Substitution is the first step in the occupational health hygiene strategy, also when dealing with carcinogens in the workplace. On the 11th of May a Conference on substitution of carcinogens was organised in the Netherlands. The Dutch team of the roadmap co-organized this event and participated with opening remarks and a presentation of the roadmap on carcinogens. There were several presentations covering substitution from different angles: facts & figures, the roadmap on carcinogens, setting of standards in companies and substitution.
The afternoon programme was focused on good practices: interactive knowledge sessions took place, both from suppliers (Interflon, Toxic, Ecolab) and researchers (TNO). These sessions were dedicated to actively solve current issues regarding carcinogens in companies by substitution. During the sessions several potential solutions of companies appeared and will be added to this website.
During the conference the roadmap on carcinogens was present at the information market to share information and make companies enthusiastic about the roadmap. The event was visited by more than 150 SHE managers, H&S representatives and advisers on dangerous substances.
In the Netherlands, we aim to roll out the roadmap and activate companies by actively supporting conferences and events, using the ‘STOP’-principle. This conference on substitution covered the “S” in STOP. Later this year an event covering the “T” (of technical measures) will be held, and in 2018 the “O” (organizational measures) and “P” (personal protective equipment) will be organized.
Interested in the next events? Don’t forget to sign up as a friend and keep an eye on the events page of the roadmap on carcinogens!
