Over the next few months, many users will start to see a new set of hazard pictograms on their cleaning products, and on their accompanying COSHH datasheets.
Chemical product manufacturers are reformulating and relabeling their products to comply with the Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations (EC 1278/2008), as they head towards the compliance date of 2015. Store rooms throughout the UK will soon be full of cleaning products including sanitizers, heavy duty degreasants etc. displaying the new hazard warning symbols.
European Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures came into force on 20 January 2009 in all EU Member States, including the UK. It is generally known as ‘the CLP Regulation’ or ‘CLP’. The CLP Regulation adopts the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System on the classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS). As GHS is a voluntary agreement rather than a law, it had to be adopted through a legal mechanism to ensure it became legally binding. That’s what the CLP Regulation does.
CLP is very similar to the old EU system. It places duties on suppliers in respect of classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals. Whether you source your cleaning products from the UK or the rest of Europe, you will find the same pictograms in use. Namely:
If you would like to discuss how the CLP Regulations will affect your business then do get in touch with Kathryn Gilbertson on kgilbertson@greenwoods.co.uk or 01733 887621.
The information contained in this article is intended to be a synopsis only. Before acting on it, you should take professional advice.
Written by Kathryn Gilbertson, Director and Head of Business Defence
Greenwoods Solicitors LLP, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough PE1 1JE.
Tel: 01733 887700 Website: www.greenwoods.co.uk