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3. IDENTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS
1. Introduction
The production and use of chemicals are fundamental factors in the economic
development of all countries, whether they are industrialized or developing.
In one way or another, chemicals affect directly or indirectly the lives
of all humans and are essential to our feeding (fertilizers, pesticides,
food additives, packing), our health (pharmaceuticals, cleaning materials),
or our well being (appliances, fuels, etc).
The first and most essential step leading to safe use of chemicals is
to know their identity, to their hazards to health and the environment
and the means to control them. This knowledge should be available with
reasonable effort and cost. Furthermore, this inherently complex knowledge
must be organized in such a way that essential information on the hazards
and corresponding protective measures can be identified and conveyed to
the user in a form that is easy to understand.
The hazard classification and labelling process is an essential tool
for establishing an effective information transfer so that the degree of
the hazard the chemical represents for man and the environment can be recognized,
the correct preventive actions be chosen, and safe use achieved.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the Convention
No. 170 and Recommendation No. 177 on `Safety in the use of chemicals at
work' in 1990.
International, regional, and national classification and labelling systems
are already established and tested in practice.
-
The United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
is widely recognized and used among the UN member states.
-
An example of a system that has been designed for use in several countries
is the classification and labelling system of the European Communities
(EC).
-
Several functioning national systems, such as those of Canada and USA,
may also be used as models for national systems.
This guide could be used as training material or at places of work when
individual labels are checked or prepared using the data on chemical substances
listed in Annex 4. It may also serve as reference
material, or as a manual, providing basic safety information on these substances.
This guide describes the labelling system used in the countries of
the European Union (EU) as an example and the United Nations Recommendations
on the Transport of Dangerous Goods is also briefly presented.
This document consists of:
-
EU symbols and indications of danger
-
EU standard risk phrases (R-phrases)
-
EU standard safety phrases (S-phrases)
-
list of dangerous substances with the classification and labelling requirements
-
IARC list of cancer causing substances, carcinogens
-
list of chemicals with properties potential to cause major hazard
-
list of some substances and products which are subject to a ban or restrictions
in EU countries
-
UN list of hazard classes for transport of dangerous goods
-
UN symbols for transport of dangerous goods
2. Identification and Classification
The objective is to identify the hazardous properties of chemicals which
may constitute a risk during normal handling or use, risks to health, property
or the environment.
The user of the chemicals is also to be introduced to the hazards they
present and given the basic information, in a suitable manner, such as
using a properly made label.
In this document one component chemical is called a substance, a mixture
composed of two or more substances is called a preparation.
The hazards of preparations can be assessed using the information on
hazards of their component substances. (See example
2.)
For classification purposes the degree of hazard depends not only on
the properties of a dangerous substance but also on the level of exposure.
This refers to the concentration of hazardous components in the mixtures.
In order to assess a preparation it is essential to know also the quantities
of its hazardous minor components.
The EU classification and labelling system used here as an example can
be applied to dangerous substances and preparations. However, this system
should not be applied to medical or veterinary products, cosmetics, munitions
or explosives, pesticides specified elsewhere, waste and foodstuffs or
animal feedstuffs in the finished stage. These have their own specifications
and requirements for labelling.
3. What is a hazardous chemical ?
The following properties contribute to risk to health resulting from acute,
repeated or prolonged exposure:
-
very toxic or toxic
-
harmful
-
corrosive
-
irritant
-
cancer causing
-
hazards to reproduction
-
can cause non-heritable birth defects
-
sensitizing
Fire and explosion hazards may be classified as follows
-
explosive
-
oxidizing
-
extremely flammable
-
highly flammable
-
flammable
The following properties present a hazard to the environment and are:
-
toxic to living organisms
-
persistent in the environment
-
bioaccumulative
Also substances and preparations that cannot be classified by using the
above system may be regarded as dangerous if they have properties which
are hazardous to health, to living organisms or if they can damage property.
4. How to pass on the information to users?
All chemicals, both substances and preparations, should have a clear marking
to indicate their identity.
The packages and containers of dangerous substances and preparations
should, in addition to marking only, to have a label with required information.
