Better Safe Than Sorry

Safe-by-design packaging, formulations, systems and tools (sPFS) can protect workers by reducing their exposure to hazardous substances. This potential has often been difficult to assess and was not systematically considered in risk assessment.

The joint project conducted by BAuA, TNO, BPI and NVC aimed to identify existing sPFS solutions and assess their potential for exposure reduction and answers the question of how workers’ exposure to hazardous substances can be reduced at the source – before personal protective equipment (PPE) becomes necessary.

Within the research project (https://www.baua.de/EN/Service/Publications/Report) the qualitative reduction potential for inhalation and dermal exposure was assessed and assigned to the three categories:

• Packaging – Packaging that prevents or reduces exposure during handling.
• Formulations – Product formulations designed to minimise exposure while maintaining performance.
• Systems & Tools – Technical solutions that prevent or reduce contact with hazardous substances.

These results were used to create a database that provides descriptions of sPFS solutions together with their qualitative exposure-reduction potentials.

For selected solutions, quantitative exposure measurements were performed and reduction factors were determined. Relevant quantitative data from the literature were also considered.

Representative measurements from the research project show that sPFS can substantially contribute to exposure reduction and reduce the need for PPE. Their consideration can therefore support assessment following the STOP principle, also known as the Hierarchy of control measures, by promoting technical measures that reduce exposure at its source especially when substitution is not possible or not effective enough.

Open database  

Access to the database is free of charge and requires no registration. The data-collection provides detailed information about sPFS. Information can be added or hidden using the "show or hide table columns" function. dditionally, the number of entries displayed can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Should you wish to filter the sPFS using keywords, you can do so by using the fields located at the top of the rows. If you click on any cell in a certain sPFS entry, all the database information for that specific sPFS will appear on a new page. You can find the legends in the "Explanations" option provides on top.

The database supports risk assessment and the selection of appropriate risk mitigation measures (RMM). It can contribute to the consideration of sPFS in regulatory assessments under REACH and the Biocidal Products Regulation.

The database is intended not only as a source of information, but also as a source of inspiration. Manufacturers and users are encouraged to explore the solutions presented and use them for integrating exposure reduction and its associated benefits into product design and work processes.

We welcome additional data! If you have quantitative exposure data for sPFS that are not yet included in the database, please do not hesitate to contact us and help further strengthen the evidence base on the exposure-reducing effects of sPFS.