d. he European Commission has announced scientific criteria to determine what is an endocrine disruptor under the pesticides and biocides regulations. ECHA (European Chemical Agency) is assessing how the new criteria will impact its work under the Biocidal Products Regulation.
This reports the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB)’s investigation into a fire in the engine room of the dredger Arco Avon while the vessel was loading a sand cargo approximately twelve miles off Great Yarmouth, UK. The fire claimed the life of the vessel’s third engineer, who was attempting to repair a failed fuel pipe when fuel, under pressure in the pipe, ignited.
Safety Issues The third engineer’s decision to act autonomously without informing either the Officer of the Watch was contrary to documented standing orders but was commensurate with the onboard culture of regular lone working The fact that sparks generated by using fixed and portable angle grinders produce a hot work hazard is not currently acknowledged in marine industry guidance The contents of International Maritime Organization (IMO) circular MSC. 1/Circ.1321, which recommends a 6 monthly inspection of fuel system pipework to be included in a vessel’s SMS, had not been formally promulgated to the UK shipping industry Merchant Shipping Notices relating to personal protective equipment in engine rooms are inadequate, suggesting that cotton garments could provide fire protection The Ship Captain’s medical guide gave confusing and inconsistent advice on the treatment of serious burnsGovernment Chemist, in cooperation with the Association of Public Analysts Training Committee and APA Educational Trust, has organised Health Claims seminar.
The seminar, to be held on 29th September, will provide guidance on compliance with EC Regulation No 1924/2006. this regulation governs the use of nutrition and health claims in the labelling, presentation and advertising of foods. It aims at enabling consumers to make healthier choices by protecting them from misleading information and ensuring a level playing field for food businesses. This complex and still evolving piece of legislation has many facets.
To register for this seminar contact michael.walker@lgcgroup.com
Companies intending to market any of the twenty active substances listed by ECHA as repellents or attractants must notify the Agency by 24 February 2017 to include them in the biocides Review Programme.
The substances are:
Orange, sweet Pepper (Piper), P. nigrum, Lemon oil Capsaicin Fructose Honey α-Lactose monohydrate Malt, Cheese Skimmed milk powder Garlic, Yeast Fulvic acid Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Peanut butter Brandy (food grade) Vinegar (food grade containing a maximum of 10% acetic acid) Apple juice concentrate Powdered egg Mentha arvensis, ext.