Responsible Care in the Chemical Industry

Looking back on my working life within the Chemical Industry I am reminded of how far we have come. Some would no doubt say that for someone like me who entered the Industry in the 1970s, that there will be a lot to look back on!

There aren’t many Industries’s that have faced more challenges.

It can be said that the World has shrunk, just as the Chemical Industry has.

There’s always been a bit of a public fear where chemicals are used but the quality of our lives have been improved by using innovative solutions as a result of them.

Naturally, any level of risk must be understood and issues of environment, safety of use, handling and storage are at the heart of information provided by responsible suppliers. In terms of risk assessment, we can reasonably say that today's society has greater protection than any previous generation.

We take it for granted but it’s no accident and it came at great cost.

I am proud to report that the UK chemical distribution industry has an enviable reputation and record of driving forward a programme of continuous improvement.

When the UK joined the Common Market in January 1973 new challenges were thrust upon the chemical industry. In 1974, a UK Act of Parliament introduced the Health and Safety at Work Act, with the Health and Safety Executive and Commission to enforce the regulations.

Other challenges were COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health); BS 5750 (as it was then) and Packing and Handling Regulations.

It was to be good experience for the most dramatic changes to come in 2007.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Part of the intention was to standardise the existing broad range of EU Directives and regulations, together with the current and confusing rules for "existing" and “new" chemicals.

A single system was intended to be created for both.

Harmonisation would make some sense but it required major changes.

The two most important aims were to improve protection of human health and the Environment from the risk of chemicals while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.

2013 is a significant year in the phasing of registering chemicals that will not be fully complete until 2018.

Registration was determined by tonnages and is split into four groups and three different timescales with differing requirements for data to be provided.

The cost of implementation has been eye watering and not without complications.

But at least we have a chemical industry operating at the highest of standards and protection.

Following the First World War of 1914-18 the World scene would change dramatically. Hard though it may be to imagine now, the modern chemical industry did not get started until the late 1800s.

By the middle of the 20th century the important role of the chemical industry in helping to raise the quality of our life would be clear.

The ability to meet the needs of a growing international market would also be vital.

Though I never realised it as I should at the time, I was privileged to work with some special people as I developed my chemical career. They were ambassadors with high principles who gave their own time willingly wherever it would enhance the industry's good progress and reputation.

As in all good Industry’s a lead needs to be set.

As far back as 1923 a move was afoot to amalgamate two trade associations that would become the ultimate authoritative voice of the chemical industry.

In its original form it was called the British Chemical and Dyestuffs Traders Association (BCDTA).

Later, in 1980, reflecting the changing activities of a growing membership, the name was changed to the British Chemical Distributors and Traders Association (BCDTA). Interesting that the acronym was retained!

Today, reflecting the modern World and a greater role, it is called the Chemical Business Association (CBA).

Advocating the highest standards, membership has Responsible Care as mandatory and it is recommended you use a supplier who has qualified to use the Responsible Care Logo, recognised as a standard worldwide.

Safe movement of chemicals by road, rail, sea or air is of paramount importance to the CBA and the public at large.

In support of this, training services, workshops, codes of practice and regulatory guidance notes are all provided by CBA.

All of these contribute to safe product stewardship in which millions of tonnes of products can be moved professionally to customers.

To describe the chemical industry as complacent would be to avoid the facts.

Dangerous incident s have fallen dramatically.

Maintaining effective channels of communication with Government Departments, the European Union and all regulatory and statutory authorities, the CBA provides up-to-date insight into technical, commercial, legislative and environmental issues.

More than ever, keeping up to date is vital and such expertise and positive influence cannot be understated.

From manufacture, transport and use, we can congratulate the chemical industry on what it has achieved to reduce public anxiety.

Add to this, that the Surface Finishing Industry has also made huge investment in better process, staff awareness and safety and environmental policies, we are better placed by such strong partnerships.

The future will bring new challenges but the combined expertise and goals shared is a credit to the UK.

We have come a long way but the only way is to keep going forwards.

“Together we do it better”.