Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Hazard Communication in the GHS

 Labels and label elements  Safety Data Sheets

Hazard Communication background  Task undertaken by the ILO  tri-partite group (governments, labor and industry)  To develop an internationally-comprehensible system for hazard communication  Hazard communication elements for each agreed classification category

Harmonization of the major international systems  Transport and supply (as far as possible)  Three major systems (US, Canada, European Union)  Others (Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, etc.)

Target groups/ sectors/needs  Workplace including pesticides and pharmaceuticals - labels and safety data sheets  Consumers - labels  Transport - labels, placards, transport documents  Emergency responders - labels, placards

Labels  The ILO Work Group identified about 35 different types of information that are required on labels by different systems.  Key information elements harmonized  Additional harmonization in future

Key harmonized label elements  Symbols/pictograms  Signal Words  Hazard Statements  Product identifier/ingredient disclosure  [Precautionary information]

Symbols/pictograms in the GHS  Same symbols (where there is commonality) and pictogram shape for transport and supply (square on point)  Transport pictograms will use the background and symbol colour specified in the UN RTDG Model regulations  For supply, pictograms will contain a black symbol on a white background with a red frame

Supply symbols in the GHS  Fish and tree symbol for environmental hazard (under consideration for transport)  Exclamation mark for “low level” health hazard  New symbol for chronic health hazards

Transport pictograms

GHS pictograms !

Signal words “Danger” or “Warning”  Used to emphasis hazard and to discriminate between hazard categories (level of hazard)  e.g. Acute toxicity category 1 will require “Danger”, category 4 will require “Warning”

Hazard statements  A single harmonised hazard statement for each hazard category within each hazard class e.g.  Category 1 Flammable liquid “extremely flammable liquid and vapour”  Category 2 “Highly flammable liquid and vapour”  Category 3 - “flammable liquid and vapour”  Category 4 - “combustible liquid”

P recautionary statements  GHS label should include appropriate precautionary information  GHS document contains examples of precautionary statements which can be used

P recautionary statements  SCE GHS Intersessional Group on harmonisation of precautionary statements  ICSC compilers guide is likely to be used as a major source for selection of PS (will be harmonised with GHS)  Hierarchy for PS

Product identifier  Name or number used for a hazardous product on a label or in the SDS.  Unique means by which the substance or mixture can be identified within the particular use setting  UN proper shipping name also to be used on the package when substance or mixture covered by the UN RTDG

Declaration of ingredients  Substances  chemical identity (name as determined by IUPAC, ISO, CAS or technical name)  Mixtures  chemical identities of all ingredients contributing to acute toxicity, skin or eye corrosion, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, skin or respiratory sensitisation or TOST

Confidential business information  National authorities to establish appropriate mechanisms for CBI  Competent authority rules for CBI take priority in relation to ingredient declaration  Principles established, particularly “right-to-know”

What will GHS label look like? (Acute toxicity oral, cat.2)  Product identifier:“GREAT-STUFF” contains X, Y, Z  Symbolor  Signal Word  Hazard Statement: “Fatal if swallowed”  Precautionary information

Examples of arrangements of GHS elements (GHS, Annex 6) A6.1.1 Label for large receptacle (200 litre drum) for transport, emergency response and workplace audiences UN methyl tetramethylenexxxxx Corrosive liquid, flammable, N.O.S. Danger (2-methyl tetramethylenexxxxx)Causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage Highly flammable liquid and vapour Avoid contact with skin and eyes Keep away from heat and ignition sources First aid: For skin contact, remove contaminated clothing and wash affected area thoroughly with water. If irritation develops, seek medical attention. For eye contact, immediately flush eyes with flowing water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. GHS Example Company, Akron, NWT, Canada. Telephone (888)

Other information (Non- GHS)  Supplemental information  National authority may choose to specify where information should appear on the label or allow supplier discretion  Must not impede identification of GHS information

Hazard Communication in the GHS  Labels and label elements  Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets  Primarily workplace use  16 heading format agreed  Minimum additional information specified, where applicable or available, under the relevant headings

Safety Data Sheets (cont’d)  Potential for overlap with ISO :1994, currently being updated  Need for consistency between ISO and GHS requirements  SCE GHS Intersessional Group to further develop GHS guidance on SDS

Other issues  Training  Comprehensibility  Consumer product labelling based on likelihood of injury  Competent authority discretion  Annex 4 to GHS provides guidance

Dual labelling for transport and supply  Concern about GHS supply pictograms appearing on single packages which also are labelled with UN pictograms, potential for confusion, e.g. in postal sorting offices  Study carried out by US  Conclusion: clearer guidance needed in GHS to ensure differentiation between transport-regulated classes and other classes

SCE GHS Intersessional Group on labelling  Development of additional guidance to clarify labelling provisions and to ensure consistent implementation of the GHS  Size and placement of the GHS pictograms  Ensure clear distinction between label elements for transport and those for other sectors  Precedence of hazard in application of GHS pictograms

Competent authority options  Updating labels for new information, CA to specify time limit  Review of labels content, CA to specify review period required  GHS label pictograms, permission to use a black, not red, frame

Competent authority options (cont’d)  Hazard Statements, CA may specify sequence on label  Label format, CA may specify format  Use of colour on label, CA may stipulate own provisions  Workplace labelling, CA may allow alternative means

Conclusions  Difficult, long-term process, much work still to be done  By UN SCE GHS Subcommittee  By countries when GHS is introduced  Significant benefits  more logical system  economic  Will be easier for small businesses to comply and will improve comprehensibility for users

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Hazard Communication in the GHS