Recent activities
PTK Ltd has taken forward a variety of interesting work in its first three year of operation. Clients have included EU Member State governments, international organisations, trade associations (EU and international), individual companies, and academic institutions. Activities have included detailed analyses of elements of REACH, speaking at conferences on REACH and GHS, helping companies to prepare for REACH through the development of action plans and advising on how REACH may affect them, advising companies on the implications of the GHS, and analysing how international instruments for chemical risk management may need to be adapted to be in conformity with the GHS.
Of course many of these activities need to remain confidential and/or are the intellectual property of the client concerned. Some activities are however in the public domain:
REACH
1. Exemptions in REACH: Annexes II and III – Based on Experience in Finland (commonly known as the ERA report)
This study was prepared on behalf of the Finnish Government to look at the consistency and coherence of the exemptions currently in REACH. This took as its starting point substances identified by stakeholders in Finland (as it would be impossible to look at all substances, categories of substance, uses etc). As a result it also considered the important scope issues for REACH. The report was originally intended to identify only options following the analysis. There are a large number of options identified therefore but also a number of recommendations were there was a clear preference. This does mean that for some important issues there are not recommendations but options in the body of the report.
This report has been of major importance in negotiations on the future development of REACH during the Co-decision (European Parliament, Council of Ministers) process. It is likely that key recommendations in the report will be reflected in the revised REACH proposal (the 'Common Position') to be adopted by the Council of Ministers under the UK Presidency (second half 2005).
2. Article for European Chemicals News on 'One Substance One Registration' (OSOR)
The article explores some of the important considerations in the development of an OSOR approach for REACH.
» Beyond Reach? - page 1 and page 2
3. Presentation to international conference in Poland on the implementation of REACH.
The PTK presentation was on the UK/Hungary proposal to amend REACH to include the concept on 'One Substance One Registration'.
4. Working with the UK's Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC) to develop a REACH Centre.
LGC have conducted extensive research and consultations with UK and EU industry and other key stakeholders to identify what support may be needed to help industry meet the obligations that REACH will place on them and how this support may be delivered. PTK Ltd have been working as consultants to LGC to help in the development of the REACH Centre concept as well as advising on how the authorities can be integrated into the further development and operation of a Centre.
5. Presentation to the British Aerosol Manufacturer's Association (BAMA).
This presentation is typical of the introductory presentations made to individual companies and trade associations to help them to prepare for REACH. This presentation evolves over time and according to the needs of the customer. Typically this is followed by sessions aimed at helping companies develop action plans to prepare fully for REACH. Such further presentations may be available on request subject to any negotiations.
» BAMA Presentation April 2005
6. Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
Advising the Center on REACH issues, providing material for their website and leading major workshops in the US advising stakeholders on the elements of REACH, implications for US industry, and how to prepare.
7. Postgraduate Certificate in REACH Management
Andrew Fasey is one of the lecturers on this brand new course being developed by the University of Hull.
» contact reach@hull.ac.uk
GHS
1. Presentation to 'Framing a Future Chemicals Policy – A Working Forum for Stakeholders', Boston, USA, organised by the Lowell Centre for Sustainable Production, on the GHS.
The Lowell Centre organised a Working Forum in April 2005 to look at factors and influences on a future chemicals policy for the US. This looked at internal US factors and influences, international factors (such as the GHS), and EU influences (i.e. REACH). PTK Ltd provided a session on the GHS and also acted as a resource on REACH.
2. Reports for the WHO (World Health Organisation) comparing the GHS with the international risk/hazard management tools, CICADS (Concise International Chemical Assessment Documents), ICSC (International Chemical Safety Cards), and the WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard.
These reports aimed to identify how the three instruments might need to be amended to ensure they were compatible with the GHS. The starting hypothesis being that these three instruments and the GHS would all benefit from the adoption of the GHS and harmonising the instruments with it. The report(s) will be made available on the website as soon as they are made publicly available.
Non-confidential versions of the reports will be posted here as soon as they are available for public consumption.
3. Working with UNITAR (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) on their capacity building activities.
The founder of PTK Ltd is a Senior Special Fellow of UNITAR. This role involves offering support and advice to UNITAR as required and also undertaking visits to promote the GHS and capacity building.
The following are examples of presentations made in the role of Senior Special Fellow of UNITAR during a visit to China in 2005.
» Strengthening Regional and National Capacities for Implementing GHS
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