Understanding Physicochemical Properties in Safety Data Sheets

If you are responsible for authoring safety data sheets, preparing chemical registration dossiers, or performing chemical risk assessment, you need to have access to the phsyicochemical properties, toxicology data and eco-toxicology data of a chemical first. Required data can be extensive and expensive.

Do you really understand why those data is needed for performing your regulatory tasks?

In this article, we will help you understand common physicochemical, toxicology and eco-toxicology data endpoints and their regulatory implications. We will start with physicochemical properties first and then move to toxicology and eco-toxicology part(including environmental fate).

• Physical State, Appearance & Odour;
• Melting point;
• Boiling Point;
• Relative Density;
• Flash Point;
• Auto-ignition Temperature;
• Vapor Pressure;
• Henry's Law Constant;
• Surface Tension;
• Water Solubility;
• n-Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient;
• pH;
• Flammability;
• Oxidising Properties;
• Explosive Properties;
• Granulometry;
• Explosive Limits;
• Viscosity;
• Dissociation Constant;

- See more at: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/sds/Physicochemical_data_regulatory_implications.html

How to Identify and Label Marine Pollutants?

Marine pollutants or environmentally hazardous substances are materials that can pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems. Marine pollutant is a term mainly used by IMDG code while the term "environmentally hazardous substances" are used by other dangerous goods regulations such as ADR and IATA.

A shipper who offers a hazardous material for transport must determine the hazard class of the material including "environmentally hazardous substances (aquatic environment)" applicability, assign a proper shipping name that best describe it and mark the material according to dangerous goods regulations.

In this article, we will show you how to determine if a material (including both substance and mixture) is a marine pollutant or environmentally hazardous substance or not, how to assign proper shipping name, and how to mark a marine pollutant. Examples and exceptions are given.

- See more at: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/TDG/Marine_Pollutants_Environmentally_Hazardous_Substances.html

CHEMSAFETYPRO NEWSLETTER May 2015: China RoHS 2 vs EU RoHS 2

As China is close to adopting its upgraded China RoHS regulation (China RoHS 2), we feel it necessary to look into this new regulation and compare it with EU RoHS 2.

• China RoHS 2 vs EU RoHS 2: Similarities and Differences

4 New Chemicals Listed under the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions and Their Impacts
28 May 2015
Let's take a look at those 4 newly added chemicals and analyze their potential impacts on your business. A complete list of candidate chemicals is also given.  Read more.. 

K-REACH's Leniency Program Is Now Official!
26 May 2015
According to Chemical Watch (subscription required), Korea is giving 6 months (May~Nov 2015) for companies who failed to notify new substances under TCCA in the past. 

Two New GHS Quizzes Launched (Pass Rate 60% and 10% Respectively).
13 May 2015
We have launched two new GHS quizzes (regular level and advanced level) to test your knowledge of GHS. You can take the anonymous quizzes here.

5 Free Underutilized Chemical Regulatory Tools You Should Know
11 May 2015
Here are 5 free tools that we think are among the most underused but very helpful tools for checking chemical regulatory lists and chemical safety data. Read more.

How to Find Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for Chemical Substances?
6 May 2015
This article will help you understand different types of occupational exposure limits and teach you how to find them easily. Read more...

A Comparison of NFPA, HMIS and HCS Labelling System in the United States
4 May 2015
Are you confused with various chemical hazard rating and workplace labelling system in the United States: NFPA, HMIS, and HCS/GHS? You may find it helpful to read this comparison.

China RoHS 2 vs EU RoHS 2

18 May 2015, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published its final draft version of the Administrative Measures for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Products for public consultations. The consultation ends on 17 June 2015.

This new China RoHS regulation is known as China RoHS 2. As China is close to adopting its upgraded China RoHS regulation (China RoHS 2), we feel it necessary to look into this new regulation and compare it with EU RoHS 2.

What is New?

