The GHS A Globally Harmonized System of Classification
The GHS: A Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Andrew Fasey andrew. fasey@ptkltd. com 16 November 2005 Univ of Virginia, USA
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
Presentation ØIntroduction – what, benefits ØThe GHS Elements ØMaintenance of the GHS ØEU Implementation
What is the GHS? Ø Common and coherent approach to: Ø defining and classifying chemical hazards Ø communicating information on labels and safety data sheets. Ø Underlying infrastructure for comprehensive national chemical safety programs.
Benefits of Harmonization Ø 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 GHS Ø All hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. Ø Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food not covered (except where workers may be exposed and in transport).
Principles of Harmonisation Ø The level of protection should not be reduced as a result of harmonisation. Ø The scope includes both hazard classification criteria and hazard communication tools (labels, SDS’s). Ø Changes in all existing systems will be required.
Principles of Harmonization (cont. ) Ø Not a testing system for health and environmental hazards. Ø Target audiences include consumers, workers, transport workers and emergency responders. Ø Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be protected.
The GHS Elements ØClassification Criteria ØHealth ØEnvironment ØPhysical ØHazard Communication ØLabels ØSafety Data Sheets
The GHS: Classification Health & Environmental Hazards Acute Toxicity Skin Corrosion/Irritation Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation Respiratory or Skin Sensitization Germ Cell Mutagenicity Carcinogenicity Reproductive Toxicity Target Organ Systemic Toxicity – Single and Repeated Dose Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment More to come … e. g. ozone depletors
Physical Hazards Explosives Flammability – gases, aerosols, liquids, solids Oxidizers – liquid, solid, gases Self-Reactive Pyrophoric – liquids, solids Self-Heating Organic Peroxides Corrosive to Metals Gases Under Pressure Water activated flammable gases Definitions, test methods and classification criteria based on existing transport system
The GHS: Hazard Communication ØLabels ØSafety Data Sheets (i. e. MSDS)
The GHS: Hazard Communication Considerations The needs of the different sectors covered by the GHS vary considerably: ØWorkplace ØConsumers ØTransport ØEmergency responders
Key Label Elements Product identifier Supplier identifier Chemical identity Hazard pictograms* Signal words* Hazard statements* Precautionary information *Standardized Further harmonisation to follow
The GHS: Label Elements Pictogram shape and colour Ø Transport - pictograms to have current background and symbol colours. Ø Other sectors - pictograms to have a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond frame (black and white OK within one country). Ø If transport pictogram appears, the GHS pictogram for the same hazard should not.
Transport pictograms
GHS pictograms !
The GHS: Label Elements Signal Words “Danger” or “Warning” ØUsed to emphasize hazard and discriminate between levels of hazard
The GHS: Label Elements Hazard Statements Ø 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 Ø Provide comprehensive information about a chemical substance or mixture. Ø Primary Use: The Workplace Ø Employers and workers use the SDS as a source of information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety precautions. Ø Useful to other audiences as well
Maintenance of the GHS The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has international responsibility and oversight of the GHS. 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: ØTo make the GHS available for worldwide use and application ØTo make guidance available on the application & implementation of the GHS ØTo prepare work programmes and submit recommendations to the committee ØTo 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 III - 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”
Context • GHS is voluntary • Options etc necessary for political agreement • Increased harmonisation over time • Reduced ‘ownership’ problems • Living document • Improve over time in light of experience
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 EU list of C&L for dangerous substances • New EU MS • Competence – Commission or MS European Commission proposal end 2005?
The GHS Document http: //www. unece. org/trans/danger/p ubli/ghs_rev 00/00 files_e. html The GHS Document: ST/SG/AC. 10/30/Rev. 1
Contact Andrew Fasey andrew. fasey@ptkltd. com www. ptkltd. com
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