Summary of Afton Chemical's Product Risk Characterization & Management Process
Afton Chemical takes a very proactive approach toward characterizing and managing risks associated with the company’s products. This process consists of the following steps as illustrated by this flow schematic, and explained below:
Product Identification
For the purpose of product risk characterization and management, we define our products to be purchased raw materials and produced components, which are sold or blended into Afton products. All relevant data on the product are collected from various internal and external sources. These data include, but are not limited to, product use, chemical composition, purity, physico-chemical properties, etc.
Hazard Assessment
Once a product and its properties have been identified, its hazard potential is determined through a multi-pronged approach. This includes gathering physical, toxicological and environmental data. Sources for these data may be suppliers’ MSDSs, in-house analytical data, testing, and published scientific literature. The information is used to assess the hazard potential in compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), EU Directives, Canadian WHMIS regulations, as well as an Afton Chemical Hazard Rating System. Products are then classified according to the regulations of the applicable world regions in which they are being manufactured in and supplied to.
The hazard classification for all our products is published on the MSDSs which are supplied to all customers irrespective of whether or not the product is classified as hazardous.
Exposure Assessment
Exposure assessment is a key component in Afton’s risk characterization process. The factors that go into the exposure assessment include, but are not limited to, product end-use, exposure potential, exposure routes, nature of anticipated exposure, and amount of material involved in potential exposure. Based on these factors, a determination is made as to how much of the material a person or population may be exposed to, were an exposure to occur.
Based on this process, we assign appropriate exposure ratings for our products.
Risk Characterization
Risk characterization is a function of the hazard of a substance and exposure to it (Risk = Hazard x Exposure). Risk characterization for our products is done in relationship to applicable stakeholders, such as consumers, neighbors, and the environment.
Risk Management
Once a product is characterized, a specific risk management strategy for the product is developed commensurate with that risk.
Re-evaluation
Re-evaluation of a product’s risk characterization and management could be done in a number of scenarios:
- Availability of new information through research, analytical or other sources
- Changes to Afton’s internal production process
- Changes to ingredients
- Changes to applicable regulations or standards, etc.