On 4 June 2015, the EU commission has published a new Directive (EU) 2015/863 to amend Annex II to EU RoHS 2 (Directive 2011/65/EU) to add the following 4 phthalates onto the list of restricted substances.

• Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): max 0.1%;
• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): max 0.1%;
• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): max 0.1%;
• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): max 0.1%.

CHEMSAFETYPRO: 5 Free Underutilized Chemical Regulatory Tools You Should Know

As a chemical safety and regulatory affairs professional who is responsible for regulatory compliance check, chemical registration or hazard communication, you will need to have access to regulated chemical lists in one country/region and obtain necessary chemical safety data (toxicology data, occupational exposure limits, etc.) to do your job.

The good news is that there are many free chemical regulatory databases and tools available. Here are 5 free tools that we think are among the most underused but very helpful tools for checking chemical regulatory lists and chemical safety data.

5. EPA's ChemView

Finding the hazard data of a chemical substance is a lot easier nowadays with the help from OECD eChemPortal and ECHA's registered substances database. That does not mean those tools work the best for every substance in every country.

If you wish to find health and safety data for specific existing chemical substances received by EPA in the USA and EPA's assessments and regulatory actions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the best free tool available is EPA's ChemView.

As a young database developed by EPA recently, ChemView currently only contains information on over 1,500 chemicals. EPA will continue adding more info that EPA receives about chemicals including those on EPA's Safer Chemical Ingredient List.

It shall be noted that many regulated existing chemicals subject to Significant New Use Rules (SNUR) under TSCA are assigned with generic names only (no CAS has been given), you shall search those generic substances by function groups (i.e, amine) in ChemView.

2. GESTIS International Limit Values for Chemical Agents

When it comes to a free tool for finding international occupational exposure limits, there is no better one than GETIS International Limit Values for Chemical Agents.

This free database developed by IFA contains a collection of occupational limit values for hazardous substances gathered from various EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, China, and the United States. Limit values of almost 1,800 substances are listed and kept up-to-date.

For example, if you search Acetonitrile or CAS No. 75-05-8 in GESTIS, all OELs in different countries will pop up.

3. SUBSPORT Restricted and Priority Substances Database

If you are looking for various lists of substances of concern in one place, you may try SUBSPORT Restricted and Priority Substances Database. This free database contains 32 lists of substances that are legally or voluntarily restricted or are recommended for restriction due to their hazards.

Lists are grouped in five categories: international agreements, EU regulatory lists, governmental lists, NGO and trade union lists as well as company lists. Those lists include and are not limited to:

• EU SVHC Candidate List;
• EU RoHS;
• ChemSec SIN List;
• Stockholm Convention on POPs;
• OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (238 substances);

2. Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP)

Chemical Risk Information Platform (CHRIP) is a free database developed by the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) in Japan to help companies find comprehensive information on Risk Assessments and Laws & Regulations etc. of chemical substances.

Most of people probably mainly use CHRIP for checking Japanese inventory of existing and new chemical substances (Japan ENCS) and other controlled chemicals under the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL) and Industrial Safety and Health Law (ISHL).

In fact, you could do more than that with CHRIP. CHRIP also provides the following lists in English (to name a few) free of charge. Those lists are frequently updated to keep up-to-date.

• Substances Subject to TSCA Significant New Use Rules (SNUR);
• Thailand's Hazardous Substances List That the Department of Industrial Works (DIW) Is Responsible For;
• Lists of Regulated Chemicals under Vietnam's Chemical Law;
• Advisory GHS Classifications by Japanese Government.

1. GESTIS Hazardous Substance Database

If you search for harmonized EU GHS classifications for your substances, you will go to ECHA's C&L inventory. If you search for German water hazard class or German occupational exposure limits for your substances, you may need to go to other places.

