Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for
Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Glenn Eckardt (DET Senior OHS Policy Advisor)
December 3rd, 2015
Introduction
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What is the Globally Harmonised System?
What about the law?
Hazard Classification
Labelling
Safety Data Sheets
Placarding Quantities/Storage
What is the GHS?
GHS
The GHS is a single internationally agreed system of chemical
classification and hazard communication through labelling and
Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
GHS Implementation – Worldwide Map
72 Countries have
Implemented the GHS
What about the law in Australia?
Jurisdiction
Introduced to Parliament
Passed
Implementation Date
Commonwealth
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011
6 July 2011
7 December 2011
24 November 2011
14 December 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2012
Australian Capital Territory
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011
23 June 2011
20 September 2011
19 December 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2012
New South Wales
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011
5 May 2011
27 May 2011
16 December 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2012
Northern Territory
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011
27 October 2011
1 December 2011
30 December 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2012
10 May 2011
24 November 2011
26 May 2011
29 November 2011
1 January 2012
1 January 2012
19 May 2011
1 November 2012
1 November 2012
1 January 2013
1 January 2013
18 October 2011
13 March 2012
1 January 2013
Western Australia
- Work Health and Safety Bill 2014
23 October 2014
Not yet passed
Victoria
The Victorian Government announced it will not introduce harmonised laws.
Queensland
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011
South Australia
- Work Health & Safety Act 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2012
Tasmania
- Work Health & Safety Act 2012
Victoria's Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 will expire in June 2017, ten years after they were
made. WorkSafe is currently undertaking work to review and make new regulations by this date.
Comparison of legislative requirements
Jurisdiction
National
Legislation
Model WHS Regulations
2011
OHS Regulations 2007 – Part 4.1
Dangerous Goods (Storage
& Handling) Regulations
2012
Classification
Hazardous Chemical
Hazardous Substance
Dangerous Good
A substance that:
1. Is listed on the HSIS and the
concentration of the substance or its
ingredients equals or exceeds the
concentration cut-off levels listed on the
HSIS that relate to health effects; or
2. Meets the criteria for a hazardous
substance set out in the Approved
Criteria for Classifying Hazardous
Substances; or
3. Meets the criteria for hazard
classification set out in Part 3 (Health
Hazards) of the GHS;
The manufacturer or first
supplier must ensure that the
Dangerous Goods are:
1. Assigned the appropriate
Class, subsidiary risk and
Packing Group; or
2. Classified into a hazard
class in accordance with
the GHS.
Definition
A substance, mixture or
article that satisfies the
criteria for a
hazard class in the GHS
Victoria
Note: Inner packaging may
be labelled in accordance
with either the ADG Code
or GHS
GHS – Transitional Arrangement
• There will be a 5 year transitional period for moving to the
new GHS-based system, which will allow for the two systems
to be used concurrently by industry.
• Workplace chemicals will not need to be re-classified or relabelled immediately. During the 5 year transition period,
manufacturers may use either the GHS for classification,
labelling and SDS, or the previous hazardous substances
and dangerous goods classification systems.
• After 31 December 2016, at the end of the 5 year period, all
workplace chemicals must be classified according to the
GHS and labels and SDS must be updated.
