ESCom package guidance

What is new in a nutshell

eSDScom is the industry standard for sending safety data sheets, exposure scenarios and all relevant compliance info in the chemical supply chain. eSDScom integrates what was formerly known as the EuPhraC,  SDScom and (since version 5.4) ESCom, and is now a comprehensive and efficient solution that saves you money and time. This is a comprehensive package, covering the latest developments and regulations for chemicals:

  • Safety Data Sheets to assist with occupational safety and health
  • Notification data to help customers with their legal obligations
  • for Europe, Exposure Scenarios and ENES achievements for downstream users

Check out eSDSCom website for more information and previsous version of SDScom, EuPhraC and ESCom are available here.

The formerly called ESCom project has been presented and discussed at several occasions in the context of the Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios (ENES) and the Cefic REACH Information and Experience Exchange Forum (RIEF). Relevant presentations are available on the Cefic and ENES website.

ESCom phrases and ESCom XML are now  turned into parts of eSDScom.

The eSDScom Tool Chain

The following are the tasks, tools and resources considered useful with eSDScom today. Where standard solutions exist, the products are listed.

  • Use standard phrases: The eSDScom phrases are what this project recommends, but you can use any phrase catalogue for the SDS main body. (For EU exposure scenarios, industry agreed on an eSDScom phrase subset). The eSDScom phrase tool allows you to browse the standard phrase catalogue and request changes.
  • Convert Safety Data Sheets from PDF into eSDScom: Several commercial solutions exist. Follow the workshops for more info.
  • Validate eSDScom: QualiVali or any standard XML software validates technically.
  • Quality check eSDScom data: Also called content validation, this remains an expert task. To a certain degree, ECHA requirements helps with basic contain quality requirements. A tool is also  planned for 2022 (as far as this can be automated).
  • “Print” Safety Data Sheets: Currently, there is a stylesheet for version 4.4 and an SDBtransfer subset stylesheet for version 4.2. Stylesheets for 5.x are yet to be defined.

Further tools are possible once XML exchange is widely used and downstream user exposure assessment methodology has developed, e.g. for scaling risk management measures when a substance becomes part of a mixture.