The Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA) is asking its members for information about chemicals used in the signage industry as it prepares a submission on a federal plan to phase out of the use of products containing polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - which can be used as a fire retardant in plastics and inks.
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(Image: The National Environmental Management Plan) |
“This is a Request for Information so that the ASGA can continue to look after the interests of its members and of the industry as a whole,” ASGA general manager Michael Punch told members.
“Glenn Hain, our Risk & Compliance Consultant, has advised that the Australian Government has released a discussion paper regarding the National PFAS Position Statement which proposes the phasing out of the use of products containing PFAS. This includes but is not limited to PFOS = perfluorooctane sulfonate and PFOA = perfluorooctanoic acid.
“As one of the uses for these compounds is as a fire retardant in plastics and inks, we are asking every member to check with their suppliers to see if any of the products currently being used by the signage industry contain these compounds.”
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as “PFASs”, are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1950s. The National Environmental Management Plan for PFAS (NEMP) has been updated and endorsed by the Commonwealth and some states. NEMP 2.0, compiled by state environment protection authorities and published in May 2020, is the second step towards greater environmental management of PFAS and integration of PFAS into existing regulatory frameworks and policies.
ASGA is intending to register as a contributing partner to a discussion paper on the issue so that it can have a voice in the final decision as to the future use of these compounds and time frames.
Punch said: “If any of the products you use contains PFAS, could you please provide:
Product’s Name;
Which Compound;
Supplier’s Name;
Supplier’s Contact Details (email and/or phone);
What it is used for;
Suitable Substitute (if any);
The Technical Data Sheet/s of the Product.
“This will allow the ASGA to: assess what effect the proposed changes will have on the products used by the signage industry; prepare a submission to raise the concerns (if any) that the industry has regarding the phasing out of the use of PFAS in Australia.
“Our input is vital, particularly in light of recent changes to the National Construction Code that have impacted the materials the signage industry has available and the cost impacts associated with these changes."
In an email to ASGA members, Punch said: “If it impacts on you, please complete the questions in the document and return the information by MONDAY 6 JULY.”
Email: michael_punch@signs.org.au
