Globally Harmonized System and Environment
- 1. HAZARD COMMUNICATION & GHS Environmental Health & Risk Management
- 2. GHS • Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals
- 3. GHS • A system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals • Defines health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals • Communicates hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- 4. Current Systems • Differences in systems within different countries and within different regulatory agencies within the same government leads to inconsistent protection for those potentially exposed to the chemicals as well as creating extensive regulatory burdens on companies producing chemicals
- 5. GHS • The GHS itself is not a regulation or a standard • Establishes agreed hazard classification and communication provisions with explanatory information on how to apply the system
- 6. Why Was GHS Developed? • To provide sound management of chemicals that includes a system through which chemical hazards are identified and communicated to all who are potentially exposed
- 7. International Mandate • Adopted in the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), often called the "Earth Summit". • It was recognized that an internationally harmonized approach to classification and labeling would provide the foundation for all countries to develop comprehensive national programs to ensure the safe use of chemicals.
- 8. GHS History • GHS formally adopted by the UN Committee of Experts - The Transport of Dangerous Goods and GHS in December 2002 • OSHA ANPR on GHS 2006 • OSHA NPRM on GHS 2009
- 9. GHS History • OSHA revised the Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the GHS March 26, 2012 • Rule effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register • Estimated to prevent 43 fatalities and 521 injuries & illnesses annually
- 10. Implementation • Employers must complete all training regarding new label elements and SDS format by Dec 1, 2013 • Requiring compliance with all provisions for preparation of new labels and SDS by June 1, 2015
- 11. Implementation • Distributors can’t ship containers unless they have a GHS label by Dec 1, 2015 • Employers given an additional year, June 1, 2016 to update their Hazard Communication programs or any other workplace signs, if applicable
- 12. Application of GHS • Enhance the protection of human health and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system • Provide a recognized framework to develop regulations for those countries without existing systems • Facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been identified on an international basis • Reduce the need for testing and evaluation against multiple classification systems
- 13. Overall Benefits of GHS • To ensure that employers, employees and the public are provided with adequate, practical, reliable and comprehensible information on the hazards of chemicals, so that they can take effective preventive and protective measure for their health and safety
- 14. Benefits to Workers/Public • Improved safety for workers and others through consistent and simplified communications on chemical hazards and practices to follow for safe handling and use, • Greater awareness of hazards, resulting in safer use of chemicals in the workplace and in the home
- 15. GHS & Existing Regulations • The specific hazard criteria, classification processes, label elements and SDS requirements within an existing regulation will need to be modified to be consistent with the harmonized elements of the GHS • ALL existing hazard communication systems will need to be changed in order to apply the GHS
- 16. Classification • Classification is the starting point for hazard communication • Involves the identification of the hazard(s) of a chemical or mixture by assigning a category of hazard/danger using defined criteria
- 17. Hazard Classes • 16 classes of physical hazards • 10 classes of health hazards • 3 classes of environmental hazards
- 18. GHS Physical Hazards • Explosives • Flammable Gases • Flammable Aerosols • Oxidizing Gases • Gases Under Pressure • Flammable Liquids • Flammable Solids • Self-Reactive Substances • Pyrophoric Liquids • Pyrophoric Solids • Self-Heating Substances • Substances which, in contact with water emit flammable gases • Oxidizing Liquids • Oxidizing Solids • Organic Peroxides • Corrosive to Metals
- 19. GHS Health Hazards • Acute Toxicity • Skin Corrosion/Irritation • Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation • Respiratory or Skin Sensitization • Germ Cell Mutagenicity • Carcinogenicity • Reproductive Toxicology • Target Organ Systemic Toxicity - Single Exposure • Target Organ Systemic Toxicity - Repeated Exposure • Aspiration Toxicity
- 20. GHS Environmental Hazards • Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment • Acute aquatic toxicity • Chronic aquatic toxicity – Bioaccumulation potential – Rapid degradability
- 21. GHS Hazard Communication • Once a chemical has been classified, the hazard(s) must be communicated to target audiences • Labels and Safety Data Sheets are the main tools for chemical hazard communication
- 22. GHS Label Elements • Product Identifier • Signal Word (Danger, Warning) • Hazard Statement (for each hazard class and category) • Pictogram(s) • Precautionary Statement (for each hazard class and category) • Name, Address and Tele. # of chemical manufacturer
- 23. Signal Words "Danger" or "Warning" are used to emphasize hazards and indicate the relative level of severity of the hazard, assigned to a GHS hazard class and category. • "Danger" for the more severe hazards • "Warning" for the less severe hazards.
