European chemicals strategy (REACH)

The Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulations (REACH) started coming into force in 2007. REACH is being phased in over 11 years. The REACH regulations will ensure chemicals are properly tested before going on the market. REACH means that the burden of proof is on employers to demonstrate that a chemical can be used safely. Everyone in the supply chain will have to ensure the safety of the chemical substances they handle and will have better information to do this.

Although REACH is primarily aimed at protecting the environment and consumers, it has implications for workplace safety. Unions broadly welcome REACH, although there have been concerns about its limitations and its implications for health and safety legislation.

TUC guidance reminds safety reps to make sure employers are meeting their legal duties on workplace chemicals under REACH. The guidance advises safety reps in firms using chemicals to check with their employer whether:

• any classifications need changing under the new rules;

• chemicals are being labelled correctly in line with the rules;

• all uses are covered by updated safety data sheets; and

• all necessary risk assessment measures have been implemented.

Safety Data Sheets

The law on safety data sheets moved from CHIP 4 to REACH. An HSE leaflet, REACH and Safety Data Sheets, explains when a safety data sheet is required (www.hse.gov.uk/reach/resources/reachsds.pdf).

Safety data sheets must be dated and must contain information under the following headings:

• identification of the substance/mixture and of the company/ undertaking;

• identification of the hazards;

• composition or information about the ingredients;

• first-aid measures;

• fire-fighting measures;

• accidental release measures;

• handling and storage;

• exposure controls or personal protection;

• physical and chemical properties;

• stability and reactivity;

• toxicological information;

• ecological information;

• disposal considerations;

• transport information;

• regulatory information; and

• other information.