Adopting A Unitary Chemical Labeling System

Multiple systems for MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] development and for labeling hazardous chemicals and materials have been adopted in many countries.

Bob Eckhardt

Multiple systems for MSDS [Material Safety Data Sheet] development and for labeling hazardous chemicals and materials have been adopted in many countries. The United States alone has at least four labeling systems and three MSDS standards.

Among U.S. labeling systems is one created by the Department of Transportation for conveying hazardous materials, while the U.S Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard incorporates several options. Predictably, significant confusion results when co-existing systems are used.

The HazCom standard simply requires manufacturers and users to assure that specified hazards are clearly identified on the container. Three primary labeling systems for hazardous substances in the U.S. include the NFPA Hazard Identification System, the Hazardous Material Identification Guide (HMIG), and the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS). A new standard proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration would eliminate these three systems.

Earlier this fall, OSHA published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking seeking public comment on the Hazard Communication System (HCS) program for the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, known as GHS. The system has been adopted by the United Nations in an effort to harmonize labeling practices worldwide. Now available for implementation, GHS is promulgated globally: countries are encouraged to implement GHS with the goal of a fully operational world system by 2008. That goal was adopted by nations in the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety, as well as endorsed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development. In addition, countries involved in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation have endorsed a goal of 2006. The U.S. participates in these international groups as a party in the effort to achieve their stated aims.

GHS provisions for classification of chemicals target their health, physical, and environmental effects. The all-encompassing standard specifies labeling for transportation, workplace use, manufacturer containers, and pesticides, as well as a new format for (material) safety data sheets.

One obvious shift will be a name change from Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, to Safety Data Sheet, or SDS. Essentially identical are the GHS and the ISO systems for SDS development. Currently, ISO, ANSI, and OSHA criteria are available for the development of safety data sheets. U.S. adoption of the system would effectively eliminate use of the ANSI standard and the already antiquated OSHA MSDS criteria.

Far reaching in the United States, the proposed system could affect numerous standards. Several regulatory authorities now exercise jurisdiction over chemical hazard communication. In addition to OSHA’s HCS, the Department of Transportation regulates chemicals in transport; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees consumer products; and, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) targets pesticides, exercising labeling authority as well under the Toxic Substances Control Act. These regulatory agencies operate under different statutory mandates and apply varying approaches to hazard communication requirements. Numerous statutes reference or adopt various sections of HCS.

While a few changes would be in order to comply with the proposed standard, DOT labeling requirements for hazardous materials transportation are nearly identical to those of GHS. Since OSHA is not harmonized with current DOT standards, changing HCS to incorporate GHS criteria would ensure consistency of DOT and OSHA requirements.

A major benefit of adopting GHS would be to further align domestic labeling with world practices, thereby reducing the number of labels and labeling systems that U.S. and foreign manufacturers would necessarily maintain for the same product. Today, some countries require a distinct labeling system; for example, Canada adheres to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), which requires that labels include specified symbols within a defined circle. U.S. chemical manufacturers must label chemicals accordingly for Canadian markets. Thus, Canada may also elect to adopt GHS in the near future.

