Suchergebnisse

Abstract
This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study.

Abstract
In April 2021, the 5th German REACH Congress took place as a hybrid event with a focus on discussing interlinkages between REACH and the occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. More than 1000 people from Germany, the EU, and non-EU countries representing all stakeholder groups participated via livestream. Around 10% of the participants provided their opinions on various issues in an online survey. The presentations and discussions, as well as the results of the online survey, show that the stakeholders perceive a positive effect of REACH on the implementation of OSH, in particular via the information made available through the registration and communication in the supply chain, and the restrictions and authorization procedures. The integration of OSH and REACH expertise in the regulatory processes, as well as transparency and clarity about the selection of regulatory instruments to manage workplace risks, were highlighted as areas for potential improvement. Overall, it was concluded that the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability would further improve the interplay of legislation, which would also benefit the level of safety and health at workplaces.

Abstract
The adverse health effects of biopersistent fibrous dusts with critical morphology (length greater than 5 µm, diameter smaller than 3 µm and a length-to-diameter ratio of more than 3:1 (WHO fibre criterion)) are independent of their chemical composition. Due to these dimensions, such fibres are able to reach the deep lungs (alveoli and bronchioles) after inhalation and can cause fibrosis and cancer. A well-known example of the toxicity of fibres and their possible harmful effects is asbestos. Health hazards arising from the inhalation of biopersistent fibre dusts released from chemical substances, mixtures or from articles, will most likely not be identified in the chemical safety assessment under REACH, even if a substance is registered, as there is no obligation to provide information on the morphology and/ or form and biopersistence of the substance.
The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment have identified and evaluated regulatory approaches for the protection against carcinogenic fibre dusts by means of a risk management option analysis (RMOA). The RMOA discusses various options to address the concerns identified, including the introduction of additional risk management options within the framework of European chemical safety and occupational health. As a result of the RMOA a restriction under REACH was identified as the most appropriate approach for regulating fibrous materials and to enhance the protection of workers in the EU.