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case studies
chemical safety project
This project was commissioned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It was designed to investigate how chemical safety information works in relation to the environment. We were particularly interested in how chemical safety information is used by different members of the chemical supply chain – from manufacturers to suppliers and to end-users.
The methodology was novel in that we used a combination of techniques. A traditional qualitative approach was used to covet opinions from seven carefully selected focus groups alongside network analysis, which we used to investigate the mental models of participants. The results showed that participants gave precedence to health and safety issues over environmental concerns and that the fish and tree symbol was not well recognised. The value of graphical devices as vehicles of risk communication was recognised but only if supported by text and an underlying awareness of the intended message. Many participants found regulatory information too complex. We believe this is the cause of widespread misunderstanding and a major flaw in risk communication strategies. This project was interdisciplinary in nature. Enviresearch exploited its unique position to recruit esteemed individuals from both academia and industry. With this network we constructed a dynamic and capable research consortium that delivered results on schedule and on budget. To find out more please read our full report or read Peter Andras’s presentations. Research PartnersPeter Andras – School of Computing Science, University of NewcastleJudith Bush and Tanja Pless Mulloli – School of Population and Health sciences, University of Newcastle Vincent Theobald - University Safety Office Geoff Piggott - AH Marks Ltd Ken Willis & Katherine Ramskill AcknowledgementsEnviresearch would like to thank the following for their cooperation in this project.British Association of Chemical Specialities (BACS) British Hardware Federation (BHF) Newcastle Allotment Holders Working Group Neil Addison, Senior Procurement Officer, University of Newcastle Jennifer Molyneux, House Services Manager, University of Newcastle Louise Witter and Gregor Gibb, QHSE solutions
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