ÅF combines many years' experience of working with issues relating to chemicals with a thorough insight into the needs of client companies. In Sweden our national environmental targets point to the need for a greater knowledge of the properties of chemical substances, the phasing out of certain particularly dangerous substances, and the introduction of measures to reduce the risks posed by others. A proposal for a new regulatory framework for the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) has also been presented to the European Commission and is currently under consideration.
The services ÅF offers include:
- Assessments of chemical substances and their impact on the environment
We assess the level of danger that a chemical poses to the environment and we also perform ecotoxicological environmental risk assessments of chemical substances.
- Advice to companies on the use of chemicals
We advise companies about the principles and criteria for assessing chemicals, the legislation that exists to control the manufacture, transportation, storage and handling of chemicals, and how to systematise and develop tools for assessing and providing information about chemicals.
- Support for companies in their day-to-day work with chemicals
We offer support for companies in their day-to-day work, for example, by compiling registers of chemicals and producing material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
- Strategic investigations
We carry out strategic investigations, such as investigations into the possible effects of REACH legislation and proposals for strategies to meet stricter legal requirements, investigations of possible problem chemicals, government enquiries, etc.
- Training and education
We design and carry out customised training and education programmes directly related to chemicals and chemical management issues. Modules include legal requirements and regulatory frameworks, the interpretation of MSDSs, environmental risk assessments, etc.
- Risk assessment with regard to accidents
Assessments of risks and the possible consequences of accidents linked to the use of chemicals are a natural part of our risk analysis work with regard to accidents and safety.