Introduction of GHS by Smit & Zoon
Although the existing laws or regulations for classification and labeling of chemicals are similar in many respects, their differences are significant enough to result in different labels or safety data sheets
for the same product in different countries. In order to harmonize these rules, the UN Conference on the Environment and Development (UNCED) started a program in 1992, which resulted in the first version of GHS in 2001, formally adopted in 2002. This is the start of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Many countries promised to implement the GHS rules into their legislation by 2008 and the European Union managed to reach this goal by publishing Regulation 1272/2008 on December 31st of 2008.
Changes in labeling
All labels of our products will be revised to comply with the new rules. The well known orange square hazard symbols will be replaced by hazard pictograms in a red-bordered diamond. Several new pictograms are introduced and some are used in a different way. The R(isk)- and S(afety)-phrases will be replaced by H(azard) and P(recautionary) statements. A signal word will be added if necessary to indicate the severity of the possible hazard. Generally speaking, you will find more text on the label.
Changes in Material Safety Data Sheets
All Material Safety Data Sheets will be revised to comply with the new rules. This means that until June 1st 2015 both the ‘old' and the ‘new' classification of the product will be provided in the MSDS. This is a legal requirement to allow customers who use the product in a preparation to calculate a correct classification and labeling according to both systems.
Changes in classification
Although the EU-GHS aims to have the scope as close as possible to the old system, some products will be classified in a different category. This is not because the product has changed, but because the rules for classification have changed. For example: several of our products are classified for skin irritation/corrosion. Under the new rules, the concentration from which the more severe category has to be applied has been lowered, with the result that more products are classified in this category.
For other classes, the way in which the classification of a mixture is calculated is different in the new system. Generally speaking, you will find that some product that were not classified under the old system, are classified as dangerous under the new rules, and some products are classified in a more severe category.
Planning Smit & Zoon
As from the 3rd quarter 2010 all safety data sheets will show both the old and new classification of the products you purchase. You will then automatically receive an updated MSDS for the products you purchase. As from Q3 2010 our Syntan production lines will switch to GHS labeling. Later this year (estimated Q4), our fat liquor production lines will switch as well. During the transition period it will be inevitable that some shipments will contain both types of labels. The rules only allow one type of label on a single package. Most products are supplied from stock; these will not be relabeled. We guarantee that all products supplied to you can be stored and used for the usual period. More details you can always find at our technical data sheets.