Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2016

Concluding RemarksDay 2

Jukka MalmEuropean Chemicals Agency

Plant Safety – Is it taking a back seat to economic pressures

Panel 4

Keep safety in the front seat

• Set agressive targets – but incidents do occur• Minimise accident likelihood, extent and effects

• Cycle of: Prevent – prepare – respond – learn • Systematic risk assessment and prevention pays

off – economic, environmental and social benefits• Safety culture throughout the organisation

• Role of leadership and management systems• No tick box – continuous improvement

• Public participation, risk communication

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Discussion topics

• How to better integrate chemicals plant safety with other policies? • Chemicals safety - More systematic use of newly

generated hazard and safety information on substances?• Link to Circular Economy?• Combating international terrorism

• Consider cultural differences in engagement with local communities

• Identify elements that can disturb the continual improvement

How to tackle chemicals of high concern in products –The construction sector as a case study

Panel 5

Key themes

• Hazardous substances as part of a multi-dimensional, complex issue – holistic approach• Safe, healthy and sustainable buildings• Materials vs chemicals• Circular economy – non-toxic material cycles• Complex supply chains – long life cycles• Chemical safety – combined exposures• Coherence across product policies

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Windows of opportunity

• Coherent and consistent product policies• Technical standards, ecolabelling, ecodesign, green

public procurement• More systematic use of newly generated hazard

and safety information on substances• Sharing of approaches, workload and

experiences, avoid duplication• Piloting and partnership with forerunners

Towards sustainability and green growth via holistic and integrated approaches

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Thank you!

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jukka.malm@echa.europa.eu

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