Summary of New Changes in GHS Revision 8

Little Pro on 2019-04-09

On 18 March 2019, the Committee of Experts on TDG and GHS of the UNECE has published approved amendments to the seventh revised edition of UN GHS purple book. These changes are going to be included in the 8th edition of UN GHS purple book (GHS rev. 8) to be published in July 2019. In this article we will summarize what the main new changes are.

Change of Classification Criteria for Aerosols

Aerosols will be classified in one of the three categories of this hazard class, according to Table 2.3.1, depending on:

• – their flammable properties;
• – their heat of combustion; and
• – if applicable, test results from the ignition distance test, the enclosed space ignition test and the aerosol foam flammability test, performed in accordance with sub-sections 31.4, 31.5 and 31.6 of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria.”

The new GHS classification criteria for aerosols is listed as follows.

New Hazard Category: Chemicals under Pressure

Chemicals under pressure are liquids or solids (e.g., pastes or powders), pressurized with a gas at a pressure of 200 kPa (gauge) or more at 20 °C in pressure receptacles other than aerosol dispensers and which are not classified as gases under pressure. A substance or mixture is classified as either an aerosol in accordance with 2.3.1 or a chemical under pressure in accordance with 2.3.2. 

Corresponding hazard statements and pictograms for chemicals under pressure are listed as below.

Skin Corrosion/Irritation Classification Based on In Vitro/Ex Vivo Data

GHS revision 8 will provide detailed new guidance on how to use in vitro/ex vivo test data to classify a substance or mixture for skin corrosion/irritation. Applicable methods and relevant classification criteria are provided. The currently available individual in vitro/ex vivo test methods address either skin irritation or skin corrosion, but do not address both endpoints in one single test (see table below). 

Skin Corrosion	OECD TG 430 Transcutaneous Electrical Resistance test method OECD TG 431 Reconstructed human Epidermis test methods OECD TG 435 Membrane barrier test method; Note: OECD TG 431 and 435 support the sub-categorisation of skin corrosion category 1 (1A/1B/1C) while TG 430 does not.
Skin Irritation	OECD TG 439 Reconstructed Human Epidermis test methods

New Precautionary Pictograms for “Keep out of Reach of Children”

The following examples convey the meaning of precautionary statement P102 “Keep out of reach of children” and may be used to convey information in more than one way according to sections 1.4.4.1 (a) and A.3.3.1.8. One pictogram is from AISE while the other one is from JSDA. It will be important for the labelling of chemical products supplied to the public.

New Labeling Example for Sets or Kits

A new labelling example for sets or kits will be added. Generally a set or kit contains two or more small removable inner containers. Each inner container contains different products which can be hazardous or not hazardous substances or mixtures. This new example illustrates ways to label sets or kits where the manufacturer/supplier or competent authority has determined there is insufficient space to place together on each inner container within the kit. More info can be found here.

Other Hazards Not Resulting Classification: Dust Explosion

A new Annex 11 will be added. It provides guidance on the factors that contribute to a dust explosion hazard and on hazard identification and the need for risk assessment, prevention, mitigation, and communication.

When Will GHS Rev 8 Be Published?

The UN GHS Purple Book is updated every two years. The 8th revised edition of GHS (GHS Rev 8) is expected to be published in July 2019.

References

• UN GHS sub-committee report (March 2019)

Advanced GHS Topics

• Global GHS Implementation
• GHS Precedence Rules for Pictogram, Signal Word and Hazard Statement
• GHS Classification of Mixture
• GHS Bridging Principles
• GHS Cut-off value/concentration Limit
• Global GHS Label Size Requirement
• Global GHS Label Requirement for Small Containers
• GHS and Pesticides
• GHS Classification List
• GHS and Confidential Business Info
• Comparing GHS Builing Blocks in EU, USA, China and Japan
• Correlations between TDG and GHS
• When Shou You Update Your SDSs

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 Tags: Topics - GHS, GHS Basics and Tutorials