SAFETY DATA SHEETS

This article is a summary of a UNISON information sheet on safety data sheets. The full information sheet is available from the Health and Safety Unit.

Getting material on dangerous substances should be easy since the law requires all suppliers to provide specific information on hazards. However, in practice the law is often abused and very rarely enforced.

The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supplying) Regulations (CHIP) state that suppliers of dangerous substances and preparations must provide the recipients with material safety data sheets.

The data sheet must be supplied with all substances classified as dangerous including the 2,500 on the Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) approved supply list. However, detailed sheets are required for any substances likely to be harmful even if they do not appear on that list. The regulations cover chemicals, and any other dangerous substance including animal and vegetable matter. There are some exceptions if the substances is bought in a shop and intended for the general public, but general safety information still needs to be provided.

Safety data sheets must be in English, even where a substance is supplied from abroad. However, whilst safety data sheets supplied by other EU countries should cover the same 16 points, those from outside the EU often do not. Many chemicals are imported from countries where the information required in safety data sheets is very different. However, if a substance is imported into the UK the supplier has a responsibility to provide a data sheet which complies with EU law.

WHAT USE ARE SAFETY DATA SHEETS?

Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations employers must carry out a risk assessment in all circumstances where dangerous substances are, or are likely to be used. Safety data sheets can be invaluable in helping employers carry out a COSHH assessment, but they are not a substitute for it. Safety data sheets only describe the hazards. Employers must assess the risks and take measures to remove and control them. Employers can not rely solely on information given in safety data sheets. They vary considerably in quality, and while they can be a useful source of information, many are either inaccurate or incomprehensible. Further information on the hazards should be sought.

GETTING HOLD OF SAFETY DATA SHEETS.

Safety reps should be able to get copies of safety data sheets for any substances that are used in their workplace. Often however, the employer cannot provide them because they were not kept, or were not sent by the supplier. If this is the case, safety reps can insist that their employer get copies from the supplier There is no obligation under CHIP for employers to automatically provide safety data sheets directly to employees. However, the Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to give all necessary information to their employees where it is necessary to ensure their health and safety at work. The HSC has published an approved code of practice on data sheets which states that "safety data sheets should be regarded as open documents and they, or the inforrnaflon they contain, should be available to employees or their appointed safety reps."

UNDERSTANDING SAFETY DATA SHEETS. Under CHIP, the supplier must ensure that the information given is "sufficient". That means it must give enough information to allow the user to decide how to protect people at work. It must provide the information under 16 given headings. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) on safety data sheets gives more detailed guidance on what should be covered under the sixteen headings but many safety data sheets do not adhere to the regulations. Very few produced outside the UK are likely to follow the ACOP, even if they do use the 16 obligatory headings. The 16 headings and what they should include, are:

Identification of the substances/ preparation and company - trade or brand name; and suppliers details.

Composition/ingredients - the actual chemical and not a generic name.

Hazard identification - the most serious hazards, the effect, and symptoms.

First Aid Measures - what medical attention is required after exposure.

Fire Fighting Measures - including what not to use, and any special hazards.

Accidental Release Measures - personal and environmental precautions to take.

Handling and Storage - any special precautions, including ventilation etc.

Exposure Control - which personal protective equipment to use.

Physical and Chemical Properties smell, colour, flash-point, and pH, etc. Stability and Reactivity - conditions or materials to avoid contact with. and any dangers resulting from decomposition.

Toxicological Information ~ the health effects which may arise after exposure.

Ecological Information - the likely effects on the environmental.

Disposal Consideration - how to dispose of it safely, referring to any specific law.

Transport Information - any special precautions needed.

Regulatory lnformation- the health and safety information on the label that is required by law, any law specifically applicable, any occupational exposure standards or maximum exposure limits.

Other Information - training, further information, and the date of publication or revision of the data sheet (if not given elsewhere).