The label should draw attention to the inherent danger to persons handling
or using the chemical.
Symbols and pictograms have been established for each hazard category
listed above. The symbol forms an integral part of the label and gives
an immediate idea of the types of hazards that the substance or the preparation
may cause. (Annex 1)
To specify the type of danger pertinent standard risk phrases should
also be included in the label. (Annex 2)
Advice on the precautions necessary in the handling of chemicals are
given with standard safety phrases also included in the label. (Annex
3)
5. Where to find information about hazardous chemicals?
The chemical supplier, manufacturer or importer, should be able to provide
detailed information and a Safety Data Sheet.
In certain countries, such as those of the EU, the manufacturer or importer
has the obligation to find and give adequate information about a chemical
for assessment of the health and environmental hazards of his chemical
for handling and for its labelling.
Safety data sheets have been prepared on many dangerous substances and
preparations by manufacturers. These should go together with the product
to the occupational user. The information in these is not always validated
or checked.
On pure substances International Chemical Safety Cards are available.
These contain validated basic information, which may be used also for preparing
safety data sheets on chemical preparations or products.
Lists of classified chemicals exist in several national legislations
and regulations which provide information on local requirements in the
handling of dangerous chemicals.
The information for classification, and labels, may be obtained from
tests, from literature, from practical experience and from information
requirements by international rules on the transport of dangerous substances
and wastes.
Some sources of information are listed in the bibliography.
6. How to classify for a label?
The label is the basic tool to keep the user informed on the classification
and the most important safety precautions.
This information must be given if the preparation contains at least
one substance classified as dangerous to man or the environment or if the
preparation is otherwise regarded as dangerous, e.g. flammable, explosive.
(Annex 4)
In EU countries the label must clearly show
-
the trade name
-
the name and the address, including telephone number, of the manufacturer,
the importer or the distributor
-
the chemical name of the substance (in the case of a preparation, the chemical
names of the hazardous components)
-
danger symbols
-
risk phrases (R-phrases)
-
safety phrases (S-phrases)
-
the quantity of the contents of the package or container
The labels should be in the national, official language(s).
The label should show the chemical names of substances that are primarily
responsible for the hazards. As a general rule a maximum of four chemical
names on the label should be sufficient.
In some cases, more than four names may be necessary; for example all
cancer causing substances in the preparation must be identified and the
corresponding R- and S-phrases presented on the label.
If the preparation contains one or more of the substances requiring
the following R-phrases, both the name of the substance and the R-phrase
should be mentioned in the label:
-
R39, R40, R42, R43, R42/43, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R60, R61, R62, R63,
R64
As a general rule a maximum of four R-phrases and four S- phrases should
suffice to describe the risks and to formulate the most appropriate safety
advice.
Symbols showing the most serious hazards should be chosen where more
than one danger symbol has to be assigned. As a general rule a maximum
of two danger symbols are used.
