European Commission workshop: risk In this feature l product safety l assessment l outcomes Spreading the word How to make a risk policy decision Russell clarke tells the European Commission how its done in the UK I n late September, I was invited to present at a European Commission workshop in Brussels on Acceptable level of risk to workers and consumers exposed to carcinogenic substances1, due to take place on 22 November. This opportunity came about because I am the chairman of thenational Product Safety Focus Group (PSFG).1 I was given the subject: Approach on the acceptability of risk from consumer products: how to take the risk policy decision, and I produced a presentation explaining how these types of risk decisions are made by local authorities in England. The presentation explained how trading standards makes a consistent risk decision and how the general product safety regulations work in practice. I gave the 150 delegates two scenarios that were actual examples from businesses in Slough. Scenario one was about exploding aerosol cans which, after a correct risk assessment was applied, came out as low, and saved the business in question many thousands of pounds. Scenario two was about incorrectly tightened child resistant closures (CRC). In the warehouse, the CRCs were found not to be on Transparent communication between tight enough, so the solution was to tighten the business and local authority is them. Again, this came out as a low risk. needed to ensure the correct risk In both scenarios there was potential for the business to take greater corrective action; decision is made however, working in partnership with Slough Trading Standards, the appropriate level of action was taken. In conclusion, transparent communication between the business and local authority isneeded to ensure the correct risk decision ismade. The presentation was followed by a Q&A session, in which the session speakers were invited to participate. To begin with, putting together a presentation for the European Commission based simply on a title, and then pitching it at the right level, wasslightly daunting; however, now it is over, I know I managed it. Thewhole experience was amazing. You enter the conference room and all around it are sound-proof booths; two people in each behind the glass; these were the translators. Thankfully, most of the workshop was in English; however, there was occasion to don the headsets and hear a live translation. Good on those people in the booths who, between them, were interpreting six different languages for the duration of the workshop, which lasted for about nine hours. Some had no break as their language wasnt spoken in the room. It was really interesting to hear what other nations and organisations do to ensure the safety of workers and consumers, and to be part of the panel felt like an honour. At times it felt a little scary, particularly being one of the younger panellists and because of the amount of experience in the room although it didnt really faze me. I also got to travel on Eurostar for the first time paid for by the commission a two-hour journey from central London. Although it made for a very long day, it was certainly a worthwhile experience. My presentation was broadcast live from the commission and anyone interested can view an archived recording of it. The footage can be scrolled to reach my presentation slot, which starts at around 5:25:00. References 1. Carcinogens are linked/found to cause cancer. They include certain heavy metals, such as lead. 2. NPSFG is an informal group for trading standards, which has representatives from the English regions, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland along with CTSI and is hosted by the Department of Business, Enterprise and IndustrialStrategy. Credits Russell Clarke is a senior trading standards To share this page, in the toolbar click on You might also like Workshop on Acceptable level of risk officer at Slough Borough Council. to workers and consumers exposed to Images: Harvepino / Shutterstock carcinogenic substances