Classification

Hazard Classification The GHS is designed to identify and classify the “hazards” of the substances or mixtures, and to communicate those hazards through hazard communication elements. The GHS does not specifically define the term “hazard”—which should not be confused with the term “risk”. 2

Classification Hazard and Risk These are common definitions that describe how the terms are generally applied: Hazard: intrinsic/inherent property of a substance or a situation having the potential to cause adverse effects when an organism, system or (sub)population is exposed to that substance or situation. Risk: probability of an adverse effect and the consequence of the effect 3

Classification GHS Focus on Hazards The GHS requires the identification, classification, and communication of hazards. Thus classification is based on the intrinsic properties of the chemicals involved, rather than on the anticipated exposures. In this manner, the GHS provides users of chemicals with information about all the potential hazards of the chemicals they use. 4

Classification 5 Hazard identification Hazard effect assessment Hazard characterisation Hazard communication Identifying, Characterizing, and Communicating Hazards

Risk is Assessed by User The GHS assumes that the users of chemicals (e.g., employers, consumers) are aware of, and control, the circumstances under which the chemical is used, including the extent of exposure. Risks are determined by considering potential exposures of the substance or mixture in conjunction with the assessed hazards. The user may then use this information to determine appropriate control measures for the chemical. Exposure to chemicals causing only physical hazards require an initiator to pose a risk. 6 Classification

7 Risk Assessment

Classification GHS and Risk The GHS, like existing hazard communication systems, includes some risk considerations. The hazard communication elements provide some information that is risk-based, e.g., recommendations for controls on Safety Data Sheets (SDS). However, the overall system is hazard-based in terms of classification, with risk considerations being permitted in some limited cases with regard to communicating information. 8

Classification Hazard Classification Process The GHS describes hazard classification as a 3-step process in paragraph : a)identification of relevant data regarding the hazards of a substance or mixture; b)subsequent review of those data to ascertain the hazards associated with the substance or mixture; and c)a decision on whether the substance or mixture will be classified as a hazardous substance or mixture and the degree of hazard, where appropriate, by comparison of the data with agreed hazard classification criteria. 9

Classification Step 1 Identification of relevant data regarding the hazards of a substance or mixture Primary sources (e.g., toxicological studies; tests to determine flashpoints) Secondary sources (e.g., Safety Data Sheets; International Chemical Safety Cards; lists of classified chemicals) A thorough search of available information to ensure all possible hazards are identified 10

Classification Step 2 Subsequent review of those data to ascertain the hazards associated with the substance or mixture Available data must be evaluated to determine the conclusions that can be drawn with regard to the hazards of the substance or mixture Conclusions regarding each type of hazard covered by the GHS must be made 11

Classification Step 3 A decision on whether the substance or mixture will be classified as a hazardous substance or mixture and the degree of hazard, where appropriate, by comparison of the data with agreed hazard classification criteria: The criteria in the GHS must be applied to the data identified and evaluated for each substance or mixture to determine its hazard 12

Classification GHS Classification Each hazard covered by the GHS constitutes a hazard class: Hazard class means the nature of the physical, health or environmental hazard, e.g., flammable solid, carcinogen, oral acute toxicity Where appropriate, the GHS divides hazard classes into hazard categories: Hazard category means the division of criteria within each hazard class, e.g., oral acute toxicity includes five hazard categories and flammable liquids includes four hazard categories. These categories compare hazard severity within a hazard class and should not be taken as a comparison of hazard categories more generally 13

Classification 14 Example Hazard Class with Categories Acute Toxicity

15 Each chapter contains: Definitions and general considerations Classification criteria Hazard communication Decision logic and guidance 2.1 Explosives 2.2 Flammable Gases 2.3 Aerosols 2.4 Oxidizing Gases 2.5 Gases under pressure 2.6 Flammable Liquids 2.7 Flammable Solids 2.8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures 2.9 Pyrophoric liquids 2.10 Pyrophoric solids 2.11 Self-heating substances and mixtures 2.12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases 2.13 Oxidizing liquids 2.14 Oxidizing solids 2.15 Organic peroxides 2.16 Corrosive to metals Classification Part 2. Physical Hazards

16 Each chapter contains: Definitions Classification criteria for substances Classification criteria for mixtures Hazard communication Decision logic 3.1 Acute Toxicity 3.2 Skin Corrosion/Irritation 3.3 Serous Eye Damage/Eye Irritation 3.4 Respiratory or Skin Sensitization 3.5 Germ Cell Mutagenicity 3.6 Carcinogenicity 3.7 Reproductive Toxicology 3.8 Target Organ Systemic Toxicity – Single Exposure 3.9 Target Organ Systemic Toxicity – Repeated Exposure 3.10 Aspiration Classification Part 3. Health Hazards

Each chapter contains: Definitions and general considerations Classification criteria for substances Classification criteria for mixtures Hazard communication Decision logic Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment Acute aquatic toxicity Bioaccumulation potential Rapid degradability Chronic aquatic toxicity 4.2 Hazardous to the Ozone Layer Classification Part 4. Environmental Hazards

Classification Decision Logics/Guidance Each hazard class chapter also includes a decision logic to graphically display the classification process (criteria) or procedure for that class. These are provided to assist classifiers to ensure they complete all the steps of the process, and to aid in understanding, but are not part of the criteria. Guidance may also be included where appropriate. The following is an example decision logic from the GHS. 18

Classification 19

Classification Outcome The outcome of the classification process will be a determination as to which hazard classes apply to the substance or mixture, if any, as well as into which hazard categories the substance or mixture is placed in each hazard class. These hazard classes and categories are subsequently used to determine the harmonized hazard communication elements for the substance or mixture. For example, 20