UK's adoption of ESAD needs to grow says CBA

UK chemical businesses need to catch up with their European counterparts in the adoption of independent verification, urged out-going chairman of the Chemical Business Association (CBA).

Speaking to members at the CBA's 85rd annual luncheon, Ken Gilkes outlined his attempts as chairman to promote higher standards of health, safety and environmental management. He pointed the implementation of the CBA's Responsible Care programme - an independent third party verification. And also highlighted the disparity between chemical businesses in Europe and those in the UK when it comes to adopting verification under the European Single Assessment Document (ESAD).

"As you know, your Council has decided that this will become a requirement for all CBA member companies by the end of next year. We need to continue to move forward on this subject," Gilkes said. "As you will have seen from the report in the latest issue of Outlook, our European colleagues are rapidly adopting independent verification using the European Single Assessment Document (ESAD). Last year, we saw a 60% rise in the number of European companies gaining ESADII. In the UK, only 10% of CBA members have so far gained ESADII - so we have some catching up to do."

During his two-year tenure as Gilkes has been instrumental in managing the name change of the association from its roots as the British Chemical Distributors and Traders Association. He has also supported discussion with the FECC board - a body representing the chemical distribution industry - to ensure the needs and views of the small and medium-sized companies, which do not necessarily have the lobbying power, are heard.

Meanwhile, Gilkes" successor was announced as Francis Osborn. The new chairman runs the chemical company Industrial Suppliers (Wimborne) Limited. And the Association was applauded for the appointment of two women on to its council for the first time in the association's history.

A special tribute was given to Melvyn Whyte, managing director of the London-based company the Whyte Group for the development of ReFaC - an initiative aimed at helping member companies comply with REACH guidelines.

Gilkes said: "ReFaC is an excellent example of how the CBA can benefit the industry: by identifying a common problem and proactively developing an efficient and cost-effective solution." ReFaC offers businesses third party representation on a range of services throughout the REACH registration process, including data gap analysis, technical dossier preparation and organisation of testing.

Giles Brandreth was the guest speaker at the event, which was staged at the Grovsenor House Hotel in London.