Tukes.fi - Current

Deficiencies in the chemical safety of online purchases – nearly one in five products failed to meet the requirements

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:39:00 GMT

The tested products were ordered from online shops and marketplaces familiar to Finnish consumers such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Online marketplaces operating in the EU and located outside the EU as well as online shops located in the Nordic countries were included.

A total of 99 different consumer products, such as toys, backpacks, exercise balls, jewellery and cosmetics, were ordered as part of the enforcement project. Not all products were tested in the laboratory as some of them were inspected using other control methods. For example, the inspections on the cosmetic products were carried out on the basis of the ingredients listed on the packaging.

A total of 85 products were tested and they were examined in the laboratory to determine whether they contain prohibited substances above the maximum concentration limits specified in the EU chemicals legislation. Non-compliant products were found especially among the purchases made on online marketplaces. A total of 12 of the products ordered from online marketplaces and three of the products purchased from other online shops failed to comply with the EU legislation.

The deficiencies mostly concerned excessive concentrations of phthalate and chlorinated paraffins in soft plastic products such as makeup bags, backpacks, exercise balls and skipping ropes. High concentrations of lead and cadmium were found in the jewellery. The use of these substances in products has been restricted because they cause health and environmental risks.

– Some of the products purchased from online marketplaces had particularly high concentrations. For example, in an exercise ball, the phthalate concentration was 500 times higher than the limit value, and in some of the jewellery, cadmium content was as much as 8,800 times higher,” says Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi from Tukes.

The sellers of the products sold on online marketplaces were located in China, and few of them responded to the contact requests by Tukes. When the online marketplace platforms were notified of the test results, the products were removed from sale.

For information on the products withdrawn from the market, visit the dangerous products website (in Finnish).

Examples of dangerous products:

Makeup bags: https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/1db77c9e-d0e3-4dfe-a15f-5f4e8acb3c15 and https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/e37fbf30-1249-435d-a882-1d12739eb51d (in Finnish)

Jewellery: https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/12f751af-ade6-4fb5-8557-59f3b8b117f1 and https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/dc11e4c4-7829-4483-a138-549f3c654923 (in Finnish)

Backpack: https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/ef236a90-6118-4e9c-9d0c-20c586e0c6e4 (in Finnish)

Exercise ball: https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/ecd50643-1687-4b6e-a570-d50480ddd8aa (in Finnish)

Sweat belt: https://vaarallisettuotteet.fi/ilmoitukset/ilmoitus/600df0aa-e46e-4677-89b7-02d924b39930 (in Finnish)

Online marketplaces are a enforcement challenge and increase the need for better regulation

Tukes supervises compliance with the prohibitions and restrictions on placing chemicals on the market in Finland. Tukes uses spot checks to supervise the products and these checks only cover a small proportion of the products. Tukes does not pre-approve products or carry out inspections before the products are placed on the market.

In traditional commerce, the products have an EU-based importer, manufacturer or seller responsible for ensuring that the products comply with all requirements. Often when products are ordered directly from an online marketplace seller outside the EU, there are no parties responsible for them in the EU. This makes supervision more difficult because there are no EU-based actors responsible for the products and the authorities have only limited chances to act when problems arise.

Products sold on online marketplaces cannot be enforced effectively with the traditional market surveillance instruments. Tukes emphasises that the problem cannot be solved by supervision alone as solutions must also be sought at EU level through legislative changes.

– There must always be a responsible actor in the EU ensuring that the products are safe and comply with all requirements already before they are sold to consumers, Talasniemi explains.

Tukes urges consumers to pay attention to product safety, especially when ordering products from outside the EU. This is because in such purchases, the buyer is responsible for the safety of the products.

Inquiries:
Petteri Talasniemi, Senior Officer, tel. +358 295 052 104
email is in the form firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

For more information on chemicals and safe online shopping, visit Tukes website:

https://tukes.fi/en/home-and-leisure-time/online-shopping https://tukes.fi/en/at-your-own-risk
https://tukes.fi/koti-ja-vapaa-aika/kodin-kemikaalit/kysy-tuotteiden-kemikaaleista (in Finnish)
https://tukes.fi/hormonitoimintaa-hairitsevat-kemikaalit (in Finnish)

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The fire in the Janakkala fireworks storage area likely started from a damaged firework

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 07:27:00 GMT

Course of events

The accident occurred when an employee was in a storage container inspecting a cardboard box containing professional fireworks that had been returned unused from a fireworks display in France. When the employee touched the firework in the box, it ignited and quickly lit other fireworks in the same container.

The fire spread explosively into several containers in the storage area. Several rescue department units were alerted to the scene. As a precaution, a danger zone with a radius of up to one kilometre was established in the surrounding area, and the residents of the area were evacuated.

Firework containers burnt in the accident at Pyrokratia Oy’s storage area in Janakkala. Six containers and the fireworks they contained burned in the fire. Image: The police.

Probable cause of the accident

The first fireworks lit in the accident were F4 class products intended for professional use only.

The investigation could not prove an individual, certain cause of ignition. The investigation team considers it likely that fireworks returned from the display had been damaged during transport or handling. Damage may have made the product more susceptible to ignition, for example, from spark from static electricity or mechanical friction.

The investigation also revealed shortcomings in the packing and handling of products returned from displays. The products had been packed together in the same cardboard box without any filler material, allowing them to move during transport.

“The accident demonstrates that the risks may be higher, especially when handling fireworks returned from displays. Clear procedures and responsible persons are needed for the planning of displays and the packing, transport and storage of fireworks used in them,” says Aki Ijäs, Senior Specialist at Tukes.

Information for the investigation was collected from Pyrokratia Oy and the display operator, as well as the police, the occupational safety and health authority, the municipal environmental protection authority and the rescue department. In addition, residents in the vicinity of the accident site were interviewed.

Consequences of the accident

Approximately 3,300–3,550 kilograms of fireworks burned in the fire. The accident site was kept restricted for several days because some of the containers were hot for a long time.

An explosive fire occurred in the warehouse when the employee was carrying out an inventory of professional products and transferring fireworks to containers. The fire spread particularly due to burning fireworks fragments and vehicles parked close to the containers. At the time of the incident, the doors of five containers were open due to the inventory, which made it possible for fireworks fragments to end up in these containers, spreading the fire.

The accident did not cause permanent personal injury.

Tukes issues several recommendations to improve safety

Based on the investigation, Tukes proposes several measures for preventing similar accidents in the sector. The recommendations are available in full in the investigation report.

Display operations

Clear responsibilities and designated personnel should be defined for the packing and return of products used in fireworks displays, and the dismantling of displays and packing of products must follow pre-agreed procedures.
The safety practices related to packing and transporting fireworks must be discussed in more detail with the safety adviser.

Handling of returned fireworks

The condition of products returned from displays or sales, as well as the risks associated with them must be assessed before transporting or storing.
Non-marketable products must have their own storage location, situated at a safe distance from other fireworks.
Appropriate filler material should be used in the transport boxes to prevent products from moving inside the package.

Operations of the explosives storage area

Storage containers must be clearly marked to indicate the type of products stored in them.
A risk assessment must be carried out on the filling and handling of containers; to minimise the number of containers open at any given time.
The location of containers and restrictions on vehicle parking in the vicinity of containers must be considered in the planning of the storage areas.

Read the accident investigation report (in Finnish): Explosive fire in fireworks storage area (pdf)

See the slide set (in Finnish): Explosive fire in fireworks storage area in Janakkala on 5 November 2025 (pdf)

Further information for the media:
Senior Specialist Aki Ijäs (available on 17 March), tel. +358 295 052 682
Senior Officer Sanna Pietikäinen, tel. +358 29 505 268

Emails: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes tested children’s sand products – asbestos found in one product

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:18:00 GMT

Fourteen toys that contain sand were selected to be tested. Twelve of these products included various types of mouldable sand, such as magic sand, kinetic sand, or modelling clay. One of the products was a crafting set that contained sand and one was a sand canvas for drawing in.

These products were acquired from both Finnish and foreign online stores. Two of them were bought from retailers that only supply day-care centres and schools. Four of the products were acquired from outside the EU.

Tukes sent the product samples to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, which would examine them for seven different fibrous silicates (asbestos). The testing methods employed detect asbestos fibres in the product, but not their total content.

Asbestos fibres are carcinogenic and, if inhaled, may cause serious respiratory illness, such as asbestosis and lung cancer.

Results

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health could not analyse two of the samples because of their composition. Tukes estimates that even if these products did contain asbestos it only poses a minor risk as the fibres were non-extractable.

Eleven of the examined products did not contain notable amounts of asbestos.

The sand canvas contained two different asbestos fibres (chrysotile and tremolite). The product had been purchased from AliExpress, who has been informed about the result. AliExpress has pulled the product from sale and notified its customers of the hazard. Further information on the product is available at vaarallisettuotteet.fi.

“Fortunately, the results show that most of the children’s play sand products were fine. If you’re buying children’s toys from outside the EU, think twice. These products may not meet European safety requirements,” says Senior Officer Anja Merenkivi.

There are websites that consumers can check if a product has been listed as hazardous.

Finnish authorities have compiled notifications on hazardous or non-compliant products at vaarallisettuotteet.fi
The European Commission maintains a list of hazardous products found across Europe (Safety Gate)

Several supervision authorities in EU Member States are currently examining play sand enforcement projects. Tukes will also monitor the results of their projects.

See also:
Turvallinen koti lapselle - turvalliset lelut (in Finnish and Swedish)
Online shopping

Further information for the media:

Anja Merenkivi, senior officer, products
tel. +358 29 505 2192

Johanna Rajasärkkä, senior officer, chemical risk assessment
tel. +358 29 505 2136

Email addresses: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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The new market surveillance strategy has been published – the goal is safe products and fair markets

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 10:59:00 GMT

The purpose of market surveillance is to ensure that products placed on the market comply with the requirements set out in the applicable product legislation in order to protect general interests such as the safety and health of consumers, employees and other end users, as well as the environment. Market surveillance also aims to ensure fair competition, promoting an equal operating environment for economic operators.

The operating environment of product markets and market surveillance has changed significantly in recent years, requiring a new approach from the authorities. The new strategy takes into account the increase in digital commerce, technological development in products, stricter environmental requirements and increased and more complex regulation. The strategy also emphasises close cooperation between the authorities to ensure that an increasingly diverse range of products can be monitored consistently and effectively.

The following four priorities of the strategy will guide the direction of market surveillance in 2026–2029:

Effective surveillance – the right targeting of measures at the right time
Sustainable development and technological transformation – surveillance in a changing product world
Use and production of information – more effective market surveillance with information
Digital commerce – effective surveillance in the digital market

Finland’s national market surveillance strategy is based on Article 13 of the EU’s Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Finland’s single liaison office for market surveillance (Fipoint) has been responsible for drawing up the strategy together with the market surveillance cooperation group.

More information:

Reija Sironen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 5052 016, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Finland’s market surveillance strategy 2026–2029

Single liaison office for market surveillance (Fipoint)

Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020

Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products (1137/2016)

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Renewed Cooperation Agreement Between GTK and Tukes Promotes the Development of the Mineral Sector and Good Practices

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:32:00 GMT

The agreement further strengthens the strategic cooperation between the agencies and promotes the management of mineral sector matters for the benefit of society and industry. GTK and Tukes operate within the framework of their statutory duties.

The agreement includes the delivery of geological data related to mineral exploration and mining to GTK for archiving via Tukes. The cooperation also covers the monitoring of the implementation of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the national minerals strategy, as well as the coordination of information services.

The cooperation is coordinated by a working group consisting of experts from both agencies. The members are from the Geological Survey of Finland, Hannu Lahtinen (Chair of the working group), Katja Lalli, Taina Eloranta and Mikko Savolainen; and from the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency, Terho Liikamaa (Secretary of the working group), Kirsi Levä, Ossi Leinonen, Ilkka Keskitalo and Esa Tuominen.

From left to right: Hannu Lahtinen, Saku Vuori, Kimmo Tiilikainen, Tomi Lounema, Terho Liikamaa and Kirsi Levä.

More information

Hannu Lahtinen, Director, Availability of Raw Materials
GTK
hannu.lahtinen@gtk.fi, +358295035260

Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit
Tukes
terho.liikamaa@tukes.fi, +358 29 5052 117

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New F-Gas Regulation-compliant refrigeration sector qualifications now open for applications

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:36:00 GMT

E-service: Services - Local government e-service (available in Finnish)

The e-service offers the following application paths for qualification applications:

applying for a new qualification or a change to an existing qualification, processing fee EUR 75
- new qualification or change of competence under the new Regulation;
- new qualification or change of competence under the previous Regulation (valid only until 12 March 2029)
applying for an extension to a currently valid qualification with a refresher course attestation (and your previous refrigeration qualification has already been recorded in Tukes’ qualification register), processing fee EUR 50

You can apply for qualifications under the previous F-Gas Regulation until 30 June 2026

Anyone in training compliant with the old F-gas regulation (517/2014) must apply for their qualifications in the refrigeration sector by 30 June 2026. Any qualifications issued under the previous Regulation will remain valid until 12 March 2029.

For more information on qualification requirements: Qualification of personnel and qualification requirements

Updating the refrigeration equipment company certificate

Refrigeration equipment companies must update their operating rights to comply with the new F-Gas Regulation. This is done when the person responsible for the company and the company’s installation personnel submit an extension application for their qualifications. A processing fee of EUR 80 is charged for updating the refrigeration equipment company certificate.

More information:
Senior Officer Merja Rajamäki
Permit Processor Tiina Heikkinen
Head of Unit Markus Kauppinen
Emails: forename.surename@tukes.fi
Enquiries during phone service hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00–14:00)
Tiina Heikkinen, tel. +358 29 5052 156
Merja Rajamäki, tel. +358 29 5052 518

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Applying for new qualifications to begin later this year

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:53:00 GMT

Changes to qualifications in the refrigeration sector required by the new F-gas regulation are:

additional refrigerants have been added to the operating rights
personal qualifications are now valid for seven years at a time
current responsible persons and fitters must complete a refresher course to keep their operating rights and submit an application to extend their operating rights to Tukes by December 2028
refrigeration companies must also reapply for their company certificates to update their operating right.

Qualifications under the old F-gas regulation remain available for application until 30 June 2026

Anyone in training compliant with the old F-gas regulation (517/2014) must apply for their qualifications in the refrigeration sector by 30 June 2026. These qualifications will remain valid until 12 March 2029. If the training under the old F-gas regulation has been completed but not registered, applications must be submitted by 30 June 2026. Otherwise, the qualifications must be updated to match the new F-gas regulation before Tukes can register them.

Qualification tables on the Tukes website

Qualification of personnel and qualification requirements

Completion of the refresher course will be counted with reduced requirements in the vocational qualifications and further vocational qualifications in refrigeration as well as qualification tests for fitters.

Tukes press release 27 August 2025: Applications for new operating rights in refrigeration open in October

Enquiries:
Merja Rajamäki, senior officer
Tiina Heikkinen, permit processor
Markus Kauppinen, Head of Unit
emails: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Enquiries during phone service hours, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:00–14:00
Tiina Heikkinen, tel. +358 29 5052 156
Merja Rajamäki, tel. +358 29 5052 518

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Applications for new operating rights in refrigeration open in October

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 06:56:00 GMT

New applicants for refrigeration qualifications must have a proof of competence that meets the requirements of the revised F-gas Regulation. Existing refrigeration equipment company certificates must also be reapplied for to update the operating right.

Due to the change, Tukes is updating its e-services and refrigeration register and will introduce the updated versions in October. Applications for extending the operating right have been taken into account in Tukes' processing fees.

Extending the operating right: take a refresher course and reapply for qualifications

Responsible persons and fitters in Tukes' register must complete a refresher course to retain their operating rights in refrigeration. Operating rights granted based on a refresh course are valid for seven years. Refresher courses in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment are provided by educational institutions and in vehicle air conditioning maintenance, for example, by qualification test provides authorised by Tukes.

The completion of refresher courses and the operating rights referred to in the revised F-gas Regulation are examined by sector in the Tukes qualification table

Refresher course requirements by sector (pdf)
Finnish National Agency for Education's Studyinfo: Vocational education and training (VET)
Providers of refrigeration fitters' qualification tests authorised by Tukes

The changes for the most popular sectors are as follows:

In refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment, a refresher course means completing a module of the Further or Vocational Qualification in Building Maintenance Technology that entered into force on 1 August 2025. The module concerns hydrocarbon refrigerants, such as propane. F-gas competence is not renewed. Based on the refresher course and previous qualifications, the applicant is granted an operating right for hydrocarbon refrigerants in addition to F-gases. The A1 operating right replaces the Y3 qualification, while the A2 operating right replaces the E3 qualification.
In vehicle air conditioning maintenance, knowledge and skills are updated by completing a refresher course. The operating right for F-gases is extended to refrigerant R1234yf and hydrocarbon refrigerants, among others. Based on the refresher course and previous qualifications, the applicant is granted the M2 operating right. The operating right applies to maintenance performed with automatic equipment. The M2 operating right replaces the KU qualification

Instructions for new applicants with no previous operating right in refrigeration

New applicants must have a proof of competence that meets the requirements of the revised F-gas Regulation. The operating rights include alternative refrigerants for F-gases and are valid for seven years.

The vocational and further qualification required for the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment sector is provided by educational institutions. Fitters' qualification tests required for vehicle air conditioning maintenance, for example, are organised by qualification test providers authorised by Tukes.

The qualification requirements for new applicants are examined in the Tukes qualification table.

Qualification requirements by sector (pdf)
Finnish National Agency for Education's Studyinfo: Vocational education and training (VET)
Providers of refrigeration fitters' qualification tests authorised by Tukes

Summary of requirements in the most popular sectors:

In refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment, a module of the Vocational or Further Vocational Qualification in Building Maintenance Technology that entered into force on 1 August 2025 is required as proof of competence. For carbon dioxide and ammonia, a module for the refrigerant in question in line with the previous vocational qualification is also accepted. The operating rights are divided into three groups based on the refrigerant: A1 and A2 (F-gases and hydrocarbon refrigerants), B (carbon dioxide) and C (ammonia). The educational requirement of responsible persons has been reduced in the A1 operating right compared to the previous Y3 operating right. Operating rights concerning carbon dioxide and ammonia will become mandatory at the end of the transition period of the F-gas Regulation on 12 March 2029.
Vehicle air conditioning maintenance includes for operating rights M1–M4. The M1 and M2 operating rights apply to F-gases and hydrocarbon refrigerants. M1 is a wide-ranging operating right. M2 is limited to automatic maintenance. M3 applies to CO₂ air conditioners. M4 is limited to recovering F-gases from air conditioners. Due to their extensive scope, the M1 and M3 operating rights of fitters require completing the Vocational Qualification in the Vehicle Sector, including a unit on thermal management system repairs. The M3 operating right will become mandatory in CO₂ air conditioners at the end of the transition period of the F-gas Regulation on 12 March 2029.

Applying for personal qualifications under the old F-gas Regulation

Refrigeration qualifications can be applied for under the old F-gas Regulation 517/2014 until 31 December 2026. The operating right and the qualification requirements are in line with the old regulation. The granted operating right, e.g. Y3 or KU qualification, is valid until 12 March 2029. The e-service of Tukes has a separate application path for applying under the old regulation. The processing fee for a personal qualification application is EUR 75.

Updating the refrigeration equipment company certificate

Existing refrigeration equipment company certificates must be reapplied for to update the operating right. The certificate must be updated in connection with the responsible person and installation personnel's application to extend their operating right after completing the refresher course.

Renewal of e-services, register and processing fees for applications

The e-services and register of Tukes will be updated in the autumn to correspond with the revised F-gas Regulation. The aim is that operating rights and their extensions under the revised F-gas Regulation can be applied for by October at the latest.

In the e-services, you must carefully select the application path, operating right and processing fee.

The application paths are as follows:

extension of personal qualifications with a refresher course (the applicant already has a qualification in refrigeration)
new applicant or change in personal qualifications
change of operating rights for a refrigeration equipment company certificate
new refrigeration equipment company.

The processing fees are as follows:

extension of personal qualifications with a refresher course: EUR 50
new applicant or change in personal qualifications: EUR 75
change of operating rights for a refrigeration equipment company certificate: EUR 80
new refrigeration equipment company: EUR 180.

Extension to refrigeration registry data

The refrigeration register of Tukes now includes a business ID and permit number for refrigeration equipment companies as well as a permit number for professional qualifications. This makes it easier to identify refrigeration equipment companies and individuals in equipment installations, leak checks and refrigeration sales.

More information:Senior Officer Merja Rajamäki
Permit Processor Tiina Heikkinen
Head of Unit Markus Kauppinen
Emails: forename.surname@tukes.fi
Enquiries during phone service hours (Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:00–14:00)
Tiina Heikkinen, tel. +358 29 5052 156
Merja Rajamäki, tel. +358 29 5052 518
News item from 13 December 2024: Personnel qualifications in refrigeration to become fixed-term
Refrigeration registers (in Finnish)

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Suspected data breach on the FINAS Finnish Accreditation Service website server

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

This incident is linked to a global vulnerability in SharePoint On-Premises servers reported by Microsoft on 19 July. The suspected data breach targeted a server that contains the FINAS Finnish Accreditation Service’s website.

Corrective measures are being taken on the server in question, due to which the FINAS.fi website is temporarily unavailable. Investigation of the incident will proceed in cooperation with Valtori, who is responsible for the servers.

The website server stores the IP addresses of the site’s visitors. IP addresses can be used to find out the visitor’s city and internet service provider, but not their exact location or other personal data. Confidential customer data is not stored on the server.

As required by law, the incident has been reported to the National Cyber Security Centre Finland at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom and the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman. Tukes has reported the suspected data breach to the police. This suspected data breach does not apply to other FINAS or Tukes servers or systems.

“This suspicion of a data breach is serious matter. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience to our customers,” says Katriina Luoma, Director of the FINAS Accreditation Service.

FINAS is Finland’s national accreditation body that certifies calibration and testing laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, providers of proficiency testing, greenhouse gas and EMAS verifiers, and biobank operators. FINAS operates as an independent and impartial unit within the Tukes organisation.

Further information for the media: director Katriina Luoma, calls through the Tukes media service at tel. +358 29 505 2234 (weekdays at 9–15) or viestintapalvelut@tukes.fi

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Change of the authorization process for plant protection products

Fri, 02 May 2025 09:09:00 GMT

The new procedure applies to all applications and decisions made on or after May 1, 2025. Previously approved label texts will remain unchanged in KemiDigi, but the new procedure will be applied to new and updated authorizations. It is the responsibility of the authorization holder to ensure that the package label corresponds to the approved instructions for use -table and Tukes has authorized any changes to it.

How should the applicant proceed in the future?

The applicant's task is to prepare the instructions for use -table in both Finnish and Swedish. It is important to carefully fill out the table, as it forms the basis for the official usage instructions for the product. The approved instructions for use -table is attached to the application and will be an appendix of the decision. The table will be the official usage instructions for the product.

The instructions for use -table can be downloaded from Tukes' website

Additionally, the applicant must prepare the label text based on the approved usage instruction table. The information presented on the label must be consistent with the table, and the text must meet the requirements set by the EU regulation on the labeling of plant protection products (EU regulation on labeling requirements for plant protection products No. 547/2011). The authorization holder publishes the final label text, for example, on their own website and ensures its up-to-date status. The authorization holder is responsible for ensuring that the label text provided to users is always up-to-date and corresponds to the approved usage instruction table.

If changes to the label are desired later, a new application must be submitted to Tukes if the content of the usage instructions or restrictions is changed. The authorization holder can independently make changes related to wording or appearance.

Changes in the KemiDigi register and effects on users

Tukes will no longer publish complete label texts in KemiDigi. In the register will only be published the "Usage and Restrictions" annex, where the usage instructions for the product are presented in table form.

This means that the complete label text of the product will no longer be visible in the official register. If the complete label is not found, for example, on the authorization holder's website, users must request it directly from the authorization holder or the product representative if necessary.

During the transition period, KemiDigi will contain both old-style verbal usage instructions and new table-based appendices.

Tukes' role in the authorization process

Tukes processes applications, utilizes the instructions for use -table provided by the applicant in the processing, and makes the final decision. The approved instructions for use -table is published as part of the "Usage and Restrictions" annex in the KemiDigi plant protection product register.

Tukes ensures that the label texts on the market correspond to the approved information, comply with the EU labeling regulation, and are consistent with the instructions of use -table.

For more information:
Applying for approval for a new product | Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)
Plant protection products register - KemiDigi
E-mail: ppp@tukes.fi

New authorization process for plant protection products (pdf)

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Online trade and regulatory fragmentation challenge chemicals enforcement

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:53:00 GMT

The European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC) research project has produced the ‘Report on current screening and enforcement structures’, which describes how the market surveillance of chemicals is currently carried out in the EU and the challenges it faces. The report makes suggestions to improve the enforcement of chemicals. Information has been collected for the report, for example through surveys and interviews with the enforcement authorities of Member States. Tukes was involved in the preparation of the report. It was published on 10th of March 2025.

Summary of the report's conclusions and recommendations

The report identified the following challenges in the market surveillance of chemicals:

Lack of harmonised analytical methods to identify chemicals in products: This makes it difficult to ensure uniform conformity checks on products.
The enforcement of online trade and imported products: online traders may be located outside the EU and are therefore outside the jurisdiction of national authorities. In addition, complex cross-border supply chains for products make it difficult to ensure compliance.
Limited national resources: authorities do not have sufficient financial or human resources to carry out chemical analysis or inspections.
The complexity of chemicals legislation: The fragmented obligations of EU legislation can be difficult to understand and enforce for both businesses and authorities.
In addition, the lack of effective sanctions can undermine the effectiveness of enforcement.

The report makes recommendations such as:

The development of analytical testing methods: harmonised and standardised methods for an increasing number of substances and groups of substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Developing digital tools: for example, customised online search engines (web crawlers) to find products in online stores, AI-based systems to automate enforcement functions, chemical databases and digital product passports that can provide information on the chemical content of products.
Increased cooperation between authorities: in particular to improve the enforcement of online trade and share best practices. It is also important to raise awareness among online traders of their obligations under chemicals legislation, as well as the requirements of the new EU Digital Services Act (DSA) and General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).
Strengthening financial and human resources: this would allow authorities to carry out a sufficient number of inspections and chemical analyses and to recruit and train competent staff.

Research report: Report on current screening and enforcement structures (pdf)

Find out more about the PARC project: PARC consortium website

For further information, please contact Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi, tel. +358 295 052 104, petteri.talasniemi@tukes.fi

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Investigation of the explosion at a Kuopio fluting mill finished – Tukes’s investigating team proposes several measures to improve safety

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The detachment of the pulp storage tank roof was caused by the combustion of a hydrogen-ammonia gas mixture

The mill manufactures semi-chemical fluting media, and the production process is based on ammonia. A similar production process is not known to be used elsewhere in Finland. Bacterial strains producing hydrogen had formed in the white water and pulp storage tanks of the mill before the accident. The conditions in the pulp storage tank were favourable for them, and hydrogen was released into the air in the tank. The residual ammonia produced in the process was gasified under the conditions of the pulp storage tank, causing hydrogen and ammonia gas to form a flammable gas mixture.

The gas mixture was most likely ignited by a spark from static electricity because no other ignition sources were identified in the pulp storage tank. The roof of the pulp storage tank was detached due to the pressure generated in the explosion, and it landed on to the roof of the adjacent mill building, which partially collapsed. The accident did not cause any personal injury. The accident caused material damage and fluting production was halted for around six weeks.

The production process of the mill, which has been operating since 1968, has recently undergone significant reforms. The upgraded production process was introduced in November 2023. Since the reform, there have been numerous shutdowns and downtimes in production, which contributed to the conditions behind the accident. The accident occurred when the production process was being shut down due to a disruption.

The investigating team found room for improvement in the organisation’s operations

The investigating team identified several factors related to the organisation’s operations that contributed to the accident. Based on the investigation, the investigating team issued several recommendations related to process safety (industrial handling and storage of hazardous chemicals) and explosion risk management for the company. These included:

The reproduction of hydrogen-producing bacteria must be prevented or their growth conditions deteriorated.
The generation of explosive gas mixtures and the accumulation of gas in the pulp storage must be prevented and controlled.
The impacts of significant process changes must be identified and assessed to ensure safe implementation.
There must be clear responsibilities and systematic procedures for investigating the causes and impacts of process disruptions and for taking corrective action.

The investigating team proposes safety-enhancing measures for industrial companies

Similar accidents have occurred in the past, for example in France and the United States. The presence of hydrogen-producing bacteria is also possible in other pulp and water treatment processes besides this case. Proper attention must also be paid to controlling the risk of explosion.

In its report, the investigating team issues recommendations for preventing similar accidents and improving safety. The recommendations are intended for a wide range of industrial sectors.

Recommendations to improve technical safety include:

In pulp processing in the paper and board industry, the risks associated with microbial activity and the possibility of the occurrence of bacteria producing flammable gases (such as hydrogen) must be identified.
In exceptional situations (such as a downtime), a situation-specific process safety and explosion risk assessment may be needed.

Recommendations to develop the management and operations of companies include:

The chemical plant must have sufficient information on the chemicals that are essential for process safety and the reactions between them as well as microbiological conditions.
Significant changes in the technical and operating methods of the chemicals plant must be handled through a systematic change management procedure. Disruptions occurring in the implementation of a change and their causes must be determined systematically.
If it is possible for an explosive gas mixture to form in a space or a storage tank, preparation for the risk of explosion should be taken into consideration in the construction of the space or the container.

Tukes emphasises that chemical plants must be familiar with the properties of the chemicals they process and assess their combined effects and microbiological conditions.

The investigating team’s report presents in more detail the course of an accident at the Kuopio fluting mill, the identified causal factors and the investigating team’s recommendations for preventing similar accidents.

Appendix: Summary of the investigation report (pdf)

More information:
Director Kirsi Levä, tel. +358 295 052 162

Senior Officer Aatu Isotalo, tel. +358 295 052 243

email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Mineral exploration decreased, mining investments increased

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 07:55:00 GMT

Fewer investments in mineral exploration

Last year, mineral exploration was reported to Tukes by 60 companies. They invested a total of EUR 90.5 million in exploration activities, which is 4% less than in the previous year. The decline in investments in Finland was in line with international developments.

Mineral exploration investments still mainly focus on basic metals such as nickel and copper, and gold out of precious metals. The 20 largest companies accounted for roughly 90% of total mineral exploration costs. High gold and copper prices boost mineral exploration in Finland, and the demand for minerals used in battery technology contributes to the continued exploration of cobalt and lithium. Companies invested a total of EUR 4.7 million in environmental surveys and mineral exploration impact assessments.

Drilling for mineral exploration totalled 255 kilometres, 11% less than in the previous year. At the same time, the exploration permit area under the Mining Act entitling their holder to carry out exploration activities reached a new record of 3,050 km2. Companies want to hold on to areas that are of geological interest from the viewpoint of finding metals.

Landowners were paid EUR 8.1 million in exploration fees, which was 19% more than the year before. More than four million of this sum was paid to Metsähallitus. In the amendment of 2023, a tax-like fee based on area was imposed on the reservation needed to prepare exploration permits (one euro/hectare). In line with the objectives of the legislative amendment, the fee has significantly reduced the size of the reserved areas.

Mining investments increased

Extraction operations were reported by 22 companies at 44 mines. Companies invested EUR 449 million in mining operations, up by 18% from the previous year. The most significant investments were made in the Kevitsa, Terrafame and Rapasaari (Keliber) mines. Large investments were also made in the Siilinjärvi, Kittilä and Kemi mines.

The extraction of mineral ores and associated waste rock totalled 44.3 million tonnes, down by 5% from the previous year. The total extraction volume of mines was 120.8 million tonnes, 6% less than in 2023. The three largest mines – Terrafame (44.2 million tonnes), Kevitsa (32.2) and Siilinjärvi (28.4) – accounted for 87% of Finland’s total extraction volume.

