CHIP to CLP: Are You Compliant?

June 2015 saw the old classification and labelling system, known as CHIP, come to an end. It has now been replaced with the direct acting Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation (CLP). So if you haven’t got your house in order, read our article on how to become complaint.

The CLP Regulation came into force across all EU member states (including the UK and Ireland) in June 2009. It replaced the Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Regulations gradually. From 1 June 2015, nearly all elements of CLP came into force. CLP Regulation ensures the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the EU through classification and labelling.

According to ‘Safety Signs and Signals’ (revised 2015) from the HSE, it states that when using signs on containers and pipes, each should be ‘labelled with the relevant pictograms in according with the CLP Regulation’.

Therefore all chemical containers must now employ the new labelling system. The old GHS labelling system has been slowly phased out since the new regulations were drafted in 2009, and organisations were given a six-year time window to update to the latest CLP labelling regulations.

 Core changes in compliance

• As of June 2015, ‘You must use the most appropriate CLP sign and cannot create variations’. The signs and labels must be placed on the side of a container that is clearly visible and needs to be durable.
• It is strongly advised to keep SDS sheets in close proximity to the storage area. Co-workers need to have immediate access to vital information regarding each chemical in containers and the store, in the case of a spill or injuries caused by exposure to specific chemicals.
• The old orange and black labels have now been replaced with white and red diamond labels detailed below.
• ‘Where stores are being used for hazardous chemicals or mixtures, they should be indicated by the relevant safety warning sign taken from paragraph 3.2 of part II of Schedule 1 of the regulations ( the yellow triangle black pictogram warning signs).’

The new hazard labelling system you need to be using

The CLP labelling system was developed to provide striking labelling on goods that works as a clear indication to any personnel who work with dangerous goods in the workplace. The CLP classification labels is something that all your employees should be fully competent with. Chemstore has provided information below on the notable CLP labels:

Chemstore supplies a comprehensive range of safety signs to meet your regulatory requirements, which you can view here.

For any queries you have on hazard identification and storing dangerous goods in the workplace, contact any member of the Chemstore team today. Call 020 8704 1807 or email us on sales@chemstore.co.uk / sales@chemstore.ie