A chemical information management system
Recent EU legislation (namely the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)) has placed a management burden on construction companies. There is a need for effective communication of chemical risk information between companies and at building sites. To address this, the EU-funded CHEMXCHANGE project developed a common online chemical information system for construction companies. The system offers a complete solution for improved information flow, streamlined management and compliance with REACH legislation. CHEMXCHANGE first investigated the regulations and user needs for the envisioned system, through literature reviews, surveys and questionnaires. Researchers placed a particular focus on the REACH legislation. Based on this information, the system specifications and architecture were designed and the software was developed. This included a platform for importing safety data sheets (SDSs) data from various chemical suppliers as well as producing SDSs. Other tools available in the CHEMXCHANGE system include translation of SDSs, tools for exchange of information, an SDS database and a quality assurance system. Comprehensive user testing provided positive feedback on the CHEMXCHANGE system. The software system, now called ProductXchange, is online and available in several European countries and in six languages. The system will continue to be rolled out to other European countries over time.
Keywords
Chemical information, information management, construction, hazardous chemicals, chemicals legislation, REACH, chemical risk