The latest changes in chemical legislation and what they mean for your sector
The rules around chemical labelling are changing due to the introduction of CLP: the Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulations, and as of June 1st all products must adhere to these new rules. New stricter calculation procedures will now be in place, resulting in products being re-evaluated and re-classified, and Beacon is urging businesses to take note of the changes to ensure they stay safe and avoid the hazards.
Beacon, which helps businesses in the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sectors improve their profitability, works with more than 160 suppliers to support more than 2,000 businesses across the UK. With the new regulations affecting all products containing chemicals, Liz Snowball, Consumables Buyer at Beacon, is offering three key pieces of advice, to help businesses in the hospitality, leisure and healthcare sector get to grips with the changes:
Familiarise yourself with the changes
As of June 1st 2015, CLP classification, labelling and Safety Data Sheets are required for all products – although any existing stock can remain in the market until June 1st 2017. It is important to get familiar with the new pictograms and hazards, and be prepared to receive CLP labelled products. Knowing your stuff is half the battle, so once business owners get up to speed, the changes won’t seem as daunting. Just as importantly, it’s crucial to ensure that all staff are fully trained on the changes, including having access to new Safety Data Sheets and being able to recognise the new labelling information – always ask your purchasing partner or your supplier if you need help.
Do your reading
Always read the Safety Data Sheets and Product Information Sheets to ensure that all products are being used in the correct way. It’s also important to think about the way that products are being stored and transported if the classification has changed. Check the new labelling on all products, as well as making use of the Safety Data Sheets, and communicate this across your business to make sure that all products are being used correctly.
Evaluate the risk
If necessary, update all workplace risk assessments and review all classification related documents, for example workplace hazard communications, worker instruction cards, internal training or dilution bottle labels – if the classification of a product has changed, these will all need to be updated. It goes without saying that using a reputable supplier for your chemicals reduces your risk of non-compliance significantly. If in doubt, review your supply chain.
Major changes like these can be a daunting prospect for business owners, but there is plenty of help and advice out there. Beacon supplier and industry leader, Diversey Care, is able to offer support, training and documentation to ensure a smooth transition into the CLP era.
Quotations
Ben Correia, National Account Manager, from Diversey Care commented:
We know that planning for CLP is no easy task for business owners, particularly as it involves more than just relabelling products – the pictogram system is now completely changed and different information must be included on labels. As industry leaders with a global presence, we have been at the forefront of the transition and we are more than happy to offer help and advice to businesses.