DEKRA process safety experts call for quick action on changes to EU Safety Data Sheets
DEKRA safety experts advise on quick action on the changes within REACH for the production of EU Safety Data Sheets for solid substances coming into force on the 1st January 2021.
Southampton/Aberdeen, UK – 2nd December 2020
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released a draft document for changes within REACH for the production of EU Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) which now require dust explosion data. DEKRA safety experts warn that there is not much time to get ready for the new requirement. Chemical producers will immediately not only have to use the new guidance for new products but will also have to plan to update data for existing products within the next two years.
“Following the draft proposal, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 will come into force on 1st January 2021 and all new EU safety data sheets from this date will have to comply. For existing SDS’s there will be a two-year grace period applied. Data on the formation of explosible dust/air mixtures is critical safety data and understanding the changes does require expertise and time. We are already in discussions with many clients on how this will have an effect on their products and are providing guidance on the required tests in order to ensure they have, and understand, the new end point requirements for section 9.2.2. However, we worry there is a lot of organisations out there not realising the urgency as well as depth of this new requirement.
This is a very significant change and addition to existing requirements. Whilst limited gas and vapour flammability data has always been a requirement of REACH, this is the first time a specific requirement for a specified range of dust explosion data has been incorporated. It will need swift action for companies registering new products but also a clear action plan for those with a large existing portfolio of powdered, solid products in order to meet the deadlines.” says Daniel Baker, Global Director of Process Safety Testing, DEKRA Organisational and Process Safety.
Additional information is available at:
https://www.dekra-uk.co.uk/en/reach-and-clp-testing-services/
https://www.dekra-uk.co.uk/en/home-page/
https://www.dekra-uk.co.uk/en/reach-and-clp-testing-services/
https://www.dekra-uk.co.uk/en/home-page/