CHIP or the Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply has been with us now since 1994. The CHIP legislation requires the manufacturers of chemicals to identify and document the hazards associated with their chemicals, by way of labelling and the supply of safety data sheets, before the chemicals enter the supply chain.
A few things however are set to change, as CHIP’s successor, the CLP Regulations is now in force. CLP was introduced across the EU in 2009 and a gradual switch over has been taking place since 2010.
The CLP regulations or the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures means that all chemical products will undergo a label change. New labels will move away from the traditional orange square to a new red marked triangles, although the images at the centre of the label largely remain the same. Data sheets will also change in line with new legislation and will include a signal word, hazard statements and precautionary statements.
The aim of this change is to ensure that the end user of any chemical product is fully aware of the dangers posed by that product. As part of this, a new symbol has been introduced. The new symbol will be used on chemicals which can cause long term health effects; the symbol will also be applied to chemicals which can cause damage to specific organs or parts of the body.
Although the regulations are now in force, for products already in the supply chain, two years ‘grace’ is allowed. In theory by June 2017 only products with new hazard classifications should be on the market.
Moyna Merrison, Operations Director – Alcumus Sypol CMS is quoted: "Alcumus has taken the opportunity to enhance the user experience of its COSHH management software which was launched in line with the new CLP regulations, including a new simple worker output assessment sheet, ensuring easy to understand compliance using the new CLP symbols.
Alcumus supports businesses of all sizes with their exposure to risk, compliance with legislation, business performance and workforce engagement. To see what Alcumus can do for your business visit the website: http://www.alcumusgroup.com/
