GHS Classification of Label Quick Guide to ComplianceClassification and Labelling is a set of criteria and

rules used to determine if a chemical can cause harm tohuman health and the environment. It involves the

identification and evaluation of the physical propertiesof a chemical, along with its health and environmental

effects and then communicating those hazards via a label.

ALWAYS BEFORE YOU HANDLE ANY CHEMICALS READ THE SDS and WEAR THE PROPER PPE

Classification is not the same as Hazard GROUPS!

Classification is done by

Classification of the hazards of chemicals according to the GHS rules:• GHS provides guidance on classifying pure

chemicals and mixtures according to its criteria or rules.

Hazard Group versus HEALTHCriteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following health hazard classes:• Acute toxicity.• Skin corrosion/irritation.• Serious eye damage/eye irritation.• Respiratory or skin sensitization.• Germ cell mutagenicity.• Carcinogenicity.• Reproductive toxicity.• Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure.• Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure.• Aspiration hazard.

Health

Physical Classification versusCriteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following physical hazard classes:• Explosives.• Flammable gases.• Aerosols.• Oxidizing gases.• Gases under pressure.• Flammable liquids.• Flammable solids.• Self-reactive substances and mixtures.• Pyrophoric liquids.• Pyrophoric solids.• Self-heating substances and mixtures.• Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.• Oxidizing liquids.• Oxidizing solids.• Organic peroxides.• Corrosive to metals.

Physical

Classification to the ENVIRONMENTCriteria for classifying chemicals have been developed for the following environmental hazard classes:• Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute

and chronic).• Hazardous to the ozone layer.

How the UN did the ClassificationHarmonizing classification criteria:• 1. Compare major classification systems and identify similar

or identical elements as well as develop consensus on elements that were dissimilar

• 2. Examine scientific basis for criteria which define hazard class of concern (e.g. acute toxicity, carcinogenicity) and gain expert consensus on the test methods, data interpretation and level of concern and consensus on the criteria

• 3. Develop consensus on the process or the scheme for using criteria when there is a decision tree approach or where there is a dependant criteria in the classification scheme

It all comes down to Annex 2

http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev03/English/06e_annex2.pdfGHS classification of hazards is divided into class and category. These describe the nature and, if applicable, the degree of hazard of the chemical product. http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev06/06files_e.html#c38156

GHS standards:

• Identify the relevant data concerning the hazards of the chemical.

• Determine if the chemical is hazardous based on its physical hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards.

• Test your chemicals or consult scientific evidence to determine how the above information classifies the material.

• Identify each of the hazard classes that apply to each chemical.• Identify the appropriate hazard category within each class for

the chemical to identify its severity.Note: You are not required to test chemicals for the purpose of hazard classification.

Codification of the ChemicalThe codification of the hazard statements:• Each code begins with the Letter “H” for Hazard Statement• The first number designates the type of hazard the hazard statement is

assigned– 2 = physical hazard– 3 = health hazard– 4 = environmental hazard– The second and third numbers refer to the intrinsic properties of the substance– Some hazard codes and statements can be combined/ conjoined using a “+”

which means “or”• For example, the hazard code H200 refers to an unstable explosive. It’s

clear from the first letter of the code, 2, that the explosive property of the material is a physical hazard.

Special NOTE

“Hazards not otherwise classified” Category• Some materials may have hazards not classified by

the Globally Harmonized System that cannot be defined as Pyrophoric Gases, Simple Asphyxiants, and Combustible Dusts.

• If a chemical product contains a Hazard Not Classified by the GHS it must be addressed on section 2 of the SDS and may or may not be included on the label under Supplemental information.

Don’t just know the SDS data know where these safety items are and what information is needed for your protection

Regardless of the Classification

WEAR THE GEAR