Guidance on the communication of information on the risks and safe use of chemicals

This guidance document is intended to be used mainly by Member State competent authorities (MSCAs) in communicating the risks of chemicals, specifically in the context of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). MSCAs are required under Article 123 of the REACH Regulation to inform the general public about any risks arising from substances where this is considered necessary for the protection of human health or the environment.

Most, if not all, Member States will have some existing systems in place for communicating such risks. Therefore, this guidance is intended to be a manual with practical relevance for those with less experience of communicating risk, to enable them to carry out the necessary risk communication effectively. It can also be used as a starting point for further reference for others. It is not intended to prescribe to all MSCAs how to carry out risk communication.

The theory around what makes effective risk communication is covered extensively elsewhere. The focus of this guidance, therefore, is on what risks MSCAs should communicate, when they need to communicate these risks and, in particular, how they should communicate these risks in practice.

The focus is on carrying out risk communication in foreseeable, real-life scenarios relevant to REACH.