The safety of extraction in mines has stabilised at the good level achieved in 2016. Mining accidents resulting in one day’s absence have remained at a low level.

Finland’s attractiveness is declining in terms of mineral exploration investments

A Fraser Institute survey on the attractiveness of different countries in terms of mineral exploration and mining investments was published in summer 2024. Finland’s scores have decreased significantly from past years. In recent years, companies have become uncertain about the overall permit system for mineral exploration and mining in Finland. Finland was only at the 17th place in terms of attractiveness. Finland ranked 8th in terms of policy factors, ranking best among European countries. Companies still value the quality of data obtained from the Finnish bedrock.

Tukes acts as the mining authority in Finland. Announcement documents and decisions on pending applications are available on the following website.

The application status and valid permit areas with relevant information are available in the map service. (in Finnish)

More information:
Mining: Leading Specialist Ossi Leinonen, tel. +358 29 5052 205
Mineral exploration: Leading Specialist Ilkka Keskitalo, tel. +358 29 5052 151
Head of Unit Terho Liikamaa, tel. +358 29 5052 117
email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Attachment:
Review: Mineral exploration and mining industry 2024

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Tomi Lounema appointed Director General of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 11:38:00 GMT

Lounema previously worked at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment as Director of the Unit overseeing the technical safety and performance management of Tukes (2009–2019). Prior to that, he was Director of Product Safety Enforcement at the Consumer Authority. Most recently, Lounema was employed at Suomen Erillisverkot Oy, first as Chief Specialist from 2021 and as Director (for security and preparedness) from June 2024. He was Chief Executive Officer of the National Emergency Supply Agency in 2019–2020.

Based on his work experience, Lounema has a strong knowledge of the sector and administration of Tukes as well as of safety enforcement and legislation in the sector. In all, he has nearly 21 years of managerial experience.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) supervises and promotes the technical safety, conformity and reliability of products, services and production systems, the safety of plant protection products, and consumer and chemical safety. Tukes is also responsible for tasks related to assessing the competence of inspection bodies and the accreditation system as well as official duties related to exploration and mining activities.

The Director General directs the agency’s activities and is responsible for their development and effectiveness as well as the achievement of the agency’s objectives.

A total of 15 applications were received for the post.

Inquiries: Jan Hjelt, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 048 940

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Citizens see Tukes as a reputable safety authority

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:30:00 GMT

In the survey, the visibility and reputation of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) were rated at a good level by Finnish people. Tukes’s reputation score was 3,68, and among the 82 organisations surveyed, the Agency was placed eleventh (11th). In the survey, a reputation score on a scale of 1 to 5 is calculated for the organisation. Compared to Tukes’s result last year, the change was marginal (-0,03). The change in the reputation score is within the error margin of the study (±0,04).

Tukes’s reputation among citizens is better than the reputation of organisations in public administration in general. Tukes’s score for responsibility was excellent (4,03). Citizens saw most room for improvement in dialogue (3,46). Citizens’ views on the services provided by Tukes and Tukes as a workplace had improved.

“All in all, the good result we achieve in the reputation survey year after year shows that Finnish people trust Tukes as a key safety authority. The strong trust among citizens is the result of our daily work,” says Communications Director Anu von Lode.

In the Reputation and Trust survey, citizens answer questions about organisations’ governance, financial performance, leadership, innovations, dialogue, products and services, the organisation as a workplace and responsibility. Respondents assess each area on a scale of 1 to 5. The average of the responses forms the organisation's reputation score.

Finns’ trust in public administration at a high level

Especially operators in the security and rescue sector ranked well in the top 10 list. The Finnish Border Guard and the helicopter emergency medical service FinnHEMS were placed highest. As a whole, the development of trust in public administration reversed after a slight decline of three years and returned to a good level.

The collection of data for the survey was carried out with an electronic questionnaire between 4 October and 6 November 2024. This year, 10,561 Finns participated in the survey. The reputation of Tukes was evaluated in more detail by 200 respondents. Finnish people aged between 15 and 65 in the whole country (excluding Åland) were the target group of the survey. The sample was weighted according to gender, age and residential area to represent the population.

Luottamus&Maine 2024 (pdf, 620 kt)

T-Media’s press release: The most reputable organisations in public administration 2024 (link in Finnish)

More information:

Anu von Lode, Communications Director
tel. +358 29 5052 164, anu.vonlode@tukes.fi

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Director General Kimmo Peltonen will retire at the end of the year

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 07:17:00 GMT

Doctor of Philosophy Kimmo Peltonen has worked for many years in various public sector management positions. During his career, he has also worked as a researcher and received the title of Docent from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland.

“My career has allowed me to perform duties that have been meaningful and interesting to me personally, most recently in my decade-long post as the Director General of Tukes. Tukes has been a special work community for me. Its diverse security work is widely visible in society, but unfortunately, that is not always taken into account in budget cuts. I am proud of what we have achieved as well as grateful for the support and commitment of the work community,” Kimmo Peltonen says.

The appointment process for the new Director-General is still ongoing. The Director General is appointed by the Finnish Government. Annika Kutilainen, the Director of the Information and Development unit, will take over the position of Director General on a fixed-term basis from 01 January 2025 onwards until the new Director General takes up their duties.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) is a security authority that promotes the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial activities. Tukes also operates the national accreditation body FINAS and Fipoint, which is the national contact point for market surveillance.

More information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen (until 31 December 2024)
tel. +358 29 5052 157
kimmo.peltonen@tukes.fi

Director Annika Kutilainen
tel. +358 29 5052 042
annika.kutilainen@tukes.fi

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Personnel qualifications in refrigeration to become fixed-term

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

The new EU F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 entered into force on 11 March 2024 and replaced the previous Regulation 517/2014. In addition to F-gases, the qualification requirements of the new Regulation apply to persons handling natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Persons qualified under the previous Regulation must renew their qualifications by 12 March 2029 at the latest. The renewed qualification is valid for seven years. Qualifications for hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia must also be applied for by 12 March 2029 at the latest. Until then, the handling of these refrigerants can be done with existing qualifications.

Renewing the qualification requires you to complete a refresher course or passing the assessment process. The refresher course or assessment process and the qualification requirements for natural refrigerants will be included in the national certification systems of EU Member States in accordance with the new F-gas Regulation and the EU Commission's Implementing Regulations.

Finnish national legislation will be amended to comply with the new F-gas Regulation. The amendment to the Environmental Protection Act (754/2024) will enter into force on 1 January 2025. Government Decree 766/2016 on qualifications in refrigeration will be replaced by a new decree in 2025. Provisions on the refresher course or assessment process will be laid down in the new decree.

The criteria for further vocational qualifications and vocational upper secondary qualifications in refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment will be reformed so that by completing one, you obtain a qualification in refrigeration in accordance with the new F-gas Regulation. The reformed qualifications will be introduced in autumn 2025.

Tukes is updating its refrigeration register to comply with the new F-gas Regulation:

Current personnel qualifications will be valid for a fixed term until 12 March 2029.
New certificates of qualification issued after 1 January 2025 will also be valid until 12 March 2029.
The seven-year period of validity will only apply to certificates of qualification that comply with the refrigeration decree under preparation.

More information:
Markus Kauppinen, Head of Unit
Merja Rajamäki, Senior Officer
Tiina Heikkinen, Permit Processor
e-mails: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Enquiries about qualifications and notifications in refrigeration
during phone service hours (Tuesday 10:00–12:00 and Thursday 12:00–14:00).
Tiina Heikkinen, tel. +358 29 5052 156
Merja Rajamäki, tel. +358 29 5052 518

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Tukes Provides Guidance on Chemical Safety Permits for Data Centers

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 08:09:00 GMT

Determining the Need for a Permit

Several data center projects are currently underway in Finland. These facilities typically store hazardous chemicals, with the most significant volumes often being backup generator fuels. In addition, smaller quantities of other hazardous chemicals, such as cooling agents and water treatment substances, are commonly stored.

Depending on the classification and quantity of stored chemicals, a Tukes chemical safety permit may be required. For example, if 1,000 tons or more of light fuel oil is stored, a chemical safety permit is necessary. However, the total volume of hazardous chemicals at the facility also affects the permit requirement, meaning that even if the amount of light fuel oil is below 1,000 tons, a permit may still be required.

It is advisable to determine the permit requirement as soon as the details of the stored chemicals are known. The permit requirement is based on a chemical ratio calculation. The ratio calculator available in the KemiDigi system can be used to assess this requirement. Instructions for using the calculator are available on the KemiDigi website.

In ratio calculations, the total amount of chemicals present at the facility at any given time is considered in tons. This includes the total capacity of storage tanks as well as the amounts contained in equipment and pipelines. If backup power is provided by battery storage, the chemicals contained in the batteries do not need to be considered when assessing permit obligations. In the ratio calculator, "diesel, light fuel oil, or gas oil" should be selected as the substance name for light fuel oil.

According to Tukes' experience, facilities with an electrical capacity of approximately 100 MW or more typically store chemical quantities that may require a chemical safety permit.

If the stored chemical quantities exceed the permit thresholds, an application must be submitted via the electronic service portal. Before submitting an application, it is recommended to review the required information on Tukes’ website .

Even if a chemical safety permit is not required, the facility may still be subject to notification requirements for emergency response authorities if the operations involve hazardous substances in smaller amounts.

Site Location

When selecting a site for a data center, it is important to consider land use planning restrictions that apply to facilities storing hazardous chemicals in significant quantities. The site and its surroundings must be planned to allow for such operations.

In practice, this means that the land use plan must allow industrial and/or storage activities, or specifically mention data center operations and their support functions. The data center's presence must not restrict the designated land use of its surrounding areas.

Before proceeding with a project, it is essential to verify that the land use plan is suitable and up to date. During the permit process, Tukes may confirm the plan’s suitability with the relevant planning authorities. However, land use planning compliance alone does not guarantee that the site is suitable for the intended operations, as factors such as the impact area of potential accidents must also be considered.

The effects of accidents are assessed in terms of thermal radiation, pressure impact, and the health and environmental hazards caused by chemical releases. Further details on accident impact thresholds and assessment methods can be found in Tukes’ Guide on the Siting of Industrial Facilities.

If ammonia is used for cooling in the data center, the potential hazard distance in the event of an ammonia release must also be considered when selecting the site.

Technical Requirements

Key aspects of facility design include preventing the spread of accidents, managing leaks and fire-extinguishing wastewater, and ensuring the structural integrity of storage tanks and pipelines.

Storage tanks for chemicals must be designed to withstand the effects of the stored substances and comply with the relevant standards. Tanks manufactured according to Tukes’ published list of standards are considered to meet the requirements of the Chemical Safety Act. Chemical pipelines must be built to meet at least PED Class I pressure equipment regulations. More information is available in Tukes’ Guide on the Safety Requirements for Chemical Pipelines.

Potential chemical leaks (during storage, filling, or emptying) must be properly managed. Outdoor tanks must be placed in containment basins, while indoor tanks must have leak containment measures such as basins, curbs, or equivalent protective systems. The largest transport container volume must be accounted for at filling and emptying stations. Additionally, measures must be in place to collect fire-extinguishing wastewater contaminated with chemicals in case of a fire. Further details are available in Tukes’ Guide on the Management of Chemical Leaks and Fire-Extinguishing Wastewater.

If the total volume of flammable liquids exceeds 500 m³, the requirements of the standard SFS 3357 must also be met. During the planning phase, particular attention should be given to firewater supply, firewater pipelines, and foam requirements of the bund, which necessitate foam extinguishing equipment and storage of extinguishing foam. Foam extinguishing requirements must also be considered when designing the firewater pipeline system.

General requirements for the siting and safety arrangements of hazardous chemical handling and storage facilities are available in Tukes’ Guide on Handling and Storing Hazardous Chemicals.

Layout Planning within the Facility

The layout of the facility must be designed to prevent the spread of accidents between different operations and to minimize the impact area of potential incidents. The goal is to ensure that, for example, fires do not spread from chemical storage areas to other sections of the facility and that chemical handling and storage areas are separated from spaces where personnel are engaged in other tasks. Chemical storage areas must be built as separate fire compartments with adequate structural fire protection. The intended use of adjacent spaces also influences fire resistance requirements.

If the total volume of flammable liquids exceeds 500 m³, the layout must also comply with the safety and hazard distance requirements of the standard SFS 3350.

Additional Information

Tukes Guide on Handling and Storing Hazardous Chemicals (in Finnish)
Tukes Guide on the Safety Requirements for Chemical Pipelines (in Finnish)
Tukes Guide on the Management of Chemical Leaks and Fire-Extinguishing Wastewater (in Finnish)
Tukes Guide on the Siting of Industrial Facilities (in Finnish)
Act on the Safe Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals and Explosives 390/2005 (in Finnish)
Government Decree on the Safety Requirements for Industrial Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals 856/2012 (in Finnish)

Contacts:
Senior Inspector Henna Kahilaniemi, Tel: +358 29 5052 790
Senior Inspector Matti Peippo, Tel: +358 29 5052 059
Email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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An electrical device that is old and in poor condition can ignite a fire

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMT

A total of 2,260 fires that started from electrical device or installation were recorded in the Rescue Services’ PRONTO database last year. The largest source of electrical fires were electrical stoves or ovens (860). According to PRONTO, approximately 190 fires started from lights, about 100 from electric sauna stoves, about 80 from microwave ovens, about 60 from washing machines and about 50 from refrigerators. Batteries and chargers for electronics were marked as the source of ignition in 65 cases. 44 of the fires recorded in PRONTO had started from an air conditioner or ventilation duct. This category includes some of the fires that started from a cooker hood. The PRONTO register does not have a separate category for cooker hoods.

The cause of electrical fires is most often human action: carelessness, not following the usage or installation instructions, or neglecting maintenance. The risk of fire increases if the electrical devices are old, in poor condition, or faulty. Functional human capability also has an effect on fire safety, including whether the person can use the electric device properly, understand the usage and safety instructions, change the battery on the fire alarm, call for help or leave the apartment in an emergency.

Monitor the condition of electrical devices – replace a device that is old and in poor condition with a new one

To keep your home safe, you must monitor the condition of electrical devices and installations and service them regularly. Any defects or deficiencies found must be rectified. The same applies to holiday homes.

“Consumers may be under the impression that electrical devices can be used without concern forever. In reality, electrical devices wear out when used and reach the end of their life cycle. If their condition is not monitored and servicing is neglected, the risk of fire caused by the device increases,” says Jukka Lepistö, Senior Officer at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

The following warning signs often indicate that an electrical device that has been in use for a long time is faulty:

strange noise from an electrical device, e.g. lights making a buzzing sound
stiffening and/or darkening of the device’s switches
indicator lights blinking or not working
undesired heating of the device
darkening of the device’s components.

You should replace an old electrical device that is in poor condition with a new one. In this way, you can reduce the risk of fire at home.

The most common cause of ignition is careless use of the stove – pay also attention to the condition of the cooker hood

Approximately 800–900 electrical fires each year are caused, in one way or another, by the stove. Stove fires are not usually caused by a fault with the stove itself. Instead, they are due to human carelessness, negligence or rush. The most common cause is forgetting to turn off the stove or turning it on by accident, causing materials on top of or close to the stove to ignite, and the fire spreading quickly to nearby structures.

A poorly known risk is that a fire can start from old cooker hoods that have been in hard use. Insurance companies have investigated fires originating from hoods equipped with a slide switch and contacted Tukes about this concern. Tukes has tested cooker hoods with a slide switch on the market but has not detected such faults in them that would require their removal from the market. The problem concerns particularly hoods which have accumulated a lot of grease and dirt over the years and broken down while in use.

“The cooker hood must be cleaned regularly and its condition must be monitored. In old hoods, components, such as slide switches, may accumulate dirt inside them with disastrous consequences. A fire on the stove easily spreads to the hood when the grime accumulated on the inside surfaces of the hood ignites. An old, poorly functioning cooker hood should be replaced with a new one,” Lepistö says.

Remember the basic rules

Use electrical devices correctly and only under conditions and in places they are intended for.
Follow the instructions for use and ensure that the operating environment of the devices remains as indicated in the instructions.
Ensure sufficient monitoring of the condition and maintenance of the device.
Have any defective installations you have detected fixed without delay. Have defective electrical devices serviced or replace them with a new one.
Remember to be careful with electricity, especially in wet rooms and outdoors.

The authorities do not check electrical devices in advance

The majority of Finns (89% in the survey of 2022) believe that the authorities check the electrical equipment entering the market in advance. This is not the case; the compulsory ex ante checks of electrical equipment ended almost 30 years ago when Finland joined the European Union. Currently, checks are carried out on products already on the market based on risks. Tukes sends the suspicious products it has acquired to be tested in testing laboratories. Based on the testing results, Tukes decides on the necessary follow-up measures.

The importer, manufacturer and seller are responsible for the safety of electrical equipment. The CE marking on electrical equipment indicates that the manufacturer believes that the product conforms to the essential requirements set for it. Therefore, it can move freely within the entire EU.

A functioning fire alarm saves lives

A functioning fire alarm will help you detect fires early. In the event of a fire, you only have a few minutes to evacuate, as toxic combustion gases kill very quickly. Regularly check that the fire alarm is working by pressing on the test button, and replace the battery regularly on 112 Day (11 February), for example.

More information:
Jukka Lepistö, Senior Officer
tel. +358 29 5052 460
email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) finalises cooperation negotiations

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 06:03:00 GMT

The cooperation negotiations began on 3 October 2024 and ended on 15 November 2024. During the negotiations, it was stated the number of redundancies would be reduced by fixed-term contracts ending this year and by the decision to not fill vacancies resulting from the negotiations. Tukes is having to dismiss eight people.

During the negotiations, it was agreed that personnel reduction measures would only apply to 2025. However, Tukes must continue to adapt its finances during 2026–2027.

Due to the budget cuts, Tukes has to reduce its operating expenses by EUR 1.5 million, its personnel costs by EUR 1.5 million and its information system investments by EUR 2.2 million.

“Tukes will remain in a difficult financial situation in the coming years, despite the efforts to find long-term savings in other operational expenditure. At the same time, Tukes will be receiving a significant number of new tasks that require new competence, without any additional appropriations. Tukes will continue to need competent and skilled personnel,” says Director General Kimmo Peltonen.

Due to the significant reductions in personnel, Tukes will have to examine the way it allocates resources in the future. This may mean reducing or reorganising its functions. The alternatives include postponing supervisory projects, reducing the number of inspections, reducing the amount of customer advice, and longer processing times for applications and permits. These carry the risk that more significant risks to health, property and the environment are left in the operating environment and that the conditions for fair competition deteriorate for businesses.

Tukes plays a key role in creating and promoting comprehensive national security and the security of supply. The agency's tasks will also expand to include supervisory tasks in securing cyber security and the society’s critical infrastructure. A significant number of the agency's statutory tasks is based on EU regulations outside of the purview of national politics.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) is a security authority that promotes the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial activities. Tukes also operates the national accreditation body FINAS and the national contact point for market surveillance, Fipoint. Tukes currently employs 290 experts in different fields.

Further information for the media:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen
tel. +358 295 052 157
kimmo.peltonen@tukes.fi

Director Annika Kutilainen
tel. +358 295 052 042
annika.kutilainen@tukes.fi

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Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) initiates cooperation negotiations

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 06:00:00 GMT

The reason for the negotiations is the cut in Tukes' operating budget in the state budget proposal as part of the savings on administrative operating expenditure in the government's productivity programme. The savings target for 2027 is about 22% of Tukes’ available funding. This year, Tukes will spend about EUR 34.7 million.

As a result of the economic adjustment, the number of Tukes staff is expected to decrease by a maximum of 45 persons. The measures now being planned are designed to cover the known reduction needs until the beginning of 2027. All staff will come within the remit of the cooperation negotiations. The measures will be specified in the negotiations starting on 3 October 2024. They will last at least six weeks.

“This is a serious situation for Tukes. Tukes’ tasks have continued to expand, but budget funding has not kept pace with their development. Tukes is a specialist agency, and the rapid and large cuts in our funding under the productivity programme will primarily affect our staff. The cuts will particularly affect the ability of our staff to cope at work,” says Director General Kimmo Peltonen.

“The need for savings is forcing us to evaluate our statutory tasks, and we are concerned about the impact of the cuts on the overall security of society. Tukes does a lot of preparatory supervision where we advise and help companies to comply with the requirements of legislation. In the future, it will be impossible for Tukes to provide the level of advice that companies want,” Peltonen stresses.

Tukes is a licensing and supervisory authority that promotes the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial activities. Tukes employs around 300 experts in different fields. The staff work in Helsinki, Tampere and Rovaniemi.

Organisation | Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

Further information for the media:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen
kimmo.peltonen@tukes.fi tel. +358 295 052 157

Director Annika Kutilainen
annika.kutilainen@tukes.fi, tel +358 295 052 042

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Jaakko Kuustonen appointed Director of Products Department

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:40:00 GMT

Jaakko Kuustonen has worked for a long time in Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) as the Head of the Consumer Products Unit and as the first substitute for the Director of the Products Department. Previously, he worked at the Finnish Consumer Agency (currently the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority) in supervisory tasks related to consumer product control, in expert tasks related to the supervision of the Tobacco Act at the National Product Control Centre for Welfare and Health (STTV) and in expert tasks related to health protection in the Kouvola-Valkeala Municipal Federation.

"The promotion of product safety involves cooperation with companies, testing institutes, umbrella organisations, authorities, EU actors and consumers. Each of us benefits from the results of product control, which makes this task particularly meaningful to me," Kuustonen summarises.

The Products Department monitors the safety and technical reliability of products on sale and the safety of consumer services. For example, it monitors electrical devices, consumer products, building products, explosives and fireworks, hazardous substance transport packaging and containers, fire and rescue equipment, and the electromagnetic compatibility and energy efficiency of electronic equipment. The department also hosts the single-liaison office for market supervision (Fipoint).

The appointment is for a fixed term until 30 April 2025.

Further information:

Director Jaakko Kuustonen (From 1 October 2024)
tel. +358 295 052 140
jaakko.kuustonen@tukes.fi

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Fimea and Tukes warn against the Lemon Bottle product intended for dissolving fat

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:58:00 GMT

The laboratory of the Swiss medicine authority Swissmedic has examined the composition of the samples it has received and found that the composition of the injection fluid does not correspond to the composition declared by the manufacturer. The laboratory detected considerable differences in the composition of the product between the examined packages.

In Switzerland, Lemon Bottle has been classified as a medicinal product. The classification of the product is also under way in Finland. Lemon Bottle does not have a marketing authorisation for medicinal products in Finland.

The product is known to be used by companies in the beauty industry also in Finland. Lemon Bottle treatment is marketed for fat dissolving, meaning that it is used for the so-called lipolysis treatment.

Fimea and Tukes advise special caution with injectable beauty products marketed in the social media.

Lipolysis injections have also attracted wider attention recently and are associated with safety concerns, which are currently being investigated in more detail. Tukes reminds that products classified as cosmetics cannot be used in injection therapies.

For more information, please contact:

Fimea: Elina Cuthbert, Coordinator for Market Supervision, tel. +358 29 5223 487, Fimea’s email addresses are of the form firstname.lastname@fimea.fi

Tukes: Annina Nyholm, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 069, annina.nyholm@tukes.fi, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

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Mineral exploration and mining investments increased in 2023

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Mineral exploration grew significantly

Last year, mineral exploration was reported to Tukes by 59 companies that invested a total of EUR 94 million in exploration activities. The amount of investments was 17% higher than in 2022. The ten largest companies accounted for roughly 85% of total mineral exploration costs. Drilling for mineral exploration totalled 284 kilometres (up by 3.6%). Exploration permit areas entitling their holder to carry out exploration activities totalled 2,534 km².

Minerals are primarily explored in the region of Lapland, which accounts for 78% of all mineral exploration activities in Finland. Mineral exploration investments mainly focus on basic metals such as nickel and copper, as well as gold.

Landowners were paid approximately EUR 6.6 million in exploration fees, 12% more than before. Companies invested EUR 0.8 million in environmental surveys and mineral exploration impact assessments.

Mining investments increased

Extraction operations were reported by 21 companies at 39 mines. Companies invested EUR 380 million in mining operations, up by 26% from 2022. The most significant investments were made in the Kevitsa, Terrafame, Kittilä and Siilinjärvi mines. The multi-year shaft investments at the Kemi and Kittilä mines were completed.

The extraction of mineral ores and associated waste rock totalled 46.8 million tonnes, down by 6% from 2022. The total extraction volume of mines increased by 7% from the previous year to 128.1 million tonnes. The three largest companies – Terrafame (49.7 million tonnes), Kevitsa (36.4) and Siilinjärvi (26.2) – accounted for 88% of Finland’s total extraction volume.

Tukes is the competent mining authority in Finland. Announcement documents and decisions on pending applications are available on the Tukes website (in finnish).

The application status and valid permit areas with relevant information are available in the map service (in finnish).

Further information:

Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit, tel. +358 29 5052 117
Ossi Leinonen, Leading Specialist, tel. +358 29 5052 205 (mining)
Ilkka Keskitalo, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 5052 151 (mineral exploration)
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Attachments:

Current mining authority review 2023
Extraction volumes by mine in 2023 (in finnish)

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Electrical devices or installations cause 2,260 fires last year – careless stove use the most common cause

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:09:00 GMT

An electrical fire refers to a fire that is ignited directly by electrical energy from a cooking stone, sauna stove, refrigerator, light or electrical installation, for example. The Rescue Services record electrical fires in the PRONTO database, and the records also include the source of ignition if it is known. Last year, the largest source of electrical fires were electrical stoves or ovens. Other sources of ignition were lights with 189 fires, electrical wires and cabling with 112 fires, electric sauna stoves with 98 fires, microwave ovens with 81 fires, washing machines with 61 fires and refrigerators with 48 fires. Batteries and chargers for electronics were marked as the source of ignition in 65 cases.

The cause of electrical fires is most often human action: carelessness, not following the usage or installation instructions, or neglect of maintenance. Functional human capability also has an effect on fire safety. Proper usage, understanding of the usage and safety instructions, changing the battery on the fire alarm, calling for help or leaving the apartment in an emergency are all factors.

Avoid electrical fires through appropriate action

“You can prevent electrical fires by using electrical devices correctly and under supervision if necessary. For example, when you’re cooking, you need to keep your attention on the stove, and when the sauna or washing machine is on, you should stay home. Other practical tips for avoiding electrical fires include not storing things on the stove, focusing on cooking, not using your sauna as a storeroom or drying your laundry on top of the sauna stove,” says Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) Senior Officer Jukka Lepistö.

Stove fires still most common

Stoves remain the most consistent source of ignition. Stove fires are not usually caused by a fault with the stove itself. Instead, they are due to human carelessness or sloppiness. The most common cause is forgetting to turn off the stove or turning it on by accident, causing materials on top of or close to the stove to ignite, and the fire spreading quickly to nearby structures.

Hazardous situations include:

Leaving cooking on the stove and falling asleep or a person forgetting that they were cooking and, in the worst case, leaving the apartment.
Pets – dogs or cats – try to see what’s been left on top of the stove. Climbing onto the stove, they manage to turn on one or more of the stovetops.
Children can also reach for the stovetop and turn the plates on.
Modern stovetops are fairly easy to turn on. It’s easy to pass by a stove and move so that you, or what you’re carrying, brush against the switches and turn them on. One example of this could be the handle of a rollator.
There are also stoves on the market with better safety features, such as ones that you need both hands to turn on. These cannot be turned on accidentally.

Avoid stove fires through appropriate action

Pay attention when cooking – don’t do many things at once.
Keep the stove environment clear of unnecessary things.
Do not leave scraps in pots or pans on the stove that could attract your pets.
Pay attention to what your children do in the kitchen.

“There are also technical solutions that can prevent stove fires, such as safety devices that automatically turn off the stove’s power. Only qualified professionals are allowed to install and repair fixed electrical devices,” Lepistö reminds us.

Sauna fires often caused by objects or laundry on the stove

Last year, 98 fires that started in a sauna were recorded in the PRONTO database; in the previous year, there were 107, and in the year before that, 92. The most common causes of sauna fires are drying your laundry in the sauna and leaving objects on the stove. There is a risk here that the stove is accidentally turned on, and the objects around or on top of the stove catch fire. Other sources or ignition were the heating elements or a faulty thermostat or timer.

Sauna checklist:

The sauna is made for bathing, not for use as a storeroom or laundry drying room.
Check that there is nothing on or close to the electric stove when you turn on the sauna.
Use and maintain the stove in accordance with the instructions. The stove’s instructions will tell you how much you can heat up the stove every day and week. If they don’t, ask the seller or manufacturer.
A stove doesn’t last for ever, but following the usage and maintenance instructions will extend its life by years.
Remote activation is always a risk. You should always be at home when you turn on the stove.
Make sure the thermostat and timer work. If the device malfunctions, call an electrician.
Do not use the stove to heat your apartment. Turning the stove on for several hours contrary to the instructions creates a significant fire risk.
The stones do not last for ever either; replace them according to the instructions.
If you’ve been cleaning the sauna, it’s been under maintenance, or your children have been playing in the sauna, make sure that the stove hasn’t been accidentally turned on.

A functioning fire alarm saves lives

A functioning fire alarm will help you detect fires early. In the event of a fire, you only have a few minutes to evacuate. Regularly check that the fire alarm is working by pressing on the test button, and replace the battery regularly on 112 Day (11 February), for example.

More information:
Jukka Lepistö, Senior Officer
tel. +358 29 5052 460
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Fireworks reduce air quality and cause noise pollution

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 07:39:00 GMT

Fireworks are nice to look at, but they release fine particles that are harmful to health into the air we breathe.

Inhaling smoke from fireworks is harmful to your health

Fireworks contain a number of chemicals and metals to achieve their display of colours. When ejected into the air, the chemicals and metals turn into fine particles that reduce the air quality on the night of New Year’s Eve, especially if the weather is calm and freezing. In windy weather, air pollutants are diluted faster. The Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority HSY monitors the air quality in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, and the smoke from the firework displays during New Year’s can be seen especially in the air quality of the city centres as elevated concentrations of fine particles.

“In calm weather, the concentrations of fine particles can rise to very high levels on the night of New Year’s Eve; even up to 15–20 times higher than normal. Air quality is classified as poor if the hourly concentration of fine particles is 50 micrograms per hour. In Vantaa, for example, we have measured hourly concentrations of about 180 micrograms per cubic metre during New Year’s”, says Hanna Manninen, Head of Air Quality Unit at HSY.

The smoke from fireworks is not good for your health, so it should be avoided as much as possible. Consequently, people with asthma, other chronic respiratory conditions and coronary artery disease, as well as young children, should watch fireworks from a distance. High particle concentrations even in the short term can exacerbate chronic lung and heart conditions. Young children may also be more likely to develop respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, a sore throat and a runny nose, from the smoke than healthy adults.

“If you want to watch the fireworks, you should avoid places where there is visible smoke near the ground or where the air smells like smoke”, Manninen advises.

Fireworks consist of a number of different chemicals

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) estimates that Finns launch hundreds of thousands of kilograms of fireworks into the sky at the turn of the year. In terms of unit numbers, this means millions of individual fireworks.

“Fireworks always contain gunpowder, which consists of sulphur, carbon and potassium nitrate. In addition, copper and strontium, for example, are often used in fireworks”, says Jonas Sjelvgren, Senior Officer at Tukes.

The colour effects of fireworks are created with chemicals. Red colour is obtained from strontium or lithium, green from barium, purple by mixing strontium and copper, orange from calcium, yellow from sodium, blue from copper, and silver from aluminium, titanium or magnesium.

