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The GHS:A Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals
Andrew [email protected]
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
www.ptkltd.com
