ECHA publishes a practical guide for downstream users on exposure scenarios

ECHA/NA/12/33
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Media enquiries: ECHA Press

The new guide for downstream users provides tips for checking whether the uses and use conditions of a chemical substance are covered by exposure scenarios provided by suppliers with the Safety Data Sheet. It includes advice on the action to take based on the outcome of this check.

Helsinki, 28 June 2012 – The practical guide provides an overview of the main duties of downstream users with regard to exposure scenarios under REACH and the associated timescale. It presents examples which illustrate common issues faced by downstream users when they compare their actual uses and the conditions of use with the information provided by suppliers. Practical tips on how to undertake a check and the options for follow up actions are also provided.

It also includes advice on how and when to prepare a downstream user chemical safety report and to report unsupported use to ECHA.

The publication has been developed with input from the Downstream Users of Chemicals Coordination Group (DUCC), in particular with regard to the practical examples.

To further develop the guide and the examples, ECHA is encouraging downstream users to submit actual experiences. Contributions should be sent to ECHA using the form "contact the ECHA Information Desk" available on the ECHA Contact web page.