Chemical hazard communication and safety data sheets

Abstract

Communicating the hazards of chemical substances to workers, consumers and emergency services is essential for ensuring a safe use of hazardous chemicals. As the communication covers both industrial/professional users and consumers, different strategies are needed. The classification and labeling of those chemicals considered as hazardous is the first and more important hazard communication tool. This classification and labeling is applied to substances marketed on its own or as mixtures and covers all users including consumers. The United Nations Organization has harmonized the classification and labeling worldwide through the globally harmonized system. The safety data sheets (SDSs), previously named as material SDSs in the United States and other jurisdictions, expand the information provided to industrial and professional users. The communication of the hazards related to substances in articles has received less attention; however, in the European, Union, the REACH Regulation has created new hazard communication obligations for those substances identified as of very high concern and included in the ‘candidate list’ for authorization.