ERMA NZ Hazardous Substances Classification Summary
November 2009
See User Guide to the Thresholds and Classifications under the Hazardous Substances and
New Organisms Act 1996, http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/hs/tandc/index.html for more detail.
Classes shown in dark red must be tracked
Class 1 Explosive
1.1 Mass explosion hazard
1.2
Projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard
1.3
Fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or minor projection hazard or both, but not a
mass explosion hazard
1.4
No significant explosive hazard
1.5
Very insensitive substances that have a mass explosion hazard
1.6
Extremely insensitive articles that do not have a mass explosion hazard
2.1.1 Flammable Gases
2.1.1A A gas which at STP: - is ignitable when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume in air; or has a flammable range with air of at least 12%, regardless of the lower flammability limit.
2.1.1B A gas which at STP: -is capable of ignition when mixed with air in a proportion within any
flammable range.
2.1.2 Flammable Aerosols
2.1.2A Aerosols comprising of ≥ 45% of flammable ingredients packed under pressure and designed
for release as a fine spray
3.1 Flammable Liquids
3.1A
Flash Point < 23oC and IBP ≤ 35 oC [UN Class 3.1, UN PG I]
3.1B
Flash Point < 23oC and IBP > 35 oC [UN Class 3.1, UN PG II]
3.1C
23oC ≤ Flash Point ≤ 60 oC [UN Class 3.1, UN PG III]
3.1D
60 oC < Flash Point ≤ 93 oC
3.2 Liquid Desensitised Explosives
3.2A
High Hazard: UN Class 1, UN PG I
3.2B
Medium Hazard: UN Class 1, UN PG II
3.2C
Low Hazard: UN Class 1, UN PG III
4.1.1 Readily Combustible Solid
4.1.1A Readily combustible solids and solids that may cause fire through friction: medium hazard.
4.1.1B Readily combustible solids and solids that may cause fire through friction: low hazard.
4.1.2 Self Reactive Substances
4.1.2A UN Class 4.1, Type A
4.1.2B UN Class 4.1, Type B
4.1.2C UN Class 4.1, Type C
4.1.2D UN Class 4.1, Type D
4.1.2E UN Class 4.1, Type E
4.1.2F UN Class 4.1, Type F
4.1.2G UN Class 4.1, Type G
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4.1.3 Desensitised Explosive
4.1.3A
Solid desensitised explosives: high hazard, with UN numbers listed in Schedule 2 of the
HS Classification Regulations
4.1.3B Solid desensitised explosives: medium hazard, with UN numbers listed in Schedule 2 of the
HS Classification Regulations
4.1.3C Solid desensitised explosives: low hazard, with UN numbers listed in Schedule 2 of the HS
Classification Regulations
4.2 Spontaneously Combustible Substance
4.2A
Pyrophoric Substances
4.2B
Self- Heating Substances
4.2C
Self-Heating Substances that don't trigger A or B
4.3 Solid that Emits flammable gas when in contact with water
4.3A
contact water produces >10L gas/kg substance/minute
4.3B
contact water produces >/= 20L gas/kg substance/hour but <10L/kg substance/minutes
4.3C
contact water produces 1-20 gas/kg substance/hour
5.1.1 Oxidising Liquids and Solids
5.1.1A Oxidising Liquids and Solids: High Hazard
5.1.1B Oxidising Liquids and Solids: Medium Hazard
5.1.1C Oxidising Liquids and Solids: Low Hazard
5.1.2 Oxidising Gases
5.1.2A Oxidising Gases
5.2 Organic Peroxides
5.2A
Organic Peroxides: Type A
5.2B
Organic Peroxides: Type B
5.2C
Organic Peroxides: Type C
5.2D
Organic Peroxides: Type D
5.2E
Organic Peroxides: Type E
5.2F
Organic Peroxides: Type F
5.2G
Organic Peroxides: Type G
6.1 Acute Toxicity ORAL
6.1A
Oral LD50 ≤ 5 mg/kg
6.1B
Oral LD50 > 5 ≤ 50 mg/kg
6.1C
Oral LD50 > 50 ≤ 300 mg/kg
6.1D
Oral LD50 > 300 ≤ 2000 mg/kg
6.1E
Oral LD50 > 2000 ≤ 5000 mg/kg Expert judgement (such as mortality data;
evidence/reliable information in humans; clinical signs other than adaptive response)
6.1 Acute Toxicity DERMAL
6.1A
Dermal LD50 ≤ 50 mg/kg
6.1B
Dermal LD50 > 50 ≤ 200 mg/kg
6.1C
Dermal LD50 > 200 ≤ 1000 mg/kg
6.1D
Dermal LD50 > 1000 ≤ 2000 mg/kg
6.1E
Dermal LD50 > 2000 ≤ 5000 mg/kg or Expert judgement (such as mortality data;
evidence/reliable information in humans; clinical signs other than adaptive response)
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6.1 Acute Toxicity INHALATION
6.1A
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 100 ppm gas
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.5 mg/L vapour
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.05 mg/L dust or mist
6.1B
100 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 500 ppm gas
0.5 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 2 mg/L vapour
0.05 mg/L< Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.5 mg/L dust or mist
6.1C
500 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 2500 ppm gas
2 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 10 mg/L vapour
0.5 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 1 mg/L dust or mist
6.1D
2500 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 5000 ppm gas
10 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 20 mg/L vapour
