A global safety and security programme to help customers deal with hazardous and controlled chemicals in compliance with new EU Reach legislation
BOC is rolling out a global safety and security programme to help customers in industries as diverse as refrigeration, glass and glazing, water, chemicals and pharmaceuticals deal with hazardous and controlled chemicals in compliance with new EU legislation, some of which comes into force in April 2004.
Customers who purchase products, such as sulphur dioxide and ammonia, from BOC will have access to a 24-hour customer telephone service line and on-site emergency support 365 days a year.
In addition, as part of its total service package, BOC will offer customer audits and training courses, helping to assure the integrity of customers' safety and security systems, and alignment with industry and regulatory 'responsible practice'.
The provision of safety training, auditing and response procedures will assist BOC customers to manage the increasing volume and complexity of chemicals, storage and transport legislation, as well as the integration of key safety, environment and assurance standards.
The new procedures for these products, which have been identified using the recommendations of the United Nations sub-committee of experts on the transport of dangerous goods, build on existing measures introduced by BOC more than a decade ago, and are seen as setting a new standard.
"As one of the world's largest gases companies we take our corporate responsibilities for managing sensitive products on our sites, in the supply chain and with our customers very seriously. "These new procedures reflect the fact that safety is our paramount concern", said Kevin Baudhuin, BOC's special products global director.
"Given our global experience of handling these products and understanding of the complexity of the legislation surrounding them, we regard it as our responsibility to ensure that customers receive the appropriate support to comply with their legal, security, safety and product stewardship requirements." The new procedures have been prompted in part by recently amended EU legislation such as the new European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, due to come into effect in March 2004, which requires additional information on vehicle safety and driver manifests to be produced prior to any journey.
In addition, the measures introduced are in preparation for future legislation such as the European Registration, Evaluation and Assessment of Chemicals (Reach) directive.
Added Baudhuin: "In our drive to integrate safety and security best practice and product stewardship compliance BOC participated in the recent consultation on the proposed Reach legislation.
Our organisation also contributes to industry technical, safety and standards bodies such as the European Industrial Gases Association and the British Compressed Gases Association.
"Our aim is to help customers handle, store, reclaim and dispose of our products safely.
Through partnership with our customers we will assist them with the increasing volume and complexity of key safety, environmental and assurance practices, and also help them stay within the law.
"Manufacturers, handlers and end-users of hazardous chemicals are compelled to adhere to important legal standards that protect the environment, employees, local communities and the integrity of the supply chain from potentially negligent misuse and BOC is committed to playing its full part in this undertaking."
