For the definition of mixtures, it is worth starting from the fact that harmonised criteria for the classification of substances and mixtures in terms of their hazards to human health and the environment, as well as the rules for the communication of these hazards (including requirements for the safety data sheet and the labelling of the packaging) are set out in Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 of 16.12.12.2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (Official Journal of the EU L 353 of 31.12.2008).
At SpecChem, we classify these types of mixtures in terms of their safety, prepare safety data sheets and exposure scenarios, develop technical information (technical leaflets, technical sheets) and the content of the individual packaging label. The very definition of a chemical substance may include a statement that it means a mixture or solution consisting of two or more chemical substances.
Technical information (technical leaflets, technical data sheets) is an additional aid in presenting both the performance characteristics of a product and can be used to describe the safe handling of a product. Usually, the technical product information contains basic data about the product: properties, application concentrations, uses, contraindications, safety data, etc. The technical information is usually compiled from data on the properties of the product, its performance and from the safety data sheet of the product in question.
One of the obligations incumbent on manufacturers and importers placing chemical substances or mixtures, and in particular hazardous substances and mixtures, on the market is to classify these products correctly – according to the relevant classification criteria – and to compile their safety data sheets. The primary purpose of classifying a substance or mixture is to assign it to the appropriate hazard class it may present due to its physicochemical properties. The correct classification of a mixture is the starting point for the preparation of a safety data sheet and the appropriate labelling of the packaging of the product in question.
The label of a chemical mixture and its labelling plays an important role in product safety. It is on the label that you will find basic information about the product, which describes how to use it safely. General guidelines defining the format of the safety data sheet and the scope of necessary information to be included therein are set out in Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), as amended by Commission Regulation (EU) No 453/2010 of 20 May 2010.
