New clampdown on dangerous chemicals

A regulation that will affect businesses of all sizes across Ireland will be launched today.

REACH will shift the responsibility for the control and safe use of chemicals from watchdogs to the actual firms that are manufacturing, importing and using chemicals or putting them on the market.

Reach stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.

The regulation and its implementation schedule will be unveiled by outgoing Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen, and Dr Sharon McGuinness, assistant chief executive of the Health & Safety Authority.