HAZARD COMMUNICATION

“Hazcom” Purpose …”Ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.”

Development of a Worldwide System for Hazard Communication The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Classification and Labeling Development of a Worldwide System for Hazard Communication

What is the GHS? A common set of guidelines to standardize the way chemical hazards are classified. Target audiences include workers, consumers, transport workers, and emergency responders. Provides the underlying infrastructure for establishment of national, comprehensive chemical safety programs.

Why is the GHS needed? Countries with systems have different requirements for hazard definitions as well as information to be included on a label or material safety data sheet. For example, a liquid may be considered flammable in one country, but not in another to which it is being shipped.

OSHA and GHS OSHA’s part in this is a revision of the Hazard Communication Standard to align with the GHS. OSHA calls this HazCom 2012

GHS Hazard Classification Defined criteria are used to assign a hazard classification Physical Hazards 16 categories Health Hazards 10 categories Environmental Hazards Mixtures GHS classification guidance for when chemicals are mixed

GHS Hazard Classification Physical Hazards (16) 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

GHS Hazard Classification Health Hazards (10) Acute Toxicity Skin Corrosion/Irritation Serous 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

GHS Hazard Classification Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment Acute aquatic toxicity Chronic aquatic toxicity Bioaccumulation potential Rapid degradability

GHS Hazard Communication Labels Symbols (hazard pictograms) with red border Examples:

GHS Hazard Communication Labels (cont.) Signal Words “Danger” or “Warning” Hazard Statements Example: “Toxic if swallowed” Other Precautions, identification, supplier, supplemental

GHS Hazard Communication Labels (cont.) Nine symbols

GHS label example

Material Safety Data Sheet The new term is Safety Data Sheet

SDS Format: 16 headings 1. Identification 2. Hazard(s) identification 3. Composition/information on ingredients 4. First-aid measures 5. Fire-fighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Exposure control/personal protection

Format: 16 headings (cont.) 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