Competent person (SDS)

Explained

Annex II of REACH states that a competent person prepares the safety data sheet, taking into account the specific needs and knowledge of the user audience, as far as they are known. Suppliers ensure that competent persons receive appropriate training, including refresher training. The regulation names no particular profession: what counts is the knowledge needed for classification, hazard assessment and protective measures. Many smaller manufacturers have the sheet written by a service provider, or take it over from their own supplier and add their information. The company that supplies the sheet stays responsible for providing and passing it on, even when writing it is outsourced. Record who prepared the document, who approved it and the date of the version. In an inspection, the authority talks to you, not to the service provider.