Hazardous Substances
Some hazardous substances may need a formal and distinct analysis.
The Chemical Safety Analysis and Control (CSAC) database, downloadable from the iiSAFE™ website can be used to assist.
CSAC is HazCom compliant (US) and COSHH compliant (EU)
Some national statutes require a formal assessment. Check with your local National Statutory Safety Body.
Exposure levels should be in accordance with statutory requirements and in compliance with the accepted national standards.
Hazardous Substances in United Kingdom
In UK hazardous substances legislation includes; COSHH Regulations, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. HSE UK have produced a guide for employers that is free to download from their website. The main change that occurred with the recent legislation was the introduction of Workplace Exposure Limits, which replaced the previous Occupational Exposure Standards. The following is an extract from "COSHH: A brief guide to the Regulations" produced by HSE.
What is a substance hazardous to health under COSHH?
Under COSHH there are a range of substances regarded as hazardous to health:
Substances or mixtures of substances classified as dangerous to health under the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP). These can be identified by their warning label and the supplier must provide a safety data sheet for them. Many commonly used dangerous substances are listed in the HSE publication Approved Supply List. Information approved for the classification and labelling of substances and preparations dangerous for supply, as part of the CHIP package. Suppliers must decide if preparations and substances that are not in the Approved Supply List are dangerous, and if so, label them accordingly.
Substances with workplace exposure limits are listed in the HSE publication EH40/2005 Workplace exposure limits.
Biological agents (bacteria and other micro-organisms), if they are directly connected with the work, such as with farming, sewage treatment, or healthcare, or if the exposure is incidental to the work (e.g. exposure to bacteria from an air-conditioning system that is not properly maintained).
Any kind of dust if its average concentration in the air exceeds the levels specified in COSHH.
Any other substance which creates a risk to health, but which for technical reasons may not be specifically covered by CHIP including: asphyxiants (i.e. gases such as argon and helium, which, while not dangerous in themselves, can endanger life by reducing the amount of oxygen available to breathe), pesticides, medicines, cosmetics or substances produced in chemical processes.
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs)
Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) are measured in SI units and cover short term exposure limits (STEL) measured over 15 minute period and Long Term Exposure Limits (LTEL) measured over 8 hour period. The WELs for substances are given in HSE publication EH40? current edition. This document is updated regularly and is available from books stores. Unfortunately this is not a free publication.
Hazardous Substances in United States
The following is an extract from OSHA's website, referring to hazard communication;
"Chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards
(such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards
(such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). OSHA’s Hazard Communication
Standard (HCS) is designed to ensure that information about these hazards and
associated protective measures is disseminated. This is accomplished by
requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the
chemicals they produce or import, and to provide information about them through
labels on shipped containers and more detailed information sheets called
material safety data sheets (MSDSs). All employers with hazardous chemicals in
their workplaces must prepare and implement a written hazard communication
program, and must ensure that all containers are labeled, employees are provided
access to MSDSs, and an effective training program is conducted for all
potentially exposed employees.
The HCS provides people the right-to-know the hazards and identities of the
chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace. When employees have this
information, they can effectively participate in their employers’ protective
programs and take steps to protect themselves. In addition, the standard gives
employers the information they need to design and implement an effective
protective program for employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Together these actions will result in a reduction of chemical source illnesses
and injuries in American workplaces."
For further information visit OSHA's HazCom frequently asked questions web page.
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
This system, called "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)", addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard and proposes harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets. It aims at ensuring that information on physical hazards and toxicity from chemicals be available in order to enhance the protection of human health and the environment during the handling, transport and use of these chemicals. The GHS also provides a basis for harmonization of rules and regulations on chemicals at national, regional and worldwide level, an important factor also for trade facilitation.
The System is now ready for worldwide implementation. Implementation has already started with pilot countries introducing the system in their national practices in different regions of the world.
Chapter 19 of Agenda 21, adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, 1992), provided the international mandate to complete this task. The work was coordinated and managed under the auspices of the Interorganization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) Coordinating Group for the Harmonization of Chemical Classification Systems (CG/HCCS). The technical focal points for completing the work were;
Find out more about GHS