Brazil - Update your FISPQ to the new SDS format.

Brazil - Update your FISPQ to the new SDS format.

FISPQ (Fichas de Informações de Segurança de Produtos Químicos) are documents that contain information about the safety of chemical substances/mixtures. With the implementation of Brazilian regulation NBR 14725:2023, there will be a transition from FISPQ to SDS ensuring up-to-date and effective chemical safety management.

Transition from FISPQ to SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

The transition from FISPQ to SDS under regulation NBR 14725:2023 marks a success in chemical product management, offering significant improvements in safety and process efficiency.

Advantages and benefits of SDS

  • • Detailed Information: SDS provide more detailed information about the risks and safety measures associated with chemical products.
  • • Hazard Classification Updates: Includes the latest updates on hazard classifications.
  • • Clear Communication: SDS allows clearer and more precise communication about chemical hazards, facilitating safe handling.
  • • Improved Worker Safety: Enhances health and safety protection for workers handling chemicals.
  • • Efficient Chemical Management: SDS facilitate safe chemical management and storage, minimizing the risk of incidents.
  • • Environmental Protection: Provides detailed information on environmental impacts and proper management procedures, contributing to environmental protection.
  • • Regulatory Compliance and Safety Culture: Ensures compliance with current regulations and promotes a safety culture in the workplace.

Differences between FISPQ and SDS

FISPQ and SDS are essential documents in chemical management, but they differ significantly in structure and content. Below are the main divergences between them:

  • • FISPQ (Fichas de Informações de Segurança de Produtos Químicos) focus on providing basic information about the risks associated with a chemical product, while SDS offer a more detailed and comprehensive analysis of hazards and safety measures.
  • • FISPQ does not include all hazard categories covered by the GHS (Globally Harmonized System). In contrast, SDS adopts the GHS rev 7 regulations, encompassing all hazard categories and providing more accurate and harmonized information.
  • • FISPQ is based on older regulations, whereas SDS is based on up-to-date regulations, facilitating international trade.
  • • FISPQ documents were divided into multiple sections, whereas SDS are consolidated into a single part.
  • • FISPQ do not cover hazards such as “Desensitized Explosives" and “hazardous to the ozone layer,” which are crucial for chemical and environmental safety. SDS include these hazards, ensuring global harmonization.

Conclusions

  • • SDS allow for a better understanding of the potential risks associated with a chemical product and provide clear guidelines for its safe handling, contributing to more efficient safety management.
  • • By being more comprehensive and detailed, SDS offer greater protection for workers, the environment, and public health, as they provide accurate and updated information on risks and preventive measures.
  • • SDS introduce new labeling indications, improving hazard communication.
  • • Incorporate hazards, H phrases, and P phrases. This includes the addition of new categories, such as ‘Desensitized Explosives,’ as well as amendments and refinements in other areas, such as the classification of flammable gases. Additionally, a new environmental classification has been implemented to ensure a safer response in the event of chemical accidents or incidents.
  • • Emergency contact information is also included. This measure ensures a prompt response to potential chemical accidents or incidents, prioritizing the safety of personnel and the environment.

Deadlines

  • • Companies have two years from the publication of the regulations to modify their FISPQ. By July 4, 2025, all documents must be adapted to the SDS format according to Brazilian NBR 14725:2023.
  • • From that date, FISPQ documents will no longer be accepted.

Challenges and objectives for the FISPQ update process.

It is recommended that organizations act proactively and quickly adopt these changes from FISPQ to FDS SDS, thus ensuring compliance with updated standards in a timely and proper manner.

Although there is still one year left for the final transition from FISPQ to SDS, it may present challenges for companies when updating their documents. It also represents an opportunity for them to comprehensively reassess their safety protocols. Furthermore, by harmonizing their chemical safety standards with the global community, the new SDS format according to the NBR 14725:2023 standard, enhances Brazil’s position in international trade.

If your company uses Chemeter to prepare Safety Data Sheets, you should know that the new SDS format is included in its software. This means all updates are incorporated, and for companies, implementing this new regulation will require minimal effort. With Chemeter, preparing SDS is quick, easy and active.

We invite you to discover Chemeter and its SDS format!

Do not delay in updating your old (FISPQ) Fichas de Información de Seguridad de Productos Químicos).