Here is a link to the Guardian article with the headline "US faces almost daily hazardous chemical accidents, study suggests". In the article (from Nov. 9, 2023 by Carey Gillam) it states, "The new report shows 829 hazardous chemical incidents from 1 January 2021, through 15 October of this year, or roughly one every 1.2 days. "
Product compliance is so important for companies and communities. Here are a couple of the ways it helps to protect production, warehouse and transport employees, the environment, and where you live. For the latest updates for SAP S/4HANA for product compliance, check out this
video and blog.
Labeling and Communication:
- Clear Information: Compliance standards typically mandate clear and accurate labeling on products. This information includes potential hazards, safe handling instructions, and emergency response procedures. An example would be Poison Centre Notifications.
- Communication along the Supply Chain: Compliance requirements also extend to communication along the supply chain, ensuring that information about chemical hazards is communicated effectively from manufacturers to distributors to end-users. An example is proper use of safety data sheets and labeling.
Emergency Response Planning:
- Regulated Protocols: Compliance often requires companies to develop and implement emergency response plans in case of accidents. This includes procedures for containment, cleanup, and communication with relevant authorities. Proper use of dangerous goods labeling or a UFI means responders know what they are dealing with and responses by emergency services are faster and more accurate.
- Training: Employees involved in the handling of chemicals are often required to undergo training on emergency response protocols, ensuring a swift and coordinated response in the event of an accident. I had to do this when I worked as a contractor at a pharmaceutical manufacturing site and a big part of the training was recognizing labels and what they implied.
Monitoring and Reporting:
- Incident Reporting: Compliance standards may require companies to report chemical incidents to regulatory authorities promptly. This facilitates a rapid response and allows authorities to assess the impact of the incident on public health and the environment.
- Continuous Monitoring: Compliance involves continuous monitoring of products and processes to identify any deviations from safety standards. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents or catch potential issues early. Using our regulatory content service keeps your products up-to-date with the latest regulatory changes.
SAP S/4HANA for product compliance enables customers to manage chemical compliance for their products, to classify products according to dangerous goods regulations, and to create safety data sheets and labels according to chemical regulations and requirements. Additionally, the customers can track and record the quantities of regulated substances in their company that are purchased, imported, produced, sold, or exported.