CSB topic 2B

what is GHS

• Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

• developed by UN for chemical hazard communication through standardised:

• - chemical hazard classification

• - chemical product labelling

• - safety data sheets (SDS)

what is the purpose of GHS

• helps to get every country on the same page for chemical regulations and standards

• facilitate international trade by ensuring all chemicals moving into and out of a country are classified, packaged and labelled in accordance with GHS

• enhance protection of human and environment against hazardous chemicals

details of GHS

• adopted by SG in 2002

• 2008, SS 586 - “Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods” was introduced

• part 1: transport and storage of dangerous goods

• part 2: GHS- singapore’s adaptations

• part 3: preparation of SDS (safety data sheets)

GHS physical hazards

• 16

• explosive

• flammable gases

• aerosols

• oxidising gases

• gas 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

• oxidising liquids

• oxidising solids

• organic peroxides

• corrosive to metals

GHS health hazard

• 10

• acute toxicity

• skin corrosion/ irritation

• serious eye damage/ eye irritation

• respiratory or skin sensitsation

• germ cell mutagenicity

• carcinogenicty

• reproductive toxicity

• specific target organ toxicity- single exposure

• specific organ toxicity - repeated exposure

• aspiration hazard

environmental hazard

• 3

• hazardous to aquatic environment - acute toxicity

• hazardous to aquatic environment - chronic toxicity

• hazardous to ozone layer

flammable substances category classification criteria

flash point meaning

lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient flammable vapour to ignite in the presence of an ignition source

difference between flammable and pyrophoric

flammable: any organic or inorganic materials that can be easily ignited and resulted in fire

pyrophoric: chemical that can ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature below 130F (54.4C) and below

3 elements of GHS hazard communication

• GHS Safety Datasheet (SDS)

• GHS Labels

• Training

• aim is to:

• identify intrinsic hazards of chemicals and convey hazard information about each hazard class and category

• take necessary precautions to ensure safe use/handling of chemicals