Setting off fireworks is allowed on New Year’s Eve from 6 pm to 2 am

The harm caused by fireworks can be lessened by setting off fireworks in remote and open places and only at the permitted times, between 6 pm and 2 am on New Year’s Eve.

“Fireworks are allowed on New Year’s Eve six hours before and two hours after the turn of the year. This means that you cannot start setting off your fireworks as soon as you have bought them, but have to have patience to wait for the right time”, Sjelvgren says.

Continuous use of fireworks over many days is both prohibited and irresponsible. For example, if there are fireworks on several days at unexpected times, it is very difficult for dog owners to know when to watch out when walking outside with a timid pet. Dogs run away easily when frightened by an unexpected bang and they may also cause danger in traffic. In many cities, the use of fireworks is prohibited in downtown areas. More detailed information on any restrictions is available from rescue departments.

“For fireworks, you should choose an open place away from buildings. It is recommended to read the instructions for use carefully and to check the safety distances in advance. The person setting off the fireworks must wear safety goggles, and they are also recommended for spectators”, Sjelvgren points out.

Further information:

HSY: Hanna Manninen, Head of Air Quality Unit, tel. +358 50 4017 826, firstname.lastname@hsy.fi
Tukes: Jonas Sjelvgren, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 114, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Concentration of fine particles in the air in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area: https://www.hsy.fi/en/air-quality-and-climate/air-quality-now/concentrations-of-air-pollutants/?monitor=pm2_

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Tukes issues a warning of candle arrangements with a fire safety risk – do not use!

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 09:31:00 GMT

According to information obtained by Tukes, certain Dutch-style Christmas candle arrangements have been held available for sale in Bulevardi at the Itis shopping centre, in which candles are in direct contact with decorations. When Tukes tested the flammability of the decorative material used in the candle arrangements, it was discovered that some of the material used in the products ignited easily, causing the fire to spread to other decorations. Tukes imposed a temporary sales ban on the products during the investigation of the case. A temporary sales ban can be imposed on products during the processing of a case if it is evident that the products present a risk. If you have bought or been given a Christmas-themed arrangement in which candles are in direct contact with decorations, do not light the candles!

Images 1–5. Hazardous candle arrangements.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 1.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 2.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 3.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 4.

Candle arrangement with a fire safety risk, Image 5.

Image 6. A candle arrangement on fire.

“Fire safety must always be addressed when planning and building Christmas decorations. Candles cannot be placed close to flammable material. When candles are lit, even the slightest air current or movement of the arrangement can cause the flame to contact nearby decorations, potentially leading to an instant fire,” says Jere Heikkinen, Senior Officer at Tukes.

Always remember the following when burning candles:

Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Follow the candle maker’s recommendation for the minimum distance between candles.
Only burn candles on a non-flammable surface and keep them well away from any flammable material.
Only light candles in a draught-free place. An air current may prevent the candle from burning cleanly and may cause the candle to melt unevenly, potentially damaging the candle and causing a fire hazard.
Keep candles out of reach of children and pets, as active play may lead to unexpected hazards with candles.
Be aware that many Christmas decorations are made of highly flammable and intensely burning material. During Christmas, use special caution when handling fire.

See what happened to a candle arrangement:
Link to a video in which a candle arrangement is burnt

More information: Jere Heikkinen, Senior Officer, +358 29 5052 108
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Survey: Finns have room for improvement in their preparedness for accidents at summer cabins – easy tips for making your cabin visit safer

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 05:34:00 GMT

Photo: Riitta-Liisa Karhunen

There are more than half a million summer cabins in Finland that are in regular use. Potential accidents or injuries are the most common fear at a cabin – shared by every fourth survey respondent. This fear is even more common among women: one in three women (30%) is afraid of accidents at a cabin.

However, the preparedness of Finns for potential cabin accidents varies. Only one in two cabins (54%) is equipped with fire extinguishing equipment, such as a fire blanket or foam extinguisher. Similarly, only one in two respondents (49%) had a first aid kit.

Only about one in three (39%) says that they have first aid skills. The situation is better among young people, as more than half (53%) of respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 had first aid skills.

The survey ordered by the Finnish home accident prevention network was carried out as Kantar Public’s online survey as part of Kantar’s weekly panel 1–5 September 2023. The survey was taken by 1,018 Finns.

First aid skills and the 112 Suomi mobile app go a long way

– Accidents at cabins could be avoided if people only prepared a little better. When an accident does happen, it would be good to have access to first aid equipment and the skills to use them. Skills come in handy, as the survey also revealed that nearly half of the respondents do not know their cabin’s address. This makes it quite difficult for the emergency response vehicles to find their way there, too,” says planning officer Saara Aakko of the Finnish Red Cross.

Women are better prepared for potential accidents than men. Of women, 67% have told their loved ones that they are at the cabin, and one in two women has saved an emergency contact in their phone as an ICE contact.

– The 112 Suomi mobile app is the easiest and cheapest way to stay on the map. According to the survey, however, one in two Finns still does not have the app,” Aakko says.

Preparedness makes autumn chores safer

Completing the cabin’s autumn chores is safer with proper equipment. One in two (54%) of people over 50 inspect the condition of equipment such as ladders, axes and saws before using them. However, only about a third (37%) of 18–24-year-old respondents do the same.

Things do happen sometimes at the cabin, but many accidents can be avoided by being prepared. The national Accident Prevention Day is held on Friday, 13 October. Its purpose is to make people aware of how to reduce the risk of accidents at home, during leisure time, at work and in traffic. Authorities and organisations pool their resources to campaign for the prevention of accidents on every Friday occurring on the 13th day of the month.

Enquiries:
Health Promotion Planning Officer Saara Aakko, Finnish Red Cross, tel. +358 (0)40 480 6973, saara.aakko(at)redcross.fi

On water safety:
Communication Specialist Niko Nieminen, Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation, tel. +358 (0)10 340 7332, niko.nieminen(at)suh.fi

On fire safety:
Safety Communications Specialist Juha Hassila, Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), tel. +358 (0)40 758 7846, juha.hassila(at)spek.fi

Slipping and falling accidents:
Senior Researcher Hanna Kettunen, National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358 (0)29 524 7582, hanna.kettunen(at)thl.fi

www.tapaturmapäivä.fi

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Investigation of the large fire at the Vaasa transformer plant completed – Tukes investigation team proposes several measures to improve the safety of companies

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 05:58:00 GMT

The strong fire was caused by oil catching fire in the test field

Large electrical transformers and reactors are manufactured and tested at the plant. The investigation confirmed that the probable cause of the accident is related to inadequate grounding of the reactor to be tested.

The facility solutions of the test hall require the tested device to be moved and the groundings disconnected and reconnected as the testing progresses. In the event of an accident, one grounding of the reactor under testing was disconnected, and when the voltage was increased, the metal wire-reinforced oil hose attached to the reactor heated up and caught fire.

Despite the first aid firefighting actions, the fire escalated rapidly because more oil was leaking from the tank. The fire escalated into a major fire in stages, when several test transformers in the premises became damaged and started leaking oil that also caught fire.

After the roof collapsed, the rescue department managed to contain and control the fire.

The investigation team also found room for improvement in the organisation’s operations

The investigation team identified a number of safety hazards behind the accident, such as the need to move the device to be tested and the lack of procedures to ensure grounding after these transfers. The investigation team also assessed the company’s maintenance procedures and the implementation of corrective actions.

In 2020, Rescue Services had estimated that the company’s operations would require a Tukes chemical safety permit, and had again instructed the company to apply for a Tukes permit in 2022. The amount of hazardous chemicals handled and stored in the company varied, but, based on the investigation, the company should have had a Tukes chemical safety permit. The investigation team presented several observations and recommendations related to process safety (industrial processing and storage of hazardous chemicals), which are normally addressed in the Tukes chemical safety permit and the related periodic inspections. The company’s chemical safety permit procedure was initiated in Tukes after the accident, in July 2023.

The plant’s electrical equipment has been serviced and the statutory periodic inspections have been carried out. A Supervisor of Operational Works had been appointed for the electrical equipment and the persons participating in the testing were electrical professionals. From the point of view of electrical safety, the investigation team considers the measures that had been taken to be sufficient.

The investigation team proposes several measures to improve safety of industrial companies

In its report, the investigation team makes a number of recommendations to prevent similar accidents and improve safety. These recommendations are related to technical safety and the actions of companies and authorities. Tukes emphasises that the recommendations apply to a wide range of industrial sectors.

For example, the following recommendations are given to improve technical safety:

The test facility for transformers and reactors is designed and built so that moving the object and disconnecting groundings during the test phase is not necessary. In addition, the company must have a technical system or procedure for detecting missing groundings before voltage is switched on.
Shut-off valves are secured and, if necessary, installed in the pipelines of hazardous chemicals. These need to be easily accessible even in the event of an accident.
Changes in production facilities and access routes are also assessed from the perspective of emergencies and accidents, and it is ensured that the shutdown and restriction measures of all equipment can be carried out promptly and without hindrance when necessary.

Recommendations for developing the management and operations of companies include:

The company regularly assesses the amount of hazardous chemicals handled and stored at the site and, if necessary, applies for a Tukes permit when the scope of operations changes.
Safety-critical equipment and installations are identified and included in the preventive maintenance programme. The adequacy of maintenance operations is monitored.
Safety-critical work stages are identified and work processes are supported by check-lists and/or cross-checks.
A person familiar with the site is appointed as the responsible party, who must meet the Rescue Services when they arrive at the accident site. The responsible person must be able to leave behind their other duties and be available to the Rescue Services throughout the situation.

The investigation team’s report discusses the course of the accident at the Vaasa transformer plant, as well as the investigation team’s recommendations for preventing similar accidents in more detail.

Appendix:
Tukes Accident Investigation Report: Fire at Hitachi Energy Finland Oy’s transformer plant in Vaasa on 29 March 2023

Slide show about the accident investigation: Fire at a transformer plant in Vaasa (pdf)

More information:
Kirsi Levä, Director, tel. +358 29 5052 162
email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes and FSL worried about children’s swimming skills – insufficient skills have increased accidents in water environments

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 09:46:00 GMT

The national swimming skill study conducted by the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (FSL), the University of Jyväskylä and the Finnish National Agency for Education in 2022 revealed that as many as 45% of sixth graders had inadequate or even no swimming skills.

“The coronavirus restrictions targeted at public indoor pools meant that, in many locations, children and young people were left without any swimming instruction through schools, and were not necessarily able to swim indoors during leisure. While the aim has been to bridge this gap during the last 12 months, we unfortunately have age groups whose swimming skills still remain inadequate. Children have been unable to learn the basics of swimming at the most opportune time during the first years of school,” says Tero Savolainen, swimming instruction specialist at FSL.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has also noticed this in its supervision of services: children have been involved in serious water-related hazards and accidents.

“The notifications submitted to Tukes show that children’s poor swimming skills have also caused drowning and incidents in consumer services, including camping, public pools and beaches. What has been noteworthy this summer is that the children who have been involved in water-related incidents have been slightly older than before. The age limits set in various services may not necessarily consider that even school-aged children may lack swimming skills,” says Anne Hiltunen, Senior Officer at Tukes.

Tukes and FSL want to appeal to service providers and parents to pay more attention to the swimming skills of children and young people and their safety in water environments. Service providers must understand that their services may be used by customers who do not know how to swim, some of whom may be slightly older children, and prepare for such situations. The age limits set in various services may not necessarily take this into account.

“When setting age limits in services, it has often been determined that swimmers aged under ten and anyone who cannot swim can only swim with a person of at least 15 years of age with good swimming skills. As a result, the swimming skills of children aged ten are no longer verified, especially if they come to swim with a friend or two. Then again, parents are responsible for their children, and a child who cannot swim cannot be left under the supervision of the service provider or other children of the same age on a beach or in a public pool,” says Hiltunen.

If required, customers can be asked about their swimming skills or requested to demonstrate whether they can swim. In addition to supervision, various ways must be considered to ensure the safety of people who cannot swim in services.

“I would also like parents to evaluate their children’s ability to swim and be safe in water environments when considering whether their children can go swimming with their friends, for example. Teaching children how to swim and promoting safety call for cooperation between parents and service providers,” says Savolainen.

More information:
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)
Anne Hiltunen, Senior Officer, tel.. +358 29 5052 209, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (FSL)
Tero Savolainen, swimming instruction specialist, tel. +358 50 491 7444

Links:
Study of swimming skills 2022 (in Finnish)

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Anu von Lode appointed Communications Director at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 05:06:00 GMT

The Communications Director is responsible for strategic communication planning at Tukes as well as producing effective communication for consumers, citizens and various professional and stakeholder groups. She is a member of the Board of Directors and leads the communications team. The communications team also coordinates Tukes’s sustainability activities and contributes to customer development.

“Communications are connected to internal organisational development and management as well as customer experience and reputation. Tukes has recently updated its strategy and in the future, we will invest even more in communications and interaction with our customers”, Communications Director Anu von Lode says.

Von Lode has worked at Tukes as senior officer in communications and acting communications director. She has previous experience of responsible communications positions at Aalto University, the University of Helsinki and Kela, the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. She holds a master’s degree in media production and management as well as a specialist vocational qualification in leadership and business management.

A total of over 50 applications were received for the position.

Further information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. +358 295 052 157

Communications Director Anu von Lode,
tel. +358 295 052 164

The email addresses are in the format firstname.surename@tukes.fi.

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MEAE: New Mining Act to enter into force on 1 June

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:39:00 GMT

A new reservation fee will reduce reservations that are unnecessarily large for exploration activities. The conditions for extending the validity of an exploration permit will be tightened to strengthen the position of property owners and to reduce the harm experienced by area residents.

A plan approved by the municipality is a condition for granting a mining permit. More consideration must also be given to other sources of livelihood in the area. Issues related to landscape, biodiversity and environment will also play a more important role in permit consideration.

In addition, the new Act will tighten regulation on securities and termination of mining activities. The gradual closure of a mine will be taken into account better than before already during the mining operations.

In order to strengthen national security, an exploration and mining permit will not be granted if the activity is considered to endanger national defence, security of supply or the functioning of infrastructure essential to society. The right to obtain information will improve with the introduction of annual open public events.

The changes will increase mining operators’ costs and administrative burdens, but they may also balance the competition within the sector. Stricter and more specific regulation clarifies the rules and therefore benefits the operators in the sector.

https://tem.fi/kaivoslakiuudistus

Inquiries:

Tuula Manelius, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 064 909

Teo Kangaspunta, Senior Specialist, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 047 325

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Charges brought against a Tukes civil servant

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 07:27:00 GMT

According to the prosecutor, the case is related to the statements issued by Tukes on Dragon Mining Oy’s mine in Orivesi. Tukes issued the statements from the perspective of mining safety, which were based on information provided by the mining company for Tukes.

The civil servant has denied their guilt. Tukes deems that the civil servant can continue to work with certain limitations.

“These are serious charges. As a result, Tukes has rearranged certain tasks and will limit the civil servant’s rights in mining-related matters throughout the processing of the case,” says Kimmo Peltonen, Director General of Tukes.

Tukes will monitor the processing of the case and, if the conditions change, reassess the situation.

During the investigation of the case and the indictment proceedings, the civil servant did not carry out any activities concerning Dragon Mining Oy. The investigation of the case was initiated in November 2020, and the case was entered in indictment proceedings in July 2021.

Previous press releases
Tukes civil servant under suspicion

Tukes civil servant released

More information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. +358 29 5052 157
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Mineral exploration increased, mining investments remained high in 2022

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 07:12:00 GMT

Extraction operations are reported by 22 companies at 44 mines. In 2022, companies invested EUR 304 million (down by 2% from the previous year) in activities to extend the lifecycle of mines. The most significant investments were made in the Kevitsa, Kittilä, Kemi, Terrafame and Siilinjärvi mines. Keliber Technology Oy started preparations for mining operations at the Syväjärvi mine.

The extraction of minerals and dimension stone totalled 49.6 million tonnes, showing an increase of 3.5% from the previous year. The total extraction volume of mines increased by 3.4% from the previous year to 119.4 million tonnes. The three largest mines – Terrafame (42.9 million tonnes), Kevitsa (36.4) and Siilinjärvi (23.3) – accounted for 86% of Finland’s total extraction volume.

The nature of mineral exploration has changed

Last year, 54 companies reported mineral exploration operations to Tukes. In Finland, companies invested EUR 80.4 million in mineral exploration (up by 17.4% from the previous year). The 15 largest companies accounted for 80% of total mineral exploration costs. Drilling spanned 274 km (down by 2.2% from the previous year).

Mineral exploration is increasingly taking place in Lapland, accounting for 81% of all mineral exploration in Finland. The increase in mineral exploration is accelerated by the metals required for the green transition and the increase in gold prices driven by financial uncertainties.
Finland has potential deposits of gold and the metals required for the green transition, all of which are being sought.

- Finland’s mineral exploration investments are at the same level as in the peak year of the China boom in 2012. However, the nature of mineral exploration has changed. During the China boom, exploration was mainly carried out in well-known deposits, and several significant mines were opened in Finland, including Talvivaara, Kevitsa and Kittilä. Over the last ten years, exploration has mainly focused on areas with only a little information available about potential mineral deposits. “In the initial (grassroot) phase, exploration is much riskier than near old, known mineral bodies and deposits (brownfield). This type of exploration is expensive and time-consuming, and requires greater risks from investors. Grassroot exploration is increasing,” says Terho Liikamaa, Head of the Mining Unit at Tukes.

Last year, landowners were paid EUR 5.9 million in exploration fees, of which the Finnish state-owned company Metsähallitus received a significant share as a major landowner. The size of the exploration area that provides the right to mineral exploration is 2,581 km2 (up by 25% from the previous year).

The safety of mines has developed positively: according to reports, accidents suffered by employees and contractors continued to decrease.

Tukes is the competent mining authority in Finland. Announcement documents and decisions on pending applications are available on the Tukes website (in Finnish).

The application status and valid permit areas with data are available in the map service.

Attachments:
Current mining authority review 2022 (pdf, 595 kb)
The 2022 extraction volumes by mine are available in Tukes’s exploration and mining industry statistics 2022 (pdf, in Finnish, 114 kb)

More information:
Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit, tel. +358 29 5052 117
Mining: Ossi Leinonen, Leading Specialist, tel. +358 29 5052 205
Mineral exploration: Ilkka Keskitalo, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 29 5052 151
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Katriina Luoma to be appointed Director of FINAS Accreditation Service

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 06:46:00 GMT

Katriina Luoma has been employed at FINAS since 2020, first as the lead assessor, and as the head of unit from 2021. She acted as the technical assessor at FINAS for more than 10 years before being appointed the lead assessor. Before moving over to FINAS, Katriina Luoma worked in a variety of laboratory supervisory positions in the food industry for about 20 years.

FINAS is the national accreditation body in Finland that certifies calibration and testing laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, providers of proficiency testing as well as greenhouse gas and EMAS verifiers and biobank operators. The tasks of FINAS accreditation service include accreditation assessments based on the authorities’ requirements. FINAS operates as an independent and impartial unit within the Tukes organisation.

The position was declared vacant upon the retirement of FINAS’ current director Risto Suominen. A total of 19 applications were received for the position.

Further information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. +358 295 052 157
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Twitter: @K1mmoPeltonen

Director Katriina Luoma (From 1 March 2023 )
tel. +358 295 052 102
katriina.luoma@finas.fi
Twitter: @luoma_katriina

See also:

FINAS website

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Lead shot banned in wetlands – Tukes narrows down “wetland” definition

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:32:00 GMT

The purpose of the lead shot ban is to reduce the risk to human health and the environment caused by lead shot fired in wetlands. Lead is a heavy metal that is toxic to people and the environment.

“Ingesting a single pellet of lead shot may kill a small waterbird. It is estimated that approximately 4,000 tonnes of additional lead is released in the EU’s wetlands every year, killing about one million birds,” says head of unit Pauli Kärkkäinen from Tukes.

The ban is also the result of viable lead-free shot being available. Finland has banned the use of lead shot for waterbird hunting since 1996.

In addition to hunting, the restriction of lead shot also applies to shooting ranges inside restricted areas, for example.

Tukes published a press release on 18 August 2022 titled Lead shot banned in wetlands. Further specification of the press release’s definition of wetland – “all waters, shore reeds, marshes and peatlands where waterbirds may stay, migrate or nest” – has been requested. Hunters, authorities, and others have made this request.

“In light of the many enquiries received by Tukes, we consider it necessary to specify the areas included in the ban, considering the objective of the restriction and our special national characteristics. Tukes’ interpretation guideline is not legally binding but is intended to aid the interpretation of supervisory authorities and those who are subject to the restriction,” says head of unit Jouni Räisänen.

Wetlands that may be waterbird habitats

Seas (depth six metres or less), lakes, rivers, ponds, channels, artificial lakes, reservoirs, and other sizable waters.
Ditches, trenches, and streams indicated by lines on terrain maps are excluded.
Meadows bordered by the above waters.
Waterlogged stones and rock fields.
Relictions, flood areas, shallows, and open reliction areas.
Treeless marshes that are difficult to traverse.
All areas within 100 metres of the above areas.

The list will be supplemented by Tukes if necessary.

To identify wetlands and their 100-metre buffer zone, you can use the maps and symbols of the National Land Survey of Finland’s MapSite service. The map symbol legend is a separate file. A map service for wetlands and their buffer zones is planned for release later this year.

Hunters and other shooters must observe care and caution when shooting in wetlands suitable for waterbird habitation, including their buffer zones.

Tukes recommends that shooters refrain from using lead shot if there is any doubt whether they will be shooting in a wetland.

– The ban on lead shot in wetlands is likely just an intermediate step preceding an extended restriction on the use of lead. According to Kärkkäinen, the restriction being prepared would prohibit lead shot and fishing supplies including lead from being placed on the market and considerably restrict the use of lead bullets.

More information:

Pauli Kärkkäinen (advice), head of unit, tel. +358 29 505 2074
Chemical information service for companies

Jouni Räisänen (monitoring), head of unit, tel. +358 29 505 2098
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Further information online:

Tukes press release on 18 August 2022 titled Lead shot banned in wetlands
Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/57 (as regards lead in gunshot in or around wetlands)
ECHA: Lead in shot, bullets and fishing weights
ECHA: Restriction process

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Accident at a waste recycling plant in Järvenpää caused by a dangerous reaction

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 06:40:00 GMT

The chain of events leading to the accident started when an attempt was made to remove a precipitate adhered to a reactor vessel using mixed acid waste containing hydrogen fluoride and nitric acid. The reaction between the precipitate and mixed acid waste generated toxic gases that spread from the reactor vessel to the process facility through an open sampling connection. Two employees were exposed to the gases, resulting in the death of one of the employees.

The liquid metal salt solutions and neutralising acid and alkali waste handled in the plant’s production process had repeatedly formed a hard-to-dissolve precipitate which got stuck in reactor vessels. Attempts had been made to affect to the sticking by carrying out various process modifications and cleaning measures. No specific procedure had been established and no instructions were in place for the removal of the precipitate. Employees started to remove the precipitate without any pre-planning using mixed acid waste handled in the same process which resulted in a dangerous reaction. The employees were exposed to gas when they attempted to stop the dangerous reaction.

The investigation team identified that the following factors had a particular impact on the accident:

The hazards of mixed acid waste were not sufficiently understood in the company, and conflicting information about them was available.
Risks associated with the process had not been assessed sufficiently. The significance of risk control measures was not sufficiently understood, and they were not followed at the time of the accident.
No instructions or closely defined procedure were available for the removal of the precipitate.
The root causes of previous incidents taken place in the process had not been identified sufficiently.
The process did not include any measurements, alarms or other automatic protection measures that would have alerted employees of hazards or reduced the risk of human error.
The impact of the technical modifications made or the need to change working instructions had not been assessed.
Stopping the extensive gas leak in the situation by following pre-defined and trained operating models was too dangerous for employees.

Recommendations for preventing similar accidents

To avoid similar accidents, it is essential that the hazardous properties of waste chemicals are identified in as much detail as possible. The best way is to identify the classification of waste chemicals in accordance with the CLP regulation*. In addition, it must be ensured, through the exchange of information between waste producers and handlers, that all parties have a similar understanding of the hazards and other properties of chemicals.

Waste producers must ensure that the waste processing plant’s official permits address the hazardous properties of waste chemicals, meaning that the plant is permitted to process the waste in question. The volumes of chemicals generated as a result of any loss of process management must also be estimated in permit applications submitted by production plants to Tukes in addition to the volumes of stored or handled chemicals.

Tukes will initiate several measures based on the recommendations

Based on the investigation results, Tukes will require more detailed clarifications and corrective measures from the waste processing and recycling plant to improve the handling and storage of waste.

Tukes will also provide advisory and supervisory services for companies that send hazardous waste chemicals to help them better ensure the ability of waste processing and recycling plants to identify risks associated with waste batches and their capabilities to dispose of waste appropriately.

Based on the investigation, Tukes will also specify permit and surveillance procedures related to changes in operations.

Attachments:

Accident investigation report (in finnish), pdf

Presentation of the investigation, pdf

Further information about the accident investigation and report:

Timo Talvitie, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 654
Aatu Isotalo, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 243

Further information about measures initiated by Tukes as a result of the investigation:

Kirsi Levä, Director, tel. +358 29 5052 162
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

* The CLP regulation is the regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures.

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No derogations granted for plant protection products containing thiamethoxam or clothianidin in the future – treated sugar beet seeds can still be sown in the 2023 growing season

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 07:19:00 GMT

In its preliminary ruling C-162/21 of 19 January 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union has come to a new interpretation of the legislation on plant protection products in the granting of derogations for plant protection products containing clothianidin and thiamethoxam, which are prohibited in the European Union, for the treatment of seeds, placing the treated seeds on the market and sowing. These active substances belong to the group of active substances of neonicotinoids in terms of their chemical modes of action. The ruling concerns the active substances of plant protection products, which are specifically prohibited in the European Union for treating seeds, placing the treated seeds on the market and sowing.

Until now, the interpretation of Article 53 of the EU regulation (EC) No. 1107/2009 on plant protection products has included the possibility for the Member States to grant derogations for plant protection products containing the aforementioned active substances in order to secure the health of plants when the conditions for the derogation are met and when no other plant protection methods or products are available.

The EU Member States have granted several derogations every year for plant protection products containing thiamethoxam and clothianidin as active substances for seed treatment and sowing sugar beet seeds in emergency situations in plant protection. In Finland, Tukes granted a derogation in October 2022 for the 2023 growing season to sow sugar beet seeds treated with the Cruiser 600 FS SB product (active substance thiamethoxam) to combat flea beetles, heteroptera, mangold flies and soil pests.

According to the preliminary ruling, derogations cannot be granted for seed treatment, placing treated seed on the market and sowing for products containing thiamethoxam or clothianidin as the active substance. The ruling obliges the Member States to take into account the new interpretation in their decision-making from 19 January 2023.

According to Tukes’ current interpretation, the preliminary ruling of the Court of Justice of the European Union does not prevent the pickling, selling or sowing of sugar beet seeds with the Cruiser 600 FS SB product, which was previously granted a derogation, in the 2023 growing season.

More information:
Senior Officer Marja Suonpää, tel. +358 29 5052 092, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Better information to be available on water quality and consumption

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 08:28:00 GMT

People will be better informed about their water consumption and water quality. Utilities supplying water for human consumption are now required to inform their customers of water consumption and prices annually with no separate request from the customer. Customers such as condominium housing companies must pass this information on to the end users of household water.

Details of the quality of water for human consumption will be published through the Vesi.fi online portal. Water quality information will accumulate on this website as new studies of domestic water quality are completed. The annual number of tests will vary according to the volume of water supplied by a utility.

A reform that improves risk assessment and management

One important way to promote better quality household water is through detailed assessment and management of risks. Risk factors that affect quality are monitored in the raw water that is collected to make household water, in the various stages of the water supply chain, and in water that eventually comes out of the tap at home. The reform also imposes specific requirements for self-monitoring by utilities that supply domestic water.

Under a new requirement, the water systems of buildings will be required to conduct a risk assessment of water quality with particular reference to combating contamination with Legionella bacteria. Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia in human beings. An average of 30 cases of this illness are recorded in Finland annually. The duty of risk assessment applies to buildings that are used as primary facilities, where large numbers of people may be exposed to waterborne risks. Such buildings include swimming baths and spas, hotels, hospitals, and units providing institutional care.

EU-wide minimum hygiene requirements – to be specified at a later date in statutes issued by the European Commission – are now being prepared for materials that come into contact with water for human consumption, such as water pipes. A market surveillance authority will monitor the compliance with hygiene requirements of all marketed products that are intended for use in the water distribution chain. These amendments seek to ensure that products used in new water installations comply with the requirements and do not leach substances into household water that are harmful to health.

The reform affects the administrative branches of several ministries

The EU Drinking Water Directive was first drafted in 1998, and a revised version of the Directive took effect on 12 January 2021. Member States were given two years to transpose the Directive into their national legislation. In Finland this meant amending the Health Protection Act, the Water Services Act, the Environmental Protection Act, and the Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products.

The Directive was also implemented through subordinate statutes governing the quality and risk assessment of raw water and water for human consumption, self-monitoring of utilities supplying household water, water supply information systems and public information, and water installations in buildings. These amendments relate to the administrative branches of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment.

Further information:

For details of the Health Protection Act and materials and products in contact with water for human consumption, contact Jarkko Rapala, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 29 516 3315, firstname.surname@gov.fi

For details of the Water Services Act, contact Johanna Kallio, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, tel. +358 29 516 2011, firstname.surname@gov.fi

For risk assessment of water systems in buildings, contact Tomi Marjamäki, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 29 525 0027, firstname.surname@gov.fi

For details of the Environmental Protection Act, contact Erja Werdi, Senior Legal Adviser, Ministry of the Environment, tel. +358 29 525 0312, firstname.surname@gov.fi

For details of market surveillance, contact Paula Porkola, Senior Officer, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), tel. +358 29 505 2081, firstname.surname@tukes.fi

For details of the Vesi.fi website, contact Seija Rantonen, Project Manager, Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), tel. +358 29 525 1126, firstname.surname@syke.fi

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Stay safe at the cabin in winter, too

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 06:43:00 GMT

In winter, there are safety risks associated with visits to the cabin, and you should pay attention to them. Darkness, for example, will make it more difficult to move around in the yard, increasing the risk of slipping and falling.

“It is more difficult to detect slippery places in the dark. You should pay attention to proper lighting, snow removal and gritting of the cabin area to make staying upright easier,” says Health Promotion Planning Officer Saara Aakko from the Finnish Red Cross.

The importance of your personal fire safety skills is heightened at the cabin

Special attention should be paid to fire safety in wintertime when we often light candles and enjoy fires in the fireplace. In the best situation, fires can be prevented. However, if a fire breaks out, the most important thing is rapid observation and action.

“Fire safety is ensured through prevention. Every bedroom should be fitted with a smoke detector. You should practice the use of first-aid fire fighting equipment, such as fire blankets and handheld extinguishers, in advance,” says Safety Communications Specialist Juha Hassila from the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK).

You should also pay special attention to heating the cabin in winter. If you heat a fireplace that has not been used in a while, it is important to start heating with small fires. Sudden and intense heat may break the flues.

Don't go on the ice alone

Many cabins are located near waterways, but you should never venture onto the ice unprepared. The most important thing is to ensure the thickness of the ice, learn to recognise hazardous areas and always carry safety equipment, such as ice picks. You should never go on the ice alone.

“A friend is your best piece of safety equipment, whether you are on familiar ice or in a new area. A friend can alert help and rescue you, if necessary,” says Communications Specialist Niko Nieminen from the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (FSL).

Use a checklist to prepare for visiting the cabin in the winter

Being prepared and having the right attitude can prevent many accidents. The cabin safety checklist will help you prepare.

