New GHS/CLP criteria

New classification criteria and labels, safety data sheets according to REACH as per December 1st 2010

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals or GHS is an internationally agreed upon system set to replace the various different classification and labeling standards used in different countries. The GHS will use consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level. The European Union has implemented the United Nations' GHS into EU law as the CLP Regulation which replaces both the Dangerous Substances Directive (DSD) and the Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD).

1) New classification criteria and labels
The GHS is a common and consistent approach to defining and classifying hazards, and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets (SDS). The GHS will cover all hazardous chemicals, which includes substances, products, mixtures, preparations, etc. It will provide an internationally agreed upon system of hazard classification and labeling. The target audiences include workers, consumers, transport workers, and emergency responders. Under this system, chemical substances and mixtures will be classified according to their physical, health, and environmental hazards. Currently many different countries have their own standards for chemical hazard classification and communication. The GHS is intended to replace these multiple systems with one uniform system that all parties have adopted. These existing systems may be similar in content and approach, but their differences are significant enough to require multiple classifications, labels and MSDS’s for the same product when marketed in different countries.

The GHS classification system is complex. A full explanation of the classification for all physical, health, and environmental hazards can be found at the United Nations website for the GHS at:

GHS I

GHS II

Facts:
- all pictograms will be replaced (http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/pictograms.html)
- all R&S sentences will expire on June 1st 2015 and will be replaced by H(azard)- and P(recautionnary)-sentences.
- substances must be classified according to both CLP and DSD as per December 1st 2010.
- substances must be labeled and packed according to CLP as per December 1st 2010 (however, substances which 
  are already classified, labeled and packed according to DSD and were placed on the market before December 1st  
  2010 should be relabeled and repacked as per December 1st 2012).
- Mixtures must be classified and labeled according to CLP until June 1st 2015.

More information can be found at:

GHS III

2) Safety Data Sheet
The safety data sheet (the GHS has dropped the word “material” from material safety data sheet; it will now be called the safety data sheet or SDS) is specifically aimed at use in the workplace. It should provide comprehensive information about the chemical product that allows employers and workers to obtain concise, relevant and accurate information that can be put in perspective with regard to the hazards, uses and risk management of the chemical product in the workplace. The SDS should contain 16 sections. While there were some differences in existing industry recommendations, and requirements of countries, there was widespread agreement on a 16 section SDS.

Fact:
- until June 1st 2015 the SDS must show both CLP and DSD/DPD classifications.

More information can be found at:

GHS IV