Process safety experts DEKRA advise on quick action on the changes within REACH for the production of EU Safety Data Sheets for solid substances coming into force on 1 January 2021.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released a draft document for changes within REACH for the production of EU Safety Data Sheets which now require dust explosion data. DEKRA safety experts are now warning that there is not much time to get ready for the new requirement. With immediate effect, chemical producers will not only have to use the new guidance for new products but will also have to plan to update data for existing products within the next two years.
Daniel Baker, Global Director of Process Safety Testing, DEKRA Organisational and Process Safety, said: “Following the draft proposal, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 will come into force on 1 January 2021 and all new EU safety data sheets from this date will have to comply. For existing Safety Data Sheets, there will be a two-year grace period applied. Data on the formation of explosible dust/air mixtures is critical safety data and understanding the changes does require expertise and time. We are already in discussions with many clients on how this will have an effect on their products and are providing guidance on the required tests in order to ensure they have, and understand, the new end point requirements for section 9.2.2. However, we worry there are a lot of organisations out there not realising the urgency as well as depth of this new requirement.
He continued: “This is a very significant change and addition to existing requirements. Whilst limited gas and vapour flammability data has always been a requirement of REACH, this is the first time a specific requirement for a specified range of dust explosion data has been incorporated. It will need swift action for companies registering new products but also a clear action plan for those with a large existing portfolio of powdered, solid products in order to meet the deadlines.”
