Veiligheidsinformatiebladgeving

Veiligheidsinformatieblad, often abbreviated VIB, is the Dutch-language document that provides comprehensive information about the hazards of a chemical substance or mixture and guidance on safe handling, storage, transport, and disposal. It corresponds to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) used in many countries and is aligned with the European Union’s REACH Regulation and CLP Regulation for classification, labeling, and packaging of chemicals.

The VIB is intended to communicate risk information to employers, workers, and downstream users to prevent harm to human health and the environment. It is a key tool for hazard communication, risk assessment, and the implementation of appropriate protective measures in workplaces and during product use and transport.

A typical VIB follows a standardized structure that includes sections such as identification of the substance or mixture and supplier, hazards identification, composition/information on ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls and personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, transport information, regulatory information, and other information. The exact headings may vary slightly, and the document is often translated into the local language.

Legal framework and duties: Manufacturers and importers must prepare a VIB for hazardous substances and ensure it is available to customers. Downstream users may need to communicate its contents to workers and maintain access to the VIB. The document should be updated when new hazard information becomes available, and it must be provided in the official language of the country.

Usage and accessibility: The VIB is used by safety officers, employers, and workers to perform hazard assessment and implement control measures. In the EU, SDSs and their Dutch equivalents are expected to be accessible with chemical products, often alongside digital platforms.