The Lower Olefins Sector Group (LOSG)
Who we are
Lower olefins are petrochemical derivatives produced by cracking feedstocks from raw materials such as natural gas and crude oil. The main olefin products are ethylene, propylene, butadiene and C4 derivatives. These petrochemical derivatives are used to produce plastics, as chemical intermediates, and, in some cases, as industrial solvents.
LOSG represents companies operating petrochemical crackers in Europe. It focuses mainly on technical and health, safety and environment issues relating to lower olefins (up to C5) and their production. The primary objective is to ensure that European and international regulations on exposure limits and classification of olefins (ethylene, propylene, butadiene and higher olefins up to C5) are based upon a full evaluation of the scientific evidence, and take into account the relevant cost-benefit and competitiveness considerations.
LOSG is chaired by David Webb, BP Refining & Petrochemicals. The following companies belong to LOSG: BASF, Borealis, BP, Dow Europe, Evonik Oxeno, ExxonMobil Chemical Europe, Hellenic Petroleum, Ineos Olefins, LyondellBasell Industries, OMV, Polimeri Europe, Repsol, Sabic Europe, Shell Chemicals, Solvay, Total Petrochemicals.
What we do
Within LOSG, the Olefin Steering Committee (OSC) deals with product-related health, safety and environmental issues, whilst the European Ethylene Producers Committee (EEPC) focuses on similar issues related to production plants.
The EU Risk Assessment of 1.3-butadiene is now published. The Rapporteur, UK Health, Safety and Environment, is likely to propose to Industry a voluntary approach to the risk reduction strategy. Together with downstream associations, the Olefins Steering Committee supported the creation of a task force comprising members with various profiles, such as industrial hygiene, safety at work, engineering etc., to develop a plan to propose to the Rapporteur.
The toxicology group of the LOSG has launched a multi-annual science programme, mainly dealing with the biological significance of the DNA adducts. This programme includes research contracts with the universities of Leicester and of Swansea. Discussions are going on with the Universities of Paris and of Grenoble. Most of these studies, dealing with fundamental research, are shared with other Cefic sector groups and with American Chemistry Council (ACC) panels.
The Olefin Steering Committee is participating actively in the ICCA HPV initiative. A joint programme has been undertaken with the American Chemistry Council (ACC) on seven lower olefins to fill the gaps in the OECD Screening Initial Data Set (SIDS) dossiers. Ethylene, propylene, 2-methyl-2-butene and isobutylene are already accepted at the OECD level: the dossier for the butenes category will be presented at the next SIAM (SIDS Initial Assessment Meeting).
In order to comply with the REACh requirements the registration of lower olefins and aromatics substances will be handled by the LOA (Lower Olefins and Aromatics) REACh Consortium. For more information on LOA please visit their dedicated website.
The European Ethylene Producers Committee (EEPC) is dealing with health, safety and environmental issues related to manufacturing and handling of ethylene. The committee is composed of two-thirds ethylene producers and one-third engineering companies. It ensures the flow of non-confidential information and expertise concerning the manufacture and handling of ethylene. The committee organised a European information exchange on production safety, aimed at reducing hazards and achieving greater reliability in cracker units.
Want to know more?
Visit http://eepc.cefic.org. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us.
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