Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for

Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

Glenn Eckardt (DET Senior OHS Policy Advisor)
December 3rd, 2015
 Introduction
• 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 6 July 2011 24 November 2011 1 January 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 7 December 2011 14 December 2011 1 January 2012

Australian Capital Territory

- Work Health & Safety Act 2011 23 June 2011 20 September 2011 1 January 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 19 December 2011 1 January 2012

New South Wales

- Work Health & Safety Act 2011 5 May 2011 27 May 2011 1 January 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 16 December 2011 1 January 2012

Northern Territory
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011 27 October 2011 1 December 2011 1 January 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 30 December 2011 1 January 2012

Queensland
- Work Health & Safety Act 2011 10 May 2011 26 May 2011 1 January 2012
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2011 24 November 2011 29 November 2011 1 January 2012

South Australia
- Work Health & Safety Act 2012 19 May 2011 1 November 2012 1 January 2013
- Work Health & Safety Regulations 2012 1 November 2012 1 January 2013

Tasmania
- Work Health & Safety Act 2012 18 October 2011 13 March 2012 1 January 2013
Western Australia 23 October 2014 Not yet passed
- Work Health and Safety Bill 2014
Victoria The Victorian Government announced it will not introduce harmonised laws.

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 Victoria

Dangerous Goods (Storage & Handling)

Legislation Model WHS Regulations 2011 OHS Regulations 2007 – Part 4.1
Regulations 2012

Classification Hazardous Chemical Hazardous Substance Dangerous Good

A substance that: The manufacturer or first supplier must

1. Is listed on the HSIS and the ensure that the Dangerous Goods are:
1. Assigned the appropriate Class,
concentration of the substance or its subsidiary risk and Packing
ingredients equals or exceeds the Group; or

concentration cut-off levels listed on 2. Classified into a hazard

A substance, mixture or the HSIS that relate to health effects; class in accordance
article that satisfies the or with the GHS.
Definition 2. Meets the criteria for a hazardous
criteria for a
hazard class in the GHS substance set out in the Approved Note: Inner packaging may
Criteria for Classifying Hazardous be labelled in
Substances; or accordance with either
3. Meets the criteria for hazard the ADG Code or GHS
classification set out in Part 3
(Health Hazards) of the 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 re-
labelled 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 Hazard Classes Categories/Divisions/Types
(equivalent)
Division 1 Explosives Unstable Div 1.1 Div1.2 Div1.3 Div1.4 Div1.5 Div1.6
Division 2.1 Flammable gases 1 2
Division 2.1 Flammable aerosols 1 2
Division 2.2/ Oxidising gases 1
Sub – Risk 5.1
Class 2 Gases under pressure
- Compressed gas 1
- Liquefied gas 1
- Refrigerated liquefied gas 1
- Dissolved gas 1
Class 3 Flammable liquids 1 2 3 4
Division 4.1 Flammable solids 1 2
Division 4.1 Self reactive substances & mixtures Type A Type B Type C Type D Type E Type F Type G
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 1 2 3
gases

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 Type D Type E Type F Type F
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 Criteria Hazard Communication Elements
Category
1 Flash Point < 230C & initial boiling point ≤ 350C Signal Word Danger

Hazard Statement Extremely flammable liquid & vapour

2 Flash Point < 230C & initial boiling point > 350C Signal Word Danger

Hazard Statement Highly flammable liquid & vapour

3 Flash Point ≥ 230C & ≤ 600C Signal Word Warning

Hazard Statement Flammable Liquid & vapour

4 Flash Point > 600C & ≤ 930C 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 Lactation

Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure 1 2 3

Specific target organ toxicity – Repeated exposure 1 2

Aspiration hazard 1 2

Note: Categories highlighted in yellow are not classified as hazardous chemicals under the WHS Regulations
Comparison between current HS & GHS Classifications

Name HSIS Classification & Risk Phrase GHS Classification & Hazard Statement

Sodium Conc ≥ 5%, C - Corrosive, R35 – Causes severe burns Skin Corrosion 1A, H314 – Causes severe skin burns & eye
Hydroxide 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 Eye irritation 2A, Skin irritation 2,
and skin 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
http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/guidance-classification-whs-regulations
• Appendix D, Table 3 - Comparison of Approved Criteria and GHS classification

GHS Hazardous Chemical Information List -

http://hsis.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/Documents/DownloadFile/GHS%20Hazardous%20Chemical%20Information%20List%20(Searc
h%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?
Read label before use. Keep out of reach of children
Product name Flammosol
or identifier FLAMMABLE LIQUID, TOXIC N.O.S.
(aliphatic hydrocarbons, toxicole)

UN 1992
Identify hazardous Contains:
Aliphatic hydrocarbons 95%
4L
ingredients Toxicole 5%

DANGER
Highly flammable liquid and vapour
Signal word
Pictograms Toxic if swallowed
Causes skin irritation

IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off contaminated clothing and wash In case of fire: Use powder for extinction.
Hazard
before re-use.
Rinse skin using plenty of soap and water. Keep away from sparks and open flames. – No smoking.
statements
If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. Keep container tightly closed.
IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTRE or Ground/bond container and receiving equipment.
Precautionary doctor/physician.
Rinse mouth. Use explosion-proof electrical equipment.
statements 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 Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
regulations.

