the globally harmonised system for hazard classification and
TRANSCRIPT
The GHS:A Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals
Andrew [email protected] a Future Chemicals Policy,Boston,27 – 29 April 2005
Why I am here• PTK Ltd: consultancy on regulatory chemicals issues
(e.g. REACH, GHS, SAICM)• European Commission (ENTR: 01 - 004)
• author (1 of) of REACH• co-decision process (Council & EP)• implementation of GHS in EU
• UK Government (HSE): international chemicals policy• author (1 of) of GHS: IOMC drafting group• policy on chemicals strategy White Paper• Acting head of UK delegation to IFCS III
• European Commission (ENV chemicals unit: 94 – 97)• NONS, ESR, C&L
PresentationIntroduction – what, benefitsThe GHS ElementsMaintenance of the GHSEU Implementation
What is the GHS?Common and coherent approach to:
defining and classifying chemical hazards communicating information on labels and
safety data sheets.Underlying infrastructure for
comprehensive national chemical safety programs.
Benefits of Harmonization Countries, international organizations,
chemical producers and users of chemicals all benefit. Enhance protection of humans and
environment. Facilitate international trade in chemicals. Reduce need for duplicate testing and
evaluation. Assist countries and international
organizations in the sound management of chemicals.
The Scope of the GHSAll hazardous chemical substances and
mixtures.Pharmaceuticals, food additives,
cosmetics and pesticide residues in food not covered at the point of intentional intake but will be covered where workers may be exposed and in transport.
Principles of Harmonization The level of protection should not be reduced
as a result of harmonization. The scope includes both hazard
classification criteria and hazard communication tools (labels, SDS’s).
Changes in all existing systems will be required.
Principles of Harmonization (cont.)
Not a testing system for health and environmental hazards.
Target audiences include consumers, workers, transport workers and emergency responders.
Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be protected.
The GHS ElementsClassification Criteria
Health EnvironmentPhysical
Hazard CommunicationLabelsSafety Data Sheets
The GHS: ClassificationHealth & Environmental
Hazards Acute Toxicity
Skin Corrosion/IrritationSerious Eye Damage/Eye IrritationRespiratory or Skin SensitizationGerm Cell MutagenicityCarcinogenicityReproductive ToxicityTarget Organ Systemic Toxicity – Single
and Repeated DoseHazardous to the Aquatic Environment
More to come …
Physical HazardsExplosivesFlammability – gases, aerosols, liquids, solidsOxidizers – liquid, solid, gasesSelf-Reactive Pyrophoric – liquids, solidsSelf-HeatingOrganic PeroxidesCorrosive to MetalsGases Under PressureWater activated flammable gases
Definitions, test methods and classification criteria based on existing transport system
The GHS: Hazard Communication
Labels Safety Data Sheets
The GHS: Hazard CommunicationConsiderations
The needs of the different sectors covered by the GHS vary considerably:
WorkplaceConsumersTransportEmergency responders
Key Label Elements Product identifierSupplier identifierChemical identityHazard pictograms*Signal words*Hazard statements*Precautionary information
*StandardizedFurther harmonisation to follow
The GHS: Label ElementsPictogram shape and
colourTransport - pictograms to have current
background and symbol colours.Other sectors - pictograms to have a
black symbol on a white background with a red diamond frame (black and white OK within one country).
If transport pictogram appears, the GHS pictogram for the same hazard should not.
Transport pictograms
GHS pictograms
!
The GHS: Label ElementsSignal Words
“Danger” or “Warning”Used to emphasize hazard and
discriminate between levels of hazard
The GHS: Label ElementsHazard Statements
A single harmonized hazard statement for each level of hazard within each hazard class.
Example: Flammable Liquids Category Hazard Statement
1 Extremely flammable liquid and vapour
2 Highly flammable liquid and vapour
3 Flammable liquid and vapour
4 Combustible liquid
Role of the SDS
Provide comprehensive information about a chemical substance or mixture.
Primary Use: The Workplace Employers and workers use the SDS as
a source of information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety precautions.
Maintenance of the GHS The UN Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) has international responsibility and oversight of the GHS.New parent committee responsible for GHS and TDG- Existing Subcommittee of Experts on TDG (UNSETDG)- New Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (UNSEGHS)
Maintenance of the GHS
Functions of the UNSEGHS:To make the GHS available for worldwide
use and applicationTo make guidance available on the
application & implementation of the GHS To prepare work programmes and submit
recommendations to the committeeTo develop and improve the GHS
International Context• Rio, 1992 – Chapter 19 of UNCED Agenda 21
• Development by IOMC, to end 2001
• UN CETDG/GHS – agreed Dec 2002
• UN ECOSOC – adopted July 2003
• IFCS II - operational by 2008
• WSSD, Jo’burg – operational by 2008
EU Implementation• WP: GHS to be considered as part of REACH• EM to the Directive amending 67/548/EEC, 29 October
2003 – 2003/0257(COD)
“it is the intention of the Commission to propose the inclusion of the … GHS into Community Law as soon as possible”
& more specifically“the Commission will come forward with the necessary proposals for having it adopted at the same time as the final adoption of the REACH legislation”
EU – Implementation Issues• Existing comprehensive C&L system
– Substances (67/548/EEC)– Preparations (99/45/EEC)– Applies to all sectors (apart from transport)
• Downstream legislation– 30+ pieces affected– Major implications
• REACH– Timing, implementation period– Part of or stand-alone
EU – Implementation Issues• Non-GHS elements
– GHSify or as now• Scope and building blocks• Annex I – harmonised C&L• New EU MS• Competence
– Commission or MS
European Commission proposal end 2005?
The GHS Document
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev00/00files_e.html
The GHS Document: ST/SG/AC.10/30
ContactAndrew Fasey
www.ptkltd.com