Working safely with chemicals: the role of laws and regulations
The word ‘chemicals‘ can have negative associations for some people. While it is actually a collective name for a very broad category of substances; each with it’s own composition, properties and behaviour. We know natural substances that occur in nature and man-made chemical compounds. There are many positive applications such as treating diseases and additives in food. But it is a fact that safety is paramount in the chemical industry. In this article, we will explain the crucial role of laws and regulations in this regard.
At Synerlogic, we work with water-based chemicals or chemicals that have good resistance to water. A number of our products are classified as hazardous. Therefore, strict rules apply on our Seveso site in Duiven, for example for the (temporary) storage, repackaging and production of chemicals.
What key factors influance chemistry and safety?
Safety is paramount when working with chemistry. To ensure safety, we look at the specific properties of the chemistry, how they are used and the context of their use. An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is mandatory for each chemical product. The SDS provides all the necessary information on safe handling and usage of that product.
1. CLP Regulation
The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) is one of the key factors that contribute to safety. This regulation, enforced across the European Union, establishes strict standards for the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures. The primary objective is to ensure the safety of workers, consumers and the environment by providing clear and consistent information about the hazards of chemical products. The CLP Regulation defines whether a substance is classified as a ZZS substance or CMR substance.
ZZS substance
This is a substance of very high concern that can be very dangerous. Therefore, the RIVM (Dutch National Institute for Publich Health and the Environment) investigates the harmfulness for humans, animals and the environment. For example, the substance can have an impact on reproduction or be carcinogenic. The P in (p)ZZS stands for Potential ZZS substance; so it is suspected to be a very harmful substance. In the latter case, a substance may also be less harmful after all, so it is no longer considered a (p)ZZS. The government informs about this.
CMR substance
CMR stands for substances that are carcinogenic, can affect our genes (mutagenic) or are harmful to reproduction and/or offspring (reproductive toxicity). The hazards that are defined by the CLP Regulation determine which Personal Protective Equipment must be used and which permits Synerlogic requires.
2. ADR Agreement
The ADR Agreement (Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) sets out European rules and regulations for the international transport of dangerous goods by road. Dangerous goods are classified into 9 ADR classes, each representing a specific category of hazardous substances. Within a main class, there are also subclasses with a further distribution of hazardous substances.
It is important to know to which ADR class a dangerous substance belong. This determines which rules and regulations apply to the transport of these products on the road. These rules are designed to ensure safety and minimise the risk of accidents when transporting dangerous goods.
The ADR Agreement is used to determine whether and, if so, which ADR class applies. Some of our products are subject to the ADR Agreement.
CLP and ADR translated into practice
Together, the CLP Regulation and the ADR Agreement ensure that chemical substances are safely classified, packaged and transported, which contributes to better protection of people and the environment from the risks of chemical exposure. Proper handling of CLP and ADR classified products means proper management of the products and taking appropriate precautions to minimise risks. For example:
- Following safety regulations
- Using protective clothing
- Storing chemicals correctly
- Carefully following instructions for use
An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) is created for each product. This shows whether and, if so, which ADR class applies. Based on the ADR class and the CLP regulation, we
- assess whether it is a product we are allowed to store or produce according to our licence and procedures.
- follow the instructions for use, for eample the labelling requirements of the product
Permitted ADR classes at Synerlogic
At Synerlogic, there are several possibilities for working with products with ADR classification. These can be divided into:
- Storage: products that we are allowed to store in our warehouse for longer periods of time (more than 48 hours)
- Transhipment: products we are allowed to store for a shorter period of time (in principle no longer than 48 hours, 72 hours with weekends included)
- Production: products that we are allowed to repackage and/or produce
Click here for an overview of the ADR classes for which you can contact Synerlogic.
Would you like to know more about our ADR possibilities or get in touch with our specialists?