This page gives information about legislation relating to health and safety that manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals need to know about.
UK REACH
UK REACH is a regulation that applies to the majority of chemical substances that are manufactured in or imported into Great Britain. REACH stands for registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals.
If you manufacture or import chemicals you are responsible for understanding and managing the risks associated with their use.
GB CLP
The classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals placed on the market in Great Britain is regulated by the ‘Assimilated CLP Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008 as amended for Great Britain’, known as GB CLP.
You have a legal duty to understand your obligations and duties under GB CLP if you’re:
- a GB-based manufacturer, importer, downstream user or distributor who places chemicals on the GB market
- an NI-based manufacturer, downstream user or distributor who directly supplies chemicals to the GB market
Pesticides and biocides
Special controls apply to:
- plant protection products (known as pesticides) used in agriculture, horticulture and gardens
- biocides such as rodenticides, wood preservatives, and disinfectants
Find out more about pesticides
PIC
The Prior Informed Consent (PIC) regime in GB regulates the export and import of certain hazardous chemicals.
If you’re importing or exporting PIC-listed chemicals from or to Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) you must comply with GB PIC.
COMAH
The aim of the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 2015 (COMAH) is to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and to mitigate the effects on people and the environment of those that do occur.
You will be subject to COMAH if your business manufactures or stores dangerous chemicals in excess of threshold quantities specified in the regulations.
Carriage of dangerous goods
If you transport chemicals, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009 (CDG 2009) may apply to you.
If CDG 2009 applies you must ensure that you know what you have to do to minimise the risk of incidents and guarantee an effective response.
Find out more about the carriage of dangerous goods
DSEAR
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to control the risks to safety from fire, explosions and substances corrosive to metals.