Risk Assessment, Characterization and Management

Using the results of the hazard assessment and the exposure assessment, a product risk characterization document is developed. The risk characterization process categorizes product or product groups with regard to their exposure and hazard potential, identifying a priority for risk management activities. The results of the exposure and hazard assessments are integrated to determine a risk assessment or risk category. Since risk depends on both hazard and exposure, it follows that materials with both high hazard and high exposure present the most potential risk and are priority candidates for risk management activities. The risk characterization document provides an overview of the product, its uses, its potential hazards, and how the risk is managed via engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, specific handling practices, limitations on product applications, or other measures.

We define product risk management as the actions taken to evaluate and address risk, including any method to lessen the impact, or control the adverse effects on health and the environment posed by the known hazards and the reasonably anticipated exposures to chemicals throughout a product's life cycle.

The risk characterization document is written to be understandable by individuals without a technical background, as well as those who do not routinely receive detailed product information from our businesses. The purpose of the risk characterization document is to extend communications regarding our products to members of the general public with interest in Arkema and its products, facility neighbors, non-governmental organizations, and others. The product risk document is made available by each Arkema business to anyone upon request.

Our customers, distributors, and other downstream users currently receive product hazard, risk data, and training materials directly from the businesses via MSDSs, product labels, technical data sheets, product brochures, and product-specific training documents. Additionally, these organizations typically have trained environmental, health and safety personnel dedicated to the review of hazard and risk information necessary for worker and environmental protection. Similarly, governmental authorities and emergency response personnel may receive access to detailed product composition, hazard data and toxicological reviews of our materials.

Disclaimer - The product risk characterization document is not intended to replace or supersede the information contained in a product's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), product label or product handling and use instructions.