Download the 112 Suomi mobile app.
Adjust your speed to winter conditions when driving to the cabin.
Check that the cabin has appropriate first aid equipment.
Check the functionality of the smoke alarms and make sure that the cabin has first-aid fire fighting equipment.
Ensure the snow removal and gritting of roads and paths.
Use anti-slip guards or studded or high-traction shoes in slippery conditions.
Remember to prepare and equip yourself when going on the ice.
Wear a head lamp or use a flashlight in dark areas.
Prepare for prolonged power outages.
Intoxicants increase the risk of accidents. Enjoy alcohol with moderation.

Organisations and authorities have been working together since 1993 in order to prevent accidents. One form of cooperation is to impact people’s attitudes by campaigning on the Accident Prevention Day. During the campaign, people are encouraged to think of ways for everyone to reduce risks and prevent accidents at work, at home and in traffic. This year, the Accident Prevention Day campaign takes place in January and October. The theme of the campaigns is safety at the cabin.

On the Accident Prevention Day campaign:
Saara Aakko, Planning Officer, the Finnish Red Cross, tel. +358 (0)40 480 6973, saara.aakko(at)punainenristi.fi

On fire safety:
Juha Hassila, Safety Communications Specialist, Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), tel. +358 (0)40 758 7846, juha.hassila(at)spek.fi

On water safety:
Niko Nieminen, Communications Specialist, Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation (FSL), tel. +358 (0)400 469 202, niko.nieminen(at)suh.fi

Checklist for a safe stay at the cottage during the winter

Download the checklist (PDF)

www.tapaturmapäivä.fi (in Finnish)

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Tukes permit for Finland’s first floating LNG terminal

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 06:02:00 GMT

The FSRU is large (length roughly 291 m, and width 43 m), and it can store a significant amount of LNG (151,000 m³, equating to 75,500 tonnes). This is nearly 1.5 times the capacity of Finland’s current terminals. The gas converted back to natural gas in the FSRU will be distributed directly into the natural gas distribution network. The amount of the distributed gas is sufficient to replace the natural gas obtained from Russia.

The permit holder is Floating LNG Terminal Finland Oy, a Finnish company which is responsible for overall safety in the FSRU and terminal operations. The flag state of the FSRU is Belgium.

The Tukes permit ensures that the permit holder has identified major accident risks associated with LNG and other chemicals handled in the FSRU and has prepared for them. The most significant major accident risks are associated with the transfer of LNG to the FSRU (ship-to-ship transfer), the regasification of LNG in the FSRU, and the transfer of natural gas to the distribution network.

The permit holder and FSRU have safety management systems and technical arrangements in place for the management of and preparation for major accident risks. Accident preparation drills will be held regularly.

Appendix: Link to the decision

More information:
Kirsi Levä, Director, tel. +358 50 385 0347
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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First national market surveillance strategy released

Fri, 15 Jul 2022 08:47:00 GMT

The operating environment of product markets and market surveillance has recently undergone major changes. Trading practices and consumption habits have changed considerably, and product markets have moved increasingly online. Increasing digitalisation and the results of product development and new product-related technologies are reshaping product markets.

The purpose of market surveillance is to ensure that products placed on the market comply with the requirements set out in the applicable product legislation in order to protect general interests such as the safety and health of consumers, employees and other end users, as well as the environment. Market surveillance also creates conditions for fair competition, promoting an equal operating environment for economic operators.

The goal of the national market surveillance strategy is to ensure a consistent, comprehensive and harmonised approach to the market surveillance of products. The strategy defines an operating framework to help the market surveillance authorities meet the challenges that the rapidly changing operating environment poses to product markets and economic operators, as well as to ensure the compliance of products.

“The market surveillance authorities must take the national strategy into account in their market surveillance plans. The strategy will help harmonise market surveillance practices in various product sectors and promote cooperation among market surveillance authorities in both Finland and the EU. Harmonised procedures will ensure fair competitive conditions for companies and make the authorities’ operations more efficient. The strategy highlights key changes in the product markets, most importantly the rapid growth in online shopping and its impacts on product safety,” says Tuiri Kerttula, Director of Products Department from the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Compliant products and fair competition

The vision of Finland’s market surveillance is to have a market in which Finns can trust that the products on sale comply with the statutory requirements, and where companies have fair conditions for competi-tion. To achieve this vision, the strategy sets out four strategic choices for Finnish market surveillance:

We target surveillance at products based on risks and for all trading channels.
We cooperate actively, both nationally and at the EU level.
We use communications as an effective tool.
We develop and renew our surveillance processes.

The strategic choices include more detailed targets and provide general guidelines for the implementation of market surveillance in Finland until 2025.

“The guidelines and choices described in the strategy offer good support to our Institute’s operations aligned with the sustainable development goals, as well as to our market surveillance of fluorinated greenhouse gases, ozone-depleting substances, the quality of transport fuels, and the use of the EU Ecolabel,” says Reetta Saarinen, Senior Adviser at the Finnish Environment Institute.

Cooperation ensures effective surveillance

The strategy also emphasises cooperation between the market surveillance authorities – both in Finland and in the EU. It is important to ensure good cooperation between the authorities and the development of harmonised procedures so that surveillance can be performed as consistently as possible, and economic operators are treated equally.

“Cooperation between the market surveillance authorities and the sharing of best practices are needed to make surveillance as effective and efficient as possible. This is also the best way to support the goals of market surveillance, essentially the interests of citizens and market opera-tors,” says Milla Kuokkanen, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom.

Each Member State is responsible for drawing up a national market surveillance strategy

Finland’s national market surveillance strategy is based on Article 13 of the EU’s Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020. Under the Regulation, each Member State must draw up an overarching national market surveillance strategy at least every four years. The strategy’s purpose is to promote a consistent, comprehensive and integrated approach to market surveillance in the Member State. The strategy encompasses all the product sectors that come under the scope of the Market Surveillance Regulation. Finland’s market surveillance strategy also applies to certain other product sectors that are outside the scope of the Market Surveillance Regulation. However, the strategy does not apply to the agri-food chain or medicinal products.

Finland’s single liaison office for market surveillance (Fipoint) has drawn up the national market surveillance strategy jointly with the market surveillance cooperation group. The single liaison office operates at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes). The market surveillance cooperation group includes representatives of the market surveillance authorities referred to in the Market Surveillance Regulation, Finnish Customs and a few other authorities.

More information:
Reija Sironen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 016, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Links:

Finland’s market surveillance strategy 2022–2025

Market Surveillance Regulation (EU) 2019/1020

Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products (1137/2016)

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Faulty electrical connection causes a series of building fires in Lieksa

Tue, 24 May 2022 05:52:00 GMT

The chain of events leading to the accident in the electricity distribution network started during maintenance carried out on 30 November 2021. An unexpected fault was detected at the 110/20 kV substation that supplies electricity to the accident location, as a result of which the busbar interruption carried out for maintenance could not be returned to the normal connection state as planned. Due to the unexpected fault, a replacement connection had to be planned for the switchgear.

During winter, snowfall is heavy in the distribution network area where the accident site is located. On Saturday 18 December 2021, a tree fell onto the open 20 kV wire from outside the transmission line corridor due to packed snow, resulting in a network fault. The incorrect and dangerous connection made during maintenance, combined with the wire damaged by the fallen tree, caused a series of building fires and the risk of an electrical accident over a large area.

In the chain of events, the fault protection coordination of the substation’s 20 kV outputs and the operation of the switchgear were not in compliance with their specifications due to the incorrect connection. Significant safety functions were inoperable during the fault, and the extended hazardous operation was not detected in network control.

According to the investigation, the risk assessment and the connection decision made regarding safe operation during the unexpected change were based on insufficient information, resulting in an incorrect assumption that the fault protection would operate as required in the operating situation.

The information produced by the electricity network control system on safety-related alarms and status data changes being received as a single non-prioritised list, based on which control room employees cannot easily identify the measures required for making deductions and solutions related to the operation of the network, was regarded as another key factor leading to the accident.

Recommendations for preventing similar accidents

1. A case-specific safety assessment of fault protection based on sufficiently detailed information must always be an integral part of various network connection situations and changes caused by the network structure. Connections must be planned following the written procedure for preparing a connection programme established in the industry when carrying out activities in the high-voltage system.

2. The Electrical Safety Act requires that electrical equipment to be operated so that it does not present any hazard to people’s life or health or property. The network holder must therefore have appropriate procedures in place to monitor the safety of network operations and react immediately to any faults while maintaining safety.

Alarms forwarded to the control room must clearly indicate their significance for safety.

3. Switchgear systems with different types of structure and of different ages are used at substations. To operate electrical equipment safely, it must be ensured and verified that up-to-date documentation is always available, indicating equipment-specific safety connections and permitted connection situations.

4. Regarding substation safety systems, including the modernisation of existing substations and any changes in protection, protection technology that is independently safe regardless of the operator’s activities should be preferred.

"Network and industry companies should assess their activities relative to the attached recommendations and ensure that their documents on electrical safety and protection are sufficient and up to date,” says Janne Kinnunen, Head of Unit at Tukes.

More information:

Juha-Pekka Törmälä, Senior Officer, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 217
Janne Kinnunen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 188
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Appendix:

Investigation report (in Finnish)

PowerPoint presentation of an accident investigation (in Finnish)

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MEAE: External evaluation of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency completed

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 12:29:00 GMT

Tukes is a licensing and supervisory authority that promotes the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial activities. Tukes falls within the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. An external evaluation Tukes, which began in spring 2021, has now been published. Such evaluations are undertaken to develop the administration of authorities.

The report assessed the ways in which Tukes carries out its activities, services and digitalisation projects as well as the agency’s operations in international and EU-level cooperation. The evaluation also examined the functionality of internal activities and processes, the systematic nature of the agency’s digital competence, and the implementation and management of digitalisation projects. In addition, the report explored the customer orientation of Tukes’ services and stakeholders’ views on how the agency’s activities correspond to expectations.

According to the report, the need to reform has been identified within the agency. Tukes has a vision, good development goals and plans on how to renew and develop its operations.

The evaluation includes development recommendations to Tukes, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and other ministries steering the activities of the agency. The recommendations call on Tukes to invest more strongly in promoting the agency’s unity and to implement the development and digitalisation of services more efficiently. The monitoring of performance and effectiveness of development projects should also be improved.

Tukes’ performance guidance and supervision also under evaluation

The evaluation also examined how well Tukes’ performance guidance and supervision function. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for Tukes’ general performance guidance and supervision. In addition, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the Ministry of the Environment guide Tukes in their respective administrative branches.

The ministries in charge of directing Tukes are urged to develop the current structures of performance management so that the operational and strategic steering of the agency’s activities do not begin to diverge from each other too much.

A consortium that included KPMG Oy AB, 4Front Oy and Frisky & Anjoy Oy carried out the assessment.

Inquiries:
Eeva-Liisa Koltta-Sarkanen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. +358 295 063 518

External evaluation of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) (in Finnish)

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Review of ore prospecting and mining activities for 2021 has been published

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:24:00 GMT

The majority of exploration permits in Lapland

An exploration permit gives its holder the right to make exploration surveys on his own land and that owned by another landowner, and a privilege for exploiting the deposit possibly found. The majority of exploration permits are granted in the Lapland region (72%). The number of applications for mineral exploration permits submitted to Tukes was nearly double that of the previous year, totalling 219. Growth was accelerated by the rise of metal prices in the world market as a result of COVID-19 and by the long-standing public interest in Finland as a target for mining investments.

Investments towards prospecting in Finland were approximately EUR 68.5 million in 2021 (2020: approximately EUR 68 million). Investments have been stable for several years.

The number of mines remained at the same level

There were 44 mines in Finland in 2021. Mining investments decreased to EUR 311 million but remain at a high level (2020: EUR 392 million). The most significant investments were made in Sodankylä's Kevitsa mine as well as the Kemi and Kittilä mines. Total mining and quarrying amounted to 115.5 million tonnes and remained at the same level as the previous year. The three largest mines (Terrafame, Kevitsa, Siilinjärvi) accounted for 85 per cent of the total mining volume.

New Mining Act

The Mining Act is being reformed and a consultation on the draft of the new Act is currently underway. The reform is being prepared by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy in cooperation with stakeholders. Tukes has also participated in the preparations for the new act. Statements regarding the proposed amendments to the Mining Act may be submitted until 12 April 2022 at the Lausuntopalvelu.fi website.

Background information on the statistics

Tukes acts as the mining authority referred to in the Finnish Mining Act and is responsible for monitoring compliance with the act and attending to duties prescribed in the act. Tukes monitors compliance with permit conditions and carries out inspections in both mineral prospecting areas and in mines.

The statistical review is based on reports received from the companies and data collected by Tukes. The current published statistics do not yet show the possible impact of the Russian offensive in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia on prospecting and mining.

More information:

Current Review, Summary of Mining and Prospecting in 2021

Mountain 2021 statistics, extraction volumes by mine (in Finnish)

Announcement documents and decisions of pending applications on Tukes website

Application status and valid permit areas with data in GTK's map service

Further information for media

Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit, tel. +358 29 5052 117

Mining: Leading Specialist Ossi Leinonen, tel. +358 29 5052 205

Prospecting: Senior Adviser Ilkka Keskitalo, tel. +358 29 5052 151

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Are there any batteries or fuel in the aid transport? Pay attention to safety

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 07:04:00 GMT

In transport, dangerous goods refer to objects or materials that may cause harm to people, property or the environment because they are explosive, flammable, infectious, radioactive, toxic or corrosive or have other, similar hazardous characteristics. Such objects and materials include e.g. lithium batteries and accumulators, different kinds of battery-operated devices, emergency power supplies, gas cylinders and cartridges, flammable liquids and aerosols.

“There is specific legislation that governs the transport of dangerous goods, intended to prevent and combat the damage and hazards that transport of dangerous goods may cause. As for aid transports, the sender is responsible for making sure that they comply with the legislation; in practice, this means the organiser of the transport,” says Senior Specialist Miina Grönlund, Traficom.

The transport regulations apply to specific types of transport; for example, goods that can be transported by road may be prohibited from transport by sea, or the transport requirements may differ slightly from each other.

Package and label the goods correctly – do not forget the notifications

Dangerous goods must be packaged according to the requirements; correct packaging minimises the risks in case of a potential accident. Transporting dangerous goods is based on the appropriate classification of substances, meaning the specification of the substances’ hazardous properties. Internationally consistent labels ensure that transports can reach their destination safely and smoothly.

“The packages must be marked with labels that indicate their hazardous properties or similar markings to ensure that the information needed for rescue activities is available, if necessary. The cargo must also be tied down and placed so that it cannot move or become damaged during transport and cause dangerous situations,” Grönlund instructs.

When transporting dangerous goods, you must also keep with you the transport documents stating the name and classification of the goods as well as the other necessary information. “If your shipment contains dangerous goods, mention it when making the transport order. Likewise, you need to notify the staff about the dangerous goods you are carrying when driving the car into a ship, among other things,” Grönlund continues.

The Finnish Customs monitors transports of dangerous goods at the ports. “For aid transports outside the EU, private individuals who are organising transports should submit the customs notifications already before they leave Finland. This will make it easier to take the transport across the EU border from Poland to Ukraine, for instance, and bringing the aid to its destination will go more smoothly. You should always take an itemised list of the aid supplies in the transport with you,” Senior Customs Inspector Nadja Painokallio from the Finnish Customs reminds people.

Take occupational safety and health as well as driving and rest times into account

If the driver of the aid transport is an employee, the employer must take care of their occupational safety and health.

In addition, the driver and the potential employer must ensure that the regulations on driving and rest times are followed during the transport. The different Member States may have granted national exemptions to the regulations, and you should find out what they are before you leave.

For private individuals, the most effective way to help is to make a donation to relief organisations. The organisations can send aid to its destination in a centralised manner, and they can also assess the need for help on site.

Further information:

Traficom: Miina Grönlund; Senior Specialist, miina.gronlund@traficom.fi, tel. +358 29 534 5267
Regulations on the transport of dangerous goods for different modes of transport (in Finnish)

Finnish Customs: Nadja Painokallio; Senior Customs Inspector, nadja.painokallio(at)tulli.fi, tel. +358 40 332 7577, Twitter: @@nadjapainokall1
Export declarations
Find out more about the Export Declaration Service of the Finnish Customs for companies and private individuals

The press release has been drawn up in cooperation with the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, the Ministry of Transport and Communications, the Finnish Customs, the Finnish Border Guard, the National Police Board, the Ministry of the Interior, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK).

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New European Network for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 06:54:00 GMT

The EU is launching the Partnership for the Assessment of Risk from Chemicals (PARC) programme with a focus on chemical risk assessment.

The partnership programme will establish an EU-wide competence network to support risk assessment and risk management authorities with current, trending and future challenges related to chemical safety.

The PARC programme will develop shared and improved chemical risk assessment practices that can be applied in administrative chemical risk assessment.

“In a risk assessment, it is important to consider the combined effects of different similarly acting substances and combined exposures from multiple sources, such as work-related exposures and exposure related to nutrition and consumer products. This support also EU “one substance one assessment” goals,” says Research Professor Tiina Santonen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, who specialises in occupational toxicology.

An additional goal is to improve the flow of information from institutions that carry out risk assessments to authorities and decision-makers. This supports the protection of the environment and public health in Europe. The programme also makes it possible to reinforce the public’s trust in organizations responsible for risk assessments and risk management.

The network will be launched as part of the Horizon Europe programme. The network consists of about 200 organizations throughout Europe. The project is co-ordinated by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES).

Activities in Finland are co-ordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the partners involved are Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). The University of Oulu, the Finnish Food Authority, the Finnish Environment Institute and the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency will also take part.

“Having agencies and research organizations involved so extensively increases our national intellectual capital related to chemical risk assessment,” says Tiina Santonen from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

For more information, please contact

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health: Research Professor Tiina Santonen, firstname.lastname@ttl.fi, tel. +358 (0)30 474 2666
Finnish Food Authority: Research Professor Pertti Koivisto, firstname.lastname@ruokavirasto.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 481 1595
Finnish Environment Institute: Principal Researcher Jaana Sorvari, firstname.lastname@syke.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 525 2159, Senior Specialist Emmi Vähä, firstname.lastname@syke.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 525 1828;
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare: Senior Researcher Panu Rantakokko, firstname.lastname@thl.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 524 6395
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency: Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi, tel. +358 (0)29 505 2104
University of Oulu: Professor Arja Rautio, firstname.lastname@oulu.fi, tel. +358 (0)40 585 5776.

Police and Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) concerned for safety of street race events

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 08:21:00 GMT

During the current year, the Police and Tukes have become aware of some cruising and street race events as well as moped meets, associated with dangerous behaviours. A common feature of the events is that they have been organised in public traffic areas, in other words on roads where the Road Traffic Act applies.

They have also been characterised by a spontaneous arrangements or with lack of any clear organisation, with no concern about the safety and legality of the events.

All events on public roads must be safe

Various street races and moped meets are public events referred to in the Assembly Act, and the Police of the locality of the event must be notified of them. This is particularly important for events organised on roads which call for separate safety measures and traffic arrangements.

Even more important than the official notifications and other formalities, it is vital to organise the event with due attention to the participants’ and outsiders’ safety, and – above all – to the legality of the event.

According to the Police and Tukes knowledge, there have been downright life-threatening close call situations in the street race events and moped meets. Such situations could have been avoided through more careful planning of the events, Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio of the National Police Board points out.

- Slightest mistakes in steering and running off the intended track have caused injuries outside the official racing tracks and other safe places. The dangerous situations have mostly been associated by bravado and negligence for the personal and other people’s safety. In fact, the organiser’s responsibility and notifications made of the event play a role for safety reasons.

Organiser may face obligation to pay for damages

An event organised spontaneously but with shortcomings may cause the obligation to pay damages, or even penal consequences. At the mildest, the organiser of the event may face a penalty for violation of assembly rules while the participants can have fines or minor traffic violation penalties for breaking the Road Traffic Act.

- In the worst case scenario, the rest of the organiser’s and participants’ life will be shadowed by serious injuries and even cases of death. How would that make you feel if your friend is run over or someone is injured because of these actions?, Senior Inspector Kari Koponen of Tukes asks.

Organising a safe event starts with the due notification made to the Police department, accompanied with good planning. The Tukes site includes instructions and information which help to ensure safety in these activities, including a Guide for safety in drag and speed racing events.

Link: Safety in drag racing and high-speed racing events

For more information:
Chief Superintendent Heikki Kallio, tel. +358 295 481 556 (National Police Board), Senior officer Kari Koponen, tel.+358 2950 52 094 ( Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency )

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Kauniala lift accident caused by a faulty brake – Tukes issues several recommendations for lift maintenance

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 05:25:00 GMT

The immediate cause of the accident was a faulty brake in the lifting mechanism.
The brake was mechanically jammed in the open position and was unable to hold the lift car in place at the floor level, as a result of which the car started moving upwards pulled by the counterweight. Lift maintenance is highly important considering the reliability of the brake in the specific lift type’s lifting mechanism.

The investigation team proposes the following measures to avoid similar accidents and improve lift safety.

Special attention must be paid to the maintenance of the lifting mechanism brake in Valmet Schlieren lifts. During every maintenance visit, it is necessary to inspect the free movement of the shaft of the brake’s electromagnet and, if required, to clean and lubricate the shaft and its slide bearings.
The lift maintenance company and lift owner must ensure that the lift maintenance programme is lift-specific, sufficiently addressing the special characteristics of the lift in question. The maintenance programme must define the measures to be carried out during maintenance in sufficient detail. The number of maintenance visits must be sufficient.
Lift maintenance companies must ensure that the measures defined in the maintenance programme are carried out during maintenance visits. Maintenance must address the type-specific measures required for different lift types. Maintenance measures must be carried out in accordance with lift-specific maintenance instructions.
During periodic safety inspections, inspection bodies must inspect that a lift’s maintenance programme is suitable for the lift in question. The assessment of suitability must, to a sufficient extent, address lift-specific factors, such as the lift type, special features, the technology used, operating conditions, and any faults identified during operations.
Rescuers are at risk if the lift car’s movement cannot be controlled during rescue operations. Instructions provided for rescuers should point out that, in these cases, the movement of the car can be prevented by securing the lift’s suspension rope to the pulley by using the rope pressing device available in the machine room. In general, it should be noted, in instructions provided for rescuers, that there is a broad range of lifts with different structures and operations.

Investigation report (pdf, 1,5 Mb, in Finnish)

Slides (pdf, 811 kb, in Finnish)

Further information:
Antti Savola, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 29 5052 684
Email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Accident Prevention Day: Alcohol is often behind scooter and bicycle accidents – head injuries common

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 06:34:00 GMT

Photo: Kaisa Tanskanen/Finnish Road Safety Council

Patients arriving at the Emergency Department of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS) are often intoxicated. Arja Kobylin, chief physician at HUS Emergency Medicine and Services, reports that the number of people who are drunk tends to increase as a night progresses.

”It’s surprising how often there is alcohol in the blood of people injured in scooter accidents. Intoxication is more common in motorised scooter accidents than in bike accidents”, says Kobylin.

HUS Emergency Medicine and Services treat people injured in electric scooter accidents more frequently than they do those from bike accidents.

Since mid-July, the night-time speed limits for electric scooters have been lowered in town centres. The restrictions are in use only in some parts of the country, e.g. Helsinki. This experiment is to remain in place until at least the end of August. The speed limits aim to prevent accidents at night.

”By limiting the speeds of electric scooters, we hope to see fewer serious injuries, but that alone is not enough. Since the reduced speed limits, accident numbers have gone down a bit compared to earlier in the summer, but the figures are still dismal, particularly on weekend nights”, says Kobylin.

Drinking and traffic don’t mix

Even a small amount of alcohol can make negotiating traffic risky, regardless of one’s mode of transport. Alcohol and/or drugs impact on a driver or rider’s ability to judge speed and distance, and much else. Cycling or propelling a non-motorised vehicle while under the influence is a crime in Finland. Anyone who is drunk while riding a non-motorised vehicle in a manner that endangers other people can be fined or even imprisoned.

As Finnish Road Safety Council planner Tomi Niemi points out, ” If you drink, you don’t drive! That’s always a good rule wherever there’s traffic. An electric scooter is not a toy, it’s a vehicle, as is a bike. It’s a good idea to think beforehand about how you are going to get around on a summer’s night, so that an impulsive decision doesn’t put yourself or others in danger.”

Head injuries are common and often heal slowly

HUS Emergency Medicine and Services handle minor injuries, while more seriously injured people are taken directly to Töölö Hospital. Arja Kobylin says that trauma patients who arrive at HUS Emergency Medicine and Services often come in with head injuries, such as broken facial bones, teeth knocked out, and/or with bruising to the brain. With milder brain injuries, the patients would usually have been unconscious for just a few minutes.

”Even so, they may exhibit confusion for a longer period afterwards and, also, how long their memories are impaired after an injury is also an indication of the severity of damage to the brain. We send a lot of patients for post-treatment check-ups to the brain injury clinic, where the neurological recovery of the patient is assessed following an injury”, says Kobylin.

In addition to head injuries, wrist and clavicle fractures are also common. Fractures to the bones in the hand can also have a long-term impact on a patient’s function.

”A wrist fracture, for instance, is usually put in a cast for five weeks, which diminishes the patient’s ability to work at most jobs and an employee may need to take sick leave”, says Kobylin.

Since 1993, Finnish authorities and NGOs have worked together on accident prevention. One form of cooperation has been trying to influence people’s attitudes through the Accident Prevention Day campaign, organised for the 26th time this year. On Accident Prevention Day, always a Friday the 13th, people are encouraged to think about how they can lessen risks and prevent accidents at work, at home and in traffic. This year the Accident Prevention Day campaign runs throughout Monday–Friday, 9–13 August.

With alcohol involved, nasty predictions can come true.
To find out how you can avoid danger, go to: tapaturmapäivä.fi

For more information, please contact:

The Accident Prevention Day campaign
Saara Aakko, Planning Officer at the Finnish Red Cross, telephone 040 4806973, saara.aakko(at)punainenristi.fi

For traffic safety
Tomi Niemi, Planner at the Finnish Road Safety Council, telephone 020 7282 334, tomi.niemi(at)liikenneturva.fi

Regarding electric scooter accidents
Interview requests for Arja Kobylin
Via HUS Media Services, telephone 050 427 2875, viestinta(at)hus.fi

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Reporting substances of very high concern (SVHC) is mandatory from 19 July 2021 onwards

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of the Environment has previously recommended that companies provide information about SVHC for the ECHA SCIP database from 5 January 2021 onwards. From 19 July 2021 onwards, the provision of information is mandatory.

SCIP stands for “Substances of Concern in Articles as such or in Complex Objects (Products)”.

The obligation to submit SCIP notifications improves the flow of information about the SVHC contained by articles. The aim is to improve the availability of SVHC information over a product’s life cycle, including when it is waste. The database is also used to promote the replacing of SVHC with safer options.

Who must submit information for the SCIP database?

The obligation to submit SCIP notifications applies to suppliers of articles containing SVHC in a concentration above 0.1 per cent, weight by weight. The obligation applies to manufacturers and assemblers in the EU, importers to the EU, retailers in the EU, and other parties in the supply chain who make articles available on the market. Retailers supplying articles directly and exclusively to consumers are not required to submit notifications for the SCIP database.

Submitting notifications for the SCIP database is a new obligation for the suppliers of articles. The EU chemicals legislation has already required the suppliers of articles to report SVHC in the supply chain.

Tukes is the supervisory authority

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) monitors compliance with the obligation to submit SCIP notifications. Tukes also advises companies regarding statutory requirements. The database’s operation and technical matters are the responsibility of ECHA.

More information:

Senior Officer Kati Suomalainen, tel. +358 29 50 52124

Tukes chemical information service

Tukes: Tietojen toimittaminen esineistä SCIP-tietokantaan (in Finnish)

Tukes bulletin, 2 September 2020: Yritysten on parannettava tiedottamista erityistä huolta aiheuttavista aineista (in Finnish) Tukes SCIP webinar (in Finnish)

ECHA

SCIP database

Q&As, Waste Framework Directive – SCIP database

Leaflet: The SCIP database. What you need to know (PDF

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Kimmo Peltonen continues as Director General of Tukes

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:51:00 GMT

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment announced the decision on Thursday, 10 June. Kimmo Peltonen has served as Director General of Tukes since 2014. Peltonen says that the primary task of the Director General is to put Tukes’s finances on a stable footing. A new strategy will also be prepared starting from next autumn.

“Clients and stakeholders want better services and active interaction from the authorities, which requires us to renew Tukes as well. At Tukes, we have been developing our electronic services, for example, in a client-oriented manner, and this work is continuing,” says Peltonen.

Tukes has a good reputation among stakeholders and the general public

In studies concerning stakeholders, Tukes has been evaluated as a reliable expert authority responsible for safety. Stakeholders appreciate good cooperation with Tukes and professional employees.

“It’s great that stakeholders are happy with Tukes. We’ve invested a lot in interaction and training our experts. Every encounter contributes to our reputation, so we need continuous dialogue,” says Peltonen.

The Director General directs the Agency’s operations and is responsible for their development and effectiveness as well as the achievement of the Agency’s objectives.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) is a licensing and supervisory authority that promotes the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial activities. Tukes employs approximately 250 people. The Agency has offices in Helsinki, Tampere and Rovaniemi.

More information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. +358 295 052 157

Twitter: @K1mmoPeltonen

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Tukes investigating a lift accident resulting in a death

Wed, 12 May 2021 14:50:00 GMT

The accident occurred in a hospital in Kauniainen on 11 May. On 12 May, Tukes made investigation in the scene. The technological reason for the accident is suspected to be a mechanical malfunction.

Tukes’s investigation will further examine the lift’s malfunction, maintenance and inspection history and other factors that may have contributed to the accident. The investigation team will cooperate with the police and the Safety Investigation Authority. Tukes’s investigation team comprises Antti Savola, Senior Specialist, and Sakari Hatakka, Senior Officer. The investigation will be finalised by September 2021.

Lift accidents resulting in death are rare. Before this, the previous accident that resulted in a death happened in 2018 and the latest accident before that happened in 2003. In 2014, a person died in an accident involving a wheelchair lift. In addition, Tukes annually receives several reports of dangerous situations or injuries related to lifts. Tukes investigates such incidents if it deems that an investigation is required to find out the cause of the accident or to prevent similar accidents in the future.

More information:

More information on lift safety and Tukes’s related supervision on the Tukes website

More information on lift accidents on the Tukes website

Tukes’s damage and accident information registry VARO (only in Finnish)

Press release of the Länsi-Uusimaa Police Department (only in Finnish)

Antti Savola, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 052 684
Kirsi Levä, Director, tel. +358 295 052 162
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes tested the chemicals in civil masks – no concentrations harmful to health were found

Mon, 03 May 2021 06:26:00 GMT

Tukes tested a total of 21 different civil masks in spring 2021. The masks chosen for the test were sold in shops or online, or they were otherwise available to consumers. The masks were both from foreign and domestic manufacturers. Tukes decided to test the chemicals in masks because there had been a number of reports from consumers of the civil masks.

“Tukes does not inspect the products in advance, but we test and monitor products available to customers based on their risks by means of spot checks. Consumers had contacted Tukes about unpleasant or strong odours in civil masks, and we wanted to examine the chemicals in them in more detail”, says Elina Vaahtovuo, senior officer at Tukes.

Tukes monitors civil masks and personal protective equipment intended for consumer use on the Finnish market. Manufacturers, importers and sellers are responsibility for product safety, and they should also take into account any chemicals in the masks.

Test results

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) tested the masks upon the request of Tukes. Volatile substances released into the air from the masks were tested. Hundreds of different volatile organic substances were examined. In addition, the concentration of formaldehyde in the masks was measured.

Almost all products, such as textiles and detergents, might release various amounts of substances into the air. Some of these volatile substances could cause respiratory irritation. Textiles might contain formaldehyde from the chemicals used in textile finishing. If the skin contact is repeated and prolonged, formaldehyde could cause allergic contact dermatitis.

