EEF launches training service to help manufacturers ‘REACH’ compliance

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has announced it is launching a campaign to highlight business risks under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals (REACH) Regulation and provide support to the manufacturing supply chain to enable them to manage it.

Under the Regulation, substances used in either products or as part of processes may be banned and, unless manufacturers have authorisation from the EU to use it, will disappear from the EU market.

EEF says the extensive campaign will simplify the implications of REACH and provide targeted advice to manufacturers. The focus is on enabling manufacturers to effectively manage compliance internally and recognise the potential risks to their business. A survey by EEF in 2012 showed that 20 percent of companies still believe REACH is not applicable to them and 30 percent believe it is not important to their business.

Greg Roberts, EEF Environmental Consultant, said: “Many manufacturers do not fully appreciate the business risk presented by REACH.  Many declare compliance to customers but do not have robust processes in place to provide adequate assurance. By working with EEF, manufacturers can understand the real impact of REACH, how to get on top of it and importantly get ahead of their competitors.”

EEF says the concept for the campaign is the websites ‘Where’s My Car’ and ‘Where’s My Plane’, where manufacturers can hover over part of a model car or plane to reveal which components they will no longer be able to make as a result of REACH. One example, trichloroethylene, is commonly used in cleaning or degreasing metal parts. It will be banned from use from 2016 unless approval to use it has been sought from the European Commission.

Through a series of industry training courses and expert consultancy, EEF says it will help manufacturers keep on top of developments, understand the risks and put in place the systems to stay ahead of competitors and safeguard product lines. In turn, it says, will help to foster stronger, more confident customer relationships.

To find out more, go to the 'Where's my Car' information pages at: www.eef.org.uk/wheresmycar/