The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan recently announced that it is conducting a comprehensive review of the regulations on label display and the delivery of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) mandated under the Industrial Safety and Health Law, to better protect the health and safety of workers in the workplace. Public comments have been solicited.
During a public consultation held on September 20, 2024, the MHLW discussed a draft update, which proposes adding 155 new substances to the list of chemicals that must be accompanied by SDS and GHS labels. The draft also suggests removing two substances from the existing list, including sodium stearate and triphenyl phosphate.
Enhancing Preventive Measures
These substances require corresponding preventive measures due to their potential health hazards to workers in the workplace. According to the enforcement regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Law, any transferor or provider involved with hazardous or harmful chemicals must label the chemicals with relevant information and provide documents describing their hazards or harmfulness, ensuring that workers can access sufficient information about the chemicals they may be exposed to and take appropriate safety measures.
Implementation Plan Update
The inclusion of these added substances is expected to be implemented starting in April 2027, while a specific implementation timeline for the removal of the two substances has not yet been determined.
Improving Chemical Safety Management
By updating and expanding the list of chemicals subject to SDS and GHS labeling requirements, the MHLW aims to enhance chemical safety management and further reduce health risks in workplaces.
The specific list of substances can be accessed through the following official website:
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000099635_00007.html