The test showed a great variation in total concentrations of these volatile substances between different masks. Higher total concentrations in some masks might explain stronger odours. A product’s odour or the absence of odour does not directly say anything about its impacts on health. Health impacts depend on individual substances’ hazardous properties and exposure levels, i.e. the concentrations of harmful substances in the air.

“People have been concerned of strong odours in some masks, because masks are used for longer periods at a time. Still, the odour alone does not imply that the product would be harmful to health. Harmful health impacts caused by the substances in the masks tested are very unlikely”, says Petteri Talasniemi, senior officer at Tukes.

In high concentrations, some of the substances found in the test might cause temporary irritation to eyes and the airways. However, the concentrations of these substances were very low and they were below the maximum concentration limits set for the air. Concentration limits have been set to secure people’s health. Low concentrations of formaldehyde were found in unwashed cloth masks, in particular. Even though the concentrations were low, this confirms the recommendation to wash cloth masks before their first use.

Consumer – you can ask a product’s manufacturer, importer or seller about the chemicals in the product

Persons who are more sensitive to irritating and sensitising substances might get symptoms even from very low concentrations. If you get symptoms from a certain mask, stop using the product and try some other mask. You can reduce the substances that might be released from the masks by airing them out or by washing them before use.

“If a mask has a strong odour, it can be aired out in clean and dry space before use. Cloth masks should always be washed before use”, advises Elina Vaahtovuo.

The EU does not yet have any explicit requirements for civil masks. Apart from the EU’s chemical legislation, they must meet the general safety requirements of the Consumer Safety Act, which means that they must not pose a danger to the health of anyone. Civil masks are currently being standardised on the EU level.

Consumers have the right to get information on any so called substances of very high concern in civil masks, as well as on possible biocidal treatments, from the product’s manufacturer, importer or seller. Biocidal treatments can be used to destroy viruses and bacteria, for example, in the masks.

Tested products and summary of the results

Test results are specific to product batches.

Summary of the test results (pdf, in Finnish)

Further information for media

Market surveillance: Elina Vaahtovuo, senior officer, tel. +358 29 505 2003

Chemical-related risks: Petteri Talasniemi, senior officer, tel. +358 29 505 2104

email addresses firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Further information

Respiratory protective equipment – Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

Ask about chemicals in a product (in Finnish)

Biocides

Tukes investigated the filtration efficiency and breathing resistance of civil masks – significant variation in mask properties

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Tukes’ chemical safety permit for Fennovoima Ltd’s nuclear power plant in Pyhäjoki

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 06:54:00 GMT

Large-scale handling of dangerous chemicals requires a permit from Tukes

Chemicals classified as dangerous will be used and stored at the nuclear power plant in such quantities that a permit must be obtained from Tukes for the operations.

– The nuclear power plant cannot be operated safely without the use of dangerous chemicals. The chemicals are used among other things to prevent metal corrosion and secure the availability of cooling energy in the case of disruption. Tukes’ chemical safety permit is a precondition for the extensive storing and handling of dangerous chemicals at the nuclear power plant,” says Matti Peippo, Tukes Senior Officer.

– The chemicals used at nuclear power plants are primarily the same as those used at other power plants with steam processes. In addition, large quantities of light fuel oil and diesel oil will be stored at the plant, so special attention must be paid to leak control in order to protect the aquatic environment. Oil leaks will be controlled, e.g. by constructing oil tanks in protective basins. In addition, all process water and rainwater from the plant area is directed to the plant’s water purification plants before directing it into the water body. The amount of oil in water is monitored in several phases. The permit issued by Tukes ensures that chemicalrelated hazards can be controlled at the plant,” Peippo says.

Tukes’ chemical safety permit alone is not sufficient for building chemical tanks, tank areas, pipelines and equipment containing chemicals but these are also subject to the requirements of obligations concerning nuclear and radiation safety. In the permit process, Tukes considered that the estimates presented by the company about recognized chemical accidents and their consequences were appropriate and the preparedness measures planned for preventing chemical accidents and limiting their consequences were sufficient. In its permit decision, Tukes placed more specific conditions concerning the amounts of chemicals allowed at the plant, the design, testing and manufacture of tanks and pipelines, the safety of the plant during use as well as preparedness for possible chemical accidents.

Accidents risks have been estimated and prepared for

It was considered in major accident risk estimates that possible chemical accidents will not have an impact on the area outside of the plant area. It was recognized that accident risks can be caused among others by the storage of fuel for the secondary steam boilers and diesel generators and by the handling and storage of hydrogen, which is used as a coolant in electric power generators, and chemicals harmful to health.

Among others, chemical accident risks are controlled by designing the plant area in such a way that the distances of buildings from dangerous equipment and their fire protection are sufficient to prevent the spreading of fire in case of an accident. Automatic fire extinguishing equipment is used to prepare for preventing accidents. Leaks are controlled using multiple protection. Water from the entire plant area as well as chemical leaks are collected in a controlled manner and processed at the plant’s water treatment plants.

Tukes will carry out a commissioning inspection on the plant before chemicals required for use can be introduced in the plant area. In the commissioning inspection, Tukes ensures that the terms of the permit are complied with, systems related to plant chemicals, for example, have been constructed as stated in the permit application and the systems can be taken into use safely.

No complaint has been lodged about Tukes’ permit decision.

Further information:
Matti Peippo, Senior Inspector, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 059
Kirsi Levä, Director, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 162
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Link to PDF-document at Tukes website: Tukes’ permit decision (in Finnish)

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Tukes inspected the safety of snow buildings – no defects found

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 06:26:00 GMT

The snow buildings inspected by Tukes were the Kemi SnowCastle, the SnowLounge in Salla, the Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi, the Lapland Safaris Saariselkä castle in Inari and the SnowVillage in Lainio, Kittilä. The inspections were carried out based on the Consumer Safety Act. All the sites inspected had the safety document required by the Act.

The sites selected for inspection were snow buildings of more than 250 cm in height, or included closed structures made of snow that could be entered. All the snow buildings were approved for use by local building supervision and rescue authorities, and had been granted a building permit in accordance with the Land Use and Building Act. All the buildings included bar/restaurant and recreation facilities, containing, among other things, snow and ice art and places for various activities. Four of the buildings also included accommodation facilities, and two included saunas.

Pictures: Tukes inspected the safety of snow buildings as part of its surveillance of consumer services. Snow buildings in Lapland are popular tourist attractions during regular seasons, and a lot of attention is paid to their safety.

The buildings are constructed each year from artificial snow with the help of moulds. Using heavy artificial snow ensures the required strength of the structure for its whole life cycle. The construction method varied slightly between the sites, but all followed the general construction practices of the industry,

The buildings also had decorations, places for various activities and furniture made of snow and ice. Their condition and functioning is regularly monitored.

“The risks related to the construction method and the significance of in-use monitoring are well known to the operators, and self-monitoring is systematic. Self-monitoring includes, for instance, monitoring the shape of structures and potential changes in the structures, as well as preventing slipperiness. During the surveillance project, nothing was found that would have warranted any special official measures or procedures”, says Jaakko Leinonen, Senior Officer, Tukes.

“Snow construction in Lapland has received a lot of publicity internationally as well, and during normal seasons, a large number of foreign tourists visit the buildings. Safety defects would be a major reputational risk for this kind of business, which is why people pay a lot of attention to safety matters”, Leinonen says.

Tukes monitors the safety of consumer services in Finland. The surveillance is based on the Consumer Safety Act.

Further information: Jaakko Leinonen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 141, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Further information on snow and ice construction:
Ryynänen, Kai (2011), Lumi- ja jäärakentamisen ohjekirja. Vinkkejä viranomaisille - ohjeita rakentajille, Rovaniemi University of Applied Sciences publication series C, No. 27 (in Finnish)

Pictures of the sites that were inspected

Ice steps are made less slippery e.g. by roughening the surface or sanding with white sand.

The condition of statues and decorations is monitored daily. For example, whether glued joints hold and whether there is any tilting.

An emergency exit is required for snow buildings in which a larger number of people may gather (such as restaurants, chapels and theatres).

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Tukes withdrew 118 dangerous electrical products from the market last year

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:32:00 GMT

Tukes monitors the market’s electrical products both in brick-and-mortar shops and online shops. In 2020, Tukes’ inspectors inspected over 1,200 shops that sell electrical products. The number of inspections in brick-and-mortar shops has reduced in the past years. The coronavirus epidemic affected the number last year, and in the longer term, monitoring focuses more and more on online shops.

Tukes tested 346 electrical products last year. As a result of the tests, a total of 118 products were withdrawn from the market. Of these, the most severe 15 were recalled from consumers. In 2019, 19 such products were recalled, and in the year before that, 46.

“Consumers buy more electrical products from online shops outside Finland and the EU. The authoritative power of Finland or the EU cannot reach these online shops. In practice, this means that consumers purchasing products from outside the EU are personally responsible for the consequences if the product is unsafe or causes damage”, says Seppo Niemi, senior officer at Tukes.

Manufacturers, importers and sellers are liable for the safety of electrical products

“The same product groups contain the highest numbers of dangerous and faulty electrical products year after year. The largest group is LED luminaires and different chargers and transformers. This proves that the manufacturers and importers do not always check their safety sufficiently”, Niemi says.

“The production chains of electrical products can be very complex, and an electrical product can contain several parts that the final manufacturer puts together and sells as a finished product. The manufacture and importation of safe electrical products requires companies to manage several things, such as ensuring the safety of each product and range of devices as well as sufficient self-monitoring and quality control”, Niemi continues.

The importer, manufacturer and seller of the electrical product are liable for its safety. The authorities do not inspect electrical products in advance, as many might think. The practice of mandatory preliminary inspections of electrical products ceased 25 years ago after joining the EU.

Tukes catches dangerous electrical products well

Tukes targets its monitoring to suspicious products based on their risks, or to new product groups and brands.

“We use different European market surveillance databases in our monitoring. We also collaborate actively with other market surveillance authorities in the EU, and participate in cooperation projects”, says Niemi.

Tukes constantly finds non-compliant electrical products from the markets that should be restricted or withdrawn. Targeting the monitoring has been effective. Last year, 31% of the tested electrical products were dangerous or faulty to the degree that their sales had to be restricted with prohibition decisions. The companies liable for products that had less severe faults received notices asking the companies to rectify the issues found in testing no later than by the next production lot. For the tested part, 28% of the electrical products were in order.

You can find further information on the products that were withdrawn from the market from the Tukes market surveillance register. You can report a product you suspect dangerous with the form on Tukes’ website.

Further information: Seppo Niemi, senior officer, tel. +358 29 5052 167, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Communication regarding applications and permits pertaining to the Mining Act to change: more online communication, notice board to be closed

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 06:41:00 GMT

Giving notification of permit applications

Applications pertaining to the Mining Act (mineral exploration, gold panning or mining permit application) will be available on the Tukes website for at least 30 days. Notices will indicate what the application in question concerns and how a reminder or opinion concerning the application can be sent to Tukes.

Information about notices will be sent separately to all parties concerned. This improves the direct access of the parties concerned to information. After all, according to the previous provisions, it was sufficient that a notice was published in a newspaper if there were 30 parties concerned or more. Parties concerned include those who are expressly subject to the activities defined in the application, that is, usually property owners in the area defined in the application.

Notices will be published on the website of the municipality in which the area defined in the application is located, and also in a local newspaper.

Issuing and communicating a decision

Information about decisions pertaining to the Mining Act (reservation decision, or mineral exploration, gold panning or mining permit) will be provided by issuing public notices on the Tukes website. Decisions will be available on the Tukes website for at least the defined appeal period. The appeal period is indicated in public notices.

Information about the issuance of a mineral exploration or mining permit will be sent via email or by post to all property owners in the area.

Information about public notices concerning decisions will be published on the website of the municipality or municipalities in question and in a local newspaper.

Public notices on the Tukes website (in Finnish)

Act on amending the Mining Act 966/2020 (in Finnish)

Further information:

Markus Kauppinen, head of unit, tel. +358 40 748 7151, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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New Year celebrations resulted in 10 eye injuries – fires kept rescue departments busy

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 14:45:00 GMT

Eye injuries were sustained both by people who set off and watched fireworks, including two minors

Eye injuries were received both by people who set off fireworks and by people who watched them. Among these, one was aged four and one 70, both of whom watched fireworks. Of the ten eye injuries, three were severe, five moderate and two mild. Most of those injured did not wear protective eyewear. Cakes caused five and rockets three injuries, while in two cases the cause of an injury was unknown. In addition, one person was injured by an unignited sparkler and one by a P1 product designed as an animal repellent. Information on eye injuries is based on data collected by the Finnish ophthalmologists’ association from hospitals.

Eye injuries can be avoided by using protective eyewear and by following instructions for use

“Moderate and severe eye injuries caused by fireworks could nearly always be avoided if protective eyewear was used. The use of protective eyewear when setting off fireworks has been mandatory for more than ten years now, and those who have worn safety glasses have only sustained mild injuries. Unfortunately, not many watchers use protective eyewear”, says Tero Kivelä, professor at the Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology at the Helsinki University Hospital.

Tukes and the Finnish ophthalmologists’ association also recommend that watchers use protective eyewear, because fireworks flying in the wrong direction have caused eye injuries to bystanders every year.

“Instructions for use, age limits and safe distances must be followed when setting off fireworks. Fireworks are not permitted for persons under 18. Parents should remember not to give any fireworks to their children”, says Kurt Kokko, head of unit at Tukes.

Rescue departments had 68 assignments involving fireworks fires, most involving bin fires

Between 27 December and 5 January, rescue departments had 68 assignments involving fires suspected to be ignited by fireworks. In the previous year, the corresponding figure was 92. Of the fires caused by fireworks, the majority (49) were bin fires, in addition to which there were five building fires and five building fire hazards.

Correspondingly, there were a total of 117 fireworks-related fires during the entire previous year. Of these, 64 were bin fires, seven were building fires and 12 were building fire hazards.

This information is from the Emergency Services Academy Finland’s PRONTO register.

Tukes received seven reports on defective fireworks and firecrackers

Seven reports on defective fireworks and firecrackers were submitted to Tukes. Three of these concerned cakes and three P1 firecrackers. Two cakes did not include Finnish instructions for use, and one cake was reported to have caused leg burns for two people. Both reports on P1 firecrackers concerned the Thunder Original firecracker/repellent. Complaints were made of the loud noise caused by the product, and some products were assembled incorrectly, therefore involving the risk of an incorrect use. P1 products are intended as repellents for harmful animals, and they cannot be sold in conjunction with fireworks. Tukes set a sales ban for the Thunder Original repellent and issued a warning of the product.

In the previous year, Tukes received ten reports on defective or incorrectly working fireworks. The number of reports has been much higher in certain years. For example, there were 74 reports during the 2017–2018 New Year celebrations and up to 238 in 2016–2017.

Importers are responsible for the safety of fireworks

The safety of fireworks is the responsibility of their importers. Tukes supervises that importers comply with the requirements laid down in the legislation and have quality controls in place. Fireworks do not require any pre-approval. All imported fireworks must be CE-marked.

Further information:

Kurt Kokko, head of unit, Tukes (fireworks), tel. +358 29 5052 128, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Tero Kivelä, professor, Finnish ophthalmologists’ association, Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology (eye injuries), HUS, tel. +358 50 525 2723, firstname.lastname@hus.fi

Heidi Liukkonen, data systems designer, Emergency Services Academy Finland (fires), tel. +358 29 541 3411, firstname.lastname@pelastusopisto.fi

APPENDIX

The number of eye injuries requiring hospital treatment at the end of each year.
Source: Finnish ophthalmologists’ association

2020-2021: 12
2019-2020: 5
2018-2019: 13
2017-2018: 12
2016–2017: 12
2015¬‒2016: 31
2014‒2015: 17
2013‒2014: 11
2012−2013: 15
2011−2012: 19
2010−2011: 27
2009−2010: 47
2008−2009: 46
2007−2008: 44
2006−2007: 32
2005−2006: 22
2004−2005: 31
2003−2004: 32
2002−2003: 19
2001−2002: 36
2000−2001: 30

Fires between 27 December and 5 January, causing an alarm and suspected to have been caused by fireworks. Source: Rescue Services’ resource and accident statistics (PRONTO)

2020-2021: 68
2019–2020: 92
2018–2019: 60
2017-2018: 67
2016–2017: 106
2015‒2016: 136
2014‒2015: 75
2013‒2014: 96
2012−2013: 44
2011−2012: 78
2010−2011: 69
2009−2010: 62
2008−2009: 236
2007−2008: 227
2006−2007: 155
2005−2006: 81
2004−2005: 84
2003−2004: 66

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Plant protection products and biocide register now available on KemiDigi

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 07:00:00 GMT

You can use KemiDigi to search for information on chemicals on the Finnish market. Companies can submit different statutory notifications to authorities from KemiDigi, such as chemical notifications related to dangerous chemicals and notifications on the annual sales volumes.

The chemical products register has already been in KemiDigi, containing information on all the dangerous chemicals on the Finnish market. The substance register contains information on substances. The information is based on the register maintained by the European Chemicals Agency.

The search functions of the plant protection product register to improve in 2021

The plant protection products register opening now is a simplified version that you can use to search for information on authorised and removed products by typing the product’s name, register number or active substances.

At the start of 2021, the full version of the plant protection products register becomes available, which means you will be able to use the search based on the plant or pest. In future, you can also use the search function based on the usage restrictions of use, active substance’s mode of action and the product’s usage location. As a new feature, you can also find out the dates for authorisations validity or transitional period from the register.

Accepted biocidal products in KemiDigi

The biocide register, biocidal pesticide register and the lists of accepted antifouling products and preservatives are now also on KemiDigi.

The biocide register contains the biocide products authorised for use in Finland in accordance with the Chemicals Act, Biocidal Products Directive or Biocidal Products Regulation. A biocide product can also be authorised at EU level. The biocide products that have a Union authorisation are listed only on the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) website.

You can also now use the biocide register to search for products authorised for consumer use separately, or for products that require a qualification in pest control.

KemiDigi is maintained by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

KemiDigi

Further information
KemiDigi: Project Manager Satu Rantala, tel. +358 29 5052 013
Plant protection products register: Senior Officer Elina Pihlajaniemi, tel. +358 29 5052 228
Biocide register: Senior Officer Pia Lindfors, tel. +358 29 5052 032
Email formats: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes investigated the filtration efficiency and breathing resistance of civil masks – significant variation in mask properties

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:17:00 GMT

Tukes assigned the investigations from VTT in October 2020, applying the pre-standard for community face coverings. A total of 22 civil masks that have a different structure and material and were available for sale online and in shops were selected for the investigation. Of these, 20 were reusable and two were disposable. The materials used in the masks or their densities, or the chemical or any antimicrobial properties of the masks were not investigated during this project.

The purpose of civil masks is to reduce the spread of droplets from the user’s respiratory tracts to the surroundings. In addition to the filtration efficiency of the material, it must be ensured that breathing resistance does not make the use of the mask too heavy.

– “When preparing requirements, it is important to ensure that the mask reduces the spread of droplets to the surroundings as effectively as possible, while it does not make breathing unreasonably more difficult”, says Reija Sironen, senior officer at Tukes.

– “The study results provide data for standardisation work. Tukes is a product safety authority, which monitors the compliance of products with requirements, and does not issue any recommendations for the use of masks. However, the test results show that face masks can reduce the spread of droplets to the surroundings.”

A total of six masks designed for children were tested. According to the results, the breathing resistance and filtration properties of the masks did not differ from masks designed for adults.

Significant variation in the filtration efficiency of civil masks

According to the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), coronavirus primarily spreads by droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The study investigated the filtration efficiency of the materials used in face masks. The filtration efficiency value indicates how well the material used filters particles from breathing air. The filtration efficiency was measured within the particle size range of 0.1–5 micrometres (one thousandth of a millimetre). According to the pre-standard’s recommendations, the filtration efficiency value was reported in the test results using the particle size of 3 micrometres. The size of coronaviruses is usually 0.05–0.2 micrometres.

According to the results, the filtration efficiency of reusable masks was low, often under 30%, for particles of less than 0.2 micrometres. Therefore, the results confirm that civil masks do not protect their users from a virus infection. Instead, respiratory protective equipment is intended to protect their users.

The measurement results related to filtration efficiency also confirm that civil masks may reduce the amount of the largest droplets and sprays spreading from users to the surroundings. The filtration efficiency values of civil masks available on the market showed great variation with the particle size of 3 micrometres: 11, i.e. half of the investigated civil masks produced values of over 70%, while the values of very thin materials were under 10%.

Disposable fibre masks were at the top of the test, considering the combination of filtration efficiency and breathing resistance. For reusable masks, it was not possible to define any specific property or material that would show that a certain structural solution is much better than other solutions.

Large differences in breathing resistance values

The breathing resistance value indicates how much a material blocks the flow of breathed air. The higher the value is, the worse air flows through the material. The breathing resistance values of the materials of the studied civil masks showed great variation from one product to the next.

The breathing resistance value is only measured for the mask material, not the whole mask, and it does not, therefore, take into account the leaks from the side of a worn mask, for example, by the side of the nose or from the side of the mask. Even if the breathing resistance value of a mask material is high, the mask may not feel suffocating if air flows through the sides of the mask and the face. In this case, however, the mask is not tight.

The breathing resistance and filtration properties of a mask are affected by the density and thickness of the material used and the number of layers. In addition, it is important, considering the comfort of use, that the mask fits snugly on the face. Consumers should compare different masks to find the model that fits well on their face and that does not make breathing too heavy.

Standardisation work for civil masks has begun

In the summer of 2020, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) prepared a pre-standard for the properties and testing of civil masks. The preparation of the pre-standard involved the countries that already had recommendations in place for civil masks. The pre-standard for civil masks is not obligatory like a law, and the threshold values defined in it are not mandatory. The pre-standard also presents several different methods for testing products. On the basis of the published pre-standard, a process has been started to process uniform technical specifications into a technical report; however, it is not a legal amendment.

Standards and technical reports are recommendations by nature. The authorities can use standards and technical reports for assistance when assessing whether a product meets a safety level set out in the legislation. Tukes participates in the activities of the working group, which is preparing the report. The test results of civil masks help to define requirements and test methods applied to them.

– “The tests were not primarily conducted from the point of view of market surveillance. Instead, their purpose was to obtain more detailed information about the properties of masks for the standardisation of civil masks”, Reija Sironen says.

Three different types of masks worn in front of the mouth and nose are available for consumers on the market: civil masks, surgical masks, and respiratory protective equipment. Masks have different purposes of use and are covered by different legislation. Tukes is responsible for the market surveillance of civil masks and respiratory protective equipment (RPE) intended for consumers. Tukes does not issue guidelines or monitor the use of masks or RPE. Recommendations for the use of civil masks are issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and THL.

Further information: Reija Sironen, senior officer, tel. +358 29 5052 016, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Appendix: Image of the civil masks investigated in the project

Appendix: VTT customer report relating to the conducted study

Appendix: Received test results in graphs (in Finnish)

Links:

Further information about different RPEs and face masks

THL (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare)

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Market surveillance contact point to start at Tukes at the beginning of next year

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 11:13:00 GMT

The EU is intensifying and harmonising market surveillance and increasing cooperation between market surveillance authorities and customs authorities, both inside and between Member States. To increase cooperation, a contact point for market surveillance will be established in each Member State. In Finland, Tukes will act as the national contact point.

In addition to Tukes, Finnish market surveillance authorities are the Department for Work and Gender Equality (TTO) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Regional State Administrative Agencies (Divisions of Occupational Safety and Health), the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority Traficom, the Finnish Environment Institute, the Finnish Food Authority, Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment, the Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea, the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health, the National Police Board, and the Government of Åland. Finnish Customs acts as the external border control authority as referred to in the Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products.

D.Sc. (Tech.) Mika Toivonen will start as the head of the contact point. He has previously worked in market surveillance activities at Tukes.

The contact point will start operating at the beginning of next year by assembling a network of representatives of market surveillance authorities and Finnish Customs. The network will deal with shared market surveillance issues and prepare a joint market surveillance strategy. In the EU, cooperation between national contact points will start in January by preparing a joint work programme.

Market surveillance covers the control of product safety, environmental safety and compliance with requirements and ensuring a level playing field for economic operators. Market surveillance comprises ex post activities, and the authorities carry it out on a risk-based basis and by means of spot checks by targeting surveillance activities at products that are suspected of being non-compliant and dangerous.

Specialists will be recruited in the contact point, for example, to fill positions in the product contact point to be established in conjunction with the contact point. The product contact point will transfer from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to Tukes on 16 July 2021.

The amendment to the Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products relating to new positions at Tukes was confirmed today on 11 December 2020.

Further information:
Mika Toivonen, tel +358 29 5052 653
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Mika Toivonen appointed the head of the new Market Surveillance Liaison Office

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 13:40:00 GMT

The task of the liaison office is to coordinate the cooperation between market surveillance authorities and the Finnish Customs, to draft the Finnish market surveillance strategy and to represent Finland in all market surveillance related EU cooperation.

Toivonen has worked in the Tukes Electrical Products Unit since 2009, and has experience in working with other market surveillance authorities and customs both in Finland and internationally.

The establishment of a market surveillance liaison office is based on the new EU market surveillance Regulation. Complementary national legislation is being drafted to support the implementation of the Regulation. The Market Surveillance Liaison Office will start operations on 1 January 2020.

More information:

New market surveillance tasks for the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency

Tuiri Kerttula, Director of Product and Installations Surveillance, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 643

Mika Toivonen, tel +358 (0)29 5052 653

firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Do not buy toys meant for older children for babies and toddlers, as they may pose a choking hazard

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 06:36:00 GMT

Note the age limits of toys and follow them!

“The safety requirements for toys meant for children under the age of three are stricter than those for toys meant for older children. That is why it is especially important that nobody buys older children’s toys for small children. This is something parents, godparents and grandparents should keep in mind when shopping for toys during the holiday season,” says Anja Merenkivi, a senior officer at Tukes.

“The most commonly detected hazards in toys for small children are small parts that can come loose and, in the case of toys for babies, the shape of the toy. Both of these issues can pose a choking hazard. Long strings or the material of the packaging may also be a hazard. Easy access to the battery inside a toy or toys with too high content of hazardous chemicals, such as lead, are also dangerous,” Merenkivi says.

Several hazards detected in toys purchased from online stores outside of Finland

In the toy project, Tukes acquired a total of 23 toys for testing. Fifteen of them were purchased from Finnish stores, both in person and online, four from European online stores and four from online stores located outside the EU. Three samples were acquired on the basis of reports from consumers. The toys were tested by the Customs Laboratory.

The studied parts of twelve toys proved to be fine. Two toys were withdrawn from the market; in one of these cases, the importer was also obligated to have the toys removed from the possession of consumers. Request to fix the detected deficiencies was sent to the seller and manufacturer of two toys. In addition, e-commerce platforms from outside of Finland deleted the sales pages of the hazardous products.

The most deficiencies were detected in toys purchased from non-Finnish online stores, but Tukes’ powers do not extend outside the borders of Finland. This means that Tukes cannot issue any sales bans or recalls but only provide information on the detected hazards and report the hazardous products to the e-commerce platform.

“Consumers should be aware of the fact that the authorities do not test products in advance. Instead, the market surveillance is risk based and consists of spot checks. The manufacturer, importer and distributor carry the responsibility for product safety.”

“When purchasing products from online stores located outside the EU, consumers always act at their own risk. The products sold in such stores may not comply with EU legislation,” Merenkivi points out.

The following deficiencies were detected in the tested toys

– Choking/infection hazard, toys containing small parts that may come loose
– Choking hazard due to the shape of the toy or packaging (bag)
– Strangulation hazard, toys containing long strings or electric wiring
– Toys containing hazardous chemicals; lead content exceeding the allowed limit value
– Dangerous marketing: toy marketed to an age group where it may pose a choking hazard.

The following toys were deemed hazardous

– A children’s xylophone from which small parts that pose a choking hazard came loose and which contained too much lead. Withdrawal from the market and recall.
– A play mat/baby gym: the seams of the toy can easily become loose, which would allow the baby to get their hands on cotton wool that could end up in their mouth. Brand name Britton Big Owl. Withdrawal from the market.

– Children’s musical instruments (Chicken Shake maracas): a toy meant for older children was sold in the baby toy department of a toy store. The shape of the musical instrument can pose a choking hazard for a baby.

Toys purchased from non-Finnish online stores:

– A teddy bear with small parts that can come loose, a long wire that poses a strangulation hazard, a battery compartment that is too easy to open and too much lead in soldered joints.
– A toy camera from which small parts came loose and which included a long string that poses a strangulation hazard.
– A bear game and a fish game which included small parts that pose a choking hazard to a child under the age of three. The toys were marketed, with the help of text and images, as suitable for children under the age of three.
– Two rattles from which small parts came loose, posing a choking hazard for children. Furthermore, the handles of the toys can pose a hazard if the child pushes the handle deep into their mouth.

The non-Finnish online stores have deleted the sales pages of these products.

Further information: Anja Merenkivi, senior officer, tel. +358 29 5052 192,
email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Link: Most common defects in toys

Appendix: Images of the products

Image 1: The children’s xylophone from which small parts that pose a choking hazard came loose and which contained too much lead.

Image 2: The play mat/baby gym where the seams of the toy can easily become loose, which would allow the baby to get their hands on cotton wool that could end up in their mouth. Brand name Britton Big Owl.

Image 3: The children’s musical instruments (Chicken Shake maracas).v
A musical instrument meant for older children was sold in the baby toy department of a toy store. The toy is fine, as long as it is correctly marked and sold in the correct department

Hazards detected in toys bought from outside of Finland

Image 4: The teddy bear with small parts that can come loose, a long wire that poses a strangulation hazard, a battery compartment that is too easy to open and too much lead in soldered joints.

Image 5: The toy camera from which small parts came loose and which included a long string that poses a strangulation hazard.

Images 6 and 7: The toy game and fish game which included small parts that pose a choking hazard to a child under the age of three. The toys were marketed, with the help of text and images, as suitable for children under the age of three.

Images 8 and 9: The two rattles from which small parts came loose, posing a choking hazard for children. Furthermore, the handles of the toys can pose a hazard if the child pushes the handle deep into their mouth.

For further information, please see the Tukes market surveillance register (in Finnish)

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Rodenticides are hazardous to pets

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 06:39:00 GMT

Rodent control is a hot topic as people are making their cottages ready for winter and rodents try to find their way indoors. However, rodenticides that contain alphachloralose also harm animals other than mice, for which the poison is intended. During November, reports on cat poisoning have clearly increased. Poisoned mice are also hazardous to wild animals that eat mice.

– “In the cat poisoning cases, a cat has been moving freely outdoors, hunting mice. In some cases, rodenticides have been used by a neighbour, but it is not usually known where a cat has consumed poison. In a typical case of dog poisoning, a dog has had access to poison in a cupboard or poison has been spread outdoors, unlike what is defined in instructions for use”, says Sanna Koivisto, senior adviser at Tukes.

A poisoned cat starts to show symptoms in approximately 30 minutes after eating a mouse. The cat’s body temperature will drop, and it will experience balance disorders, cramps and unconsciousness. A poisoned cat must be kept warm and taken to a veterinarian. Tell the vet if you know where and when the cat has eaten mice and what rodenticide has been used.

Pauliina Koponen, municipal veterinarian in Kokemäki, says that poisoning caused by alphachloralose can usually be suspected already based on a telephone conversation.

“Typically, the patient experiences balance disorders, hyperesthesia and muscle twitches. Sometimes, a cat is unconscious and experiences hypothermia when brought to the clinic. In the cases I have treated, owners have not used any rodenticides to poison mice, but cats have probably caught poisoned mice from somewhere close to their home.”

