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The GHS: A Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Classification

Learn about the benefits, scope, and principles of harmonization of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification and labeling. Understand the classification criteria and hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. Discover the role of the GHS in enhancing chemical safety and facilitating international trade.

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The GHS: A Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Classification

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  1. The GHS:A Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of ChemicalsAndrew Faseyandrew.fasey@ptkltd.com Framing a Future Chemicals Policy, Boston, 27 – 29 April 2005

  2. 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

  3. Presentation • Introduction – what, benefits • The GHS Elements • Maintenance of the GHS • EU Implementation

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. The Scope of the GHS • All hazardous chemical substances and mixtures. • Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics and pesticide residues in food not covered at the point of intentional intake but will be covered where workers may be exposed and in transport.

  7. Principles of Harmonization • The level of protection should not be reduced as a result of harmonization. • The scope includes both hazard classification criteria and hazard communication tools (labels, SDS’s). • Changes in all existing systems will be required.

  8. 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.

  9. The GHS Elements • Classification Criteria • Health • Environment • Physical • Hazard Communication • Labels • Safety Data Sheets

  10. The GHS: ClassificationHealth & 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 …

  11. 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

  12. The GHS: Hazard Communication • Labels • Safety Data Sheets

  13. The GHS: Hazard CommunicationConsiderations The needs of the different sectorscovered by the GHS vary considerably: • Workplace • Consumers • Transport • Emergency responders

  14. Key Label Elements Product identifier Supplier identifier Chemical identity Hazard pictograms* Signal words* Hazard statements* Precautionary information *Standardized Further harmonisation to follow

  15. The GHS: Label ElementsPictogram 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.

  16. Transport pictograms

  17. GHS pictograms !

  18. The GHS: Label ElementsSignal Words “Danger” or “Warning” • Used to emphasize hazard and discriminate between levels of hazard

  19. The GHS: Label ElementsHazard Statements • A single harmonized hazard statement for each level of hazard within each hazard class. Example: Flammable Liquids

  20. Role of the SDS • Provide comprehensive information about a chemical substance or mixture. • Primary Use: The Workplace • Employers and workers use the SDS as a source of information about hazards and to obtain advice on safety precautions.

  21. Maintenance of the GHS The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has international responsibility and oversight of the GHS. New parent committee responsible for GHS and TDG - Existing Subcommittee of Experts on TDG (UNSETDG) - New Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (UNSEGHS)

  22. Maintenance of the GHS Functions of the UNSEGHS: • To make the GHS available for worldwide use and application • To make guidance available on the application & implementation of the GHS • To prepare work programmes and submit recommendations to the committee • To develop and improve the GHS

  23. 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 II -operational by 2008 • WSSD, Jo’burg – operational by 2008

  24. 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”

  25. 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

  26. EU – Implementation Issues • Non-GHS elements • GHSify or as now • Scope and building blocks • Annex I – harmonised C&L • New EU MS • Competence • Commission or MS European Commission proposal end 2005?

  27. The GHS Document http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev00/00files_e.html The GHS Document: ST/SG/AC.10/30

  28. Contact Andrew Fasey andrew.fasey@ptkltd.com www.ptkltd.com

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