1 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 5 mg/L dust or mist
6.1E
Expert judgment (such as mortality data; evidence/reliable information in humans; clinical
signs other than adaptive response)
6.1 Acute Toxicity OTHER
6.1A
Oral LD50 ≤ 5 mg/kg
Dermal LD50 ≤ 50 mg/kg
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 100 ppm gas
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.5 mg/L vapour
Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.05 mg/L dust or mist
6.1B
5 mg/kg < Oral LD50 ≤ 50 mg/kg
50 mg/kg < Dermal LD50 ≤ 200 mg/kg
100 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 500 ppm gas
0.5 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 2 mg/L vapour
0.05 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 0.5 mg/L dust or mist
6.1C
50 mg/kg < Oral LD50 ≤ 300 mg/kg
200 mg/kg < Dermal LD50 ≤ 1000 mg/kg
500 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 2500 ppm gas
2 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 10 mg/L vapour
0.5 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 1 mg/L dust or mist
6.1D
300 mg/kg < Oral LD50 ≤ 2000 mg/kg
1000 mg/kg < Dermal LD50 ≤ 2000 mg/kg
2500 ppm < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 5000 ppm gas
10 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 20 mg/L vapour
1 mg/L < Inhalation LC50 ≤ 5 mg/L dust or mist
6.1E
2000 mg/kg < Oral or
Dermal LD50 ≤ 5000 mg/kg or
Expert judgment (such as mortality data; evidence/reliable information in humans; clinical
signs other than adaptive response)
6.3/8.2 Substances that are corrosive or irritating to the skin
8.2A
Irreversible destruction of the dermal tissue within 1 hour of exposure
8.2B
Irreversible destruction of dermal tissue within 14 days of exposure following an exposure of
between 3 minutes to 1 hour
8.2C
Irreversible destruction of dermal tissue within 14 days of exposure following an exposure of
between 1 and 4 hour
6.3A
2.3 ≤ mean Draize score ≤ 4 erythema/eschar/oedema and reversible
6.3B
1.5 ≤ mean Draize score < 2.3 erythema/oedema and reversible
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6.4/8.3 Substances that are corrosive or irritating to the eye
8.3A
Destruction of ocular material occurs and is not reversible within 21 days;
or mean Draize score ≥ 3 for corneal opacity;
or mean Draize score ≥ 1.5 for iritis.
6.4A
1 ≤ mean Draize score < 3 for corneal opacity and reversible within 21 days;
or 1 ≤ mean Draize score < 1.5 for iritis and reversible within 21 days;
or mean Draize score ≥ 2 for conjunctival redness/conjunctival oedema (chemosis) and
reversible within 21 days.
6.5 Sensitisation
6.5A
Respiratory Sensitisers
6.5B
Contact Sensitisers
6.6 Mutagens
6.6A
Known or presumed human mutagen
6.6B
Suspected human or known animal mutagen
6.7 Carcinogen
6.7A
Known or presumed human carcinogen
6.7B
Suspected human or known or presumed animal carcinogen
6.8A/B Reproductive or Developmental Toxicants (two separate endpoints)
6.8A
Known or presumed Human reproductive or developmental toxicant
6.8B
Suspected human or known or presumed animal reproductive or developmental toxicant
6.8C Reproductive or Developmental Toxicants
6.8C
Reproductive or developmental effects on or via lactation
6.9 ORAL Target Organ Effects
6.9A
Causal relationship between exposure to humans and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9B
Causal relationship between exposure to organisms and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9 DERMAL Target Organ Effects
6.9A
Causal relationship between exposure to humans and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9B
Causal relationship between exposure to organisms and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9 INHALATION Target Organ Effects
6.9A
Causal relationship between exposure to humans and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9B
Causal relationship between exposure to organisms and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9 OTHER Target Organ Effects
6.9A
Causal relationship between exposure to humans and target organ/systemic toxicity
6.9B
Causal relationship between exposure to organisms and target organ/systemic toxicity
8.1 Metallic Corrosive
8.1A
Substance corrodes specified metal type at rate exceeding 6.25mm/y at 55oC
9.1 Aquatic ecotoxicity, fish
9.1A
Acute value ≤ 1mg/L regardless of P or B or chronic data
9.1B
Acute value between 1 and 10 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1C
Acute value between 10 and 100 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
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9.1D
Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and is not P and not B
or Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and chronic value > 1 mg /L and is P, and/or B
or Chronic value ≤ 1 mg/L and not P or B and acute value is > 1 mg/L
or P and B unless chronic value > 1 mg/L and not 9.1A, 9.1B, or 9.1C
or designed for biocidal action (see definition in regs) and no other class 9 assigned.
