REACH affects around 30,000 substances, not just ‘chemicals’, placed on the market in the European Union. Metals (e.g. steels and their additives/coatings), solvents, cleaners, acids, alkalis, oils, lubricants, metalworking fluids (and their additives), are just some examples of substances which are covered by REACH.
UK Steel’s guidance document has been produced to provide its members with a straightforward and practical understanding of the requirements under REACH and the specific obligations facing industry. The guidance can be downloaded from the downloads area on this page.
The supporting annexes contain a list of key definitions, a glossary of terms and useful web links. Four theoretical case studies covering steelmaking, rolling and two examples of downstream processing, to help clarify the obligations of companies within the sector, is provided; as is a letter downstream users of substances may wish to use to engage with their suppliers.
It will be necessary to update the guidance document from time to time with practical industry experiences gained during implementation, and also as the REACH Implementation Programmes are further developed.