New Dangerous Substances Regulations
The Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No. 2916) were laid before Parliament on 7th November 2006 and enter into force on 4th December 2006 (with the exception of regulations 5,11 and 12, which enter into force on 24th August 2007, 16th January 2007 and 15th June 2007, respectively).
These Regulations prohibit, subject to exceptions, the supply of certain dangerous substances and preparations. They revoke the Dangerous Substances and Preparations (Safety) (Consolidation) Regulations 1994 and the further amendments to those Regulations. They consolidate those Regulations with the amendments necessary to implement three further Directives. The three Directives newly implemented are:
- Directive 2005/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 (so far as it relates to toluene);
- Directive 2005/84/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2005 (phthalates in toys and childcare articles); and
- Directive 2005/90/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 January 2006 (amendments to the list of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction).
A number of prohibitions are introduced, including:
- The supply of substances or preparations containing benzene in concentrations equal or greater than 0.1% by mass is prohibited (with exceptions).
- The supply to a member of the general public of substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. The substances concerned are listed in Schedule 2.
- The supply of textile articles intended to come into contact with the skin and children’s dressing gowns treated with certain substances.
- The supply of ornamental objects, tricks, jokes and games containing specified substances which are “dangerous for supply”.
- The supply of childcare articles containing greater than a specified percentage of phthalates.
- The supply to a member of the general public or supply for the purposes of sale to such a person of toluene or adhesives or spray paints containing toluene in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% by mass.
The full text of the Regulations is available from the OPSI website at:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2006/20062916.htm
Source: www.opsi.gov.uk (accessed 04/12/06)