Globally Harmonized System
GHS – chemicals hazard identification and labelling
June 1, 2015 is the GHS implementation deadline.
What do these changes mean for the users of cutting fluids?

As of June 1, 2015 all chemical products sold in the EU must be labelled
and packaged and as per these new GHS regulations cutting fluids are
subject to these changes. Additionally the appropriate new safety data
sheet must also be made available to users.
• Main points of GHS and REACh (Registration, Evaluation,Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)• Safety data sheet changes• Formaldehyde releasers in cutting fluids• Safe working with cutting fluids• Terminology and links

www.blaser.com

Abbreviations such as REACh, GHS and CLP can potentially puzzle a good
many users of cutting fluid. What is the meaning of these regulations, andhow do they affect the way we handle and work with cutting fluids?
• The most important GHS und REACh requirements
As of June 1, 2015 cutting fluids (GHS definition: „mixtures“) must be labelledaccording to CLP Regulation. The CLP Regulation governs the implementationof measures in Europe as derived from the global GHS Regulation. This includes
the GHS labelling elements in the form of new pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements. The significance for users is:that even if the actual formulation of the product remains unchanged
the product labelling will change. You may ask yourself whether this newlabelling means you now have to work with a hazardous product. The answer
is no: the product is unchanged and just as safe to work with as before.
The new labelling is a direct effect of GHS implementation.
With regard to REACh there are practically no changes for cutting fluid users.
Our products and their raw materials are all REACh registered. REACh registration also includes the definition of intended use. Our product registration
defines the intended use as cutting fluid. Meaning that cutting fluids labelled
as such have to be used for that purpose and nothing else. Products with theold labelling can still be sold during the two-year transitional period.
There is no need to re-label those in storage.

Up tonowNew

Example of new labelling as of June 1, 20152• Safety data sheet changes
Logically, the drum labelling corresponds with the safety data sheet information.
As of June 1, 2015 all products must be provided with a safety data sheet
as per GHS designation, so we recommend users to replace their existing safety
data sheets with new ones as soon as drums with the new labelling are delivered. During the two-year transitional period Blaser Swisslube will provide boththe old and the new safety data sheets. They can be downloaded online fromwww.blaser.com.
• Formaldehyde releasers in cutting fluids
Formaldehyde is a gas suspected of causing cancer. While formaldehyde is neveradded to cutting fluids, some products do contain formaldehyde releasers as abiocide for conserving water-mixed cutting fluids. Formaldehyde releaser biocides
free up small amounts of formaldehyde gas. Investigations by the German Employer‘s Liability Insurance Association in machine shops using such products haveshown that the concentration of released formaldehyde is well below the limitof 0.1 ppm set by the German MAK* Commission (see Guidelines for Cutting
Fluid Users). Formaldehyde will be reclassified in Europe as of 2016, and against
this background the discussion on use of formaldehyde releaser biocides has arisen. The approval of biocides is also governed by the European Biocide Directive.
The highest priority for Blaser Swisslube is user safety and environmentalcompatibility. Blasocut Bio Concept products by Blaser Swisslube are wellproven for over forty years without containing any formaldehyde releasers or boric acid. The number of products imitating our bactericide-free cutting
fluids is steadily increasing, but the advantage of Blaser is more than forty yearsof experience with this technology.
* MAK = maximum concentrations at the workplace• Safe working with cutting fluids
It is very important to us that you use our products correctly and safely. On theone hand your cutting fluid works optimally that way and generates added value
for you. On the other hand it ensures the best possible working conditions for human/environmental compatibility. To achieve maximum user benefit at reasonable
outlay, the main requirements are thorough machine cleaning followed by
the correct mixing of cutting fluid concentrate with water. And to keep
the emulsion in perfect condition afterwards, regularly check the concentration and pH value, remove tramp oil, solids and metal debris.

3• Terminology and links
GHS means Globally Harmonized System for worldwide chemicals hazard identification and labelling. This was adopted by the UNO as basis for the CLP
Regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging that governs the GHS
implementation in Europe.
Further information:– GHS and CLP: http://www.reach-compliance.ch/ghsclp– Safety Data Sheet:
http://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/13643/sds_en.pdf
REACh: The essence of REACh is the registration. The REACh system is basedon the principle of industrial self-responsibility. Ever since 2007, chemicals falling under the scope of REACh have to be registered in the EU. The technical,
scientific and administrative aspects of chemicals registration, evaluation andapproval are governed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). A special
feature of REACh is the extension of communication along the supply chain.
Downstream users (consumers) must inform their suppliers precisely about theintended product utilization so that they can take account of this in their information on exposure. Cutting fluids labelled as such therefore have to be used
as cutting fluids only.
– Further details on REACh:
http://www.blaser.com/pic-html/pdf_downloads/14.210_E_REACH_Flyer.pdf

Blaser Swisslube AG
CH-3415 Hasle-Rüegsau (Switzerland) • Tel. +41 (0)34 460 01 01 • Fax +41 (0)34 460 01 00
www.blaser.com

414.217 E (0315)• If you would like more information, please contact us: reach@blaser.com