The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has called for chemicals experts to apply to join its new register of pre-approved experts, who will be consulted on chemical matters in relation to products safety.

Any experts who are included on the register will support the OPSS in its work to protect the public. The organisation explained that experts who join the register can be called upon by the OPSS to carry out ad-hoc scientific work. They may also be asked to provide analysis, advice or scientific evidence in their area of expertise.

Among the areas where the OPSS is seeking support are in the fields of chemical and toxicological risk assessment for cosmetics, toys, childcare items and textile fibres, as well as chemicals research support.

The latter may involve “question design, proposal appraisal, rapid evidence reviews, report evaluation/peer review, quality assurance and risk analysis”.

Those on the register may also be asked for ad hoc chemical advice on product safety issues, or to provide guidance and technical support as the OPSS develops and validates analytical test methods.

According to the British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) it is more important than ever to carry out product testing and uphold standards. Toy News reported that the BTHA is calling on MPs to change the law relating to toy safety, over concerns that many toys purchased online do not meet British standards.

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