Miscellaneous

What is the difference between the CHARM manual, available from the OGP website, and the Excel CHARM calculator, available from EOSCA?

The CHARM manual can be obtained free of charge as an Adobe Acrobat® download from the non-OGP publications part of the OGP website. It is the only definitive source of the algorithms that form the CHARM model.

The regulator considers that it is vital that people working with any version of the model should be familiar with its contents. In the regulator's view, it is essential that users have some understanding of the underlying principles of the model in order to make full use the new software.

EOSCA have developed the Excel tool - the CHARM calculator. This helpful tool can be used to quickly interpret the written algorithms. Initially, users should familiarise themselves with the written CHARM manual. Then they should input some of the algorithms into the Excel spreadsheet to see more clearly how the algorithms interact. Once those interactions are clear, the CHARM calculator and the written algorithms can be "creatively manipulated" to generate meaningful risk-assessment data to support future PON applications.

Do OCNS groupings apply to other OSPAR countries?

Although the HMCS applies in all OSPAR signatory countries, each country operates its own regulatory scheme to implement Decision 2000/2. If you intend to market and use OCNS-classified products outside UK territory, the relevant regulatory authorities should be consulted to determine the correct notification procedures.

Will changing the function of my offshore chemical on the Cefas OCNS database effect how it is viewed under the EC Biocidal Products Directive (Directive 98/8/EC)?

No. The selection of an OSPAR function of biocide for an offshore chemical has no impact on the ongoing procedures under the PBD (98/8/EC). Those biocides on the market before 14 May 2000 (i.e. existing biocides) have been identified by the EU. A full list is published in the Official Journal.

For information on the background and progress of the EC Biocidal Products Directive BPD, please visit the European Chemicals Bureau's website: http://ihcp.jrc.ec.europa.eu/our_activities/health-env/risk_assessment_of_Biocides/

How do I contact Cefas?

Offshore Chemical Notification Scheme
Cefas
Pakefield Road
Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT

Tel: +44 (0)1502 527759 - OCNS administration
Tel: +44 (0)1502 562244 - Cefas switchboard
Fax: +44 (0)1502 513865

Email:
Risk-assessment enquiries: OCNS.ra@cefas.co.uk
Chemical-submission enquiries: OCNS.chems@cefas.co.uk

How do I contact DECC?

Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)
Oil and Gas Division
Atholl House
86-88 Guild Street
Aberdeen, Scotland AB11 6AR

Tel: +44 (0) 1224 254000
Fax: +44 (0) 1224 254019

© Crown Copyright 2012
Last Modified: 24 June 2011