Alcumus: Changes to CHIP due to CLP replacement

Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging (CHIP) for Supply has been with Alcumus since 1994. CHIP legislation requires manufacturers of chemicals to identify and document the hazards associated with their chemicals. This is completed by way of labelling alongside the supply of safety data sheets before the chemicals enter the supply chain.

However, a few things 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.

What changes will occur and why?

All chemical products will undergo a label change due to the CLP regulations or the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures. New labels will move away from the traditional orange square towards new a red-marked triangle, although the images at the centre of the label will 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 any 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.

Operations Director at Alcumus Sypol CMS, Moyna Merrison, 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.”

Effect of the changes

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.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/16062015/change-safety-regulation-chip-clp-alcumus-sypol/