CHIP Chemicals Hazard Information labelling

Change from old CHIP (Chemicals Hazard Information and Packaging) to new GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals) regulation... 

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (CHIP) Regulations 2009 require manufacturers and suppliers to provide users with information about hazards and health risks by labelling their products with relevant hazard information and by issuing Material Safety Data Sheets. 

The Chemicals (Hazardous Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations (CHIP) that were enacted in 1993 under the HSWA, together with subsequent amendments, are concerned with the supply of dangerous substances and preparations and sets out how these should be classified, labelled and packaged. There is also a requirement on the supplier to provide safety data sheets. 

Under the Classification and Labelling Directive, manufacturers or importers of a new chemical must notify the competent authority of the relevant Member State. In the United Kingdom, the competent authority is the Health and Safety Executive along with the Department of the Environment. As of 1993, EC Directives on dangerous substances and preparations wiU be implemented in the United Kingdom means of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and P kaging) Regulations (CHIP) [5]. 

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP 2002) are concerned with ensuring that hazardous chemicals when packaged for sale, both to employers and to consumers, are properly packaged and adequately labelled. Also that safety data on the chemicals are provided to the users. 

The classification and labelling requirements under the Dangerous Preparations Directive 67/548/EEC are implemented by the CHIP Regulations. The Regulations require chemical suppliers to identify the hazards of substances and preparations. Dangerous chemicals then must be packaged suitably, provided with labels and accompanied by additional information for safe use (such as safety data sheets). 

Product labels include details of the hazards associated with the substances contained in the product and any precautions recommended. They may also bear one or more of the CHIP hazard classification symbols. Product safety data sheets are another very useful source of information for hazard identification and associated advice. Manufacturers of hazardous substances are obliged to supply such sheets to users giving details of the name, chemical composition and properties of the substance. Information on the nature of the hazards and any relevant standards (WEL) should also be given. The sheets contain useful additional information on first aid and fire fighting measures and... 

To achieve this, CHIP obiiges suppiiers of chemicals to identify their hazards (e.g. fiammabiiity, toxicity, etc) and to pass on this information together with advice on safe use to the peopie they suppiy the chemicals to. This is usuaiiy done by means of package labels and safety data sheets. 

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