REACH warning to HSE
12 Oct 2006
Chemical Industries Association highlights the challenges facing the HSE in new role
London — The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has been appointed as the UK Competent Authority for the forthcoming EU chemicals legislation, REACH - registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals. The move has been welcomed by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) though the industry group pointed to a number of challenges facing the HSE in its new role.
“We are pleased to see confirmation of a clear lead body as the UK Competent Authority. That said a key challenge for the HSE will be to ensure that we have fully joined up implementation and enforcement of the regulation,” commented Steve Elliott, CIA Chief Executive.
According to Elliot, the HSE needs to ensure close cooperation with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Environment Agency, devolved administrations and other relevant government departments. Industry must also play its part to deliver an effective and efficient REACH, he added in a 10 Oct statement.
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