“Cats are treated according to their symptoms, they are hydrated and their condition is monitored. If a cat is conscious, it can be made to vomit. When vomiting, cats usually regurgitate an undigested mouse. As there is no antidote for alphachloralose, it is more difficult to treat animals. Luckily, most cat patients have recovered one to three days after poisoning, while some have been put to death due to a poor prognosis”, Koponen says.

There are options for rodenticides

Rodenticides must not be used in households that have cats or dogs. There are options available for rodenticides. Primarily, Tukes recommends the use of mechanical mousetraps. One of their advantages is that dead mice do not remain inside structures to rot. The incidence of mice can be prevented by keeping everything clean, by covering any gaps of 5 mm and larger and by ensuring that no nutrition consumed by mice is available.

Rodenticides that do not contain any alphachloralose are less hazardous to cats and dogs. As there are antidotes for these rodenticides, it is easier to treat any poisoning cases. The active substance of a rodenticide is indicated on the packaging.

Follow instructions for use and warn your neighbours

If you still decide to use rodenticides for mouse control, follow the instructions given on the packaging. Rodenticides can only be used inside buildings. Keep any poison away from children and animals. Notify your neighbours who have cats or dogs of the use of rodenticides to indicate that their pets are at a risk of being poisoned. Find and remove any dead mice and dispose of them as mixed waste.

Measures have been taken to prevent poisoning cases: rodenticides can only be sold in pre-filled bait stations and the aforementioned instructions for use have been printed on packaging. According to the Chemicals Act, users of rodenticides are obligated to follow the instructions of use given on the packaging.

Tukes requests reports on suspected poisoning cases. Tukes will use the reported information in considering means to prevent poisoning cases.

Further information: Sanna Koivisto, senior adviser, tel. +358 29 5052 030
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Storing accumulators incorrectly can be costly

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 07:38:00 GMT

Before storing the item, check the accumulator’s condition and charge it according to the item’s instructions.

Before placing an accumulator in storage, visually check its condition and charge it. Lithium-ion accumulators should never be allowed to become fully depleted. It is recommended that accumulators are charged at least once during storage as well.

– ‘When charging a lithium-ion accumulator, always follow its instructions and those of the charger. Only use a high-quality and fully functional charger made for the item holding the accumulator. Always keep an eye on the charging item! Never leave an accumulator to charge unsupervised, particularly in residential spaces or spaces with flammable material. Remove the charger from the device when the accumulator is fully charged’, says Senior Officer Jukka Lepistö from the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes).

Do not charge accumulators in cold conditions. Although the accumulator warms up during charging, the cold air damages the accumulator and reduces its service life.
Do not use a charger if it looks damaged or functions inconsistently, or if the charger’s wires or connectors are damaged.

– ‘A faulty charger or accumulator can start a fire during charging. Burning lithium-ion accumulators can explode and they can be difficult to put out. A burning accumulator can set the device, the room or the whole house on fire’, Lepistö warns.

How to store lithium-ion accumulators safely

The accumulators should be stored in a dry space with good ventilation. They should not be stored in conditions that are too warm or too cold. The accumulator’s or the device’s instruction manual should have information on appropriate storing temperatures.

If an accumulator is stored in cold and humid conditions, it can be ruined and become unusable. Damaged accumulators are a fire hazard when they are charged.

Devices equipped with lithium-ion accumulators or the accumulators themselves should be stored in normal room temperatures. Unsuitable storages include boiler rooms, mechanical rooms and cold outdoor storages.

Store accumulators on a fire-resistant surface in a place with no fire load near the accumulator. Clothing and other textiles are examples of a fire load. The space where the accumulator is stored should also have a fire alarm.

If a lithium-ion accumulator becomes damaged, for example due to being dropped, if it has dents, or if it becomes overheated and swollen, the accumulator must be placed in a location where its possible ignition cannot cause a larger fire.

Further information:
Jukka Lepistö, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 460, email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Tukes’s website includes information (in Finnish) aimed at consumers on the safe purchase, use and disposal of lithium-ion accumulators.

More information on recycling accumulators can be found at the address
https://www.paristokierratys.fi/en/blog/2020/04/01/new-collection-system-for-large-lithium-accumulators/

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Tukes civil servant released

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:57:00 GMT

The police are responsible for the information about the preliminary investigation and the matters brought up there. Tukes continues cooperating with the police to investigate the matter.

- It is important that the matter is thoroughly investigated. We discuss the matter internally and will make our own decision on possible further measures, says Kimmo Peltonen, Director General of Tukes.

Tukes acts as the mining authority referred to in the Finnish Mining Act and is responsible for monitoring compliance with the act and attending to duties prescribed in the act. The construction of a mine and its operation require a mining safety permit. Mining safety permits are issued by Tukes. Mining safety refers to the structural and technical safety of mines, the prevention of hazards and accidents and the mitigation of the adverse effects of accidents.

Interrogations conducted during the preliminary investigation are kept secret until the preliminary investigation has been completed or a decision has been made to prosecute.

Further information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. 029 5052 157
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Press release from Tukes on the 4th of November: Tukes civil servant under suspicion

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Hydrogen explosion caused the Helsinki City Theatre incident

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 07:32:00 GMT

Hydrogen gas forms in the pipes of a sprinkler system as a result from corrosion when zinc, oxygen and water react. The mix of hydrogen gas and air is extremely flammable. The exact cause of ignition remains uncertain in the Helsinki City Theatre incident.

To avoid other similar incidents, Tukes issues instructions and recommendations for companies that design and maintain sprinkler systems as well as property owners. Tukes also instructs that new sprinkler systems should no longer have pipes that are coated with copper inside. Installations already under construction can be finished as planned, but the possibility of hydrogen forming in the pipes should be taken into account to ensure safety. A dangerous situation may arise when the sprinkler pipes are emptied or altered.

Tukes instructions and recommendations:

– The use of zinc-coated pipes in new sprinkler systems must cease in Finland. Tukes will later announce a schedule for operators in the field.

– Zinc-coated sprinkler pipes may form hydrogen gas, which can leak out during maintenance or other work on the sprinkler pipes, forming a flammable mix of hydrogen gas and air. This should be taken into account when assessing the danger of explosion and when required to draw up an explosion protection document. You can read more information on the safety of explosive facilities here (in Finnish).

– Sprinkler fitters must use a detector for hydrogen gas when emptying sprinkler pipes.

– A company that maintains sprinkler systems must device instructions for their employees that covers the ventilation of a facility, use of gas detectors, observation of pipe pressure, protective equipment and other equipment thought necessary.

– The sprinkler room’s ventilation is ensured and boosted if needed when the sprinkler pipes are emptied or altered.

Further information: Senior Officer Jan Meszka, tel. +358 29 5052 061, email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Tukes studied the incident in cooperation with VTT, Helsinki City Rescue Department, DEKRA Industrial Oy, KIWA Inspecta, Alarm Control Oy, Finance Finland, the Finnish National Rescue Association, Sprinkleritekninen Yhdistys ry and Suomen Palopäällystöliitto.

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Hallmarking of articles of precious metals will end in Finland – Tukes is collecting information on the impact

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 07:10:00 GMT

In its announcement, Eurofins Labtium Oy explains that as a part of its development to focus on its core business, the company will end its assay office operations. In practice, the decision means that the company will not continue examining jewellery and other articles made of precious metals and marking them with the Finnish hallmark.

With its decision issued on 2 November 2020, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) withdraws the assay office approval granted to Eurofins Labtium Oy in accordance with the Act on Articles of Precious Metals (1029/2000). Tukes also withdraws its decision on the approval of the assay office’s hallmarks. The decision by Tukes on the withdrawal of the assay office approval and the approval of the use of hallmarks will take effect on 1 February 2021.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is responsible for the overall management and control of the enforcement of the regulations governing articles of precious metals and the appointment of assay offices.

Tukes is collecting comments on the impact of the decision

Tukes is collecting information from companies and other operators in the jewellery industry on how the end of hallmarking will affect their operations. You can send your free-form comments on the issue to Tukes by email at jalometallituotteet@tukes.fi.

Further information:

Pirjo Säle, Senior Officer, Tukes, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Sari Alho, Ministerial Adviser, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, firstname.lastname@tem.fi

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Tukes civil servant under suspicion

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:22:00 GMT

‘I see this suspicion as a very serious matter. At this stage however, we do not have any further details on the case. We are cooperating with the police fully’, says Kimmo Peltonen, Director General of Tukes.

Tukes is responsible for the supervision and promotion of the safety and reliability of products, services and industrial operations. Tukes’s areas of responsibility include chemicals, products – such as toys and electrical appliances – industrial safety, mining safety and skills assessments.

The suspected civil servant works for Tukes’s Industrial Department’s Mining Authority unit. Tukes’s industrial supervision is related to sites with large risks and sites posing major accident hazards.

‘Our work includes ensuring safety and sustainability. Our values include observing the principles of good governance and working responsibly and reliably.’

The decision of the Pirkanmaa District Court has been declared classified.

Further information:

Director General Kimmo Peltonen, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 157
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Tukes's operating principles

Questions and answers

What is the role of Tukes in matters related mining operations?
Tukes is the mining authority referred to in the Finnish Mining Act. It is responsible for granting and supervising mining permits and mining safety permits.

In what way is Tukes involved in the Dragon Mining case?
Tukes has issued two statements on the Orivesi case. The statements concern mining safety and technical safety. According to information available to Tukes, the removal of waste may cause a collapse hazard and a danger to the life of workers.
Links to the statements and the pending request for statement:
14 March 2019 Statement issued by Tukes to the Pirkanmaa ELY Centre upon a request by the ELY Centre, PFD
19 August 2020 Statement issued by Tukes to Dragon Mining Oy upon a request by Dragon Mining Oy (section 4 of the Mining Act 621/2011, the mining operator shall inform the authorities of any matters that may compromise mining safety, section 19.2 of the Government Decree on Mining Safety 1571/2011), PDF
2 November 2020 The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre’s request for statement from Tukes, pdf

Is the leave of absence of the head of the Mining Authority unit at Tukes connected to the case?
No, it is not. The leave of absence was granted to the head of the Mining Authority unit on 4 June 2020.

Does Tukes know what the detention is about?
According to the information available to Tukes, the employee has been detained due to a suspicion of aggravated abuse of public office. The decision on detention was made based on a reasonable suspicion.

Documents prepared by Tukes since 1 January 2018 pertaining to the Dragon Mining company’s gold mine in Orivesi (available only in Finnish)
12 June 2018, Inspection report’s decision section, Dragon Mining Oy
30 May 2018, Decision on the transfer of the matrix and detonator storage, Dragon Mining Oy
20 June 2019, Inspection report’s decision section, Dragon Mining Oy
8 May 2020, Inspection report’s decision section, Dragon Mining Oy
9 June 2020, Decision on the end of the storage of chemicals and explosives, Dragon Mining Oy
The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) only publishes online such personal data that is essential in terms of access to information.

The news item was edited on
5 November 2020: the questions and answers that were earlier included in a linked attachment were added as a part of the text
5 November 2020 at 10:15 a.m.: The Pirkanmaa ELY Centre’s request for statement has been added to the text.
5 November 2020 at 5:55 p.m.: Documents prepared by Tukes since 1 January 2018 were added.

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Blog: Frenzied grannies: be careful when shopping!

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 07:25:00 GMT

Even though us current and future grannies seem to be frenzied or go a little crazy when facing strong emotions of joy and love, we still need to be careful when browsing through all the products that are out there.

Online shops emphasise the shopper’s responsibility for safety

Finnish authorities do not inspect toys or other products before they are made available for sale in shops or online. Manufacturers must ensure that their products are in compliance with safety requirements. The authorities conduct spot checks. The powers of the authorities do not extend to webshops outside the EU – there, you need to make purchases at your own risk.

In other words, if you buy products from webshops outside the EU, you are responsible for ensuring that the products meet the necessary requirements. Be careful, especially when shopping online.

Us frenzied grandmas and grandpas need to keep our heads cool, and our hearts warm, and know the basic principles of safe shopping. After all, we want nothing but the best for our little ones.

With these tips, you can make safe online purchases for your small family members

When shopping online, go to well-known and reliable sites.
Remember that an offer that feels too good to be true probably is just that.
Go to tukes.fi to see all the safety factors that you need to pay attention to when buying toys or other children’s products or to check all the products that have been removed from the markets in Finland and in other EU countries.
When you buy toys or children’s clothes or products, pay attention to the information given about them on the website. Does the website, for example, give information about the materials used in the product? Many products, such as toys, require the CE marking. It is the manufacturer’s declaration of the product in question fulfilling the relevant safety requirements. For toys, any age limits and necessary warnings and operating instructions must also be presented in Finnish and Swedish. Similarly, information about the manufacturer, importer or distributor must be provided. Age limits are set for toys for the sake of safety.
Also check whether the product can be returned.
When the package is delivered, I recommend that you make sure that the toy is durable enough for playing and any toy intended for a small child does not have any parts that might fall off. Also check that any buttons on clothes are sown properly and clothes do not include any drawstrings or cords that present a choking hazard.
Be a careful buyer when browsing the broad range of products.

Have fun and be patient!

Frenzied, but wise, grannies need to be smart and read more about products and their information. Maybe you should also think whether a newborn really needs all the wonderful things you can find, such as 62 cm pants in all different colours and patterns. It might neither be the best idea to drive from Tampere to Hollola to buy a mattress. Furthermore, you can buy a pedal car when the baby is old enough to drive safely.

I would like to remind every recent and future grannies (and grandpas, as well) to have fun and be patient when a new baby comes into your family!

Tuiri Kerttula, @TKerttula

Director

Products Department

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Old smoke alarms do not function properly

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 06:23:00 GMT

In early 2020, Tukes tested 94 smoke alarms that had been in use for 0–36 years. The project was a continuation to the similar project conducted in 2017–2018. The results of the earlier project also indicated that the functionality of smoke alarms deteriorates with time. The results of the earlier project required more in-depth research in the effects of time on the sound volume and smoke sensitivity of optical smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm sound volume matters

According to studies, adults wake up to alarms with a noise level of 75 dB(A) or higher. The noise levels measured in the new study were mainly over 85 dB(A). Some of the smoke alarms included in the study did not sound an alarm at all and for some, the deterioration in sound volume could be heard by ear alone. Of the tested smoke alarms, 14% fell into these two categories.

– The deteriorated sound volume of a smoke alarm or a dysfunctional smoke alarm can be detected by simply pressing the test button on the device. That’s why testing your smoke alarm regularly is important, says Karoliina Meurman, senior officer at Tukes.

The smoke sensitivity tests, and a test conducted with a polyurethane fire particularly showed that the reaction times of optical smoke alarms varied greatly when compared to ionisation smoke alarms. The operation of an optical smoke alarm is based on measuring the light emitted by a source of light inside the smoke alarm. Ionisation smoke alarms measure the electrical conductivity inside the alarm device. Based on surveys conducted by Tukes, more than 70% of smoke alarms sold in Finland are optical.

– Based on test results, ionisation type smoke alarms withstand time better and react more consistently to smoke than optical smoke alarms, says Meurman.

Maintain your smoke alarm in working order and replace it sooner rather than later

It is the duty of the occupant of a flat, i.e. the resident, to keep the smoke alarm in good working order. The battery and the sound volume of smoke alarms should be checked once per month by pressing the test button. To ensure the smoke alarm works properly, it should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instruction, usually every 5–10 years. The alarm must carry an indication of the time of replacement recommended by the manufacturer, which is usually found at the bottom of the device.

In addition to Tukes, the partners of the new study on the ageing of smoke alarms included Finance Finland, the Central Association of Chimney Sweeps, Safety Investigation Authority, Emergency Services College, Ministry of the Interior, Finnish Association of Fire Officers and the Finnish National Rescue Association.

Link to the final report (in Finnish)

Further information:
Senior Officer Karoliina Meurman, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 651
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes tested gas stoves – only one out of six fulfilled requirements

Fri, 23 Oct 2020 06:08:00 GMT

Tukes acquired six gas stoves with integrated ovens from online shops for testing. The stoves were tested by SGS Fimko applying the testing methods and threshold values presented in the SFS-EN 30-1-1 standard.

Factors affecting the safety of stoves during use were investigated by testing. These factors include for example gas circuit soundness, temperatures of external surfaces, nominal heat input, the operation of flame supervision devices, the purity of combustion, and the ignition, cross-lighting and flame stability. In addition, the warning labels and operating instructions of the products, and the documentation demonstrating the compliance were checked.

Temperatures of external surfaces raised too high

- “When testing the temperatures of external surfaces, the testing procedure described in the SFS-EN 30-1-1 standard was not followed in every detail. During testing, the oven was used at full power, whereas the standard defines that the oven temperature should be set at 200 °C. This deviation was made because, in Tukes’ opinion, the testing method described in the standard does not correspond with actual operating conditions and, therefore, does not ensure that a product will not pose any risks to consumers”, says Jyri Pekkanen, senior officer at Tukes.

- “According to the standard applicable to gas stoves, temperatures of external surfaces shall not rise 60–65 °C higher than the ambient temperature during operation. The exact threshold value for temperature increases varies depending on the surface”, Pekkanen continues.

The findings made by Tukes and its stance on the test method described in the standard have been reported to the technical committee which is responsible for the maintenance of the standard, and the standard is currently being revised.

Manufacturers and importers have been contacted

Tukes has reported the test results to the gas stove manufacturers and importers, and consulted them, so that they can place more emphasis on the issues that arose from the testing. The exceedances of the threshold values observed in the tests weren’t so great that they would have created a need for any immediate actions.

Shortcomings were also discovered in the ability to reach the nominal heat input and in operating instructions. One product did not have any Finnish operating instructions. The respective companies were requested to correct these defects.

Regarding two stoves, Tukes required the respective company to carry out a new compliance assessment procedure, because their documents were granted for products of a different brand and manufacturer. These were “Private Label” products. The company in question was selling the product under its own name and brand, although the product was actually manufactured by another company. The company corrected the defect within the defined time.

Tukes does not inspect gas appliances beforehand – companies are responsible for the safety of their products

Pekkanen points out that companies are responsible for the safety of their products. The authorities supervise the compliance of products with requirements using spot checks.

Every member of the supply chain is responsible for ensuring the safety of gas appliances in accordance with their role. Companies should understand that non-compliant products may also be available in the market and ensure that such products are not sold or delivered to consumers. A company that sells gas appliances must have the ability to apply the legislation.

The obligations imposed on manufacturers, importers and distributors are regulated in more detail in the Gas Appliances Regulation. Before any product procurement, companies should check dangerous product registers to see if the product in question is listed there.

More information about requirements for gas appliances is available at the Tukes website.

Tukes hosts I Know My Products webinars

What requirements apply to my products and how should the requirements be fulfilled? Find out by participating in webinars hosted by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) in November.

The webinars are intended for companies that manufacture, import or sell electrical equipment, childcare articles, machinery, toys, personal protective equipment, gas appliances, batteries and accumulators or general consumer goods.

Products are regulated by a number of different directives, laws, decrees and other regulations. Before products can be placed on the market, the product manufacturer, importer and distributor should be aware of relevant regulations and ensure that the product fulfils them. Read more about the webinars and register at the Tukes website.

Further information: Jyri Pekkanen, senior officer, tel.: +358 29 5052 027,
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Information about requirements for gas appliances at the Tukes website

A table of the obligations of the manufacturer, importer and distributor (in Finnish)

Hazardous product registers:

Market surveillance register (in Finnish)

Safety Gate

Global Recalls

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Tukes has authorised the construction of the Hamina LNG terminal

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 05:48:00 GMT

The three LNG terminals will ensure a sufficient supply of LNG in Finland

The two existing LNG terminals in Finland are located in Tahkoluoto in Pori and in Röyttä in Tornio. The Tornio terminal is larger and the Pori terminal is of the same size as the Hamina terminal.

– The third LNG terminal will ensure that the current demand for LNG in Finland can be covered. At the same time, the dependency on natural gas from Russia will decrease, says Senior Officer Arto Jaskari, Tukes.

LNG will be transported to the terminal by tankers, for example, via Rotterdam and from the terminal by road tankers for use by energy utilities and industry all the way up to the region of Kainuu. The quality of the LNG to be unloaded or loaded will be monitored by means of analytical equipment located in the terminal area.

In addition, LNG will be vaporised back into gas and injected into the natural gas distribution and transmission network via metering stations and connecting pipelines to be built. Natural gas can be supplied to the natural gas networks in Finland and also in Estonia via the transmission pipeline connection.

– The Finnish natural gas sector has been significantly affected by the EU energy policy and funding in recent years. The mainly EU-funded natural gas pipeline between Estonia and Finland changed the Finnish natural gas market significantly. In addition, to promote the security of energy supply and environmental protection, the EU has approved substantial state aid under which the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has financed the construction of the LNG terminals. The Ministry has granted EUR 27.7 million for the construction of the Hamina LNG terminal, says Jaskari.

The safety of the giant tanks is ensured

In the Hamina LNG terminal, a total of 15,000 tonnes (30,000 m³) of liquefied natural gas will be stored in above-ground tank. The diameter of tank is 39 metres and the structures on top of the tank reach higher than 50 metres above the ground level. The area also has space for another storage tank with a capacity of 20,000 m³ .

The LNG tank is a double-shell container with an inner tank of 9% nickel steel and an outer tank and roof of reinforced concrete. The space between the outer and inner tanks is insulated with perlite. The concrete bottom plate of the tank is heated and insulated to prevent the freezing of the ground below the tank.

Major-accident hazard analyses and risk assessments have been carried out

In connection with the Tukes licence application, the LNG terminal has been subjected to comprehensive major-accident hazard analyses to identify the hazards involved. The most serious major-accident hazards are associated with mechanical tears or leakages. Different risk scenarios and preparedness for risks have been analysed separately for the dock area, pipelines within terminal, tank area, processes, and vehicle loading. On the basis of these analyses, Hamina LNG Oy has carried out a follow-up of the risk assessments to ensure the terminal safety. The modelling has been carried out in accordance with Tukes’ instructions and for the preparation of an external rescue plan for the rescue department.

The safety of the terminal area is ensured with a concrete wall and separate catchment areas

A 4.2 metres high concrete wall has been built in the border area between the terminal area and the adjacent hazardous chemicals storage area to protect areas outside the terminal, for example, from the thermal radiation effects defined in the accident scenarios.

The extent of possible LNG and natural gas leaks will be limited with the terminal emergency shutdown system (ESD), which enables compartmentalising the process involving LNG by means of separate emergency stop valves. In addition, in case of LNG leaks, the terminal area is divided into three separate spill collection areas: the dock area, the LNG tank area, and the road tanker loading and process area. Each area is equipped with its own spill collection areas, canals and impounding basins. The capacity of the impounding basins has been dimensioned on the basis of the modelling of different accident situations.

– Before the terminal is commissioned, Tukes will carry out a commissioning inspection to check, among other things, the documentation related to the construction of the terminal, the follow-up of the risk assessments, the organisation and safety responsibilities, and the operating instructions, says Jaskari.

Further information: Senior Officer Arto Jaskari, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 149
Email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Link to the decision

Link to Hamina LNG webpages

Picture 1. LNG-tank

APPENDIX

LNG (liquefied natural gas) is natural gas in liquid form. Natural gas can be liquefied at the temperature of -160°C.

LNG is a fossil fuel with lower CO2 and other emissions than in the case of fuel oil, for example. In addition to industrial applications, LNG can be used as fuel in heavy goods vehicles and ships.

LNG enables the storage of natural gas in a more condensed form in energy terms compared to compressed natural gas (CNG).

The system built for LNG is also suitable as such for biomethane processed and liquefied from biogas.

LNG is a highly flammable gas when vaporised. In liquid form, low temperatures and the formation of a vapour cloud are essential hazards.

Picture 2. Dock area

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New market surveillance tasks for the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 13:10:00 GMT

The necessary provisions for organising official duties would be added to the Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products. In the future, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) would act as a contact point for market surveillance and as a Product Contact Point and would be responsible for market surveillance tasks of textile and footwear markings.

The proposal will be discussed in conjunction with the Government’s proposal for the 2021 budget.

National contact point to coordinate cooperation between authorities

The EU’s Market Surveillance Regulation aims to reduce the number of non-compliant products in the internal market, enhance market surveillance and improve the functioning of the internal market. Another objective is to create equal competitive conditions for all economic operators. The Regulation will apply to the surveillance of 70 different EU product regulations.

The Regulation entered into force in July 2019. Its application will mainly begin in July 2021, but in part already on 1 January 2021. National supplementary regulation is needed to support the EU Regulation. Among other things, a national contact point must be established in each Member State. The Government proposes that Tukes be the contact point for market surveillance in Finland.

The tasks of the contact point would be horizontal and would relate to the coordination of cooperation between market surveillance authorities and Customs, and the representation of Finnish authorities in EU cooperation related to market surveillance.

A new cooperation group on market surveillance would be established within the contact point to support it in carrying out its tasks. The contact point and the cooperation group would start operations on 1 January 2021.

The implementation of the Market Surveillance Regulation also requires further national supplementary regulation, which is intended to be presented at a later stage.

Transfer of tasks to Tukes from the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority

From 16 July 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment would transfer the tasks of the Product Contact Point to Tukes, and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) would transfer the market surveillance tasks of textile and footwear markings to Tukes.

Provisions on the Product Contact Point and its tasks are laid down at EU level in the Regulation on mutual recognition, the Market Surveillance Regulation and the Regulation on establishing a single digital gateway. The Product Contact Point provides information regarding product requirements in Finland, among other things.

The tasks transferred from the KKV concern the surveillance of materials used in footwear, and surveillance of materials and composition of equivalent fibres used in textiles to assess their compliance with requirements.

Inquiries:

Pauliina Kanerva, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. + 358 295 060 160

Government proposal to Parliament on amending the Act on the Market Surveillance of Certain Products (in Finnish)
Information on the Market Surveillance Regulation
Tietoa vastavuoroisen tunnustamisen asetuksesta ja tuoteyhteyspisteestä
Information on the coordination group set up for the coordination of the implementation of the Market Surveillance Regulation (in Finnish)
Blog post: Market surveillance reform improves the operating environment for businesses and consumers

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Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency renews prohibition on riding stables in Perniö: Perniön maastoratsastus is not allowed to offer riding lessons or riding camps

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 12:13:00 GMT

Tukes has prohibited the operations because the services provided by the company are currently unsafe for customers. The safety arrangements are defective in terms of the arrangement of trail riding and the handling of the horses and equine equipment, for example. The service does not therefore comply with the requirements of the Consumer Safety Act (kuluttajaturvallisuuslaki, 920/2011).

The main target groups of Perniön maastoratsastus are children, adolescents and untrained riders. The requirements for diligent implementation of services and anticipation of risks are especially strict in the case of services designed for children and the young.

Previously, on 1 June 2020, Tukes issued a prohibition decision regarding the company Perran Ratsutila Ky. Perran Ratsutila Ky is managed by the same entrepreneur, who previously provided services of similar content and scope under similar conditions. In July, the entrepreneur transferred the riding service operations from Perran Ratsutila Ky to the other company, i.e. a sole proprietorship.

Tukes prohibited the said company from providing the services. The services are not safe for the customers. Tukes instructs all customers who have booked a camp or a riding lesson to contact the service provider directly for a refund. The customers may also contact the Consumer Advisory Services as necessary.

Customers are also allowed to report dangerous services to Tukes

If you have been a customer in a service that you deem too dangerous, first contact the service provider directly to discuss the issue. If this does not rectify the situation, or if you feel that the risk is extremely high, report the issue to Tukes. You can use the form available on the Tukes website at https://marek.tukes.fi/ilmoitus.aspx.

The Consumer Safety Act states that consumer services must not be dangerous. Service providers have several statutory obligations designed to ensure the safety of the customers in the case of provided services. Tukes monitors the safety of consumer services.

Further information:
Kielo Kestinmäki, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 505 2095
Inna Kulla, Senior Officer, attorney-at-law, tel. +358 29 505 2195
Email: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency prohibits Perran ratsutila in Perniö from providing riding services (in Finnish)

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Finnish Enterprise Agencies and Tukes to start cooperation

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 06:46:00 GMT

Often, entrepreneurs have so many questions to think about, especially when starting their business, that they may not realise that products and services need to adhere to safety requirements.

“Starting this cooperation with Finnish Enterprise Agencies and business advisors of regional Enterprise Agencies helps us to increase entrepreneurs’ knowledge of requirements, already during the first stages of business activities. When a company verifies at the very beginning that a product or service meets its requirements, there are no unwelcome surprises later and competitive business activities can get off to a good start”, says Tuiri Kerttula, director at Tukes.

Finnish Enterprise Agencies is a cooperation network of 30 local Enterprise Agencies in Finland. Enterprise Agencies provide confidential advisory services, free of charge, for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. When planning to start a business, aspiring entrepreneurs are given personal mentoring in how to plan business activities and establish a company. In addition to business advisors, the network includes representatives of notable businesses. Specialists from different sectors, including accounting firms, advertising agencies and law firms, participate in the advisory process voluntarily.

The aim of Finnish Enterprise Agencies is to make it easier to start a business and, therefore, promote new business activities in Finland. Advisory services also ensure that new companies are successful during their early stages. Enterprise Agencies closely assess the profitability of each business idea and the potential of customers to become entrepreneurs. As a result, any problems can already be resolved before business activities are started.

A list of Enterprise Agencies is available (in Finnish) at https://www.uusyrityskeskus.fi/yritysneuvonta/uusyrityskeskukset/.

Further information:
Tukes:
Tuiri Kerttula, Director. Products Department, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 643
Kimmo Peltonen, Director General, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 157
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi
Finnish Enterprise Agencies:
Susanna Kallama, managing director, tel. +358 (0)40 587 2445
firstname.lastname@uusyrityskeskus.fi

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KemiDigi has brought changes to chemical notifications and quantitative information reporting for plant protection products

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 08:39:00 GMT

Operators placing on the market or distributing plant protection products

Who must submit a chemical notification and where?

The first company with a Finnish business ID in the product supply chain is obliged to submit a chemical notification about the product it has placed on the Finnish market. The chemical notification can only be submitted by a logged-in user of the KemiDigi system. The notification must be made by a Finnish manufacturer or importer with a Finnish business ID. If there is more than one company importing the same product into Finland, each company is responsible for its own part for the import of the product concerned, and each of them must submit the notification. Companies without a Finnish business ID cannot submit a chemical notification to the register.

Which products require notification and when?

A chemical notification must be submitted if the product is classified under the CLP Regulation, and also if an unclassified product contains hazardous substances or contains a substance with an occupational exposure limit value set by EU legislation (in accordance with Article 31 of the REACH Regulation). In practice, a chemical notification must be submitted whenever a safety data sheet is required to be provided on a mandatory basis or upon request in accordance with Article 31 of the REACH Regulation. A chemical notification must also be submitted for plant protection products if the above criteria are met.

The operator must submit its chemical notification to KemiDigi at the latest when the product is placed on the market.

For what products, how and when must quantitative information associated with chemical notifications be reported?

Quantitative information must be reported to KemiDigi for chemicals for which a chemical notification has been submitted. Companies that have submitted chemical notifications to KemiDigi (i.e. manufacturers and importers with a Finnish business ID) are also responsible for reporting the associated quantitative information. The quantitative data must be reported by the end of February each year for the previous year and expressed in tonnes with the precision required in the relevant decree (the reporting precision depends on the quantity).

Legal basis for the chemical notification and for reporting associated quantitative information:

Provisions on the chemical products register are laid down in sections 17 and 22 of the Chemicals Act.
Further provisions on submitting information referred to in section 22, subsections 1 and 2 of the Chemicals Act will be given by a decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
On the obligation to prepare a chemical notification, see Decree 553/2008 of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
On submission of quantity information, see Decree 1155/2011 of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Article 31 and Appendix II
CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008

Holders of plant protection product authorisations

Who must report the sales volumes associated with the authorisation and how?

