The CLP Regulations
The change has been driven by European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures which came in to force in January 2009 and aims to unify arrangements across the EU, including the UK.
More commonly know as the CLP Regulations, it adopts the United Nations’ (UN) Globally Harmonised System (GHS) on the classification and labelling of chemicals
The GHS
The Global Harmonised System uses slightly different pictograms, notably, using a red diamond instead of the familiar orange symbols.
However the pictures are largely the same, with the exception of the ‘harmful’ symbol which is changed from a cross (X) to an exclamation mark (!).
There are also new symbols for “serious long term health effects” and Contains gas under pressure”.
CHIP Regs Revoked
The previous CHIP Regs, Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations, will be revoked from 1st June 2015 – replaced by the CLP Regulations.
However until that time, suppliers can use with the CHIP or the CLP systems.
Timetable
The CLP Regulations will apply in full from 1st June 2015.
However for Mixtures already in the EU Supply chain there is a 2 year grace period to June 2017.
Things to Do
Understand the new symbols and classifications.
Update labels and packaging ().
Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
Review and Update COSHH risk assessments.
More:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/index.htm
