Four-phase assessment system

Phase 1: Exposure assessment

The exposure assessment examines the type and extent of the risks humans face when exposed to a product or, if applicable, its secondary products. It also looks at the risks associated with introducing the product and/or its secondary products into the environment. The entire lifecycle of the product, up to disposal, is considered.

Estimating human exposure to the product during production and use is particularly important.
To assess environmental exposure, the principal points of entry into the environment must be adequately evaluated. The depth of detail in an exposure assessment depends on the product’s intrinsic risk potential.

Phase 2: Hazard assessment

The hazard assessment examines a product’s potential to injure people and damage the environment. The properties of a product, including its chemical-physical, toxicological, and ecotoxicological properties, are defined and evaluated. The assessment is based on existing internal data and technical literature. Tests must be carried out if these types of data prove insufficient, or if there are doubts about their reliability. Wherever practical and acceptable, “structure-activity relationships” and in-vitro data can be used. The use of vertebrates in testing must be kept to a minimum. The necessity of these tests is based primarily on real usage and exposure patterns.

We systematically investigate all previously unknown, adverse effects of products that are reported by employees, service providers and customers.

Phase 3: Risk assessment

The risk assessment is based on the results of the exposure assessment and the hazard assessment and evaluates the likelihood of injury to humans and the environment through product exposure. It analyzes the daily routine in connection with the production, marketing, use, recycling, and disposal of products.

Whenever there is new knowledge or a significant change in the area or volume of application, the risk assessment is updated and the measures derived from it reviewed.

Phase 4: Risk management

Suitable risk management measures are derived from the results of the risk assessment and the resulting risk class. Present measures are adapted in the light of this assessment. If the assessment shows ways of optimizing the product , these are pursued, taking into account cost-effectiveness. The measures defined are documented.

The unit ensures that information provided in public discussions about the impact of products that are important to people and the environment is managed in accordance with the risks.