Making sure you’re in the know when it comes to the new CLP regulations
Prior to 1st June 2015; you would have been told to follow ‘CHIP’ regulations with regards to the classification of chemicals, however this was since revoked, with new CLP regulations having replaced them. The new legislation which has been phased in over the past six years is based on the United Nations’ Global Harmonised System (GHS), which aims for all countries to use the same classification system globally. What does this mean for you?
The abbreviated term CLP stands for classification, labelling and packaging. The new CLP regulations are very similar to CHIP in the fact that they both ask for hazardous substances to be classified, labelled and packaged correctly, the main difference is that CLP is on a much larger scale by going global. In addition to this, new labelling has been introduced which means the previous orange and black symbols are no more and should be replaced on new/existing chemical storage.
Comparing Old and New Labelling
As mentioned previously, gone are the orange and black square-shaped symbols; from June 2015 onwards red and white pictograms are coming to the forefront. The table below displays the new CLP regulated labels and their purpose.
Explosive
Image depicts: Exploding Bomb
Flammable
Image depicts: Flame
Oxidising
Image depicts: Flame over Circle
Corrosive
Image depicts: Corrosion
Acute Toxicity
Image depicts: Skull and Crossbones
Hazardous to the Environment
Image depicts: Dead Tree and Fish
** Replacing previous Black & Orange Cross Harmful/Irritant Symbol **
Healt
h Hazard/Hazard to Ozone Layer
Image depicts: Exclamation Mark
– NEW!
Serious Health Hazard
Image depicts: Health Hazard
– NEW!
Gas U
nder Pressure
Image depicts: Gas Bottle
It’s incredibly important that all chemicals, and the cabinets to store them in are labelled correctly in order to abide by CoSHH law, as well as to ensure staff safety at all times. In some cases, one or more pictograms may be applied to a chemical/storage cabinet. Not all chemicals can be mixed as there is a chance they will react; make sure to check compatibility before storing away for safe use.
Tips to Follow
- Make sure your workers understand the new labelling and what it means
- Check to see if any of the chemicals used in your workplace have been re-classified, if so evaluate the importance of finding somewhere safe to store them
- Ensure hazardous substance cabinets are labelled to the new CLP regulations
- If not already done; undertake new CoSHH risk assessments as additional measures to control substances may be necessary under the new law
For all the latest up-to-date information on workplace safety, and further information in regards to new CLP regulations, please refer to HSE (Health and Safety Executive).
All our hazardous substance cabinets come with the appropriate CLP labelling supplied. Call us on 01278 783322 if you have any further questions!
