The CLP Regulation implements the EU United Nations Globally Harmonised System on the classification and labelling of chemicals. It introduces a classification system that is recognised internationally and as a result, removes barriers to trade. Chemicals are classified and labelled so that those using them have information about their hazardous effects to enable them to take suitable precautions to protect both people and the environment.
New terms replaced old ones; for example, ‘Signal words’ that communicate the hazards of chemicals on labels and safety sheets replace the old ‘Indications of Danger’ term, and orange danger warning ‘symbols’ are now red-framed ‘Pictograms’.
Chemicals are a serious danger to human health and the environment, from their production to their handling, transport and use. People from all over the world, of different ages, languages, alphabets and social conditions all come into contact with chemicals in some form both in the workplace and home every day. The need to have an internationally-harmonised approach to classification and labelling was recognised to ensure the safe use, transport and disposal of industrial and consumer chemicals. GHS is a voluntary agreement as opposed to law and must be adopted through regional or national legal systems to ensure it is legally binding. CLP is the European mechanism for this and GHS has been adopted by many countries around the world. It is now also used as the basis for international and national transport regulations for dangerous goods.
The 9 chemical hazard pictograms are framed in red.
