If you are a manufacturer of chemical products or regular user of chemicals within your manufacturing process you need to be aware of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals) regulation and the forthcoming changes.
The CLP regulation - (EC) No1272/2008 – replaces two previous EU directives, and came into force across the European Union in 2010. It has been a phased transition over 5 years, and on 1st June 2015 CLP will replace the previous CHIP - Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) – regulation. The changes include new hazard pictograms, new hazard statements, and new duties & requirements.
During this period of transition the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), previously called Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), have evolved under the REACH regulation. Safety data sheets are the main communication tool between suppliers and users. They include information on the physical, chemical and hazardous properties of the substance or mixture as well as instructions for their handling, disposal and transport, and for first-aid, fire-fighting and exposure control measures.
Because of this essential requirement it is important that users and organisations which use chemicals covered by the REACH regulations ensure their SDS information is up to date, and consistent with the labelling on the chemical products.