- 24. Hazard Statements • Hazard statements are standardized and assigned phrases that describe the hazard(s) as determined by hazard classification
- 25. Hazard Statement Examples • “Causes eye irritation” • “Toxic if inhaled” • “Flammable aerosol” • “May cause cancer” • “May cause respiratory irritation” • “Harmful to aquatic life” • “Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated”
- 26. Symbols/Pictograms • Convey health, physical and environmental hazard information, assigned to a GHS hazard class and category. • The GHS symbols have been incorporated into pictograms for use on the GHS label • Pictograms will have a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond frame
- 27. Health Hazard Carcinogen Mutagenicity Reproductive Toxicity Respiratory Sensitizer Target Organ Toxicity Aspiration Toxicity
- 29. Exclamation Mark Irritant (skin and eye) Skin Sensitizer Acute Toxicity Narcotic Effects Respiratory Tract Irritant Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-Mandatory)
- 30. Skull & Crossbones Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
- 32. Corrosion Skin Corrosion/Burns Eye Damage Corrosive to Metals
- 38. Precautionary Statements • Precautionary Statements are standardized explanations of the measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects - Prevention - Response - Storage - Disposal
- 39. Precautionary Statement Examples • Prevention “Wear protective gloves” • Response “If inhaled remove person to fresh air” • Storage “Store in well ventilated place” • Disposal “Waste must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations”
- 40. Label Example
- 41. Label Example
- 42. Label Example
- 43. Secondary Containers • Employers must ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged, or marked with either the information specified under (i) through (v) for labels on shipped containers
- 44. Secondary Containers • (i) Product identifier; • (ii) Signal word; • (iii) Hazard statement(s); • (iv) Pictogram(s); • (v) Precautionary statement(s); OR
- 45. Secondary Containers • Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.
- 46. MSDS’s • Information that is currently required on a MSDS: – Identity used on the label – Physical & chemical characteristics – Physical hazards – Health hazards – Primary routes of entry – Exposure limits – Carcinogenic information – Safe handling – Control measures (PPE) – Emergency & First Aid procedures – Date of preparation – Chemical mfg. contact info
- 47. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier 2. Hazards identification 3. Composition/information on ingredients 4. First aid measures 5. Firefighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Exposure controls/personal protection
- 48. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information 12. Ecological information 13. Disposal considerations 14. Transport information 15. Regulatory information 16. Other information including information on preparation and revision of the SDS
- 49. Section 1 – Substance & Supplier Identification Identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier: • Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance is known. • Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency phone number.
- 50. Section 2- Hazards Identification Identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards: • The hazard classification of the chemical • Signal word. • Hazard statement(s). • Pictograms • Precautionary statement(s) • Description of any hazards not otherwise classified
- 51. Section 3 – Composition/Information on Ingredients Identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed: • Chemical name • Common name and synonyms • For mixtures, the chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as health hazards • Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.
- 52. Section 4 – First Aid Measures Describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical: • Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion). • Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or delayed. • Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.
- 53. Section 5 – Fire Fighting Measures Provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical: • Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment that is not appropriate for a particular situation. • Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous combustion products created when the chemical burns. • Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.
