The Ministry of Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) will carry out seminars and on-site safety training regarding the Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals and the Toxic Chemicals Control Act from May 7 to 30 at 19 cities across the nation, including Busan, Yeosu and Gwangyang.

The Act on the Registration and Evaluation of Chemicals and the Toxic Chemicals Control Act were enacted after close consultation with the chemical industry, civic groups, experts and relevant ministries since last Augusts. There have been some concerns raised that small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) might have difficulties in implementing the Acts due to insufficient skilled workforce and information about the laws compared to large companies.

To resolve such concern, MOE decided to hold seminars about the lower statutes of the Acts at 19 cities in the provinces and on-site consultation with SMEs in the region. By collecting grievances raised on the spot, MOE will provide appropriate measures to support SMEs. In addition, safety training will be conducted for better management of chemicals in production sites.

With an aim to enhancing company’s capability to control chemicals as well as prevent and respond to chemical accidents, the training will include the previous cases of chemical accidents such as hydrofluoric acid leak in Gumi and countermeasures that can be promptly used on the spot.

The public-private joint Chemical Industry Safety Support Group, launched on April 7, will organize the seminars and training sessions. A staff of the group said that the seminar tour will serve as an opportunity to heed the voices of the industry on the ground.