EEF calls for greater awareness of REACH requirements

British manufacturers' organisation, the EEF, has called for industry to wake up to the full ramifications of REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) requirements on the restriction and banning of certain hazardous substances which come into force imminently.

The call follows publication of an EEF survey which shows awareness of the implications for manufacturers, especially amongst smaller companies, remains worryingly low. It backs longstanding fears that companies have failed to recognise the full scope and significance of the REACH regulations on their use of certain substances or, that they believed it was limited to chemical companies.

In contrast, the regulations are gradually restricting the use of hazardous chemicals in certain areas or, implementing widespread bans, including substances which have been commonly used in manufacturing processes for many years under controlled conditions. This has major implications for all companies from requirements for worker safety, to controls on how substances are used, through to the need to potentially modify processes and substitute other materials.

There are also major implications for companies in the supply chain who must be in a position to advise their customers if such substances are present in the products they sell.

Commenting, EEF Head of Climate & Environment Policy, Gareth Stace, said: "REACH continues to be the 'Elephant in the Room' for many companies who are either unaware of the implications or, still believe it is a chemicals only issue. In contrast the regulations have serious requirements for all manufacturers who are facing either the restricted use or banning altogether of some substances.

"For many companies there is the very real risk of lost business if they are unable to advise their suppliers whether their products contain certain materials and, where they are, how their use is being monitored. Furthermore, if companies don't plan for substance bans, it could prevent production entirely."

The survey shows 20 per cent of companies still believe REACH is not applicable to them while a further 30 per cent say it isn't important to their business. The figures rise for the smallest companies with just under a third of companies with turnover below £2m per annum unaware of how they will be affected. More worryingly, even where smaller companies were aware of REACH, half were not monitoring developments.