- 54. Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures Provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment: • Use of personal precautions and protective equipment • Emergency procedures, and appropriate protective clothing • Methods and materials used for containment • Cleanup procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up)
- 55. Section 7 – Handling & Storage Provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals: • Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals, minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited) • Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
- 56. Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection Indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure: • OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer • Appropriate engineering controls • Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to chemicals • Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators
- 57. Section 9 – Physical & Chemical Properties Identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture including but not limited to the following: • Appearance (physical state, color, etc.) • Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits • Odor • Vapor pressure • Vapor density • pH • Flash point
- 58. Section 10 – Stability & Reactivity Describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information: • Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s) • Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and conditions while in storage and being handled • List of all conditions that should be avoided and all classes of incompatible materials with which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
- 59. Section 11 – Toxicological Information Identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available: • Information on the likely routes of exposure • Description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure • The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal dose)) • Description of the symptoms • Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP), International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs or found to be a potential carcinogen by OSHA
- 60. Section 12 – Ecological Information Provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment: • Data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic organisms • Whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment • Results of tests of bioaccumulation potential • The potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater • Other adverse effects
- 61. Section 13 – Disposal Considerations Provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices: • Description of appropriate disposal containers to use. • Recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ. • Description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities. • Language discouraging sewage disposal. • Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities
- 62. Section 14 – Transport Information Provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea: • UN number • UN proper shipping name • Transport hazard class(es) • Packing group number • Any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises
- 63. Section 15 – Regulatory information Identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS • Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA, Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations)
- 64. Section 16 - Other information Indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. Other useful information also may be included here
Editor's Notes
- #2: The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals or GHS is an internationally agreed-upon system, created by the United Nations. It is designed to replace the various classification and labeling standards used in different countries by using consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level.
- #4: Notes: In the United States (U.S.) there are requirements for classification and labelling of chemicals for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
- #5: GHS A set of criteria and provisions that can be incorporated into existing systems, or used to develop new systems.
- #6: Notes: The widespread use of chemicals has resulted in the development of sector-specific regulations (transport, production, workplace, agriculture, trade, and consumer products).
- #7: UNCED issued a mandate calling for development of GHS.
- #8: ANPR - Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking; NPRM – Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- #15: Notes: For example, in the U.S. EPA and OSHA would be expected to require hazard pictograms/symbols on labels.
- #16: Chemicals classified based on the type, the degree and the severity of the hazard it poses. Manufacturers under the revised HCS are required to re-evaluate chemicals according to the new criteria to make sure they are classified . For physical hazards, new criteria are generally consistent with current DOT requirements, so this classification should already be done.
- #17: Hazard classes are subdivided into categories of hazard. Example Carcinognicity: 1 – known or presumed human carcinogen; 2 – suspected human carcinogen.
- #22: UN markings are required for outer packagings.
- #23: Little perceived difference between Warning and Caution, so Caution was not adopted.
- #25: Hazard Statements are standard phrases assigned to a hazard class and category that concisely describe the nature of the hazard.
- #26: Pictograms serve to attract attention to the hazard warnings. One pictogram may be used to represent several hazards within a class.
- #30: Some of the pictograms included in the final rule are already widely recognized by a general audience.
- #38: Precautionary statements have been codified (numbered) but they are not considered formally harmonized. So different language can be used for the precautionary statements. Precautionary statements are not harmonized like the hazard statements are. May be considered harmonized in the future, but OSHA has required them as mandatory.
- #42: The current standard allows employers to continue to use systems such as NFPA, HMIS. The information supplied must be consistent with the revised HCS
- #45: NFPA hazard diamonds or HMIS labels can be used to indicate the appropriate hazard warnings.
- #46: MSDS’s have been changed to Safety Data Sheets.
- #47: Chemical Mfg. and importers following ANSI Z400.1 for safety data sheets should already have the appropriate format so will only be required to make small modifications. Items of primary interest to exposed employees and emergency responders are presented at the beginning of the SDS; more technical information is presented in the later sections.
- #60: Effects on plants and animals, ultimate environmental disposition. OSHA will not enforce the content of sections 12-15 because they concern matters handled by other agencies.
- #63: Classification under federal, state and international regulations. EU risk and safety phrases.
- #64: In preparing an SDS, the chemical mfg. when they become aware of any significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazard, this new info must be added to the SDS within 3 months.; they get 6 months to update labels.