognized in terms of: – Availability, quality and accessibility of suppliers’ information — host of studies point to continuing problems – User understanding — major issues of understanding among users – especially small firms also problems with transfer to info for workers – Arrangements for managing OHS – Generic problems and ones specific to control strategies for hazardous subs – Access to support services – small firms – Regulatory inspection Especially so for smaller firms

Current developments to support small firms Easy-to-use guidance and tools – COSHH Essentials, Stoffenmanager, BASIS, Kemie Guiden, Easy to Use Workplace Control Scheme, PIMEX, Column Model, PragMaGuS, Gefahrstoffe im Griff/Handwerk, GISBAU/WINGIS Supply chain support: – Responsible care, product stewardship, – Motor industry dealerships, repairers, bakeries, work environment and pest control, National strategies – eg Netherlands VASt Programme, attempts to connect these elements

What works? Little firm evidence of successful or sustainable tools and strategies Limited study of socio-economic contexts of their application Such evidence as there is points to: – Concerns about complexity – Issues of access – Sustainability? – Supports for OHS management in small firms work for chemicals too Infrastructural support is the key determinant of success

How will REACH help? Better risk communication in supply chains – More information? – Two-way communication? – Emphasis on suppliers’ responsibilities? Will this help? – Role of regulatory inspection in supply relationships? – REACH and workplace regulation? – Role of ‘workplace arrangements’ eg consultation? – Does not address infrastructural support so how to increase its effectiveness?