Featured this week
SSulfuric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4. It is a colourless to slightly yellow viscous liquid which is soluble in water at all concentrations. Sometimes, it may be dark brown as dyed during industrial production process in order to alert people’s awareness to its hazards. Sulfuric acid is a diprotic acid which may show different properties depending upon its concentration. Its corrosiveness on metals, stones, skin, eyes and flesh or other materials can be mainly ascribed to its strong acidic nature and, if concentrated, strong dehydrating and oxidising properties. [1]
Featured Articles
Safe Work Australia has released the National Return to Work Strategy 2020-2030. The Strategy sets an ambitious 10-year action plan to improve return to work outcomes for workers across Australia. It was developed in partnership with governments, business, industry and unions, and endorsed by work health and safety ministers. Consultation was also undertaken with academics, peak bodies, organisations and representatives from the insurance, legal and health sectors to help identify national policy issues and action areas to address them. The return to work process can be complex and involves a range of stakeholders. The Strategy aims to better support workers through this process, and help stakeholders to do the same. Improving national return to work outcomes can be achieved through the commitment and participation of all stakeholders who participate in the return to work process. Safe Work Australia encourages you to download a copy of the Strategy.
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) invites interested parties to submit evidence and information on the use of lead in gunshot outside of wetlands, bullets in any terrain and in fishing tackle by 16 December 2019. ECHA has begun to investigate the need for restricting the use of lead in gunshot, bullets and fishing tackle. The intention to prepare a restriction proposal has now been added in the Registry of Intentions and is supported by a call for evidence and information. The call is intended for companies, trade associations, hunting, fishing or sports shooting organisations, scientific bodies and any other stakeholders or Member States holding relevant information, including hunters and fishers and all others with an interest in this issue. The focus of ECHA’s investigation is on the risks posed by lead to the environment and wildlife as well as risks to humans through consumption of game meat. The Agency is specifically looking for information on:
The information received through the call for evidence will help the Agency prepare its restriction proposal.
Background
The European Commission has requested ECHA to develop an Annex XV dossier for a possible restriction on the placing on the market and use of lead in ammunition in terrestrial environments, bullets in any terrain and in fishing tackle. The proposal aims to address concerns posed by lead gunshot, bullets and fishing tackle to the environment, reduce the mortality of an estimated one to two million birds, and reduce health risks to a significant population of hunters and their families who frequently eat game meat killed with lead shot or bullets. ECHA has earlier proposed a restriction on the use of lead shots over wetlands. This proposal is currently with the Commission for decision making. Further information is available at:
