THE MAGAZINE DEVOTED TO NICKEL AND ITS APPLICATIONS
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REACH
Nickel Magazine, July 2006 -- A "chemicals management" regulation entitled ‘Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals’, or REACH for short, is due to come into force in the European Union in April 2007. Designed to minimize the risk of any adverse affects to workers, consumers and the environment of exposures to chemical substances (including nickel and nickel compounds), it will have far-reaching effects on companies which produce, import or sell nickel raw materials, nickel or nickel compounds in the EU.
Earlier this year, the Nickel Institute launched an implementation plan to help member companies to cost-effectively comply with the requirements of REACH. Consortia are being established consisting of Nickel Institute members and other willing, importers, manufacturers (EU and non-EU) and downstream users of nickel. The purpose of the consortia is to have the Nickel Institute provide various services that will facilitate the process.
It is worthwhile to note that the REACH obligations apply to both manufacturers in the EU and importers into the EU as soon as they import or sell more than one tonne into the EU. Non-EU manufacturers are required under the legislation to appoint an "EU only representative" at the start of the process.
Manufacturers of nickel-containing alloys are not legally obliged to fulfil the registration requirements of the regulation since alloys are considered to be special preparations. However, the Nickel Institute strongly recommends that these companies become involved to ensure that the reduced risk properties of alloys are properly recognized.
 France Capon |
A Strategy for Reducing Risk
The Nickel Institute plans to engage all of its members as well as downstream users of nickel and national/international metals interest groups in an important two-day strategy session in Antwerp, Belgium.
Scheduled to take place on September 20-21, the Risk Reduction Strategy Workshop is designed to help participants develop a strategy that will ultimately reduce the risk of adverse affects of nickel and nickel compounds on human health and the environment.
The aim of the workshop is to ensure that attendees understand the main conclusions of the European Union’s Risk Assessment on Nickel and Nickel Compounds and to fully appreciate what is legally required in the risk reduction phase of the EU regulatory process.
Workshop participants, who will pay a registration fee of €300, will explore the various best available technologies for reducing these risks. The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to contribute to the selection of preferred technological options.
Hotel registration is requested before August 11.
Claude Frieh |
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