UK REACH & GB CLP REGULATIONS
REACH stands for: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
REACH regulations aims to protect human health and environment from the risks posed by chemicals, and aim to ensure manufacturers are responsible for and understand the risk associated with their products. (www.hse.gov.uk)
The UK has adopted the key principles set out in the EU REACH regulation under the UK law European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. It is now known as UK REACH and operates independent from the original EU REACH regulations.
This means those who manufacturer import/export their chemical products between EU countries and the UK, should be sure to meet the requirements under both jurisdictions - As of January 1st 2021 the EU REACH regulations have altered the requirements for compiling Safety Data Sheets (formally MSDS), however the UK have not adopted the changes set out in Annex II and they only apply to EU suppliers.
A similar story applies to CLP regulations. The classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures. The UK has followed the EU regulations on CLP from 20th January 2009. The CLP adopts the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of classification and the labelling of chemicals. (https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/legal/clp-regulation.htm)
The UK retained the EU CLP regulations and continues to adopt the UNGH system, however does so independently from the EU, now called the GB CLP. The UK has made amendments for it to operate fully and effectively.
So how does this relate to Nail Technicians?
The classification of hazardous chemicals is super important for us as nail techs, as it provides us with a starting point on how to protect ourselves and our clients efficiently.
Labels are used to identify hazardous chemicals, and with the use of easy to read pictures we can instantly see how they can be hazardous to our health and environment.
Labels also offer us the best way to avoid the hazard, and what to do should we be exposed in the wrong way. They should also contain information on how to store and dispose of the chemicals to avoid contaminating the environment.
These labels assist us in writing our risk assessments for treatments, and help us to keep our salon/working environment safe and at minimal risk for clients and staff. COSHH - Control of Substances Hazardous to Health is an essential part of our training as nail technicians, or at least it should be.
Risk Assessments
Most, if not all insurers stipulate that we carry out regular risk assessments on our treatments/equipment/environment. It is advised to update these a minimum of every 12 months, whenever a new treatment/substance/equipment is introduced, and or following any incidents which caused injury or harm.
We are now also required to have an upto date Covid-19 risk assessment in place as we all return to work on the 12th April 2021.
SDS (formally MSDS)
Safety data sheets communicate information on hazardous chemicals and the risks the pose, they are compiled in line with REACH regulations as mentioned above.
It is a legal requirement that suppliers/manufacturers/importers and even down steam users and distributors provide users with and up to date SDS if a product is classified as dangerous to supply. These must also be made available in the language of which the country of market speaks. (https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Chemicals/Legislation_Enforcement/REACH/Safety_Data_Sheets/)
Safety data sheets are required by the user of product(s) that contain hazardous chemicals even traces of, that are classified as dangerous to supply/hazardous. This is so a proper risk assessment can be carried out. The information they provide will allow the user to understand the risk of the chemicals contained in the product, gives information about how to handle, properly store and what emergency measures should be taken in case of an accident or reaction.
This information should be readily available to you, in case an incident or reaction occur, so you are able to follow the correct procedures and implement safety measures to avoid or handle a risk properly. These Safety Data Sheets are NOT to replace a regular risk assessment however, and you should always hold an up to date risk assessment accompanied by the relevant SDS of all products used that contain a classified hazardous chemical.
For nail technicians these would include products such as but not exclusive to:
Monomers
Primers
Glue
Acetone
Nail Polish remover
Nail Polishes/Gel Polishes
Many of these products may contain chemicals such as: acetonitrle, Butyl acetate, Dibutyl phthalate, Ethyl acetate, Ethyl methacrylate, Formaldehyde, Isopropyl acetate, Methacrylic acid, Hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and one we all want to avoid Methyl methacrylate (MMA).
By holding the relevant SDS information you can see first hand the ingredients used in the products, so firstly you can avoid the really harmful ones such as MMA, but also you will be able to react accordingly in case of emergency.
In Summary
UK REACH regulations and GB CLP regulations dictate the necessary documentation manufacturers should provide it's consumers & suppliers, to ensure they are taking responsibility for the risks associated with their chemical products.
Nail technicians should be adequately trained in COSHH regardless of whether they are employed or self employed. This is necessary as we handle chemical products that can be harmful to health and environment. We should therefore know how to use, store, and react in case of emergency in regards to the chemicals/products we use.
Nail technicians should carry out regular risk assessments to evaluate and minimize risk posed to themselves, and clients. These risk assessments should be accompanied by the relevant Safety Data Sheets of all products used that contain chemicals classified as harmful/hazardous to supply. These can be requested from the product supplier and it is a legal requirement that they provide SDS upon request and in the relevant language.
Helpful Links:
https://www.msdsonline.com/2013/05/06/12-of-the-most-hazardous-chemicals-youll-find-at-a-nail-salon/
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