Focus on REACH compliance in the Metal Surface Treatment industry

The Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSENI) in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) will be inspecting companies across Northern Ireland who work in the metal surface treatment industry.

The inspections will take place during July and August to assess compliance with the requirements of the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH).

Several chromates are restricted or require authorisation under REACH, including many that are used in metal surface treatment to provide a durable finish to surfaces. 

The duties on duty holders include:

• Ensuring an authorisation is in place to cover all users
• Labelling requirements are met
• Exposure is adequately controlled
• Adequate pollution prevention controls are in place, and
• Notifying the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) upon becoming a downstream user

Manufacturers, importers and downstream users who use or supply chromium VI compounds  will be affected and have duties to fulfil under REACH .

HSENI Inspectors will focus on ensuring that requirements are met within the supply chain. NIEA officials will focus on emissions monitoring, storage, and containment compliance within the controls required to protect the environment and human health.  

HSENI and NIEA will work with businesses to achieve compliance by providing information and support as required.

Notes to editors: 

1. REACH is a European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals which came into force on 1 June 2007.
2. CLP is a European Union regulation concerning the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals which came into force on 15 June 2015.
3. COSHH is a Northern Ireland regulation concerning the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health which came into force on 28 February 2003.
4. HSENI is the lead body responsible for the promotion and enforcement of health and safety at work standards in Northern Ireland.
5. For media enquiries please contact: HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or by email: media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of hours please contact Duty Press Officer 028 9037 8110.

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