REACH: Next steps following the end of pre-registration

The European Chemicals Agency (EChA) has published a list of 150,000 pre-registered substances, following the closure of pre-registration on 1st December. Companies who have pre-registered the same or synonymous substances will be able to form Substance Information Exchange Forums (SIEFs), and thus share registration information.

For more information go to here

Major new Environment and Health study for Scotland

The Scottish Government recently announced funding for a major new research project, Environmental Determinants of Public Health in Scotland (EDPHiS). The project is designed to help tackle health inequalities in Scotland, by informing the Government’s ‘Good Places, Better Health’ strategy for environment and health. The project is a collaboration between a number of research organisations, and is led by the IOM.

For more information go to here

New harmonised regulations for classification, labelling and packaging of substances

In a move aimed at harmonising the way hazardous substances are described and labelled, the European Union has adopted a new regulation for classification, labelling and packaging of substances (the ‘CLP Regulation’). This will bring existing EU legislation into line with the United Nations Globally Harmonised System. There will be a transitional period before existing regulations are replaced.

For more information go to here

SAFENANO appoints Director of Operations

Safenano, the IOM-led initiative set up to assist the nanotechnology industries in addressing health, safety and environment (HS&E) issues, has appointed Dr Steve Hankin as its Director of Operations - see also Featured Service: nanomaterials. Dr Hankin is a PhD chemist with postgraduate qualifications in medical toxicology and epidemiology. He joined the IOM from Health Protection Scotland in 2007.

For more information go to here

Managing the health risks associated with nanomaterials

A host of established and emerging industries are developing products based on nanomaterials – engineered particles, fibres, tubes, wires etc that are measured in billionths of a metre. The potential risks to health posed by these novel materials have not yet been fully elucidated, and the IOM has a leading role in helping to fill this knowledge gap through the work of the SAFENANO initiative. This was established in order to provide the nanotechnology industry with independent and objective information, advice and risk assessment services.

For more information go to here

IOSH 09 conference and exhibition – BT Convention Centre, Liverpool

IOM will be attending and exhibiting at IOSH 09 on 17th and 18th March. Come and see us at stand E25 where we will be pleased to discuss your current and future requirements.

For more information on FREE pre-registration go to here