REACH Exposure Scenarios Development

Exposure scenarios must be prepared when a substance is manufactured or imported in quantities of 10 tonnes per year and above and classified as dangerous or as PBT/vPvB.

An exposure scenario is a set of conditions that describe how a substance (as such, in a preparation or in an article) is manufactured or used during its life-cycle and how the manufacturer or importer or downstream user controls or recommends controlling exposure of humans and the environment. An exposure scenario must include the appropriate risk management measures and operational conditions that, when properly implemented, ensure that the risks from the uses of the substance are adequately controlled.

Exposure scenarios need to be developed to cover all identified uses. In addition, all life-cycle stages resulting from these uses shall be covered by the assessment, including for example the 'use' of an article containing the substance (sometimes referred to as 'service life') as well as the waste stage. Exposure scenarios are also a tool for communicating operational conditions of use and risk management conditions of use through the supply chain as relevant exposure scenarios will be annexed to the Safety Data Sheets that will be supplied to downstream users and distributors.

We have been actively involved in developing exposure scenarios, undertaking exposure assessments, calculating risk characterisation ratios and drafting the resulting sections of Chemical Safety Reports. We are an active member of the European consortium which has been developing the Advanced REACH Tool (ART) for exposure modelling (http://www.advancedreachtool.com/).

We can help you:

• Develop and document exposure scenarios;
• Determine exposure levels using modelling and/or measurement surveys;
• Develop and implement risk management measures;
• Prepare your Chemical Safety Report and extended safety data sheets.