The explanation of the letter symbols appearing in the attached lists
are given below. Each letter symbol refers to a danger symbol or pictogram
in Annex 1: |
|
Letter symbol |
Explanation |
|
E |
explosive |
|
|
This symbol with the word 'explosive' denotes a substance which may
explode under the effect of a flame or if subjected to shocks or friction. |
|
|
O |
oxidizing |
|
|
The symbol with the word 'oxidizing' refers to a substance which releases
a lot of heat while it reacts with other substances, particularly flammable
substances. |
|
F |
highly flammable |
|
|
This symbol with the words 'highly flammable' denotes a substance which
may become hot and finally catch fire in contact with air at ambient temperature
or is a solid and may readily catch fire after brief contact with the source
of ignition and which continues to burn/to be consumed by chemical reaction
after removal of the source of ignition. If it is gas it may burn in air
at normal pressure. If it is a liquid it would catch fire with slight warming
and exposure to a flame. In contact with water or damp air the substance
may release highly flammable gases in dangerous quantities. |
|
F+ |
extremely flammable |
|
|
The same flammable symbol as above with words 'extremely flammable'
denotes e.g. a liquid which would boil at body temperature and would catch
fire if vapours are exposed to a flame. |
|
T |
toxic |
|
|
The symbol with skull and crossed bones with the word 'toxic' denotes
a highly hazardous substance. |
|
T+ |
very toxic |
|
|
The same symbol as above with the words 'very toxic' is used to label
a substance, which, if inhaled or ingested or, if it penetrates the skin,
may involve extremely serious immediate or long-term health risks and even
death. |
|
C |
corrosive |
|
|
The symbol with the word 'corrosive' will be found on a label of a
substance which may destroy living tissues on contact with them. Severe
burns may result from splashes of such substance. |
|
Xn |
harmful (less than T) |
|
|
The symbol with word 'harmful' denotes to substances which may cause
health hazards less than toxic. It could refer to other types of risks
e.g. to allergic reactions. |
|
Xi |
irritant (less than C) |
|
|
The same symbol as above with the word 'irritant'. |
|
When more than one danger symbol is used
-
the obligation to apply symbol T or T+ will make symbols C, Xn and Xi optional
-
the obligation to apply symbol C will make symbols Xn and Xi optional
-
the obligation to apply symbol E will make symbols F and O optional
If a preparation is classified both harmful Xn and irritant Xi, it will
be labelled harmful Xn, and the irritant properties should be pointed out
with appropriate R-phrases. The total amount of the substance in the preparation
has an effect in choosing the danger symbols, R- and S-phrases. (Annex
8)
Generally, no account needs to be taken of substances if they are present
in following amounts, unless another lower limit has been specifically
given:
-
less than 0.1% by weight for substances classified as very toxic T+, or
toxic T
-
less than 1% for substances classified as harmful Xn, corrosive C, irritant
Xi,
Information such as "non-toxic", "not harmful" should not be used in the
labels.
The pictorial symbol indicating danger is drawn in black and the background
colour should be orange.
The dimensions of the label: |
|
Capacity of the package |
Minimum dimensions in millimeters |
|
Not exceeding three litres |
52x74 |
|
more than three litres but not exceeding 50 litres |
74x105 |
|
more than 50 litres but not exceeding 500 litres |
105x148 |
|
more than 500 litres |
148x210 |
|
Each danger symbol must cover at least 1/10 of the surface area of
the label. The minimum size of the danger symbol shall not be less than
10mm x 10mm.
Example 1. Classification of a substance |
|
1,1,1-Trichloroethane, used as solvent
Classified as harmful Xn and dangerous to the environment N, with following
R-phrases and S-phrases |
|
R 20 |
Harmful by inhalation. |
|
R 59 |
Dangerous for the ozone layer. |
|
S 2 |
Keep out of the reach of children. |
|
S 24/25 |
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
|
S 59 |
Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information on recovery/recycling. |
|
S 61 |
Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Safety
Data Sheets. |
|
The label should carry this information. Check that the
impurities do not exceed the limit of notice for impurity substances classified
toxic. |
|
Example 2. Classification of a preparation:
A preparation used for degreasing metal parts contains following dangerous
components |
|
Dangerous substance |
% |
Symbol |
Risk phrases |
Safety phrases |
|
Petroleum distillate (flash point 43 °C) |
35 |
T |
R45 |
S53-45 |
|
1,1,1-trichloroethane |
20 |
Xn,N |
R20-59 |
S24/25-59-61 |
|
Xylene (flash point over 21 °C) |
12 |
Xn |
R10-20/21-38 |
S25 |
|
Preparation |
|
T,N |
R45-10-20/21-59 |
S53-45-59-61 |
|
The R and S-phrases corresponding to the number codes are: |
|
R 10 |
Flammable. |
|
R 20 |
Harmful by inhalation. |
|
R 20/21 |
Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin. |
|
R 38 |
Irritating to skin. |
|
R 59 |
Dangerous for the ozone layer. |
|
S 24/25 |
Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
|
S 25 |
Avoid contact with eyes. |
|
S 45 |
In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek
medical advice immediately (show the label where possible) |
|
S 53 |
Avoid exposure-obtain special instructions before
use. |
|
S 59 |
Refer to manufacturer/supplier for information
on recovery/recycling. |
|
S 61 |
Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special
instructions/Safety Data Sheets. |
|
7. How to compile a label?
The name, symbol, the risk phrases of that substance and the phrases for
safety precaution when handling that substance are in Annex
4.
