HSE has published arrangements for regulation of chemicals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.  https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/chemical-regulation-during-coronavirus.htm?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=coronavirus&utm_term=further-info&utm_content=crd-3-apr#further

For plant protection products contact should be by email to: CRD.information.management@hse.gov.uk or applications@hse.gov.uk.  Data packages too large for emails should be submitted on CD/DVD.  Authorisations will no longer be issued by post.  Export certificates will be sent electronically in pdf format. It will include contact details for overseas authorities to confirm the validity of the document.

For biocidal products contact should be made by email to: PA.Biocides@hse.gov.uk for enquiries relating to BPR applications; or PA.COPR@hse.gov.uk for enquires relating to COPR applications. Applications made under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and the UK Control of Pesticides Regulations (COPR) should continue as usual i.e. for BPR via R4BP3 to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) and for COPR by using the FEPA1 form.  Authorisations will no longer be issued by post. BPR authorisations will be uploaded to R4BP3 as normal but an electronic copy will also be sent by email. COPR approvals will be issued via email during this period.

For matters to do with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation & restriction of Chemicals) and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging), businesses should interact as normal with ECHA who are continuing to operate. ECHA have issued a press release  https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-to-support-eu-wide-action-against-covid-19 about the granting of extensions to certain deadlines and being flexible about their regulatory processes. Queries on other matters should be directed to the  helpdesk at ukreachca@hse.gov.uk.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) have issued a warning note to highlight a potentially serious hazard associated with condensed aerosol firefighting suppressant particles following a fatal accident last year.  The fatality resulted from an inadvertent discharge of a condensed aerosol fire extinguishing system during its installation on the fishing vessel Resugram (PZ 1001).  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/safety-bulletin-published-for-the-resurgam-investigation

HSE has issued a reminder of the importance of fit testing face masks to avoid transmission: coronavirus (COVID-19).  A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer.  More information is also available in our downloadable publication ‘Guidance on respiratory protective equipment (RPE) fit testing’ (INDG479).