REACH and storing chemicals
The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) requirements affect businesses that manufacture, import, distribute, sell, store or use chemical substances, preparations or articles.
Using chemicals
REACH will probably not affect you if you use common chemical products for their intended purposes, eg paints, glues, cleaning materials and solvents.
If you use a chemical in a way that may not be expected, you should contact your supplier. They will need to consider registering the chemical's use. If you do not want your supplier to know what you are using a chemical for (eg if you are using it in a new or innovative way) you must let the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) know about the use.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has produced guidance on what users of chemicals must do.
HSE: What REACH means for users of chemicals
If you’re based in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), you’ll need to follow UK REACH regulations to manufacture, import, sell or distribute chemical substances or mixtures.
GOV.UK: How to comply with REACH chemical regulations
In Northern Ireland
It is a good idea to produce an inventory of all the chemicals you use and store on your site, and the quantities that you have.
Information about chemicals
REACH makes sure that chemical users receive information about how to store, use and dispose of chemicals.
You may receive a safety data sheet (SDS) with some of the chemicals you use. If you receive a chemical without an SDS, contact your supplier to find out whether or not they have to provide one.
You should follow the instructions on the SDS to ensure you use your chemicals safely.
Registering chemicals
If you manufacture chemicals you should read the HSE guidance on chemical manufacture and storage.
HSE Chemical manufacture and storage
If import chemicals to Great Britain, read the HSE guidance in chemical imports.
If you are based in Northern Ireland and supply chemicals to GB:
HSE: Duties of an NI based business supplying chemicals to GB
You will also need to provide information about how to use, store and handle chemicals safely.
Further information
- HSE: REACH explained
- HSENI: REACH information
- HSE: REACH information
- European Chemicals Agency: REACH information