Recent direct-acting European legislation is having a big impact on Safety Data Sheets both in terms of structure and content.

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) has been in operation since 2006 and registrations of high-volume and high-hazard chemicals are due to be completed by 1st December 2010.  These will generate large amounts of data and information about exposure scenarios, control measures, etc. which must be passed down the supply chain.

One of the cornerstones of the REACH Regulation is communication and one of the primary communication tools is the Safety Data Sheet.  From 1st. December 2010, Annex II to the REACH Regulation is being revised and the requirements for the compilation of Safety Data Sheets will be extended.  This will also provide guidance on the inclusion of exposure scenarios in the extended Safety Data Sheet and promote consistency between any chemical safety assessment/report and guidance given in the main Safety Data Sheet.

The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals) came into effect in 2008 to replace the existing European system for classifying and labelling chemicals with one based on the UN’s Globally Harmonised System.  

From 1st December 2010, all hazardous single substances must be classified and labelled in accordance with the new system.  From 1st June 2015, all hazardous mixtures must be classified in accordance with the new system.  Until then, adoption of this system for mixtures is optional.

The result of these changes is that ESL will require more information from customers than has been the custom in the past in order to produce compliant Safety Data Sheets.  It will no longer be possible to leave sections blank and, in cases where data are not available, a reason must be given.