Guiding Principles
We at Lonza do our utmost to identify the health and environmental effects of our commercial products to assure that those who handle and use them are provided with sufficient information to do so safely. As a vital part of being good stewards of our products, we have a formal, multifaceted process for characterizing and managing product risks.
Our rigorous characterization and management process encompasses the following principles and objectives:
Worldwide Processes
Our risk characterization process applies to all commercial products manufactured by facilities owned and operated by us worldwide. It also applies to products sold and marketed by us that are purchased from suppliers or toll manufacturers.
This procedure does not apply to process intermediates or raw materials used within our facilities. Risk assessment, characterization and management of those materials are already handled through existing programs such as SETCO and PHA, as applicable. And while we encourage our joint venture partners to adopt and practice sound Product Stewardship, our risk characterization process does not apply to joint venture operations where we are not responsible for distribution and sales.
Characterizing Risks
We take a comprehensive and collaborative approach to our product risk characterization process, drawing on expert employees and employee teams as well as outside resources where necessary. For example, those involved within our company range from our Corporate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) team and toxicologists to a Hazard Communication Committee and Product Stewards in each of our business segments.
Our toxicologists perform Toxicology Risk Assessments that focus on human health risks. These reviews involve the collection of hazard information for all pertinent ingredients in a product, an assessment of dose-response relationships, an exposure assessment, and a qualitative and semi-quantitative risk assessment. If the toxicology and exposure data indicate that adverse health effects are a potential concern, a quantitative risk assessment is performed for the specific application.
Managing Risk
Ultimately, this process is aimed at identifying potential risks and hazards so they can be carefully managed and controlled through risk management and/or exposure control measures. These typically include special precautionary handling and use instructions, recommended personal protective equipment, and implementation of applicable regulatory restrictions.
Our industrial hygienists, for example, are available to visit customer workplaces to suggest ways they can improve their use, handling, recycling and disposal of our products. This advice could range from recommending a new ventilation system to the use of specialized personal protective gear.
Risk Management Communications
One of the primary ways that we supply customers, distributors and other key stakeholders with vital risk management information is through our Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs). These data sheets explain the properties of a particular product, its hazard information, exposure information, risk management and/or exposure control measures and emergency response procedures. By law, an MSDS must be sent out with our first product shipment to a customer, and customers, distributors and others can request MSDSs for particular products.
We have also designated Product Stewards in each of our business segments. These individuals serve as a critical liaison with customers, distributors and other stakeholders. The Product Stewards also are responsible for assuring that the New Product Process either contains the Product Stewardship Risk Assessment or that a toxicologist is involved in the New Product Process so a Toxicology Risk Assessment can be performed.
