DEFRA has published a statement which outlines plans for an alternative transitional registration model (ATRm) for UK REACH.  This aims to reduce the costs to industry associated with buying or accessing EU hazard information while continuing to ensure high levels of protection of human health and the environment. A consultation on the proposals will be published in early 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-reach-alternative-transitional-registration-model-atrm/uk-reach-alternative-transitional-registration-model-atrm

 

HSE has issued a safety alert which highlights that the non-destructive testing (NDT) process is vulnerable to tampering.  HSE has investigated a number of instances where the NDT has been falsified, mainly at the fabrication stage. Welds have not been thoroughly tested and/or the results have been misrepresented. https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/radiography-duplication-falsification.htm?utm_source=hse.gov.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=radiograph-sa&utm_content=news-page

 

The POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutant) Review Committee has called for interested parties to submit information on substances currently under review. Closing dates for submissions are in https://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/POPsReviewCommittee/Meetings/POPRC19/POPRC19Followup/tabid/9694/Default.aspx?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=chemicals-guidance-hse&utm_term=pops-2&utm_content=crd-10-nov-23  The substances and conditions in question are:

Chlorinated paraffins with carbon chain lengths in the range C14–17 and chlorination levels at or exceeding 45 per cent chlorine by weight Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts and related compounds Chlorpyrifos Persistent organic pollutants in stockpiles, products and articles in use and in wastes Long-range environmental transport