Chemical Safety

Chemical safety is paramount for companies in Finland that handle, store, or use substances classified as hazardous under both European Union and Finnish legislation. A chemical’s classification as hazardous is determined based on its potential health risks, including toxicological, corrosive, carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic effects, or its capacity to cause sensitization or disrupt bodily functions. The Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008, alongside the Finnish Chemicals Act (599/2013), mandates strict guidelines for the classification, labeling, and packaging of hazardous chemicals to ensure the risks are communicated clearly and effectively.

Effective management of chemical safety encompasses the entirety of a chemical’s lifecycle, from procurement to disposal, focusing on minimizing exposure. This involves adherence to the EU’s REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) and the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) guidelines, which require proper labeling, sealing, and storage of hazardous chemicals according to their Safety Data Sheets (SDS). These sheets provide detailed instructions on safe handling, necessary precautions, and emergency measures.

In Finland, companies must designate a competent safety officer or chemical safety manager responsible for the oversight of hazardous substances. This includes ensuring compliance with REACH, CLP, and any relevant Finnish regulations, conducting risk assessments, and implementing appropriate safety measures. Companies should make efforts to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives wherever possible, aligning with the EU’s substitution principle to reduce risks to human health and the environment.

DGE Finland offers specialized assistance in navigating the complex landscape of chemical safety regulations within the EU and Finland. Our services include auditing production facilities to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with both EU directives such as REACH and RoHS, and national regulations under the Finnish Chemicals Act. Our team, equipped with extensive experience in process and product development across various industries, possesses a deep understanding of chemical properties and applications. With our expertise, companies can achieve not only regulatory compliance but also advance towards a safer, more sustainable chemical management practice.