Risk Management Measures (RMM)

Abstract

Under the European Community Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), risk management measures (RMM) include any action that is introduced during manufacture or use of a substance (either in a pure state or in a mixture) in order to prevent, control, or reduce exposure of humans and/or the environment. RMMs, and their proper implementation, are of critical importance for the safe use of substances by workers and consumers. RMMs fall into three different categories: engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protection equipment. The effectiveness of RMMs for reducing exposure is very important for risk characterization under REACH. RMM effectiveness is defined as the percentage reduction in exposure concentration or emission (release) produced by application of the RMM. RMMs implemented by the manufacturer/importer during the chemical safety assessment process of substances are communicated to downstream users to ensure safe use of the substance.