CLP — Classification, Labelling, Packaging
CLP is European Union Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on the classification, labelling and packaging (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) of chemical substances and mixtures. It determines when a product is hazardous and what its label must show: pictograms in a red diamond, a signal word («Danger» or «Warning»), hazard statements (H statements) and precautionary statements (P statements).
The CLP Regulation implements the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in the European Union. The manufacturer classifies each mixture according to its physical hazards (for example, corrosive to metals), health hazards (skin corrosion, eye damage, inhalation toxicity…) and environmental hazards. This classification determines the label and the corresponding sections of the safety data sheet (SDS), whose format is set by the REACH Regulation.
CLP defines nine pictograms. On professional cleaning products the most common are the corrosion pictogram, the exclamation mark and the hazardous to the aquatic environment pictogram. Each H statement has a code: H290 (may be corrosive to metals), H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage), H315 (causes skin irritation) or H318 (causes serious eye damage). P statements indicate how to prevent and how to respond, such as P280 (wear protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection). Some additional EU-specific statements begin with EUH.
Examples of hazard statements shown on Instaquim technical data sheets:
- Gresclean: H315 and H318.
- Detercal: H290 and H314.
- Nitracip Pro: H290, H314, H331 (toxic if inhaled) and EUH071 (corrosive to the respiratory tract).
Before using a chemical product, read its label and its SDS, and follow the protective equipment and first-aid measures they specify.
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