Formaldehyde update

Final report now available

The Final Report for the Priority Existing Chemical (PEC) Formaldehyde (CAS No 50-00-0) is now available.
Þ  Notice of Formaldehyde report release 
Þ  PEC Assessment Report No 28: Formaldehyde
(PDF version)
Þ  Send an email to access further information or to request a hard copy of the report.

Existing Chemicals Program Review

Final Report now available

The Final Report of the Existing Chemicals Assessment Program Review - Promoting safer chemical use: towards better regulation of chemicals in Australia - has been released.  The Report incorporates comment from the public, industry and government, especially those who attended public forums in May and June 2006 and those who submitted written comment. It describes twenty-three recommendations grouped into five key reform areas.

Copies of the Final Report will be forwarded early in the New Year to all those who provided comment, copies can be ordered by email, or you can download it from the NICNAS website.  

NICNAS office closure

Christmas and New Year hours

Workplace hazardous chemicals framework

ASCC invites comments

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) is inviting comments on:
Þ  Draft National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Hazardous Chemicals
Þ  Draft National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Safety Data Sheets

Please visit the ASCC website for details of other draft papers on working with hazardous chemicals.

Chemicals of security concern

Consultation on developing control options

The Australian Government has prepared a Discussion Paper on the Control of Chemicals of Security Concern, which identifies chemicals that may require additional control measures because of their assessed security risk, and proposes national control processes.
Þ  Information about the discussion paper
Þ  Media release about the paper 
Þ  Email to request a copy of the paper.

The review of security sensitive chemicals is part of the COAG Review of Hazardous Material which began in 2002, and anyone who might be affected by potential control measures can submit their views until 1 March 2007 (further details).