Transcript GHS: Identifying Hazards

An Overview of GHS
The Globally Harmonized System
(of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals)
Louisa M. Stevenson
MSDSpro, LLC.
(503) 387-3841
September 2, 2010
GHS: Setting the Objective
of Harmonization
Its Focus:
the classification of chemicals by
the types of hazards they present
Its Purpose:
to standardize the classification and
labeling of chemicals worldwide
proposed by the United Nations to
all countries
to protect the workers and the environment
from chemical hazards
Its Impact:
Opens the gate for international commerce
Specifically eases the import-export of chemicals
GHS: History and
Current Status
Discussions first started at Rio Summit in 1992
(First edition 2003, now in its third revision)
Worldwide agreement planned for the Y2K to get a harmonized
chemical classification and labelling system in place
Adopted separately by individual countries
and continents
Current status: 65 countries have either
already adopted (or will adopt) GHS
2007: Japan
2009: Europe (January 20th)
December 2010 - Substances
December 2015 - Mixtures
GHS: Implementation
Timeframe
North America
Canada
January 2010 - Plan expected
December 2013 - Three year transition period
United States
OSHA released the CFR Parts
1910, 1915, and 1926 as of
September 30, 2009
Other Countries
2010 – 2015 Adoption Timeframe
GHS: Identifying Hazards
Set of criteria to identify hazards of chemicals, including:
Physical Hazards
(New criteria: FP 23C, 60C, 93.3C over 4 categories)
Flammable; Explosive
Chemical Hazards
Oxidization; Polymerization
(New criteria: 3 sub-classes for liquids only)
Health Hazards
Acute toxicity (lethal doses)
Chronic toxicity (cancer, long-term target organ
effects)
Environmental Hazards
(New: Acute category 1, 2, 3 and chronic category 1, 2, 3, 4)
Effect on animals and plants
Effect on aquatic fauna and flora
GHS: Hazards Assessment
Set of criteria to identify hazards of chemicals, covering:
Physical and Chemical Hazards
(16) Classes
Multiple sub-classes
Health Hazards
(10) Acute and Chronic Hazards
Multiple sub-classes
Environmental Hazards
Acute and Chronic Toxicity
Several related concepts
Bioaccumulation
Persistence, etc.
GHS: Communicating Hazards
and Protective Measures
Material Safety Data Sheet (16 sections)
Similar to the latest versions of the ANSI and EU format
Label
Contains mandatory statements based on final hazard
classification
Variation on label content with hazard type and hazard level
Sometimes no symbol
Sometimes no signal word
Set of 9 hazard symbols
Please contact me directly
with any questions.
Thank you!
Louisa M. Stevenson
MSDSpro, LLC.
503-387-341
http://www.MSDSpro.com
http://www.MSDSprovider.com