The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released a detailed survey to gather feedback from businesses on the current Great Britain Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (GB CLP) Regulation. This survey is a significant step in assessing the effectiveness of current regulations and preparing for potential updates aligned with international standards and recent revisions to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (UN GHS).
Objectives of the GB CLP Survey
The HSE aims to collect valuable insights from stakeholders involved in the GB CLP supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and distributors. The feedback will help ensure the GB CLP Regulation remains effective and compliant with the latest scientific, policy, and legislative changes. The results will guide future regulatory adjustments, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Focus Areas of the Survey
The survey covers various critical aspects of the GB CLP Regulation, inviting feedback on:
- Notification Process: Participants are asked about the time required to complete notifications and any operational challenges encountered.
- Relabelling and Label Formatting: The survey investigates how frequently businesses update product labels outside of regulatory requirements and the costs associated with these changes. Additionally, it asks whether new label formatting rules, such as specific font sizes and spacing, would necessitate modifications to existing labels and what the financial impact might be.
- Chemicals Under Pressure: New classifications under the updated UN GHS guidelines include chemicals under pressure. The survey seeks to determine whether these updates will affect existing product lines and what changes might be required.
- Explosives Classification: The revised UN GHS now includes classifications for explosives that are not in transport configuration. The survey asks businesses if this change will impact their operations and what adjustments they might need to make.
- ‘Keep out of reach of children’ Pictogram: The survey evaluates the potential need for businesses to update their labels to include a new pictogram aimed at conveying critical safety information to protect children.
- Precautionary Statements: The UN GHS updates have led to changes in precautionary statements associated with various hazard classes. The survey asks businesses to identify which precautionary statements are in use and how changes might affect their product labeling and safety communications.
Additional Survey Content
The survey includes a range of questions designed to capture detailed information:
- Company and Product Details: Participants are asked about their company size, role in the GB CLP supply chain, and the number of product lines they supply under GB CLP regulation. They are also asked about the sectors they operate in and how many of their products are affected by the regulation.
- Hazard Categories and Precautionary Statements: The survey specifically addresses changes in hazard categories, such as flammable gases, skin corrosion, serious eye damage, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity, as outlined in the 8th and 9th editions of the UN GHS. Businesses are asked if their products fall under any of these revised categories and what adjustments might be needed.
How to Participate
Businesses can access the survey on the HSE website, with submissions closing at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 18 September 2024.