9.1 Aquatic ecotoxicity, crustacean
9.1A
Acute value ≤ 1mg/L regardless of P or B or chronic data
9.1B
Acute value between 1 and 10 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1C
Acute value between 10 and 100 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1D
Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and is not P and not B
or Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and chronic value > 1 mg /L and is P, and/or B
or Chronic value ≤ 1 mg/L and not P or B and acute value is > 1 mg/L
or P and B unless chronic value > 1 mg/L and not 9.1A, 9.1B, or 9.1C
or designed for biocidal action (see definition in regs) and no other class 9 assigned.
9.1 Aquatic ecotoxicity, algal
9.1A
Acute value ≤ 1mg/L regardless of P or B or chronic data
9.1B
Acute value between 1 and 10 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1C
Acute value between 10 and 100 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1D
Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and is not P and not B
or Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and chronic value > 1 mg /L and is P, and/or B
or Chronic value ≤ 1 mg/L and not P or B and acute value is > 1 mg/L
or P and B unless chronic value > 1 mg/L and not 9.1A, 9.1B, or 9.1C
or designed for biocidal action (see definition in regs) and no other class 9 assigned.
9.1 Aquatic ecotoxicity, other
9.1A
Acute value ≤ 1mg/L regardless of P or B or chronic data
9.1B
Acute value between 1 and 10 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1C
Acute value between 10 and 100 mg/L and is P, and/or B, unless chronic value > 1 mg/L
9.1D
Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and is not P and not B
or Acute value between 1 and 100 mg/L and chronic value > 1 mg /L and is P, and/or B
or Chronic value ≤ 1 mg/L and not P or B and acute value is > 1 mg/L
or P and B unless chronic value > 1 mg/L and not 9.1A, 9.1B, or 9.1C
or designed for biocidal action (see definition in regs) and no other class 9 assigned.
9.2 Soil
9.2A
Soil ecotoxicity value ≤ 1 mg of substance/kg dry weight soil
9.2B
1 mg/kg < Soil ecotoxicity value ≤ 10 mg of substance /kg dry weight soil
9.2C
10 mg/kg < Soil ecotoxicity value ≤ 100 mg of substance /kg dry weight soil and Soil DT50
>30 days
9.2D
10 mg/kg < Soil ecotoxicity value ≤ 100 mg of substance /kg dry weight soil and Soil DT50
≤ 30 days
Soil ecotoxicity value means the lower value in mg/kg dry weight soil of 14 day plant or soil
invertebrate EC50; or 28 day microbial EC25 for respiration or nitrification
9.3 Terrestrial Vertebrate
9.3A
Acute LD50 ≤ 50 mg/kg bw
or Acute LC50 ≤ 500 ppm in the diet
9.3B
50 mg/kg bw < acute LD50 ≤ 500 mg/kg bw
or 500 ppm < acute LC50 ≤ 1000 ppm in the diet
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9.3C
500 mg/kg bw < acute LD50 ≤ 2000 mg/kg bw
or 1000 ppm < acute LC50 ≤ 5000 ppm in the diet
or a chronic MATC of less than 100 ppm in the diet but which does not meet the criteria for
Categories 9.3A and 9.3B.
9.4 Terrestrial Invertebrate
9.4A
Acute LD50 < 2 µg/terrestrial invertebrate
9.4B
2 µg ≤ acute LD50 < 11 µg/terrestrial invertebrate
9.4C
11 µg ≤ acute LD50 ≤ 25 µg/terrestrial invertebrate
Aquatic Fate
Rapidly degradable in water means
(a) after 28 days, there is at least(i) 70% reduction in dissolved organic carbon; or
(ii) 60% depletion of oxygen compared to max oxygen depletion if substance were
completely degraded; or
(iii) 60% generation of carbon dioxide compared to max CO2 generation if substance
were completely degraded; or
(b) if only COD and BOD5 data available, BOD5:COD >0.5; or
(c) 70% degraded biotically or abiotically, in the aquatic environment within 28 days
Substance is bioaccumulative if measured BCF >500 or log Kow >/= 4
Terrestrial Fate
Soil DT50 means the half-life in soil, which is the time required to reduce the original
concentration of the substance in the soil by 50%
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