HSE to host UK transition chemicals podcast

The HSE's podcasts are free to stream or download
The HSE's podcasts are free to stream or download

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is set to host a series of free podcasts to help businesses that make, use or supply chemicals understand what actions they need to take to ensure they are prepared for the end of the UK transition period.

With the post-Brexit transition period scheduled to end on 31 December 2020, independent GB chemical regimes will be in place from 1 January 2021.

The ‘After UK Transition: Working with Chemicals’ podcast is now available from all major podcast platforms and can be found by searching ‘The HSE Podcast’. Using this link, users can register to receive notifications for each new episode released.

Each episode focuses on a different chemicals regime, including Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) and Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regimes, Plant Protection Products (PPP), and Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

The series will be centred around business readiness for SMEs to ensure that audiences are well informed of the duties and obligations needed to comply with to access the GB market after the transition period ends.

The podcasts will feature industry voices and experts from both HSE and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), who will address the key changes to legislation and provide information on the actions required before or from 1 January 2021.

HSE head of chemicals (future readiness) policy Matthew Penrose said: “The planned series of podcasts are intended to advise and inform anyone who may work with or use chemicals in their day-to-day line of business of the actions they need to take at the end of the UK transition period.

“It could be a bigger company that produces chemicals or even a smaller business such as a metal fabricator that imports specialist powder coating products from the EU – either way they’ll be affected when independent GB chemicals regimes start.”

He added: “The podcasts complement information that is already available through the HSE website, bringing them to life in a more personal format to suit the needs of the digital age. HSE want to provide as much information as possible on the changes to chemicals regulations that will come into place on 1 January 2021.

“Our experts provide insights and answer questions raised by industry voices covering all five chemicals regimes, which should help any business prepare for the end of the UK transition.

“It is imperative that businesses and individuals who make, use or supply chemicals prepare for 1 Jan. If they don’t, they could face issues with products they use in everyday work.”

The first episode, focusing on Plant Protection Products (PPP/pesticides), is available to stream or download now.