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Classification Tools
Standardizing “Nasty”

Early MSDS relied on interpretation, by their authors, to determine
whether the chemical they described was hazardous. It was not
unknown for irresponsible Vendors to underestimate the level of
hazard, occasionally for commercial gain

International agreements have come into force which standardize
the definitions of hazard. These rely upon a combination of
physicochemical parameters (corrosivity, flammability) and
toxicological parameters based on animal testing

Once individual substances have been classified, they may then
be combined in mixtures – toxicological parameters persist until
they fall below certain (defined) concentration thresholds

The classification of individual substances is both the province of governments (official classifications) and others
including vendors (self-classification). Self-classification still allows certain flexibility and often different vendors
disagree amongst themselves (occasionally for commercial gain)

Chemwatch has created a large database collecting official classifications and adding vendor self-classification (when
general consensus is demonstrated). In addition it has reviewed disputed classifications and attempted to harmonize
these using “criteria” described in regulation. Occasionally the country in which the vendor operates does not require
self-classification. In its absence Chemwatch produces suitable classification as prescribed. This database then
comprises more than 50,000 substances making it the world’s largest

To assist our Users to produce a standardized classification for mixtures, Chemwatch has developed an automated
Classification Tool. This allows Users to combine an unlimited number of these substances, determine their
concentrations, and provide an assessment of the overall hazard of the mixture. Because this tool draws upon a huge
database of substances almost any conceivable mixture may be created and classified (a combination of diazepam /
valium and alcohol, for example, produces some interesting hazards)

The hazard classification so produced conforms to the requirements of the EU and those countries that have adopted a
similar position (Australia for example)

A recent initiative that now is replacing the EU system is the centerpiece of international agreement and will be formally
adopted over the next five years by most countries – this is known as the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). In
principal this system extends the definition of hazard; what was previously non-hazardous in the EU system now may
become hazardous. Several countries have already produced their own official classification of substances under GHS
(notably Japan, Korea and New Zealand). The EU has proposed a remapping of its existing classifications

Again Chemwatch has produced what we believe to be the world’s largest database of GHS classification. The
Classification Tool also draws on this database to produce GHS classification while still retaining its ability to produce
an EU Classification

Once a classification has been produced it may be fed to another module found in the Chemwatch suite to produce
EU/ Australia etc or GHS compliant labels (in more than 30 languages). Still another module (CGII/III Labeling)
produces compliant MSDS, again, in more than 30 languages (AuthorITe)
For further information contact: info@chemwatchna.com
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