What will the GHS label look like? Transport pictograms will look much like U.S. DOT diamonds for hazardous materials. While label format or layout is not specified in the GHS, the hazardous substances label must include hazard pictograms, signal word, and hazard statements in a common configuration.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET COMPARISON
MSDS SECTIONS GHS SDS1 ISO MSDS2 ANSI MSDS3 OSHA MSDS4
1. Product and company identification GHS product identifier
Other means of identification
Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
Supplier’s details (including name, address, phone number)
Emergency phone number
GHS product identifier
Other means of identification
Recommended use of the chemical and restrictions on use
Supplier’s details (including name, address, phone number)
Emergency phone number
Product identity same as on label
Product name, product code
Name, address and phone number of supplier
Emergency phone number
Product identity same as on label.
Name address and phone number of the manufacturer, distributor, employer or other responsible party
2. Hazards identification GHS classification of the substance/mixture and any regional information
GHS label elements, including precautionary statements [Hazard symbols may be provided as a graphical reproduction of the symbols in black and white or the name of the symbol, e.g., flame, skull and crossbones.]
Other hazards that do not result in classification (e.g., dust explosion hazard) or are not covered by GHS
GHS classification of the substance/mixture and any regional information
GHS label elements, including precautionary statements [Hazard symbols may be provided as a graphical reproduction of the symbols in black and white or the name of the symbol, e.g., flame, skull and crossbones.]
Other hazards that do not result in classification (e.g., dust explosion hazard) or are not covered by GHS
Emergency Overview [description of product and most significant immediate physical, health and environmental concerns]
OSHA Regulatory Status
Potential health effects [information on adverse human health effects and symptoms, relevant route(s) and length of exposure, type and severity of effects, target organs, medical symptoms that are aggravated by exposure]
If listed as a carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, NTP
Environmental effects
Health hazards, including acute and chronic effects, listing target organs or systems
Signs and symptoms of exposure
Conditions generally recognized as aggravated by exposure
Primary routes of exposure
If listed as a carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, NTP
Physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity
3. Composition/information on ingredients Substance
Chemical identity
Common name, synonyms
CAS number, EC number, etc.
Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and that contribute to the classification of the substance
Mixture
Chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges of all ingredients that are hazardous within the meaning of GHS and are present above their cut-off levels.
Cut-off level for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and category 1 mutagenicity is3 0.1%
Cut-off level for all other hazard classes is3 0.1%
Note: For information on ingredients, the competent authority rules for CBI take priority over the rules for product identification
Substance
Chemical identity
Common name, synonyms
CAS number, EC number, etc.
Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and that contribute to the classification of the substance
Mixture
Chemical identity and concentration or concentration ranges of all ingredients that are hazardous within the meaning of GHS and are present above their cut-off levels.
Cut-off level for reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity and category 1 mutagenicity is3 0.1%
Cut-off level for all other hazard classes is3 0.1%
Common chemical name(s)
Generic name(s)
Synonyms
CAS number(s)
Components or impurities contributing to the hazard (name, concentration)
Chemical and common name of ingredients contributing to known hazards
For untested mixtures, the chemical and common name of ingredients at 1% or more that present a health hazard and those that present a physical hazard in the mixture
Ingredients at 0.1% or greater, if carcinogens
4. First-aid measures Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to different routes of exposure, i.e., inhalation, skin and eye contact and ingestion
Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed
Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary
Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to different routes of exposure, i.e., inhalation, skin and eye contact and ingestion
Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed
Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed, if necessary
First aid procedures by route of exposure, i.e., inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Important symptoms and effects useful for diagnostic treatment
Antidotes
Notes to a physician
Emergency and first aid procedures
5. Firefighting 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 firefighters
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 firefighters
Qualitative flammable and reactivity properties
Suitable extinguishing media
Unsuitable extinguishing media
Guidance to firefighters
Specific hazards arising from the chemical
Protective equipment and precautions for firefighters
Generally applicable control measures
Flammable property information such as flashpoint
Physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity
6. Accidental release measures Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Environmental precautions
Methods and materials for containment and cleanup
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Environmental precautions
Methods and materials for containment and cleanup
Clean-up technique
Personal precautions
Environmental precautions
Containment technique
Regulatory information
Procedures for clean up of spills and leaks
7. Handling and storage Precautions for safe handling
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Precautions for safe handling
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
Handling
Measures to prevent exposure and release, prevent fire or explosion and ensure precautions for safe handling
Storage
Storage conditions and technical measures for safe storage
Incompatibilities
Suitable/nonsuitable packaging material
Precautions for safe handling and use, including appropriate hygienic practices
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
Control parameters (e.g., occupational exposure limit values or biological limit values)
Appropriate engineering controls
Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment
Exposure guidelines (limit values)
Engineering controls to minimize hazards
Personal protective equipment (respiratory, hand, eye, skin and body protection)
General hygiene
General applicable control measures
Appropriate engineering controls and work practices
Protective measures during maintenance and repair
Personal protective equipment
Permissible exposure levels, threshold limit values listed by OSHA, ACGIH, or established company limits
9. Physical and chemical properties Appearance (physical state, color, etc.)
Odor/odor threshold
pH
Melting point/freezing point
Initial boiling point and boiling range
Flash point
Evaporation rate
Flammability (solid, gas)
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
Vapor pressure, density
Relative density
Solubility(ies)
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
Auto-ignition temperature
Decomposition temperature
Appearance (physical state, color, etc.)
Odor/odor threshold
pH
Melting point/freezing point
Initial boiling point and boiling range
Flash point
Evaporation rate
Flammability (solid, gas)
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
Vapor pressure, density
Relative density
Solubility(ies)
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
Auto-ignition temperature
Decomposition temperature
Appearance (color, physical form, shape)
Odor/odor threshold
Physical state
pH
Melting/freezing point [specify which]
Initial boiling point and boiling range
Flash point
Evaporation rate
Flammability (solid, gas)
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
Vapor pressure, density
Specific gravity or relative density
Solubility(ies) [specify solvent, e.g., water]
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
Auto-ignition temperature
Decomposition temperature
Other relevant data
Characteristics of hazardous chemicals, such as vapor pressure and density
Physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity
10. Stability and reactivity Chemical stability
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Conditions to avoid (e.g., static discharge, shock or vibration)
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Chemical stability
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Conditions to avoid (e.g., static discharge, shock or vibration)
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Physical hazards
Chemical stability
Conditions to avoid
Incompatible materials
Hazardous decomposition products
Possibility of hazardous reactions
Organic peroxides, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive hazards
Physical hazards, including reactivity and hazardous polymerization
11. Toxicological information Concise, but complete, description of toxicological (health) effects and the available data used to identify those effects, including:
Ô Likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact)
Ô Symptoms related to physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics
Ô Delayed and immediate effects, plus chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure
Ô Numerical measures of toxicity, such as acute toxicity estimates
Concise, but complete, description of toxicological (health) effects and the available data used to identify those effects, including:
Ô Likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact)
Ô Symptoms related to physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics
Ô Delayed and immediate effects, plus chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure
Ô Numerical measures of toxicity, such as acute toxicity estimates
Toxicological information: human, animal, and in vitro data, SAR
Acute dose effects: single/ short-term exposures (e.g., LD50, LC50).
Repeated dose effects (e.g., NOAEL)
Irritation/corrosivity
Sensitization (skin and respiratory)
Carcinogenicity
Neurological effects
Genetic effects (e.g., mutagenicity)
Reproductive effects
Developmental effects
Target organ effects
See also Section 2 [Health hazards, including acute and chronic effects, listing target organs or systems, signs and symptoms of exposure, primary routes of exposure, if listed as a carcinogen by OSHA, IARC, NTP]
12. Ecological information Ecotoxicity (aquatic and terrestrial, where available)
Persistence and degradability
Bioaccumulative potential
Mobility in soil
Other adverse effects
Ecotoxicity (aquatic and terrestrial, where available)
Persistence/degradability
Bioaccumulative potential
Mobility in soil
Other adverse effects
Ecotoxicity, acute and long-term (fish, invertebrates)
Persistence/degradability
Bioaccumulation/bioconcentration
Mobility: air, soil, water
Other adverse effects
No present requirements
13. Disposal considerations Description of waste residues and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal, including any contaminated packaging Description of waste residues and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal, including any contaminated packaging Safe and environmentally preferred waste management of the material and/or its container
Classification under applicable law
No present requirements, See Section 7
14. Transport information UN number
UN proper shipping name
Transport hazard class(es)
Packing group, if applicable
Marine pollutant (Y/N).
Special precautions that a user needs to be aware of or needs to comply with in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises
UN number
UN proper shipping name
Transport hazard class(es)
Packing group, if applicable
Marine pollutant (Y/N).
Special precautions that a user needs to be aware of or needs to comply with in connection with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises
Proper shipping name
Hazard class(es)
Identification number
Packing group
Hazardous substances
Marine pollutants (Y/N)
IMDG classification
TDG classification
ICAO/IATA classification
RID/ADR classification
No present requirements
15. Regulatory information Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question U.S federal regulations
International regulations
U.S. state regulations
No present requirements
16. Other information Other information, including information on preparation and revision of the SDS Other information, including information on preparation and revision of the SDS Label text
Hazard rating and rating system
Information on SDS preparation and revision
Key/legend
Date of preparation of MSDS or date of last change
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, A Guide to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/ghs.html.

Additional information regarding OSHA’s adoption of GHS is available at the agency’s website, www.osha.gov. OSHA also advises the public to contact Maureen O’Donnell, industrial hygienist, or David O’Connor, health scientist, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, Room N3718, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210; phone: 202/693-1950.