LGC launches new advisory service

LGC, the UK`s national centre for analytical measurement, has announced a new advisory service for the chemical sector.

Funded through the DTI`s Government Chemist programme, the Regulatory Advisory Service (RAS) at LGC is said to provide free guidance and technical advice to producers and users of chemicals regarding current and emerging chemical and environmental legislation.

Information available includes the interpretation of legislation; data retrieval; test method selection; packaging and labelling advice and the transport of hazardous substances.

RAS was established in response to studies carried out by the UK Analytical Partnership (UKAP), of which LGC is a partner, within the UK chemical industry.

These highlighted the fact that few organisations have the combination of regulatory and technical expertise in the same person. This established the need for a national resource offering independent advice on specific testing and regulatory issues.

'To remain competitive, companies need to understand and keep abreast of the regulatory climate in which they operate so that they can react quickly and efficiently when changes occur,' commented Bob Scott, RAS Project Manager at LGC. 'RAS has been positioned to provide additional support to companies that may not have the knowledge in-house.'

The services offered by RAS are mainly email and internet-based and include an enquiry service providing access to useful advice, contacts or internet information sources, as well as an interactive forum allowing RAS users to exchange views and experiences with others on chemical regulation.

Free registration can be made via email to <A HREF=mailto:rs@lgc.co.uk>RAS</a>