All holders of plant protection product authorisations (it is not relevant whether or not the authorisation holder has a Finnish business ID) must report the sales volumes of plant protection products they have placed on the market in Finland using the online form available on the Tukes website at https://tukes.fi/en/online-services/forms/plant-protection-products (i.e. NOT via KemiDigi).

For which products must sales volumes associated with authorisations be reported and when?

Authorisation holders were required to report by 30 April 2020 the 2019 sales volumes for all plant protection products that were included in the plant protection product register that year. The report should also have indicated if the product has not been sold at all. Information on how and when the sales volumes for 2020 must be reported via KemiDigi will be communicated to the authorisation holders at the end of this year, or at the latest at the beginning of 2021.

Legal basis for the reporting of quantitative information associated with authorisations:

Plant Protection Products Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, Article 67
Regulation (EC) No 1185/2009 concerning statistics on pesticides

Reporting of quantitative information concerning plant protection products in the future

In the future, all notifications relating to plant protection products, including quantitative information associated with chemical declarations and authorisations, will be reported via the KemiDigi system. More information is coming later.

Further information: ppp@tukes.fi

kemidigi@tukes.fi

Chemical notifications and associated quantitative information: Senior Officer Anu Matilainen, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 706

Quantitative information related to permits: Senior Specialist Eija-Leena Hynninen, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 049

E-mail format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Websites contain instructions for citizens on the safe use of face masks

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 13:25:00 GMT

In order to prevent coronavirus infection, it is essential to maintain adequate physical distances, good hand hygiene and cough etiquette. In Finland, the Government has not issued a general recommendation on the use of face masks but considers that they can be used to protect other people in places and situations where it is not possible to avoid close contact. Such situations may arise, for example, in public transport during peak hours.

Medical masks should be still reserved for use by social welfare and health care workers and those at risk.

Taking into account the epidemiological situation in Finland, the national policies on the use of different medical masks, respirators and face coverings are in line with the new guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Information on homemade face masks
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

Using cloth face masks
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

Information on obtaining a face mask (in Finnish)
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

Information for companies on respiratory protective equipment
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)

Information on medical masks and respirators
The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health

Transmission and protection – coronavirus
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare

WHO's advice on the use of masks
WHO

Further information

Government decides on face masks and discusses border traffic in its informal meeting
Prime Minister's Office press release 3 June 2020

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Blog: Remote inspections encourage companies to act responsibly even under corona conditions

Wed, 06 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT

At the Industrial Processes Unit of Tukes, we introduced remote inspections in 2017. As far as we know, we were the first European authority that supervises establishments handling and storing dangerous chemicals in a large scale to introduce such a service. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to present our practices to various listeners both in Finland and abroad.

In this blog, we share our experiences of remote inspections.

We supervise the above-mentioned ‘Seveso sites’ and conduct periodic inspections in them at regular intervals. Due to the corona pandemic, we currently do not make customer visits on site, but we conduct all our inspections remotely.

Before the inspection: getting prepared

The actual inspection day consists of two parts: a review of relevant documentation and a site tour. In Tukes’ experience, both of them are also easy to conduct remotely.

With a view to completing the inspection successfully, sending questions to be answered in advance has proven to be a good practice in case of both remotely conducted and on-site inspections. In practice, an expert from Tukes sends to the responsible person of the industrial establishment questions to be answered in advance, and this person sends his or her responses about one week before the inspection.

The questions to be answered require some advance writing work from the responsible persons of establishments, but they also serve as preparation for the actual day of inspection. At Tukes, we go through the answers in advance and, based on them, consider which are the matters we should focus on during the actual inspection. The company’s answers are used as such in the inspection report.

Inspection day: conducting a remote review of documentation and site tour

Even when carrying out an on-site inspection, the documents are reviewed around a table, so such matters are easy to do also remotely. Before the inspection, we always discuss data security issues with the company and agree together which software to use. We also agree in advance which materials they should keep available, so that they do not need to go search for additional folders in the middle of the meeting.

In remote inspections, the site tour is conducted either using a video connection or photographs. We usually use the floor plan of the establishment to ask for photographs in advance of specific chemical sites, such as tanks, pipes, leak management, changes, overall view. Sharing the screen has proven to be a good method, since the video and photo files are large. When collecting photo material, it must be borne in mind that no other equipment should be used in EX areas with explosive materials than those that can be safely operated in them.

In our experience, sharing of photos and videos allows us to establish a good overall impression of the situation in the establishment. If required, we can agree on an on-site visit later.

After the inspection: feedback

Normally, we would always consider together with the customer how the inspection is to be carried out. When considering the issue, we observe the risks involved and the question whether a remote inspection can fully replace an on-site inspection. Now, during the corona pandemic, remote inspections have given us an opportunity to carry out our statutory duties despite the emergency conditions, and Tukes has been able to continue its inspection programme in the normal manner, only remotely for the time being.

The feedback given by companies on the remote inspections has been mainly positive. There have been challenges with, for example, connections and sharing of photos and videos, but we have been able to solve most of them in good collaboration.

We have received positive feedback on the questions sent in advance and the efficient use of time during remote inspections. Another positive feature of remote inspections is that various specialists from the company or different authorities can easily attend them, for example, for a limited time only. This also benefits the company being inspected.

Even though we are living an exceptional period, we still want to encourage operators to act responsibly. Annually, Tukes inspects approximately 250 establishments handling chemicals and explosives. So far, in spite of the exceptional circumstances, their number would seem to remain practically unchanged.

We are constantly developing our operations, and we are carefully collecting all the lessons we can learn from the corona spring as well.

For more information, see the Remote inspection and inspection of the corporate group website on tukes.fi

Tanja Heinimaa
@TanjaHeinimaa
Senior Officer, Industrial Processes Unit

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Blog: Acting responsibly both during and after the crisis

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 06:12:00 GMT

Risk management and risk-based monitoring are at the heart of what Tukes does.

We are now in a situation in which all but a few of our employees are working from home. Even visiting the office without a line manager’s permission is prohibited. Working from home is nothing new to us: we have well-established practices for telecommuting, and everyone has embraced the change in good spirits. However, this is the first time that we are all cut off from each other at the same time and facing a completely unprecedented situation that is likely to go on for several months. These are challenging times – both for our experts who now need to stay motivated on their own and for managers who still need to direct and supervise them. We see this as an opportunity.

The nature of work was already changing before the current crisis, and it seems safe to assume that things will never go back to the way they once were. The transition has well and truly begun, and the pandemic has only helped to accelerate the process. This is our big chance to reinvent ourselves.

A responsible, secure and competitive Finland

We at Tukes have set ourselves a simple target: we want to provide the best possible customer service and ensure that Finnish businesses have access to the services that they need and that consumers stay protected. Tukes’s vision of building partnerships and leading the way to a responsible, secure and competitive Finland is being put to the test now more than ever. We are proud of our vision and prepared to go above and beyond what is needed to make it happen.

Our strategy is based on promoting responsible business, and the current crisis is no reason to lower our standards. For us at Tukes, responsible business is about ensuring safety all along the value chain. Keeping the big picture in mind is important, as different aspects of the value chain tend to get emphasised in different contexts. Responsibility is a growing trend in contingency scenarios.

The crisis created by the coronavirus epidemic also challenges existing laws and regulations, both nationally and across the European Union. One good example is the ethanol used in hand sanitisers, which is strictly controlled on an EU level. Many manufacturers who were prepared to help with the shortage lacked the necessary licences. Tukes quickly devised a 180-day temporary licencing scheme that ensures the availability of hand sanitiser now and in the future. It has become clear after just a few weeks of these emergency measures being in place that the authorities are expected to show the same resilience as the public.

The COVID-19 outbreak has put us in the middle of rapidly evolving situations in many industries and called on us to educate several of our customers in, for example, the use of face masks.

Our controls on establishments have focused on improving group-level and remote monitoring procedures for several years already. The current crisis is an opportunity to make more extensive use of the concept. Our project has attracted a lot of interest among other government agencies as well, and we have run training events for large audiences at the maximum capacity of our teleconferencing technology.

Turning responsibility into a competitive advantage

Our approach, as always, is based on educating our customers and putting our customers first. We are aware that many of the industries that we oversee already need to turn their sights on the time after the crisis. We are doing everything that we can to fix the massive dent that the epidemic has already made in public finances.

Being a good corporate citizen is what made businesses competitive before the COVID-19 outbreak, and acting responsibly will continue to give them a competitive edge also after the crisis.

Kimmo Peltonen
@K1mmoPeltonen
Director General

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Homemade masks do not protect you from the coronavirus – respiratory protective equipment must be safe and provide sufficient protection

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 09:18:00 GMT

The use of different kinds of homemade masks and other kinds of improvised equipment has become more common. Nevertheless, the best way to protect yourself from the coronavirus is to stay at home, keep a distance of at least 1–2 metres from other people, and wash your hands with soap and water or clean them with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL), the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), the Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health provide instructions concerning respiratory protective equipment and the related legislation.

According to THL, surgical masks are recommended for protection against droplets for workers who care for patients with a respiratory infection. The use of respiratory protective equipment (FFP2 or FFP3) is recommended when carrying out procedures that produce aerosols during treatment in intensive care, for example. Patients with a respiratory infection can be instructed to use a surgical mask in waiting rooms or during transport, for instance.

If you are making masks for yourself or friends and family

Remember that a homemade mask is not personal protective equipment. A mask does not protect the user from coronavirus.
A dirty mask can spread the virus.
A mask may protect other people from the droplets spreading from the airways of the person wearing the mask. It may be good if asymptomatic carriers of the disease wear a mask in public transport or at shops etc., but there is no scientific proof.
Comply with the restrictions on movement even if you wear a mask. Stay at home and only do the shopping when necessary. If you are quarantined, do not leave your home. Keep a distance of 1–2 metres from other people and wash your hands with soap.
Put a clean mask on with clean hands.
Keep the mask clean: do not touch the mask while wearing it
When you take the mask off, only touch the straps and put the used mask directly into a plastic bag or the washing machine. Wash your hands and wash the mask after each use. The mask must be washed in 90 degrees Celsius.
Remember that touching the mask increases the amount of impurities in front of your airways, for instance. Using a mask incorrectly does more harm than good.
When wearing a mask, you cannot take it off or lower it to your neck, and you cannot eat or drink.
When making the mask, use several layers of thin fabric. Bedsheets are a suitable material, for example. Make sure that you can breathe easily while wearing the mask.
Note that if the mask gets wet, it allows microbes to penetrate more easily than a dry mask.
Do not pressure anyone to wear a mask. Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may prevent people from using a face mask. A dirty mask may be a health hazard.

If you sew as a hobby and make masks for sale

Emphasise that your products are not personal protective equipment or surgical masks: the masks you make do not protect the user from the coronavirus, among other things.
Make sure that your masks do not cause a health hazard to the users.
Instruct the buyer not to touch the mask during use. Touching the mask increases the amount of impurities in front of the airways, which may harm the user.
Use a material that can be washed in the washing machine at 90 °C.
Note that if the mask is not breathable enough, wearing it may cause a health hazard, especially if the user suffers from cardiovascular diseases, asthma symptoms or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The name of your product must not refer to respiratory protective equipment or surgical masks in any way. A name that refers to respiratory protective equipment can only be used if the products fulfil the requirements for respiratory protective equipment. Surgical masks must fulfil the requirements for medical devices.
Your marketing material must not provide conflicting information on the product’s purpose of use. If the mask does not fulfil the requirements on personal protective equipment, its marketing may not use words, expressions or images that would give consumers the impression that the product protects it user or acts as protective equipment.
Your marketing material must not provide conflicting information claiming a handmade mask to be a surgical mask.

If you want to manufacture surgical masks for professional use

The products must fulfil the requirements on medical devices (product class I).
The products must have a CE marking as well as the name and address of the manufacturer.
The products can be placed on the market without an assessment by a notified body, i.e. the manufacturer that placed the products on the market is solely responsible for them.
The documentation required to demonstrate the conformity of the products must be available to the supervisory authority, that is, Fimea.
Register as a domestic manufacturer with Fimea and provide a copy of the declaration of conformity.
More detailed requirements and test methods can be found in the standard EN 14863.

If you want to manufacture respiratory protective equipment (e.g. FFP2/FFP3 respirators)

The PPE (personal protective equipment) must fulfil the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Have the EU type examination of the PPE conducted (by a notified body).
Draw up an EU Declaration of Conformity for the product in Finnish and in Swedish.
Respiratory protective equipment must have the identifier of the manufacturer and the PPE as well as a CE marking, followed by the identifying number of the notified body that monitors the quality of the PPE. A CE marking can be attached to PPE when the product has been type approved and the EU Declaration of Conformity has been drawn up.
Include operating instructions in Finnish and in Swedish with the respiratory protective device. Operating instructions are important so that users can put the PPE on correctly and know from what it protects them.
Also familiarise yourself with the standards of Finnish Standards Association SFS related to respiratory protective equipment, such as EN 149, before starting production.
See illustrative images of respiratory protective equipment on the website of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL).

Respiratory protective equipment for consumers (e.g. FFP2/FFP3)

The PPE must fulfil all of the abovementioned requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation in all respects.
The manufacturer must state that the respiratory protective device is intended to protect consumers.

Respiratory protective equipment for professional use (e.g. FFP2/FFP3)

The PPE must fulfil the requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation that apply to it in all respects.
The manufacturer must state that the respiratory protective device is intended for use at work. If the purpose of use is not described, the PPE is considered to be intended for professional use.

Respiratory protective equipment intended for professional use that protects the user from the coronavirus

Protection level corresponds to the FFP2 level; during the COVID-19 pandemic, FFP protective equipment cannot be tested

Intended only for protection against coronavirus in professional use

The test report must demonstrate that the performance reaches the level specified in the essential health and safety requirements listed in Annex II of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulation.

The EU type examination certificate and the EU Declaration of Conformity have not been drawn up

The PPE does not have a CE marking

The operating instructions in Finnish, Swedish or English provided with the PPE do no need to be as extensive as usual

Reporting less information than usual in the labelling of the PPE is allowed.

Instructions on the issue can be found in the guidelines of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (in Finnish).

If you intend to place respiratory protective equipment or surgical masks on the market, the authorities can provide you with more information on the legislation related to the products and the preconditions for placing them on the market.

Authority	Product	Further information on the requirements on the product	Further information/other things to note
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)	respiratory protective equipment intended for consumer use	Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425	Press release: Huomioi nämä, kun myyt hengityksensuojaimia (in Finnish)
Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes)	civil masks masks for consumer use	Consumer Safety Act 920/2011 and the Government Decree on information to be supplied in respect of consumer products and services 613/2004	General consumer products cannot have a CE marking. If a product does not fulfil the requirements for PPE, consumers must not be given the false impression that the product in question would constitute PPE. If civil masks or corresponding products are marketed to consumers as respiratory protective equipment, they must fulfil the requirements on PPE.
Department for Work and Gender Equality (TTO) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health	respiratory protective equipment intended for professional use	Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (EU) 2016/425	EU type examination is required for these products. The requirements were lowered on 31 March 2020. See the guidelines of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.
Finnish Medicines Agency Fimea	surgical masks for health care personnel	Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices or Directive 93/42/EEC	The products must have a CE marking. The product information must include the name and address of the responsible manufacturer. If the manufacturer is outside Europe, the name and address of the authorised representative in Europe must also be included.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL)	expert support concerning respiratory protective equipment and surgical masks intended for both professional and consumer use		The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL) is an expert and researcher of respiratory protective equipment, not an authority. Earlier, the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL) also carried out testing and certification of PPEs, but in the autumn of 2019, the testing and certification activities were sold to SGS Fimko.

Further information:

respiratory protective equipment sold to consumers:

Senior Officer Asta Koivisto, Tukes. tel. +358 29 5052 187.

e-mail address format: firstname.lastname(at)tukes.fi

respiratory protective equipment intended for professional use:

Ministerial Adviser Pirje Lankinen, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 488

Senior Officer Tapani Vänni, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 295 163 219

e-mail address format: firstname.lastname(at)stm.fi

surgical masks for health care personnel:

Inspector Tuomo Aarnikka, Fimea. tel. +358 29 5223278, Fimea

e-mail address format: firstname.lastname(at)fimea.fi.

Information on surgical masks and respiratory protective equipment:

Senior Specialist Erja Mäkelä, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL), tel. +358 30 474 2595, erja.makela(at)ttl.fi, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL)

Tietoa itse tehdyistä suojaimista, suu-nenäsuojuksista ja hengityksensuojaimista (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL))

Tukes’ web pages on personal protective equipment

Press release by Fimea: Kevyet nenä-suusuojaimet eivät ole riittäviä estämään virustartuntoja (18 March 2020)

Tukes bulletin: Huomioi nämä kun myyt hengityksensuojaimia (13 March 2020)

Tukes bulletin: Uusi vientilupavaatimus henkilönsuojaimille koronavairuksen takia (20 March 2020)

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Mining investments increased, ore prospecting declined

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:59:00 GMT

“The last time investments in mining activities reached such a high level was in 2011. With regard to mining activities, especially the mines of Kevitsa, Kittilä and Kemi operating in Lapland made significant investments, a total of EUR 458 million. Kevitsa prepares for an increase in the amount of ore produced with the investment. Kittilä and Kemi are investing in a mine shaft that enables more efficient production even deeper than before, says Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit, Mining Authority, Tukes.

At the same time as the investments in mining activities increased, the total mining volume of mines operating in Finland decreased by 12% down to 115.1 million tonnes. The extraction of ore and quarrying also decreased by nine per cent down to 44.6 million tonnes.

The safety of mines has developed in a positive direction: according to the reports, accidents suffered by employees and contractors continued to decrease.

Last year, 46 companies reported to Tukes about ore prospecting. All companies operating in Finland are looking either primarily or secondarily for gold. Copper and nickel are the most sought after of base metals. With the growth perspectives in battery technology, interest in cobalt in particular has grown.

“In ore prospecting, a structural change of operators can be seen. The ore prospecting investments and number of kilometres drilled decreased, but the research investments are focused even more strongly in areas, where there is not much advance information about the bedrock,” Liikamaa says.

“Ore prospecting in the initial (grassroot) or slightly more advanced (greenfield) phase is much riskier than studies near old, known ore bodies and mineralisations (brownfield). Exploration at these sites requires a longer-term financial investment as well as versatile technical expertise. During the last few years, large, international mining giants have started funding junior companies,” Liikamaa continues.

Last year, landowners were paid EUR 4.5 million in exploration fees, of which the Finnish state-owned company Metsähallitus received a significant share as a major landowner. The size of an exploration area that grants the right to ore prospecting has remained nearly constant (approx. 1,800 km2) for the past six years. More than 70% of ore prospecting is focused on Lapland.

“In the survey by the Fraser Institute, Finland’s mineral potential was estimated to be the 4th most attractive in the world, while the policy climate of the country won 1st place. Companies appreciate the predictability of the Finnish permit system with regard to processing the mining and exploration permits as well as the quality of data on the Finnish bedrock. The mineral potential and the stable operating environment as a society raised Finland to 2nd place in overall points,” Liikamaa notes.

Tukes is the competent mining authority in Finland. The public notice documents and decisions on pending applications can be found on the website.

The application situation and the valid permit areas with their information can be found in the map service (in Finnish).

Appendices:

A current mining authority review 2019

The amounts excavated in 2019 by mine can be found in Tukes’s Exploration and mining industry statistics 2019 (in Finnish).

Further information:

Head of Unit Terho Liikamaa, tel. +358 29 5052 117
Mining: Senior Specialist Ossi Leinonen, tel. +358 29 5052 205
Ore prospecting: Senior Officer Ilkka Keskitalo, tel. +358 29 5052 151
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Issues to take into account when selling respiratory protective equipment

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:15:00 GMT

Civil masks that prevent the spread of droplets but do not protect the wearer from external factors are not considered personal protective equipment (PPE). If a product does not fulfil the requirements for PPE, consumers must not be given the false impression that the product in question would constitute a type of PPE.

Respiratory protective equipment are classified as category III PPE. Respiratory protective equipment protect the wearer against severe health hazards caused by impurities in the air, including particles, aerosols, bacteria and viruses. Examples of respiratory protective equipment include filtering facepieces that conform to the standard EN 149. They are divided into three classes based on filtration efficiency: FFP1, FFP2 and FFP3. They are commonly used as protective equipment against microbes found in aerosols in the surrounding air.

PPE must conform to the health and safety requirements of EU Regulation 2016/425 on personal protective equipment. The requirements will be met, if respiratory protective equipment is designed, manufactured and equipped in accordance with the relevant harmonised standards?

The manufacturer is responsible for ensuring the conformity of respiratory protective equipment. If a party other than the product’s effective manufacturer sells a respiratory protective equipment under its own brand or trademark, said party is subject to the manufacturer’s obligations. In this case, the company must apply for an EU type-examination certificate for the PPE jointly with the original manufacturer.

Requirements for respiratory protective equipment

Respiratory protective equipment sold in Finland must include:

An EU type-examination certificate (the type examination process is described in detailed on the Tukes website and in the PPE Regulation)
EU declaration of conformity, in Finnish and Swedish (template in Annex IX of the PPE Regulation)
user instructions in Finnish and Swedish
CE marking and identification number of the relevant notified body on the PPE
manufacturer and product identifier on the PPE.
technical documentation drawn up by the manufacturer (see Annex III of the PPE Regulation for more information). The manufacturer draws up technical documentation for the type examination.

When purchasing respiratory protective equipment

Contracting the coronavirus is possible also from handling materials and surfaces contaminated with the sputum of an infected person, and infection cannot fully be prevented with respiratory protective equipment. However, if you choose to purchase a respiratory protective device, make sure that:

it is appropriate for the intended use and seals tight on your face
the respiratory protective device is equipped with a CE marking that ends in a 4-digit number
the respiratory protective device comes with user instructions in Finnish and Swedish.

Further information:

Personal protective equipment intended for consumer use:

Asta Koivisto, Tukes, tel. +358 29 5052 187, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi (from 23 March 2020 onward)

Pipsa Korkolainen, Tukes, tel. +358 29 5052 125, firstname.lastname@tukes.fi (16–20 March 2020)

Personal protective equipment intended for professional use

Pirje Lankinen, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 29 5163 488, firstname.lastname@stm.fi

Tapani Vänni, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, tel. +358 29 5163 219, firstname.lastname@stm.fi

Links:

Personal protective equipment on the Tukes website

Website of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health: How can I prevent coronavirus infection? Do I need a face mask or respiratory protective device?

Updated 1 April at 9.45: added note that respiratory protective devices are Class III PPE.

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Tukes had spectacle frames tested: almost half of them released too much nickel that is hazardous to health

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 07:28:00 GMT

Tukes had a total of 21 eyewear frame models tested using a testing method approved by the European Committee for Standardization. The products selected to testing were bought from various Finnish opticians.

“Based on testing, eight frame models released too much nickel,” says Senior Officer Anneli Pärnänen from Tukes.

Tukes ordered five spectacle models of Instru Optiikka Oy and three spectacle models of Specsavers Finland Oy to be removed from the market. The companies were also required to call back the products in question from consumers. The products removed from the market can be found in Tukes market surveillance register.

Two different methods were used for testing nickel release: surface coating test and migration test. The frames were pre-processed before testing to imitate normal wear during use. The purpose of the surface coating test is to show that the coating of the frame is adequate for preventing release of nickel from the metal. The migration test measures the quantity of nickel released from the sample when it is exposed to artificial sweat. The release is measured from those areas of the frame that are intended to come into direct, prolonged contact with the skin.

EU legislation restricts the use of nickel

Nickel is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis, which is why the EU chemicals legislation restricts the use of nickel in articles intended to come into direct contact with the skin, such as spectacle frames.

“The nickel released from spectacle frames is a sensitising substance, and exposure to it may cause permanent sensitization to nickel, also called nickel allergy. To people with a nickel allergy, nickel may cause allergic contact dermatitis even in small quantities,” says Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi from Tukes.

People allergic to nickel must avoid skin contact to metals that may release nickel. In addition to spectacle frames, restrictions on the quantity of nickel released have been set for such products as jewellery, and buttons and zippers in clothing. Allergic contact dermatitis is an inconvenient health hazard that may deteriorate the quality of life and working ability.

The decisions taken by Tukes are lot-specific and they concerned the following spectacle frame models:

Instru Optiikka Oy: recalls set for five frame models

– ANP-20190702-04; Calvin Klein metal spectacle frames, brown on the outside, titanium coloured on the inside. Model name: CK5454, colour code 604

– ANP-20190702-06; Bvlgari, metal spectacle frames, colour: gold and black. Model name OBV2198B, colour code 2033

– ANP-20190529-02; Ray Ban brown/gold metal spectacle frames. Model name ORX6378, colour code 2905

– ANP-20190702-03; Burberry metal spectacle frames, brown, with the Burberry pattern on the arm piece. Model name OBE1313Q, colour code 1240

– ANP-20190702-01; Guess metal spectacle frames, blue/black/metal coloured. Model name GU2469, colour code: TL 52

Specsavers Finland Oy: recalls set for three frame models

– ANP-20190620-03; Disney, Cinderella, metal spectacle frames, colour: patterned violet. Product lot T82

– ANP-20190620-01; Ivana Helsinki, Thea, metal spectacle frames, colour: gold. Product lot: TA1

– ANP-20190620-02; DAY 17 Birger et Mikkelsen, metal spectacle frames, colour: gold and black. Product lot U91

The spectacle frames to which the recall order applies can be returned to the store where they were sold.

What do sales ban, removing product from the market and product recall mean?

If a product is not compliant with the requirements set for the product group, Tukes may issue a prohibition decision on the product to a company. Typical prohibitions include a sales ban, removing product from the market and a product recall. The sales ban means that the selling of the product must be stopped. Removing product from the market means that the company must stop selling the product and collect the products from its own retailers. The product recall, on the other hand, means that the company must not only remove the product from the market but also take steps to recall the products from the final users and inform about the hazard caused by the product.

Further information:

Surveillance project: Senior Officer Anneli Pärnänen, tel. +358 29 5052 637
Chemical risks: Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi tel. +358 295 052 104
Email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Link to photo: Spectacles Tukes had tested with frames that release too high quantities of nickel

Expiration date: 2020-05-31

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Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) responds to a wish from the customers: many notifications and permits can soon be submitted electronically, and the ‘I Know My Products’ certification can be obtained for responsible operations

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 08:53:00 GMT

Since last year, Tukes customers have been able to electronically submit notifications related to everything from regional administration’s customer services to refrigeration, rescue service equipment and electrical contracting. In 2019, 72% of notifications were made electronically. During this year, the aim is to transfer to using electrical notifications regarding electrical installations and approved companies and to improve the online payment of notifications. Also establishments processing dangerous chemicals and those requiring permits related to natural gas and biogas can apply for permits electronically from Tukes starting from the end of 2020.

Based on a customer survey, customers also want Tukes to support them in how to better promote responsibility in their operations. Tukes is in the process of developing new methods for this area. Customers can take part in exams on safety issues and after receiving an approved score, obtain the right to use the ‘I Know My Products’ certification. The certification indicates that the company is responsible and by passing the exam has shown that it is familiar with the regulations on product safety. The certification symbol will be taken into use during this year.

After dealing with Tukes, 71% of the customers have performed changes to enhance safety in their company

According to a customer survey, Tukes has been fairly successful in responding to customer wishes and expectations. The customers were especially happy with the cooperation with the Tukes personnel.

“We were delighted that 71% of the respondents told that they had made changes to promote safety after they had had contact with us. Tukes’s goal is to encourage our customers to act responsibly and pursuant to the laws, and this is why we offer plenty of instructions and guidance. It is great that we have been of help to so many customers,” Minna Päivinen, Director of Research and Development at Tukes says.

“We utilise monitoring to ensure that statutory obligations and requirements are met,” Päivinen continues.

A total of 842 private or corporate customers responded to the survey. The respondents included companies, professionals, consumers, municipal representatives and other authorities. Some of them were interviewed on the phone, and some responded to the survey electronically. The survey was implemented by Innolink in the autumn of 2019.

Citizens trust Tukes

At the end of 2019, Tukes participated in a reputation survey conducted by T-Media for organisations in public administration.

Based on the Reputation&Trust survey, authorities mostly need improvements in their ability to renew and interact.

Tukes placed fifth in the survey. A total of 69 operators were involved in the survey.

“We want to continue being trustworthy. We are aiming to achieve this especially by being open in our communication and interaction. We will continue to communicate actively on responsible and safe methods of operation, as well as on the results of our monitoring efforts and other work. We can also be contacted at a low threshold via our website and social media channels, says Mirva Kipinoinen, Director of Communications at Tukes.

Altogether 6,843 Finns participated in the Reputation&Trust survey in the autumn of 2019. The survey was conducted using an electronic form.

Further information:

Development of electronic services at Tukes: Jorma Rantanen, Head of Unit, tel. +358 29 5052 106

Tukes Customer Surveys: Minna Päivinen, Director of Research and Development, tel. +358 29 5052 685

The results of the Reputation&Trust survey from the viewpoint of Tukes: Mirva Kipinoinen, Director of Communications, tel. +358 29 5052 119

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Minna Päivinen appointed as Tukes's Director of Research and Development

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 11:00:00 GMT

The Director of Research and Development is tasked with supporting departments with strategic planning and development. Päivinen took up her duties in the beginning of 2020.

“By combining the positions of the Director of Research and the Director of Development we are able to promote the utilisation of research data in Tukes’s development projects,” says Kimmo Peltonen, Director General of Tukes.

Päivinen has worked at Tukes as a Senior Specialist and the Director of Research since 2016. She also led the Future and Innovations team.

“I consider continuous, innovative and well-planned development to be a key factor in success,” Minna Päivinen says.

The position of Director of Research and Development was filled through internal recruitment. A total of six people applied for the position.

For more information, please contact

Kimmo Peltonen, Director General, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 157
Minna Päivinen, Director of Research and Development, tel. +358 (0)29 5052 685
firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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All 3D printers must meet the requirements of machinery legislation

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 08:06:00 GMT

The prices of 3D printers have come down and their availability has expanded significantly over the past few years. According to Tukes' observations there is confusion about the applicable legislation particularly among companies selling 3D printers intended for consumer use in the Finnish market

“Big 3D printers used by the industrial sector are production machinesjust like any other machines using other manufacturing methods. It may be harder to understand that the same legislation also applies to the much smaller and simpler printers intended for consumer use,” says Senior Officer Soili Huttunen.

According to a market survey conducted by Tukes, 3D printer manufacturers place the 3D printers intended for consumer on the market mainly as LVD products subject to the Low Voltage Directive or as products subject to the Radio Equipment Directive if the 3D model is transferred to the device using wireless network, for example. Finland has investigated the issue at the EU level. Based on the conversation conducted, the final result is that the Machinery Directive shall be applied to all 3D printers, meaning that they must be placed on the market as machinery and meet the requirements of the relevant directive.

In addition to the Machinery Directive, other EU directives or regulations applicable to 3D printers could include not only the Radio Equipment Directive, but also the EMC, RoHS, WEEE and Ecodesign Directives and the REACH Regulation. The EMC Directive regulates electromagnetic compatibility of electrical equipment, the RoHS Directive places restrictions on certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, the WEEE Directive is applied to waste electrical and electronic equipment, and the Ecodesign Directive sets rules for the environmental impact and energy efficiency of products related to energy. The REACH Regulation sets rules for registration, evaluation, authorisation and restrictions concerning chemical substances and exchange of information in supply chains.

Requirements for machinery in short

In Finland, the Machinery Directive is implemented by the Government Decree on the Safety of Machinery (400/2008). The Machinery Decree defines, among other things, the general safety requirements that machinery must satisfy. The safety requirements related to 3D printers may concern such matters as hot surfaces, moving parts or electrical safety. A machine must also have a CE marking, and it must be accompanied with instructions and the EU Declaration of Conformity in Finnish and in Swedish.