The key to have the symbol picture is in Annex
1.
The key to have a sentence in words is for the risk phrases in Annex
2. and for the safety phrases in Annex 3. |
|
Substance |
CAS number |
Symbol |
Risk phrase |
Safety phrase |
|
TOLUENE |
108-88-3 |
F, Xn |
R11-20 |
(2-)16-25-29-33 |
|
 |
|
HAZARD CATEGORIES OF SELECTED CLASSIFICATION
SYSTEMS |
|
HAZARD CATEGORIES |
ILO |
UNRTDG |
EC |
USA |
CANADA |
|
PHYSICAL HAZARDS |
|
compressed gas
flammable
explosive
oxidizing
reactive
corrosive (materials) |
-
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
n
+
+
+
+
n |
n
+
+
+
+
n |
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
|
HEALTH HAZARDS |
|
toxic (acute)*
toxic (other)
irritant
corrosive (tissues)
sensitizer
carcinogen
reproductive effects**
mutagen |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
-
-
+
-
-
-
- |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ |
|
SPECIAL HAZARDS |
|
environment
radioactive
infectious
miscellaneous*** |
-
-
-
- |
+
+
+
+ |
+
n
n
n |
n
n
n
n |
n
n
n
n |
|
LEGEND:
+ : defined category
n : defined under other legislation or code
- : not defined
* : includes oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity
** : includes reproductive and developmental toxicity
*** : specific to UN RTDG; included in national transport
legislation |
|
Definitions of data components in labels |
|
COMPONENTS |
ILO |
UN RTDG |
EC |
USA |
CANADA |
|
FORMAT |
none defined |
size of labels varies with transport mode. |
Minimum label dimensions are defined for different
package capacities; contrasted danger symbols and background (black on
yellow background); language must be that of the country where the product
is put on market. |
none defined |
1. Supplier label:must appear on all
controlled products received at work-places; required information must
be set aside from sales information; surrounded by WHMIS ; must be printed
in contrasting colours; must have all texts in English and French.
2. Workplace label:must appear on all products
produced in a workplace or transferred to other containers by the employer;
may appear in placard form on products received in bulk. |
|
DATA ELEMENTS |
1. Trade name
2. Chemical identity
3. Supplier identification.
4. Hazard symbols
5. Risk phrases
6. Safety phrases
7. Batch identification
8. Reference to existing CSDS
9. Hazard classification |
not mandated. The UN RTDG label defines hazards
by the use of symbols, colours and danger warning words for specific hazards
(explosive, radioactive, corrosive, etc.). |
1. Chemical identity
2. Hazard symbol and indication of danger
3. Risk phrases
4. Safety phrases
5. Supplier identification (full address and tel. No.)
6. EEC number if allocated
7. the wording "EEC label" where appropriate |
1. Chemical identity
2. Supplier identification
3. Appropriate hazard warnings
Employer must ensure that labels and other forms of warning
are in English and may add other languages if appropriate. |
1. Supplier label:
-product identifier
-supplier identification
-reference to existing CSDS
-hazard symbols;
and for containers over 100 ml:
-risk and safety phrases
-first aid measures
2. Workplace label:
-product identifier
-information for the safe handling of the products
-reference to an existing CSDS.
