CLP

Full Name and Expansion of the CLP Acronym

CLP stands for the English name Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures, which means Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures (EC No 1272/2008). It is a key legal act of the European Union that aligns previous EU regulations with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), developed by the United Nations.

Definition and Purpose of the CLP Regulation

The main aim of the CLP Regulation is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment, as well as the free flow of chemical substances, mixtures, and certain products on the EU market. CLP requires manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances and mixtures to:

• Classify them in terms of the hazards they present (physical, health, environmental).
• Label them according to the established classification, using standard pictograms, signal words, and statements indicating hazard and precautionary measures.
• Package them safely.

Thanks to CLP, users of chemicals – both professional and consumers – receive clear and understandable information about potential hazards, allowing for safer handling of products.

Connection between CLP and GHS

The CLP regulation implements in the European Union the classification and labelling criteria agreed at the UN level within the framework of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The aim of GHS is to unify the way of informing about chemical hazards worldwide, facilitating international trade and enhancing safety levels.

Key Elements of CLP-Compliant Labelling

A CLP-compliant chemical product label must include the following elements:

1. Name, address, and telephone number of the supplier.
2. Nominal quantity of the substance or mixture in the package (if made available to the general public).
3. Product identifier (chemical name, EC number, CAS, etc.).
4. Pictograms indicating the type of hazard: Graphic symbols (white diamond with a red border and a black symbol in the center) informing about the main hazards.
5. Signal words: Words indicating the degree of hazard:
   • “Danger” – for more severe hazards.
   • “Warning” – for less severe hazards.
6. Hazard statements (H statements): Standard phrases describing the nature of the hazards (e.g., H315: “Causes skin irritation”).
7. Precautionary statements (P statements): Standard phrases recommending measures to minimize risks (e.g., P280: “Wear protective gloves”).
8. Supplementary information (if required).

Most Common Pictograms on Lubricants

On the packaging of oils, greases, or operational fluids, you can find various pictograms, e.g.:

• (Exclamation mark): e.g., skin/eye irritation, acute toxicity category 4.
• (Health hazard): e.g., carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity.
• (Corrosive substance): e.g., corrosive effects on skin, serious eye damage.
• (Environmental hazard): e.g., toxic effects on aquatic organisms.
• (Flame): e.g., flammable product.

How to Properly Interpret Information from a CLP Label?

To safely use a chemical product, you should:

1. Always read the label before using the product.
2. Pay attention to pictograms and signal words to quickly identify the main hazards.
3. Familiarize yourself with H and P statements, which provide detailed information about the hazards and recommended precautionary measures.
4. In case of doubt, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), which contains more detailed information.

Adhering to the recommendations on the CLP label is crucial for health protection and safety.