Safety Data Sheets (SDS): New Enforcement Project (REF-15) Focuses Once More on SDS

Disappointing Test Results

The Forum made this decision based on the many shortcomings uncovered during previous reviews. In December, the ECHA published the results of an SDS review from previous years (REF-11 project). According to that review, shortcomings were found in one in three of the more than 2,500 SDSs inspected.

Sticking Point: Occupational Safety

Violations that compromise employee safety are particularly sensitive, so that inspectors will focus sharply on this consideration. First, they will determine if the information contained in the SDS on the safe use of substances is correct, complete, and implemented within the company. Second, the ECHA announced in its press release that it will target specific hazardous substances subject to special conditions for use in the workplace during its inspections. The substances are:

• Diisocyanates, which are used in the manufacture of polyurethane products
• 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which is used in inks and toners
• Dimethylformamide (DMF), which has a wide range of uses in laboratory chemicals, machinery, and vehicles

Strengthening Enforcement

Furthermore, those responsible for the project want to achieve more effective enforcement of the measures. Reaching that goal requires improved cooperation among authorities.

Key Documents for Greater Security

Companies that place hazardous substances or mixtures on the market must inform users about their hazards and risks by providing SDS. They are also obliged to keep these documents up to date.

We create SDSs in more than 50 languages. As the data requirements for SDSs are constantly increasing, we ensure the completeness of your data and take over the complete data management for your supplier SDS as part of our „KFT Control & Care“ convenience package.

For more information, please contact us at sales@kft.de.