Sicherheit im Umgang mit chemischen Stoffen im globalen Umfeld

Abstract

We are taking part in an intense change in industry and social environment. Today's industrial and business network is rapidly expanding to global dimension. Workplace, production, product shipment and business process is under rapid change and global adaptation. The ongoing setting of direction noticeably includes the scope of regulatory requirements. It's clearly evident: the safe handling of hazardous chemicals is given sustainable priority, from local to global scale.
The broad commitment to safety- and health-related information (to safety data sheet, label, classification of substances and mixtures, risk assessment, waste handling), from a multi language perspective, reflects the concern for a safe operation in the broadest sense (safe workplace, health protection, product stewardship).
There is a shift in mind-set. Emphasis is on wide-scale conceptual solution, cost-effective, rapidly doable, tuned for integration and adaptability to change ('less complex', 'dynamic', adaptable to the business requirements). Modern hardware-, software- and communication technologies allow having the safety information for hazardous products available, through today's communication network, wherever needed, for the benefit of the producer and user.
The following article is written from a practical viewpoint and with the scope of a large international company. The content describes the development and implementation of information systems relating to safety data sheets, product labels, classification (expert system), in review over the recent years. The focus is on various perspectives, i.e. workprocess, information technology, value creation (productivity gain and competitive edge).