Be aware of new Hazchem regulations in store for 2015

Worldwide regulations are about to come into force that will change the way hazardous chemical mixtures are labelled to avoid any misunderstandings and discrepancies. By next summer, they will be joining single hazardous substances in complying with Europe’s version of a United Nations directive that aims to give uniformity to the packaging of chemicals that could be harmful to health.

Between now and June 1, 2015 people across the chemical, transportation and storage industries will need to comply with the complexities of the CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures) and how it affects their day-to-day business. At this point, the classification of chemical mixtures will ‘catch up’ with rulings governing single substances that came into effect on December 1, 2010.

The CLP regulation aligns previous EU legislation known as CHIP Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) to the UN’s GHS (Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals). Lots of acronyms, lots to take in, and plenty of new visuals to study and digest as well as having to be aware that clearly defined statements are being introduced on the packaging in order to meet the forthcoming changes.

But there are many benefits as part of this international standardisation, not least to those who are vulnerable and may fall victim to sub-standard labelling or packaging – which will not be acceptable anywhere in the world from next summer.

For example, the new rulings cover important aspects such as child-proof closures and tactile warning devices for people with poor eyesight. And defining whether a substance is hazardous to health on an international footing will also do away with the testing, often on animals, of products in countries where classification did not exist. It will also rid the industry of anomalies, which saw some chemicals being classified as ‘toxic’ in some countries but not in others.

The implementation of the CLP regulation covering chemical mixtures is not only beneficial to health. Another key aim is to create a more joined-up approach to global trade, allowing greater and more efficient access to the millions of chemical mixtures now available on the market.

Savings in time and money will follow as the need for translation and unnecessary testing are removed from the equation by the harmonisation of the legislation across the world.

In the UK, the long-standing and well-recognised orange and black hazard symbols have served the industry well. But from June next year they will be replaced by red-bordered diamonds set on a white background, with a new range of pictograms defining the potential hazards and risks within the package, container or transportation vessel.

The pictograms define a series of hazards and warnings including ‘explosive’, ‘flammable’, ‘toxic, ‘irritant’ and a symbol depicting acute hazards to the aquatic environment. There are two new pictograms covering ‘Serious health hazard’ and ‘Gas under pressure’.

There will be a series of detailed rulings that specify the size of labels, the information that must be contained on them and the precise positioning of that information within the label.

The ‘small print’ within the CLP regulations also insists the type of supplemental information that should also be included on the labelling.

In addition, there are guidelines relating to the use of words, phrases and terms which must not lead the user to underestimate or misconstrue any dangers that might be present – such as ‘Safe’ or ‘Non-toxic’.

There are other aspects to consider as part of the transition. Some groups of chemicals are exempt, while others are covered by more specific legislation. The compliance date for mixtures already labelled, packaged and in the supply chain can be suspended until June 2017.

So with much to consider, a forthright transition plan for all aspects of the process – from manufacture to storage and distribution – is a priority.

With over 30 years’ experience, here at Hibiscus we can offer sound advice to help smooth the path to regulatory change.