The GHS: A Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Andrew Fasey...

The GHS:A Globally Harmonized System of Classification

and Labelling of Chemicals

Andrew Faseyandrew.fasey@ptkltd.com

16 November 2005Univ 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

Introduction – what, benefits

The GHS Elements

Maintenance of the GHS

EU 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 GHS

All hazardous chemical substances and mixtures.

Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and pesticide residues in food not covered (except where workers may be exposed and in transport).

Principles of Harmonisation

The level of protection should not be reduced as a result of harmonisation.

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 Elements

Classification CriteriaHealth EnvironmentPhysical

Hazard CommunicationLabelsSafety 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 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 (i.e. MSDS)

The GHS: Hazard Communication

Considerations

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 Elements

Pictogram shape and colour

Transport - 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 Elements

Signal Words

“Danger” or “Warning”

Used to emphasize hazard and

discriminate between levels of

hazard

The GHS: Label Elements

Hazard 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 SDSProvide comprehensive information

about a chemical substance or mixture.

Primary Use: The WorkplaceEmployers and workers use the

SDS as a source of information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety precautions.

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: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 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/publi/ghs/ghs_rev00/00files_e.html

The GHS Document: ST/SG/AC.10/30/Rev.1

Contact

Andrew Fasey

andrew.fasey@ptkltd.com

www.ptkltd.com