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Changes to chemicals rules could impact hazmat equipment users

The Health and Safety Executive is looking to simplify regulations concerning biocides and the export and import of hazardous chemicals.

Those who use hazmat suits and other protective clothing and equipment as part of their job might be affected by a new consultation launched yesterday (December 20th) by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The organisation is looking for opinions on how chemical legislation can be simplified with particular emphasis on the domestic regulations which support EU legislation on Biocides, Export and Import of Hazardous Chemicals (PIC) and Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (CLP) Regulations.

According to the HSE, it is keen to gather the thoughts of relevant parties on its own proposals to improve the regulations without increasing the amount of red tape workers are subjected to.

It is also important to ensure any changes do not put workers, the public or the environment at risk from hazardous materials, the body stated.

Meanwhile, the HSE is looking for views on how it should enforce legislation concerning the import and export of chemicals in a proportionate way.

Consultation manager Deborah Traynor explained that the opinion-gathering process will hopefully make it easier for firms involved in the chemical industry to comprehend their responsibilities.

"The proposed statutory instrument will update and largely mirror existing regulatory provisions for biocides, PIC and CLP. There will be no reduction in the protection from hazardous substances for workers, the public or environment," she said.

Interested parties can find the consultation document on the HSE website.

The news comes in the same week that CBC News reported that a Vancouver apartment block had to be evacuated after fire fighters were made aware of hazardous chemicals in the vicinity of a blaze they were dealing with.

Written by Chris Malone

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