-may contain WHMIS hazard symbols or other pictograms. |
|
OTHER REQUIREMENTS |
Legibility, durability and size, uniformity
of labels and symbols, including colours.In general, all containers of
hazardous chemicals should at least indicate the hazards of the contents
through appropriate wording or symbols. |
Placarding of transport units is defined,
including form, minimum size and colour of placards. |
|
ANSI Standard Z-129.1.1988 defines acceptable
precautionary phrases and hazard symbols. |
Chemical name may be replaced by generic name
or number in the case of products covered by provisions on exemption for
confidential business information. |
|
Annex 1. Symbols and indications
of danger
Annex 2. Risk phrases
Annex 3. Safety phrases
Annex 4. List of Substances with Risk and Safety
Phrases Used in the Countries of EU
Annex 5. IARC list of carcinogens
Annex 6. List of chemicals, banned or severely
restricted to certain uses
Annex 7. List of chemicals with potential to
cause major hazard
Annex 8
A. General classification and labelling requirements for dangerous
substances and preparations
B. Concentration limits to be used in applying the conventional method
of assessing health hazard
Annex 9. United Nations Classification Recommendation
on Transport of Dangerous Goods
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CLAYTON G.D. and CLAYTON F.E., ed., Patty's Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology,
3rd Revised Ed., John Wiley & Sons Inc., USA 1978
67/548/EEC Council Directive of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of
laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification,
packing and labelling of dangerous substances
This directive has been amended seven times and has eighteen adaptations
to technical progress.
91/325/EEC Commission Directive of 1 March 1991 adapting to technical
progress of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating
to the classification, packing and labelling of dangerous substances
92/32/EEC Council Directive of 30 April 1992 amending for the seventh
time Directive 67/548/EEC on approximation of the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions relating to the classification, packing and labelling
of dangerous substances
88/379/EEC Council Directive of 7 June 1988 on the approximation of
the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to the classification, packing and labelling of dangerous preparations
This directive has four adaptations to the technical progress.
90/492/EEC Commission Directive of 5 September 1990 adapting to technical
progress for the second time Council Directive 88/379/EEC on the approximation
of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to the classification, packing and labelling of dangerous preparations
2455/92/EEC Council Regulation of 23 July 1992 concerning the export
and import of certain dangerous chemicals
91/338/EEC Council Directive of 18 June 1991 amending for the 10th time
Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the restrictions
on the marketing of certain dangerous substances and preparations
76/769/EEC Council Directive of 27 July 1976 on the approximation of
the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to the restrictions on the marketing of certain dangerous substances
and preparations
88/364/EEC Council Directive of 9 June 1988 on the protection of workers
by banning of certain specified agents and/or certain work activities (Fourth
individual Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive 80/1107/EEC)
91/339/EEC Council Directive of 18 June 1991 amending for 11th time
Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and
administrative provisions of the Member States relating to the restrictions
on the marketing of certain dangerous substances and preparations
91/659/EEC Commission Directive of 3 December 1991 adapting to technical
progress Annex I to Council Directive 76/769/EEC on the approximation of
the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
relating to the restrictions on the marketing of certain dangerous substances
and preparations (asbestos)
GARDNER and COOKE, Chemical Synonyms and Trade Names, Technical Press,
London
HEALTH and SAFETY COMMISSION, Information Approved for the Classification,
Packing and Labelling of Dangerous Substances for Supply and Conveyance
by Road, 2nd Ed., London 1988
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Code of Practice: Safety in
the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1993
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Convention No. 170 Concerning
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1990
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Recommendation No. 177 Concerning
Safety in the Use of Chemicals at Work, Geneva 1990
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Encyclopedia of Occupational
Health and Safety, Vol I - III, Geneva 1983
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Major Hazard Control, A Practical
Manual, 2nd Ed., Geneva 1990
ILO, International Labour Organisation, Occupational Cancer: Prevention
and Control, Occupational Safety and Health Series 39, 2nd Ed., Geneva
1988
IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety, Chemical Safety, Fundamentals
of Applied Toxicology, Training Module No 1, Geneva 1992
IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety, Environmental Health
Criteria Series
IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety and CEC, Commission
of the European Communities, International Chemical Safety Cards
National Board of Labour Protection, Finland, Dangerous Chemicals Classification,
Warning Labelling, Material Safety Data Sheets, 1991
SAX N.I. and LEWIS R.J.Sr, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials,
VII ed., Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York 1988
UNITED NATIONS, Transport of Dangerous Goods, 8th Ed., New York 1993
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