REACH ushers in a new era for the management of chemicals and means some significant shifts in responsibility between industry and regulatory authorities.
The HSE launches its first national conference in
England (5 September, Leeds), followed with events in Wales (5 October, Cardiff ), Northern Ireland (10 October Templepatrick) and Scotland (16 October, Edinburgh ).
The conferences are aimed primarily at those in UK business who have little or no knowledge of REACH. Despite a raft of information being available (e.g. from trade bodies, etc.), there is real concern that many businesses are still unaware that REACH will impact them.
The national events aim to ensure that as many businesses as possible can be made aware of REACH, decide if and/or how it may impact on them and, if necessary, start to prepare themselves for what will be some key actions next year
Besides these four events, HSE recognises that regional roadshows around the UK are necessary. EEF is currently seeking to develop a series of REACH workshops at its regional associations and is engaging with the HSE to facilitate their involvement in these events later this year.