ISO 45001
International standard for occupational health and safety management
REACH
EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
Quick Verdict
ISO 45001 provides voluntary OHS management certification for global workplaces, preventing injuries through PDCA systems. REACH mandates EU chemical registration and restrictions, ensuring safe substance use via industry data. Companies adopt both for compliance, risk reduction, and integrated safety.
ISO 45001
ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts chemical risk management burden to industry
- Mandatory registration for substances over 1 tonne/year
- Authorisation for SVHCs via Annex XIV sunset dates
- Restrictions on unacceptable risks through Annex XVII
- Supply-chain SDS and SVHC communication obligations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
ISO 45001 Details
What It Is
ISO 45001:2018 is the international standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS). It provides a framework to prevent work-related injuries and ill health, improve OH&S performance, using a risk-based approach aligned with the High-Level Structure (Annex SL) and PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
- Emphasizes hierarchy of controls, worker participation, contractor management.
- Built on risk/opportunity identification, legal compliance, continual improvement.
- Voluntary certification via accredited bodies.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces incidents, costs, insurance premiums.
- Enhances resilience, reputation, talent retention.
- Meets stakeholder, supply-chain expectations.
- Integrates with ISO 9001/14001 for efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, controls, audits.
- Scalable for all sizes/sectors; 6-12 months typical.
- Requires leadership commitment, training, audits.
REACH Details
What It Is
REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is the EU's cornerstone chemicals regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It shifts responsibility to industry to generate data on hazards, exposures, and safe use for substances, mixtures, and articles, employing a risk-based lifecycle approach to protect health and environment while fostering innovation.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (dossiers >1 tonne/year), Evaluation (dossier compliance, substance scrutiny), Authorisation (SVHCs on Annex XIV), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
- 17 annexes for data requirements, SDS rules, exemptions.
- ECHA-managed; ongoing duties, national enforcement, no certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU/EEA market access; avoids fines, seizures, bans.
- Drives substitution, risk reduction, supply-chain transparency.
- Enhances competitiveness, ESG compliance, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased: governance setup, substance inventory, gap analysis, dossier/CSA preparation, SDS/comms, monitoring. Targets manufacturers/importers/downstream users EU-wide; globals appoint Only Reps. Inspections-focused, continuous program.
Key Differences
| Aspect | ISO 45001 | REACH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Occupational health & safety management systems | Chemical substance registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, scalable by size | Chemicals, manufacturing, EU/EEA market actors |
| Nature | Voluntary international certification standard | Mandatory EU regulation with national enforcement |
| Testing | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits | Dossier submissions, compliance checks, substance evaluations |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, no legal fines | Fines, product seizures, market bans by authorities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ISO 45001 and REACH
ISO 45001 FAQ
REACH FAQ
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