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before use. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
Telephone
Name & address Madeup Chemical Company, , , My State. Telephone: 1300 000 000
number
www.madeup-chemical-company.com.au
of company
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 & - GHS product identifier - Product name

Company - Other means of identification - Other names
Identification - Recommended use and restrictions on use - Recommended use
- Suppliers details (incl. name, address & phone no.
- Emergency phone number

2. Hazards - GHS classification of the substance/mixture -Hazard classification incl. a statement of

identification - GHS label elements, including precautionary statements. overall hazardous or dangerous nature
- Hazard symbols may be provided as a graphical reproduction of the - Risk phrases
symbols in black & white or the name of the symbol e.g. flame, skull & - Safety phrases
crossbones
- Other hazards which do not result in classification or are not covered by the
GHS e.g. dust explosion hazard
3. Substance Substance
Composition/ - Chemical identify - Chemical identity of the pure substance
information on - Common name - Common names
ingredients - CAS Number - CAS Numbers
- Impurities & stabilising additives which are themselves classified & which Mixture
contribute to the classification of the substance -Chemical identity of ingredients
Mixture - Proportion of ingredients
-The chemical identity & concentration or concentration ranges of all - CAS Numbers of ingredients
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%
Section 2 of SDS for Sodium Hydroxide
 SDS v MSDS Comparison (2)
SDS Sections GHS SDS NOHSC MSDS

4. First Aid - Description on necessary measures, subdivided according to the - Description of necessary measures according to
Measures different routes of exposure i.e. inhalation, skin, eye contact & ingestion routes of exposure
- Most important symptoms/effects, acute & delayed - Indication of medical attention & special
- Indication of immediate medical attention & special treatment needed, if treatment needed including description of most
necessary important symptoms, acute and delayed
- Recommended use
5. Fire fighting - Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media - Suitable extinguishing media
measures - Specific hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. nature of any hazardous - Hazards from combustion products
combustion products - Special protective precautions and equipment
- Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters for fire-fighters
- Hazchem code
6. Accidental - Personal precautions, protective equipment & emergency procedures. - Emergency procedures
release - Environmental precautions - Methods & materials for containment & clean up
measures - Methods & materials for containment & cleaning up
7. Handling & - Precautions for safe handling - Precautions for safe handling.
storage - Conditions for safe storage including any incompatibilities -Conditions for safe storage including any
incompatibilities
8. Exposure - Control parameters (e.g. occupational exposure limit values or biological - National exposure standards
controls/ limit values - Biological limit values
personal - Appropriate engineering controls - Engineering controls
protection - Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment - Personal protective equipment
 SDS v MSDS Comparison (3)
SDS Sections GHS SDS NOHSC MSDS

9. Physical & - Appearance (physical state, colour, etc.) - Appearance (colour, physical form, shape)
Chemical - Odour - Odour
Properties - Odour threshold - pH
- pH - Vapour pressure
- Melting point/freezing point -Vapour density
- Initial boiling point & boiling range - Boiling point/range
- Flash point - Freezing/melting point
- Evaporation rate - Solubility
- Flammability - Specific gravity
- Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits Information for flammable materials, including:
- Vapour pressure - Flash point & method for detecting flash
- Vapour density - Upper & lower flammable limits in air.
- Relative density - Ignition temperature
- Solubility Additional information:
- Partition co-efficient -Specific heat value
- Auto-ignition temperature - Particle size
- Decomposition temperature - Volatile organic compound content
- Evaporation rate
- Viscosity
- Percent volatile
 SDS v MSDS Comparison (4)
SDS Sections GHS SDS NOHSC MSDS

10. Stability & - Chemical stability - Chemical stability

reactivity - Possibility of hazardous reactions - Conditions to avoid
- Conditions to avoid (e.g. static discharge, shock or vibration) - Incompatible materials
- Incompatible materials - Hazardous decomposition products
- Hazardous decomposition products - Hazardous reactions

11. Concise but complete & comprehensible description of the various - Health effects from the likely routes of exposure
Toxicological toxicological effects & the available data used to identify those effects,
information 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)
12. Ecological - Ecotoxicity (aquatic & terrestrial, where available) - Ecotoxicity
information - Persistence & degradability - Persistence & degradability
- Bio-accumulative potential - Mobility
- Mobility in soil - Environmental fate (exposure)
-Other adverse effects - Bio-accumulative potential

13. Disposal - Description of waste residues & information on their safe handling & - Disposal methods and containers
considerations methods of disposal, including any contaminated packaging. - Special precautions for landfill or incineration
 SDS v MSDS Comparison (5)
SDS Sections GHS SDS NOHSC MSDS

14. Transport - UN Number - UN Number

information - UN Proper Shipping Name - UN Proper Shipping Name
- Transport Hazard Classes - Class & Subsidiary Risk
- Packing Group (if applicable) - Packing group
- Marine pollutant (Y/N) - Special precautions for user
- Special precautions which a user needs to comply with in connection - Hazchem code
with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises
15. Regulatory - Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in - The regulatory status of a material (including its
information question ingredients) under relevant Australian health,
safety and environmental legislation.
- Additional national and/or international
regulatory information

16. Other - Other information including information on preparation and revision of the - Date of preparation or last revision of the MSDS
information SDS. - 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 Hazard Category Placard Quantity Manifest
Quantity

Flammable Liquids Category 1 50 L 500 L

Category 2 250 L 2500 L

Category 3 1000 L 10000 L

Any combination of chemicals from Items 1000 L 10000 L

6 to 8 where none of the items exceeds
the quantities in columns 4 or 5 on their
own
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_Haz
ardous_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(Searc
h%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%2
0Health%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.