Let there be no doubt: the safety data sheet (SDS) is the single most important communication medium under REACH. However, they are so complex, and incomprehensible that the ultimate end user is barely able to identify the measures to be taken for the safe use of the product in question. Considering that the main goal of REACH is the safe use of substances and mixtures, the SDS has failed. The SDS is a document that’s mumbo-jumbo to the end user. That’s the sad conclusion of the VVVF, the Dutch trade association for the paint and printing ink industry. We, together with nine other Dutch trade bodies*, are therefore advocating changes to the way users of hazardous substances and mixtures are informed. Alongside the SDS, which states all the legally required information, there needs to be a summary containing information about safe use that can be read and understood by anyone. The European Commission should develop initiatives to help achieve this
展开▼