Companies selling printers intended for consumers should also note that assembly kits are also considered as machinery, which means that they must meet the same requirements.

In addition, when a Finnish company buys printer components from various suppliers and assembles a machine using these components, the company in question is considered the manufacturer of the machinery, in which case the obligations applied to the machinery manufacturer also apply to the company in question.

Tukes advises companies importing or selling 3D printers to ensure that their printers meet the legal requirements. The manufacturer, importer and distributor are responsible for ensuring that the products are safe and comply with the requirement applied to them.

Tukes is monitoring the situation and may perform supervision in the form of spot-checks of the product group. Tukes may, for example, order machines not meeting the legal requirements to be removed from the market.

Table 1 specifies the responsibilities and obligations of the manufacturers, importers and distributors of 3D printers.

Table 1. The responsibilities and obligations of the manufacturers, importers and distributors of 3D printers before the sale of the products
	Manufacturer (or authorised representative)	EU importer	Distributor/seller
Place on the market¹⁾ 3D printer meeting the relevant requirements	x	(x, private label)
ensure that the printer complies with the relevant essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive, Annex 1	x
ensure that the appropriate conformity assessment procedure has been carried out to the printer	x
ensure that technical file has been written for the printer	x
Make available on the market²⁾ 3D printer meeting the relevant requirements³⁾	x	x	x
Equip the printer with relevant markings, incl. CE marking	x
Ensure the printer is equipped with relevant markings, incl. CE marking and contact details of the manufacturer		x	x
Write relevant EU Declaration of Conformity for the printer	x
Ensure that a relevant EU Declaration of Conformity is delivered with the printer (all the way to the consumer) not only in original but also in Finnish and in Swedish		x	x
Write relevant user, installation and maintenance instructions for the printer, including: what materials the printer can use for printing appropriate assembly instructions for DIY 3D printer kits information about potential additional parts that may need to be installed in the printer afterwards, and provision of such installation or installation instructions	x x x x
Ensure that relevant user, installation and maintenance instructions are delivered with the printer not only in original but also in Finnish and in Swedish		x	x

¹⁾ Place on the market: Making available on the EU market for the first time. The product may be placed on the market by the manufacturer or the importer.

²⁾ ‘Make available on the market’ shall mean any supply of the product for distribution, consumption, or use on the EU market in the course of commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge.

³⁾ The regulation concerning 3D printers intended for consumer use is also complemented by the Consumer Safety Act. The act obliges all supply chain actors to ensure in accordance with their role that the product does not endanger anyone’s health or property.

More information:

Soili Huttunen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 29 5052 024, email. firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Requirements for machinery at tukes.fi

Commission statement from 2013 about the safety of 3D printers being governed by the EU Machinery Directive

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New active substances included to Annex I of the Biocidal Products Regulation

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 07:53:00 GMT

New substances are vinegar, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, powdered egg, honey, D-fructose, cheese and concentrated apple juice. These delegated acts have been published in the Official Journal on 31 October 2019.

For products that contain active substances listed in Annex I of the Biocidal Products Regulation an authorisation can be applied for in accordance with the simplified authorisation procedure. Simplified authorisation is applied for from one EU country. When a product has been approved with this procedure, the company can market their product in other EU countries after submitting a notification to them.

A simplified authorization for products already on the market containing above mentioned new substances must applied by the approval date of these active substances, 1 June 2021.

More information

BPR Helpdesk tel. +358 50 597 6338

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Tukes had tattoo and permanent make-up inks tested: eight of them contained substances that are hazardous to health

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 05:24:00 GMT

The inks that Tukes had tested were acquired from Finnish companies, an online store that is based within the EU and another online store that is based outside the EU. Six of the inks that were tested were intended to be used for permanent make-up and 14 were tattoo inks. Tattoo and permanent make-up inks have not previously been tested by authorities in Finland.

It was tested whether the inks contain aromatic amines, PAH compounds, that is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or heavy metals, such as lead or nickel. Several of these substances are classified as being hazardous to health; such substances may cause cancer, cause genetic defects (mutagenic), be toxic for reproduction, that is so-called CMR substances, and substances that sensitise and irritate skin. Based on test results, these substances are known or suspected to cause adverse effects in humans or experimental animals.

In eight products that were tested, substance concentrations exceeded the maximum concentration limits set in the Council of Europe’s recommendation on tattoo and permanent make-up inks. Concentration limits have been set to secure people’s health. The Consumer Safety Act states that a product must not be dangerous to health.

Some of the substances used in tattoo inks were not originally intended to be used for injecting under the skin

Only some of the substances used in tattoo and permanent make-up inks stay in the location of the tattoo and a large share of them find their way to various other parts of the body. Exposure to substances may last for a lifetime.

“Some of the substances used in tattoo inks were not originally intended to be used for injecting into the skin and their safety has not been tested to a great extent for such a purpose. Tests detected 4-methyl-m-phenylenediamine, benzo[a]pyrene, cadmium, lead and nickel, for example. Hazardous substances in tattoo inks may present a risk to human health. As research data is not sufficient, it is often not possible to set a safe concentration limit,” says Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi from Tukes.

Sensitising and irritant substances contained in tattoo inks may cause allergic contact dermatitis and other local skin reactions. There is not enough research data available related to the connection between tattoo inks and cancer, which means that there is no certainty about the connection.

“However, we cannot rule out health risks that are caused by substances in inks that may cause cancer or be toxic for reproduction. The substances may increase cancer risk, be toxic for reproduction or they could be otherwise harmful,” says Petteri Talasniemi.

New restrictions to be set for tattoo ink chemicals

A new legislation on tattoo and permanent make-up inks is currently being prepared in the EU. At the moment, there is no specific legislation for tattoo and permanent make-up inks in the EU. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the CMR substances and sensitising substances in inks cause health risks to humans. In order to reduce risks, ECHA proposes EU-wide restrictions for substances that are used in inks.

The concentrations of hazardous substances in eight products that Tukes had tested also exceeded the maximum concentration limits set by ECHA in its opinion. Since nearly half of the products that were tested exceeded the maximum concentration limits, Tukes will continue to monitor tattoo inks.

Consider the following before you have a tattoo

Check whether the tattoo inks used by the tattoo artist have been tested and whether they are safe.
Check the measures with which hygiene is ensured during tattooing. Tattooing requires a high standard of hygiene. Poor hygiene when handling tattoo inks or performing a tattooing operation may expose the individual being tattooed to bacterial or fungal infection, or to viral infections through contamination with blood.
Check whether the tattoo artist has the necessary knowledge and competence to make tattoos. Tattooing performed by a private individual at home may present a risk.
If your tattoos cause health issues or there are any symptoms that appear unusual, you should contact a health care professional.

The following tattoo ink product titles and lots were detected to contain too high concentrations of aromatic amines, PAH compounds, or heavy metals:

1) Intenze The Alex De Pase Series, Magenta, (Lot SS265)

2) Arte Stylo, Café (LOT 180624)

3) BioTouch micro pigments black, erä no: 30845

4) Mastor permanent make up dark pink M307, MGF:2016.03.12 EXP 2019.03.12

5) Dynamik BLK LOT: 12026230

6) Bloodline all purpose black exp:01/22

7) Color King Black

8) Color King Orange

The test results of inks that Tukes had tested are lot-specific.

More information:

Market surveillance: Senior Officer Jussi Ollikka tel. 0295 052 086

Chemical-related risks: Senior Officer Petteri Talasniemi tel. 0295 052 104

E-mail addresses are of the form: firstname.lastname (at) tukes.fi.

Pictures of tattoo inks that contain great concentrations of substances that are hazardous to health

Tattoo inks test results

The Council of Europe’s recommendations on the concentrations of tattoo and permanent make-up inks

The European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) statement on the health risks of tattoo inks

Information about the safety of tattoo inks on Tukes website

Information about the safety of tattooing services on Tukes website

Information about tattoo inks on the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) website

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Dangers associated with wildlife photography hides

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 07:58:00 GMT

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) started a surveillance campaign on businesses that provide these kinds of nature photography services in 2018. Tukes is concerned about the safety of hikers and local residents in the vicinity of photography hides where tourism operators leave food out to attract predators. Based on inspections carried out during the campaign, the tourists themselves are relatively safe as long as the tourism operators conduct their business responsibly. Dangerous situations can arise, however, if photographers attempt to get close to the animals without the benefit of the hide to protect them.

Tukes learned about four close encounters between large carnivores and humans in the vicinity of wildlife photography hides in the late summer of 2019. Some of these incidents involved tourism operators’ customers, and some of the people in danger were others affected by the operators’ services. Tukes is looking into these incidents in cooperation with other authorities.

Large carnivores attracted by the promise of food

These kinds of nature photography opportunities are mostly offered to tourists in eastern and northern Finland. There are between approximately 25 and 30 service providers. Nine of these were inspected in the course of the surveillance campaign. The high season usually begins at the start of April and ends in mid-August before bear hunting season begins. Most tourists are interested in photographing bears, but the hides also attract wolverines, white-tailed eagles and various other species of birds of prey. Wolf sightings are rare.

It appears that most of the businesses that offer these kinds of nature photography services use fish carcasses and other waste, often supplemented by, for example, porridge, dry dog food and honey, to lure animals. Based on information gathered by the Finnish Food Authority, pigs found dead at farms and fish are the most popular by-products used for feeding.

The promise of food can lure a large number of predators to a small area. Approximately 40 bears are known to have visited a single feeding spot in one night. Even the least popular spots can attract between six and eight bears per night. The northernmost photography hides are also frequented by white-tailed eagles. According to the tourism operators, many of the bears and white-tailed eagles that visit their feeding spots come from Russia and return there afterwards.

Low risk to customers as long as tourism operators conduct their business responsibly

Tukes’s inspections of providers of wildlife photography services during the surveillance campaign focused on the operators’ safety management policies from the perspective of consumer safety. Tukes’s inspectors also visited the operators’ photography hides in person and interviewed representatives of the businesses.

All the inspected operators were able to present safety documentation that complied with the Finnish Consumer Safety Act. In a few cases, the inspectors had to ask an operator to revise their policy.

Tourists are mostly at risk when they arrive at the site and when they leave it. Almost all the guides who take tourists to photography hides are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the dangers. Many also have first-aid training. Based on the inspections, tourists are given plenty of information in advance, and the guides are generally always either present or at least easily reachable.

There have been a few close calls involving individuals who are not part of a group. For example, Tukes’s inspectors heard stories about bear hunting and dog training in the vicinity of photography hides.

“Tourism operators who feed large carnivores must recognise the impact of their actions on the surrounding area and local residents. Feeding spots should be clearly marked, and photography hides should not pose a risk to the safety of others in their vicinity or their property”, says Senior Officer Jaakko Leinonen.

Representatives of Tukes, the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment and the Finnish Wildlife Agency reviewed the results of the surveillance campaign together in the spring of 2019.

Stricter regulation of carcass feeding needed

There are a number of laws that contain provisions relating to carcass feeding. Businesses offering nature photography services are subject to the provisions of the Consumer Safety Act (920/2011). The Consumer Safety Act is designed to ensure the safety of service providers’ customers and anyone affected by their operations. The amendments introduced to the Finnish Hunting Act (615/1993) on 1 January 2018 mention the use of food to attract animals to nature photography and observation hides. All feeding spots must be signposted with information about the operator, including their contact details and the address where safety documentation complying with the Consumer Safety Act is kept. The European Union’s Animal By-Products Regulation (EC No 1069/2009) contains provisions on the use of food to attract animals. There are also other reasons why people might put food out to lure animals, and not all use of food in this manner is related to services provided to consumers.

The provisions of the Finnish Consumer Safety Act only apply to service providers’ customers and other individuals and property directly affected by their operations. The other dangers of nature photography services that rely on the use of food, such as the risk of wild animals getting used to people, are governed by other laws. It appears that there is a need for more detailed regulation of carcass feeding in order to address all the different perspectives. The risks arising from changes in animal behaviour resulting from artificial food sources, the growing likelihood of encounters between different species of animals and the increasing influence of humans on the lives of wild animals warrant further study.

Tips for tourism operators offering wildlife photography services

Never feed animals directly from photography hides.
Never let your customers move around in the vicinity of photography hides unaccompanied, including when they arrive at the site and when they leave it.
Always make sure that there is a way for any customers spending the night alone in a photography hide to call for help.
Follow the Finnish Food Authority’s guidelines for feeding animals.
Do not use honey, as bears that are accustomed to honey pose a serious threat to beekeeping.
Build your photography hides as far away as possible from any livestock farms, apiaries, reindeer calving pens and human settlements to prevent damage.

More information:

Senior Officer Jaakko Leinonen, tel. +358 (0)29 505 2141 (consumer safety), firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

Senior Officer Taina Heimonen-Kauppi, tel. +358 (0)40 489 3351 (by-products used for feeding and registration), firstname.lastname@ruokavirasto.fi

Senior Officer Jussi Laanikari, tel. +358 (0)40 733 6229 (damage caused by large carnivores, hunting quotas for large carnivores and hunting regulations), firstname.lastname@mmm.fi

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Study: Better flow of information needed to prevent the return of hazardous substances into new products

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 08:34:00 GMT

Besides better flow of information, methods must be developed for the identification of chemicals and production of new materials that reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. Less hazardous substances and technologies should be developed and used to substitute for the hazardous ones. Training and guidance on the identification, handling and treatment of hazardous substances and how to dispose of them should be provided to operators in different sectors.

Particular focus on construction waste

The study A sustainable and safe circular economy commissioned by the Government mapped out sectors where improvements are needed in the way chemicals are being managed. The study focused on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and substances of very high concern (SVHC).

“The key target was to create dialogue with operators in the relevant sectors to find out what kind of support the companies would need to improve the management of chemicals, as we are moving from a linear economy towards a circular economy. A particular focus was on substances contained in construction and demolition waste, but the recommendations given based on the study apply to all sectors, not just construction,” says the leader of the project Sari Kauppi, Senior Research Scientist at the Finnish Environment Institute.

“We had effective collaboration with actors working in the construction business to map out where we stand right know. In addition, ways to improve the procedures were discussed. It became evident that obtaining data on chemicals was often a laborious process for the companies using waste, and it may take a lot of time to apply for the permits needed to make use of waste. This may limit the use of waste material,” says John Bachér, Research Scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

“Especially in waste management and in repair and demolition operations it is important to make sure that chemicals contained in recycled materials do not pose a risk to the employees. Spread of contaminants into the environment must be prevented. In terms of risk management, priority should be given to the planning of safe procedures and technical protection measures. Personal protective equipment must be used if the spread of harmful substances cannot be avoided,” says Sirpa Laitinen, Senior Specialist at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Circular economy should be promoted through product design

Data on chemicals should follow the product at all stages of its life cycle. Product design is in a key position in this respect. Product design should also pay attention to the reuse, maintenance and recycling properties of the product. Furthermore, materials and substances should be chosen that cause no harm to health or the environment. Innovation policy could support the development of new materials that meet the requirements of a circular economy.

“It is the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer and seller of the product to make sure that all requirements are met. The product must be accompanied by the necessary instructions and information so that the product is safe to take into use, use, maintain, service and remove from use,” says Kati Suomalainen, Senior Officer at the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency.

More information to authorities for decision-making

In Finland the legislation to promote a circular economy is already in place, but the authorities still hesitate to make decisions to boost a circular economy as they feel that there is not enough information on the matter. It should be easier to receive a ruling on the waste-status of the waste-based material so that they could be reused as raw material. Especially the permit authorities need more information to support their decision-making.

Inquiries: Sari Kauppi, Senior Research Scientist, Acting Director, Finnish Environment Institute, tel. +358 29 5251 268 , firstname.lastname(at)ymparisto.fi, Sirpa Laitinen, Senior Specialist, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 46 851 1911, firstname.lastname(at)ttl.fi, John Bachér, Research Scientist, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, tel. +358 40 534 2067, firstname.lastname(at)vtt.fi, Kati Suomalainen, Senior Officer, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency, tel. +358 29 5052 015 , firstname.lastname(at)tukes.fi and Hannu Kiviranta, Research Professor, National Institute for Health and Welfare, tel. +358 29 524 6361, firstname.lastname(at)thl.fi

Report: A sustainable and safe circular economy (In Finnish)
Permanent address of the publication in the Institutional Repository for the Government
Policy Brief: A sustainable and safe circular economy
Information regarding chemicals
Video: A sustainable and safe circular economy

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Small parts must not come loose from soft toys decorated with sequins

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:35:00 GMT

Recently, the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has received many questions about soft toys decorated with sequins and their age classification. Tukes points out that due to their nature, huggable and squeezable soft toys are generally considered suitable for children under 36 months. For this reason, the warning “not suitable for children under three years of age” is misleading.

Toys intended for children under 3 years of age must not have small parts that might come loose and cause a choking hazard. Therefore, toys decorated with sequins and classified as soft toys must not have small parts that might come loose and cause a choking hazard, either.

The European Commission has also issued a notification about the issue on its website. Tukes has already distributed the bulletin on the Commission website to stakeholders.

Tukes is monitoring the situation and will carry out a surveillance project on small detachable parts in toys intended for children under 3 years of age early next year. Before the surveillance project, Tukes will take action as needed regarding products that are against regulations and cause a clear danger.

In addition, the Finnish Customs can examine soft toys decorated with sequins as a part of its own supervision of toys in connection with import as well as unloading and storing the shipment.

Further information:

Tukes: Senior Officer Asta Koivisto, tel. +358 29 5052 187, asta.koivisto (at) tukes.fi,

Finnish Customs: Arja Meriläinen, Head of Section, tel. +358 40 332 3249, arja.merilainen (at) tulli.fi

Bulletin concerning soft-filled toys with sequins on the website of the European Commission

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Protecting European consumers: toys and cars on top of the list of dangerous products

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 09:02:00 GMT

The report shows that authorities exchanged 2,257 alerts on dangerous products. Toys' belonged to the most notified product category (31%), followed by 'motor vehicles' (19%), and 'clothing, textiles and fashion items' (10%), while the main risks flagged were chemical risks and injuries (25% each) followed by the choking risk for children (18%).

Věra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said: "The Safety Gate is a key tool to protect Europeans from dangerous products and it really works. With more than 2,000 alerts and nearly double as many recalls and removals from the market, the report shows effective enforcement of the rules. We will continue to work with national authorities and third countries to keep all European consumers safe.”

Product recalls are one of the most common measures to reduce the risks posed by dangerous products, however the proportion of products successfully recovered from consumers remains generally low. The results of a new survey on the issue show that aa third of the respondents consciously continue to use recalled products, suggesting that recall notices may not have much effect on consumers and/or that the risk may not be communicated clearly enough.

More than half of all the detected dangerous products come from China. Cooperation with Chinese authorities in the product safety field continues to be a priority, but the results are mixed. The Commission continues to work with the competent Chinese authorities on this. This includes raising awareness about the product safety rules that need to be met when selling to EU consumers.

Background

Since 2003, the Rapid Alert system ensures that information about dangerous non-food products withdrawn from the market and/or recalled anywhere in Europe is quickly circulated between Member States and the European Commission. This way, appropriate follow-up action (ban/stop of sales, withdrawal, recall or import rejection by Customs authorities) can be taken everywhere in the EU. The Rapid Alert System was renamed the Safety Gate by the European Commission.

The Safety Gate has a dedicated public website which provides access to weekly updates of alerts submitted by the national authorities participating in the system. Every week, around 50 alerts are registered and published on the web.

Businesses also can use the Business Gateway to quickly and efficiently warn national authorities about a product that they have put on the market that might be unsafe.

For More Information

Annual report and factsheet with national statistics

Safety Gate

Safety Gate alerts listings

Survey on the effectiveness of recalls

Business Gateway

Search tool for the Rapid Alert System published information

Safety Gate national contact points

Safety Gate statistical tool to produce your own statistics

MEMO/19/1998

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Investments in mineral exploration on the rise in Finland

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:00:00 GMT

In the Fraser Institute's annual survey of mining operators, Finland fell from 1st place to 17th place. This data can be found from Mining Statistics 2018 published by the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes, Mining Authority in Finland).

“Investments into ore exploration continued to grow in 2018, but target drilling activity decreased. Today, companies appear to be investing in more extensive research methods, such as airborne surveys and geophysical measurements conducted in light terrain.

Although the Fraser Institute's survey showed that Finland's investment attractiveness fell, companies continue to provide good feedback about Tukes's open and predictable handling of mining and ore exploration permits. Thanks to the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), we hold excellent basic data about bedrock. Nevertheless, the reality is that despite holding good basic data, Finland remains mostly unexplored. Exploration is currently very active around the Central Lapland greenstone belt, where we already have Agnico Eagle’s successful gold mine, Boliden’s Ni-Cu mine and Anglo American’s Tier 2 nickel-copper deposit.

Finland has a high standard of living, stable political system, skilled labour, high security standards and an excellent infrastructure. This is a good foundation for providing excellent services for exploration and mining companies. Tukes became the mining authority in Finland in 2011, and since that time, the new Mining Act has been in force that emphasises socially, environmentally and economically sustainable operations in the mining industry. Our legal system is demanding, yet transparent. We at Tukes are highly motivated to assist exploration and mining companies in commencing operations in Finland. Welcome to Finland – we are ready to serve you”, tells Head of Unit in Tukes, Terho Liikamaa.

Last year, 44 companies reported to Tukes concerning exploration. All companies operating in Finland are prospecting gold either as their primary or secondary target. Exploration is also very active in respect to the base metals copper and nickel. With the growth of battery technology, cobalt, lithium and graphite are mentioned among the metals to be prospected.

The total quantity of material extracted from mines operating in Finland continued to increase in 2018. The overall amount of extracted materials increased by eight per cent compared to the previous year, with excavation of ore and other utilisable minerals increasing by one per cent.

More information concerning mining matters at Tukes can be viewed at website .

Applications and currently valid permits in Finland can be found in English from the register maintained by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK): Mineral Deposits, Exploration (Layers/Exploration Layers/Mining Registry).

Further information:

Terho Liikamaa, Head of Unit, tel. +358 29 5052 117
Ilkka Keskitalo, Senior Officer, Ore Exploration, tel. +358 29 5052 151
Ossi Leinonen, Senior Officer, Mining Operations, tel. +358 29 5052 205
email format: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Tukes had products in maternity packages tested - no defects were found

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 07:15:00 GMT

Products in maternity packages must comply with safety requirements set for child products in EU and Finnish legislation. This means that textiles, for example, may not contain harmful substances and clothes may not contain long strings, or toys may not contain any small parts that come loose.

The conformity of textiles included in maternity packages was examined through laboratory analyses and visual inspection. Selected children’s textiles were analysed for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) as specified in EU’s chemical-related legislation (REACH Regulation). In addition, obligations set for the delivery chain related to these substances were reviewed with companies that submit products to maternity packages. Products that were tested included bodysuits of various sizes, feeding bibs and waterproof mattress covers. Products examined in a laboratory complied with information provided by companies.

In addition to laboratory analyses, nickel content was measured in metal parts, such as studs and zippers, which come into contact with skin in bodysuits and sleepwear. No nickel that causes contact allergy was found in the products that were examined. Baby clothes and other textile products were also checked so that they do not contain any long strips and braids or small parts that come loose that could pose a risk to a baby. The labelling of cosmetic products was checked. In 2018, nipple cream was the only cosmetic product in the maternity package.

All maternity package products that were examined complied with requirements to the extent covered by the examinations.

Good chemical data management is part of a company’s responsibility

A couple of companies that submit products to maternity packages had some room for improvement in communication in the delivery chain related to harmful substances. Tukes has provided guidance to the companies in question on improving chemical data management as part of the delivery chain.

Tukes participates in the specification of requirements concerning products in Kela’s maternity package so that the mechanical safety of products and conformity regarding harmful substances will be better taken into account.

Contact information:

Senior Officer Kati Suomalainen tel. 029 5052 015
Email formats: firstname.lastname@tukes.fi

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Accreditation brings more reliability and competitiveness

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 08:20:00 GMT

What is FINAS?

In accordance with European legislation, each EU country has a national accreditation organisation; in Finland, this organisation is FINAS. FINAS is an acronym for the Finnish Accreditation Service.

FINAS is a part of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), where FINAS has an independent and autonomous position. The Accreditation Board, named by the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, directs FINAS's operations. FINAS is also an independent operator with regard to its clients and other interest groups.

FINAS employs 23 people; most of them are lead assessors, while others work as coordinators to assist them. The technical expertise required for assessments is acquired from experts in various fields outside FINAS. At the moment, there are approximately 230 active technical assessors. FINAS trains and instructs them in their work. The technical assessors represent different professions, such as chemists, microbiologists, engineers and doctors.

What is accreditation and what kind of things are accredited?

Accreditation is the verification of competence. It is a procedure that impartially and independently demonstrates the competence of an operator according to international criteria.

FINAS accredits organisations operating in different fields. The clients include laboratories, certification organisations, inspection bodies, providers of proficiency testing and environmental and greenhouse gas verifiers. The clients include representatives of both public administration and the private sector.

Clients can apply to FINAS for accreditation of their desired the scope of accreditation. This means that not all of the client’s activities are necessarily within the scope of accreditation; instead, the scope indicates to which activities the accreditation applies. FINAS maintains up-to-date lists of the scope of accreditation of its clients on its website.

The clients receive a unique accreditation number. Such numbers can be seen in very mundane places, such as staff canteens (if the certification organisation that granted the system certification for the canteen operator was accredited by FINAS), at public swimming pools (if the pool water was tested in a laboratory accredited by FINAS) or in a lift (if the inspection body that inspected the lift was accredited by FINAS).

What are the benefits of accreditation?

– For the clients, accreditation is a sign of competent operations, credibility and reliability.
– Accreditation can help operators access the market.
– Accreditation can be used to fulfil the competence requirements set up by authorities or described in legislation and thus enable operations in the market in question.
– Accreditation promotes the operations of the European Internal Market by verifying that the quality of the services an accredited operator produces can be internationally trusted.
– Consumers can rely on the quality of service produced by an accredited operator.

What kind of international cooperation do accreditation organisations participate in?

Each EU country has a national accreditation organisation. The accreditation organisations cooperate with each other both at the European level in various working groups as well as international umbrella organisations. The international cooperation ensures that the accreditation operations are uniform in different countries.

FINAS is involved in all European and international organisations' accreditation recognition agreements (EA, ILAC, IAF). The accreditations granted by the accreditation organisations of different countries based on these agreements are internationally approved.

Further information:

FINAS website

FINAS on Twitter

FINAS on LinkedIn

Abbreviations:

EA European co-operation for Accreditation
ILAC International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation
IAF International Accreditation Forum, Inc.

Text: Paula Kuusio

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Blog: Tips on how to accelerate circular economy

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 13:54:00 GMT

There are plans of starting a circular economy plant in your town. That is a great initiative: it will promote recycling, create new business in the area, even jobs.

It will help in recycling materials, efficient use of waste and side streams, and help the environment.

The circular economy has a lot of potential, but there are also security risks associated to the plants. These must be taken into account in all the stages of the plant lifecycle. The risks should be considered as early on as in the plant acquisition planning phase.

What kind of risks are there? Could a plant explode? Learn about the typical risks on the Tukes home page.

As a customer, you should take into account that with brand new technology, there are higher risks associated with the plant. There are differences between the competence of plant suppliers. You should have a risk management assessment carried out by a third party.

Designer, use your competence

Circular economy will mean the introduction of brand new plant concepts. Identify the risks associated with the process of designing a plant.

The circular economy plants are often typical examples of the process industry, but there are also unique risks associated with them: unidentified substances in the material stream, being exposed to harmful substances, fire hazards or lack of safety measures.

Minimising safety risks is much cheaper in the design phase than when the construction work is near to completion or with a plant in operation.

There are expertise and measures available for risk prediction, and it is a good idea to utilise these in the design process.

If you are new to the sector, you have to find out the risks associated with the process. Find out about the available resources: help is available.

This will help the safe accomplishment of the good goals of circular economy.

More information:

Checklist for designing plants (in Finnish)

Manage the safety risks associated with circular economy (in Finnish)

Kirsi Levä

Director of Development

@Kirsi200

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Survey on the safety of exiting escape rooms in case of emergency completed

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 13:54:00 GMT

In the survey, the safety of exiting the premises of approximately one hundred escape rooms all over Finland was investigated. Serious deficiencies were observed in one out of five places of business (19 in total). These significantly hinder exiting the premises or make it impossible for the customer to exit by themselves altogether. Serious deficiencies include the lack of exits, doors that open only with a separate key or cases in which the customers are required to break structures in order to exit the premises in the case of an emergency. Most of the serious deficiencies were rectified quickly. In these cases, the rescue officer ordered the deficiencies to be rectified before operations could continue.

Minor deficiencies were observed in approximately half of the escape rooms. These included inadequate emergency exit signs, the lack of instructions or the exit door being difficult to open. In the case of minor deficiencies, the safety officers gave the operators an order to rectify the deficiencies by a fixed date.

It has been unclear to escape room operators if customers can in reality be locked inside a room during the playing of the escape room game. It has also been unclear how capable customers actually are of removing obstacles from escape routes in an emergency situation. Exiting the premises may also be slowed down by closed spaces inside the escape rooms or structures that the customers climb to complete a task in the game. These spaces and structures must also be designed in a way that they can be exited safely.

According to the feedback from rescue departments, the survey was very necessary. Escape rooms as a service to consumers is a relatively new concept. For this reason, escape rooms have not been automatically monitored by rescue departments. An escape room demands a sense of playfulness from the customer. Even though getting out of the room depends on solving problems, in reality, it is possible to exit the room easily in the event of a fire or other type of emergency situation. The survey significantly improved the ability of escape room operators to conduct the games safely taking into regard the actual safety of exiting the premises.

Inquiries:

Senior Officer Jarkko Häyrinen, Ministry of the Interior, tel +358 (0)29 548 8436, jarkko.hayrinen@intermin.fi
Senior Officer Petteri Mustonen, Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), tel +358 (0)29 505 2099, petteri.mustonen@tukes.fi

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New EU award to celebrate product safety champions

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 08:25:00 GMT

All consumers expect and deserve safe products.This new award will give recognition to companies who put product safety at the heart of what they do, going beyond EU requirements. It's for those who innovate and invest to make their products and services safer, raising the standards for consumer protection across Europe.

Věra Jourová, European Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality said, "We want to encourage more companies to make product safety a priority and to keep safe our children, our families and friends. There are still too many dangerous products that are recalled or cause harm. The Product Safety Award is a chance for companies to be rewarded for going the extra mile to keep their customers safe."

Online shopping and childcare products in the spotlight

This year, companies can apply under two categories:

Online sales: companies selling online that pay particular attention to the safety of the products they offer can apply for the award. We are looking for best practices and processes for example when recalling dangerous products or detecting them before they go on sale.

Childcare products: companies putting children's safety at the top of their priorities can apply for the award. That may be, for example, the way they design a baby's cot, the creative way in which they communicate risks to their customers, the outstanding quality of their after-sale services, or the ways they integrate product safety into the supply chain and life cycle of the product.

Recognition for businesses big and small

There are 12 Awards available: six for 'online sales' and six for 'childcare products'. A Gold, Silver or Bronze award will be given to three SMEs and three larger companies in each category.
Winners will receive their Awards from Commissioner Jourová in a ceremony in Brussels this September and will get a chance to share their ideas and best practices with their industry peers.

Apply now to win an Award!

To apply, companies must be based in one the 31 European Economic Area countries (the 28 EU Member States plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein). Winning an award will give companies widespread recognition, a boost to their reputation and a chance to position themselves as an industry leader in product safety.

Applications are open now until 7 April 2019.

https://ec.europa.eu/product-safety-award/

Press contacts: media@product-safety-award.eu

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