GHS Hazard Classifications
GHS Hazard Classifications
• Physical hazards
Dangerous Goods - immediate physical or chemical effects, such as fire, explosion,
corrosion and poisoning, affecting property, the environment or people
• Health hazards
Hazardous Substances – immediate or long term adverse health effects
GHS Classification – Physical Hazards
DG Class
(equivalent)
Hazard Classes
Categories/Divisions/Types
Unstable
Div 1.1
Flammable gases
1
2
Division 2.1
Flammable aerosols
1
2
Division 2.2/
Sub – Risk 5.1
Class 2
Oxidising gases
1
Division 1
Explosives
Division 2.1
Div1.2
Div1.3
Div1.4
Div1.5
Div1.6
3
4
Type C
Type D
Type E
Type F
Type G
Type D
Type E
Type F
Type F
Gases under pressure
-
Compressed gas
1
-
Liquefied gas
1
-
Refrigerated liquefied gas
1
-
Dissolved gas
1
Class 3
Flammable liquids
1
2
Division 4.1
Flammable solids
1
2
Division 4.1
Self reactive substances & mixtures
Type A
Type B
Division 4.2
Pyrophoric liquids
1
Division 4.2
Pyrophoric solids
1
Division 4.2
Self-heating substances or mixtures
1
2
Division 4.3
Substances or mixtures which in contact with water emit flammable
gases
1
2
3
Division 5.1
Oxidising liquids
1
2
3
Division 5.1
Oxidising solids
1
2
3
Division 5.2
Organic peroxides
Type A
Type B
Type C
Class 8
Corrosive to metals
1
Note: Categories highlighted in yellow are not classified as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations
Comparison between current DG & GHS Classifications
Hazard
Category
1
Criteria
Flash Point < 230C & initial boiling point ≤ 350C
Hazard Communication Elements
Signal Word
Hazard Statement
2
Flash Point < 230C & initial boiling point > 350C
Flash Point ≥ 230C & ≤ 600C
Flash Point > 600C & ≤ 930C
Danger
Highly flammable liquid & vapour
Signal Word
Hazard Statement
4
Extremely flammable liquid & vapour
Signal Word
Hazard Statement
3
Danger
Warning
Flammable Liquid & vapour
Signal Word
Warning
Hazard Statement
Combustible liquid
Risk Phrases
R12 – Extremely Flammable
R11 – Highly Flammable
R10 - Flammable
GHS Classification – Health Hazards
Hazard Classes
Categories
Acute toxicity
1
2
3
4
5
Skin corrosion/irritation
1A
1B
1C
2
3
Serious eye damage/eye irritation
1
2
2A
2B
Respiratory or skin sensitisation
1
1A
1B
Germ cell mutagenicity
1A
1B
2
Carcinogenicity
1A
1B
2
Reproductive toxicity
1A
1B
2
Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure
1
2
3
Specific target organ toxicity – Repeated exposure
1
2
Aspiration hazard
1
2
Lactation
Note: Categories highlighted in yellow are not classified as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations
Comparison between current HS & GHS Classifications
Name
Sodium
Hydroxide
HSIS Classification & Risk Phrase
GHS Classification & Hazard Statement
Conc ≥ 5%, C - Corrosive, R35 – Causes severe burns
Skin Corrosion 1A, H314 – Causes severe skin burns & eye
damage
2% ≤ Conc < 5%, C - Corrosive, R34 – Causes burns
Skin Corrosion 1B, H314 – Causes severe skin burns & eye
damage
0.5% ≤ Conc ≤ 2%, Xi – Irritant, R36/38 – Irritating to
eyes and skin
Eye irritation 2A, Skin irritation 2,
H319 - Causes serious eye irritation, H315 - Causes skin
irritation
References for Classification
Guidance on the Classification of Hazardous Chemicals under the WHS Regulations –
• Appendix C, Table 2 – Comparison of ADG Code and GHS classes and categories
• Appendix D, Table 3 - Comparison of Approved Criteria and GHS classification
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/guidance-classification-whs-regulations
GHS Hazardous Chemical Information List http://hsis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Documents/DownloadFile/GHS%20Hazardous%20Chemical%20Information%20List%20(Se
arch%20Function).xlsm/5
GHS Labelling Requirements
What are the GHS Label Elements?
•
Precautionary Statements: Statements describe the recommended measures that should
be taken to minimise or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure, or improper
storage or handling of a hazardous chemical. The GHS categorises precautionary
statements according to whether they relate to prevention, response, storage and disposal.
What are the GHS Label Elements?
Product name
or identifier
Read label before use. Keep out of reach of children
Flammosol
FLAMMABLE LIQUID, TOXIC N.O.S.
(aliphatic hydrocarbons, toxicole)
Identify hazardous
ingredients
UN 1992
Contains:
Aliphatic hydrocarbons 95%
Toxicole 5%
4L
DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Toxic if swallowed
Causes skin irritation
Pictograms
Precautionary
statements
Name & address
of company
IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off contaminated clothing and wash
before re-use.
In case of fire: Use powder for extinction.
Rinse skin using plenty of soap and water.
Keep away from sparks and open flames. – No smoking.
If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTRE or
doctor/physician.
Keep container tightly closed.
Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
Rinse mouth.
Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
Use only non-sparking tools.
Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
Store locked up in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool.
Wear protective gloves and eye and face protection.
Dispose of contents/container in accordance with Jurisdictional
regulations.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before use.
Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Madeup Chemical Company, , , My State. Telephone: 1300 000 000
www.madeup-chemical-company.com.au
Signal word
Hazard
statements
Telephone
number
GHS v DG Pictograms
GHS v DG Pictograms
HSIS Risk Phrases
GHS Hazard Statements
HSIS Safety Phrases
GHS Precautionary Statements
OHS Regulations 2007 - Labelling Requirements
Special Labelling Situations
Decanted Chemicals - Minimum Information:
- Product Identifier
- Hazard Pictogram or Hazard Statement
2M Sodium Hydroxide
- Consider use of Chemwatch or other
commercial labelling system
Causes severe skin burns & eye damage
Hazardous Waste Products – Minimum Information:
- Product Identifier
- Name, Australian address & business telephone number of Manufacturer
- Hazard Pictogram and Hazard Statement
Examples of product identifiers for hazardous waste products –
Flammable waste
Heavy metal waste
GHS Safety Data Sheet Comparison
SDS v MSDS Comparison (1)
SDS
Sections
GHS SDS
NOHSC MSDS
1. Product &
Company
Identification
- GHS product identifier
- Other means of identification
- Recommended use and restrictions on use
- Suppliers details (incl. name, address & phone no.
- Emergency phone number
- Product name
- Other names
- Recommended use
2. Hazards
identification
- GHS classification of the substance/mixture
- GHS label elements, including precautionary statements.
- Hazard symbols may be provided as a graphical reproduction of the symbols
in black & white or the name of the symbol e.g. flame, skull & crossbones
- Other hazards which do not result in classification or are not covered by the
GHS e.g. dust explosion hazard
-Hazard classification incl. a statement of
overall hazardous or dangerous nature
- Risk phrases
- Safety phrases
3.
Composition/
information on
ingredients
Substance
- Chemical identify
- Common name
- CAS Number
- Impurities & stabilising additives which are themselves classified & which
contribute to the classification of the substance
Mixture
-The chemical identity & concentration or concentration ranges of all
ingredients which are hazardous & are present above their cut-off ranges.
- Cut-off level for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity & category 1
mutagenicity ≥ 0.1%
- Cut-off level for all other hazard classes ≥ 1%
Substance
- Chemical identity of the pure substance
- Common names
- CAS Numbers
Mixture
-Chemical identity of ingredients
- Proportion of ingredients
- CAS Numbers of ingredients
Section 2 of SDS for Sodium Hydroxide
SDS v MSDS Comparison (2)
SDS
Sections
GHS SDS
NOHSC MSDS
4. First Aid
Measures
- Description on necessary measures, subdivided according to the different
routes of exposure i.e. inhalation, skin, eye contact & ingestion
- Most important symptoms/effects, acute & delayed
- Indication of immediate medical attention & special treatment needed, if
necessary
- Description of necessary measures according to
routes of exposure
- Indication of medical attention & special
treatment needed including description of most
important symptoms, acute and delayed
- Recommended use
5. Fire fighting
measures
- Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media
- Specific hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. nature of any hazardous
combustion products
- Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters
- Suitable extinguishing media
- Hazards from combustion products
- Special protective precautions and equipment for
fire-fighters
- Hazchem code
6. Accidental
release
measures
- Personal precautions, protective equipment & emergency procedures.
- Environmental precautions
- Methods & materials for containment & cleaning up
- Emergency procedures
- Methods & materials for containment & clean up
7. Handling &
storage
- Precautions for safe handling
- Conditions for safe storage including any incompatibilities
- Precautions for safe handling.
-Conditions for safe storage including any
incompatibilities
8. Exposure
controls/
personal
protection
- Control parameters (e.g. occupational exposure limit values or biological
limit values
- Appropriate engineering controls
- Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment
- National exposure standards
- Biological limit values
- Engineering controls
- Personal protective equipment
SDS v MSDS Comparison (3)
SDS
Sections
GHS SDS
9. Physical &
Chemical
Properties
- Appearance (physical state, colour, etc.)
- Odour
- Odour threshold
- pH
- Melting point/freezing point
- Initial boiling point & boiling range
- Flash point
- Evaporation rate
- Flammability
- Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
- Vapour pressure
- Vapour density
- Relative density
- Solubility
- Partition co-efficient
- Auto-ignition temperature
- Decomposition temperature
NOHSC MSDS
- Appearance (colour, physical form, shape)
- Odour
- pH
- Vapour pressure
-Vapour density
- Boiling point/range
- Freezing/melting point
- Solubility
- Specific gravity
Information for flammable materials, including:
- Flash point & method for detecting flash
- Upper & lower flammable limits in air.
- Ignition temperature
Additional information:
-Specific heat value
- Particle size
- Volatile organic compound content
- Evaporation rate
- Viscosity
- Percent volatile
SDS v MSDS Comparison (4)
SDS
Sections
GHS SDS
NOHSC MSDS
10. Stability &
reactivity
- Chemical stability
- Possibility of hazardous reactions
- Conditions to avoid (e.g. static discharge, shock or vibration)
- Incompatible materials
- Hazardous decomposition products
- Chemical stability
- Conditions to avoid
- Incompatible materials
- Hazardous decomposition products
- Hazardous reactions
11.
Toxicological
information
Concise but complete & comprehensible description of the various
toxicological effects & the available data used to identify those effects, incl.:
- Information on the likely routes of exposure (e.g. inhalation, ingestion, etc)
- Symptoms related to the physical, chemical & toxicological characteristics
- Delayed & immediate effects & also chronic effects from short & long term
exposure
- Numerical measures of toxicity (such as acute toxicity estimates)
- Health effects from the likely routes of exposure
12. Ecological
information
- Ecotoxicity (aquatic & terrestrial, where available)
- Persistence & degradability
- Bio-accumulative potential
- Mobility in soil
-Other adverse effects
- Ecotoxicity
- Persistence & degradability
- Mobility
- Environmental fate (exposure)
- Bio-accumulative potential
13. Disposal
considerations
- Description of waste residues & information on their safe handling &
methods of disposal, including any contaminated packaging.
- Disposal methods and containers
- Special precautions for landfill or incineration
SDS v MSDS Comparison (5)
SDS
Sections
GHS SDS
NOHSC MSDS
14. Transport
information
- UN Number
- UN Proper Shipping Name
- Transport Hazard Classes
- Packing Group (if applicable)
- Marine pollutant (Y/N)
- Special precautions which a user needs to comply with in connection with
transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises
- UN Number
- UN Proper Shipping Name
- Class & Subsidiary Risk
- Packing group
- Special precautions for user
- Hazchem code
15. Regulatory
information
- Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in
question
- The regulatory status of a material (including its
ingredients) under relevant Australian health,
safety and environmental legislation.
- Additional national and/or international regulatory
information
16. Other
information
- Other information including information on preparation and revision of the
SDS.
- Date of preparation or last revision of the MSDS
- Key/legend to abbreviations and acronyms used
in the MSDS
- Literature references
- Sources for data
Section 14 of SDS for Sodium Hydroxide
GHS Placarding/Segregation Requirements
GHS Placarding and Segregation Requirements
• Placarding requirements only apply to physical hazards classified under the GHS.
• Segregation of incompatible chemicals is based on the potential for a reaction
between two chemicals resulting in a fire, explosion, harmful reaction or the
evolution of flammable, corrosive or toxic vapours.
• Therefore, placarding and segregation requirements apply to physical hazards
as classified under the GHS or Dangerous Goods under the ADG Code.
• Where placarding, signage and pictograms for chemical storage areas are required,
the relevant Dangerous Goods information must be displayed rather than the
corresponding GHS information.
Placarding and Manifest Quantities –
Flammable Liquids
Hazard Class
Flammable Liquids
Hazard Category
Placard
Quantity
Manifest
Quantity
Category 1
50 L
500 L
Category 2
250 L
2500 L
Category 3
1000 L
10000 L
Any combination of chemicals from Items
6 to 8 where none of the items exceeds
the quantities in columns 4 or 5 on their
own
1000 L
10000 L
Category 4
10000 L
100000 L
Segregation of Incompatible Chemicals
References
Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (6th ed.)
http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev06/06files_e.html
Code of Practice for Labelling Workplace Hazardous Chemicals, March 2015 –
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/643/labelling-workplace-hazardous-chemicals.pdf
Code of Practice for Preparation of SDS for Hazardous Chemicals, December 2011 http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/642/COP_Preparation_of_Safety_Data_Sheet_for_H
azardous_Chemicals.pdf
Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/managing-risks-of-hazardous-chemicals-in-the-workplace
GHS Hazardous Chemical Information List http://hsis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Documents/DownloadFile/GHS%20Hazardous%20Chemical%20Information%20List%20(Se
arch%20Function).xlsm/5
Model Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 – Chapter 7
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/616/Model%20Work
%20Health%20and%20Safety%20Regulations.pdf
Summary
• The GHS for classification and labelling of hazardous
chemicals will formally commence on 1 January 2017;
• Schools will not have to classify hazardous chemicals;
• Schools will not have to re-label chemical bottles
previously purchased from a supplier;
• Schools will have to adopt the labelling requirements of
the GHS for decanted and waste chemicals;
• Chemical storage segregation requirements will remain
the same; and
• Continue to use labels and pictograms on chemical
storage cupboards that align with DG requirements.