With GESTIS hazard substance database, you can easily do both in one place. I would recommend this tool to every company who supplies chemicals to German market because it offers lots of Germany-specific regulatory info which usually needs to be included in the section 15 of SDSs. The Germany-specific regulatory info includes:

• WORKPLACE LABELLING ACCORDING TO GERMAN ASR A1;
• GERMAN OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES;
• GERMAN WATER HAZARD CLASS;

GESTIS hazard substance database is developed by the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) and contains up-to-date GHS classification & labelling info, physio-chemical properties, personal protection equipment info, occupational exposure limits and other regulatory info for more than 8,500 substances. Data are updated immediately after publication of new official regulations or after the issue of new scientific results.

What makes GETIS more exiciting is that its mobile version is also available. You can view chemical hazard data on your phone by clicking here.

- See more at: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/Other/5_Underutilized_Free_Chemical_Regulatory_Tools.html

Comparing NFPA, HMIS and HCS Labelling System in the United States

NFPA 704 rating system is a standard system developed by the U.S.-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for indicating the health, flammability, reactivity and special hazards for many hazardous chemicals through the use of the NFPA 704 Diamond. In this article, we will give you a brief introduction to NFPA rating criteria and compare NFPA 704 labels with HMIS labels and the new GHS labels under OSHA's revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). 

Full Article at: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/USA/NFPA_704_Label_NFPA_Rating.html

Types of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) and How to Search

An Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) is the maximum allowable airborne concentration for a given chemical substance or biological agent in the workplace. In this article, we will help you understand different types of OELs and teach you how to find them.

Types of Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)

There are three types of occupational exposure limits: the time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit, the short-term exposure limit (STEL) and ceiling value.

• the time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit - the maximum average concentration of a chemical in air for a normal 8-hour working day and 40-hour week;
• the short-term exposure limit (STEL) - the maximum average concentration to which workers can be exposed for a short period of time (usually 15 minutes) without suffering irritation, irreversible tissue damage, or "significant" narcosis;
• the ceiling value or maximum allowable concentration (MAC) - the concentration that should not be exceeded at any time.

It shall be noted that TWA OELs and STEL are not absolute limits, but rather time-weighted averages measured over an 8-hour period or 15 minutes. Ceiling value is the concentration that should not be exceeded at any time.

Occupational Exposure Limits in the United States

In the United States, there are mandatory and recommended occupational exposure limits. Many of OSHA's mandatory permissible exposure limits (PELs) are outdated and inadequate for ensuring protection of worker health. OSHA recommends that employers consider using alternative occupational exposure limits such as ACGIH TLVs, NIOSH RELs, etc.

• OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
• California OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
• ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs)
• NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs)
• AIHA Workplace Environmental Exposure Levels (WEELs)

Occupational Exposure Limits in Europe

In Europe, there are two types of occupational exposure limits for chemical agents: EU community exposure limits and national occupational exposure limits. The community exposure limit values are set by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The Member States are required to establish national occupational exposure limit values for listed chemical agents, taking into account the Community values. National exposure limit values may be different from the community values.

• EU Community Occupational Exposure Limits and National OELs;

How to Find Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) for Chemical Substances Easily?

Recommended or mandatory occupational exposure limits (OELs) have been developed by many organizations in many countries for thousands of chemical substances. Unfortunately, those limits are not the same.

There are many databases for checking international occupational exposure limits. My favorite database is GESTIS. This free database contains a collection of occupational limit values for hazardous substances gathered from various EU member states, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, China, and the United States. Limit values of almost 1,800 substances are listed.

Read more at
http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/OELs/Occupationa_Exposure_Limits_OELs_TWA_STEL_MAC_Databases.html

CHEMSAFETY NEWSLETTER VOL.5 2015: Are You Ready for C-REACH.

Source: CHEMSAFETY NEWSLETTER VOL.5 2015

On 16 April 2015, the State Council of China has published its national action plan for water pollution prevention. Controlling the environmental risks of chemicals has been identified as a key job to be accomplished. As Chinese government plans to draft a new chemical regulation and start assessing existing chemical substances, are you ready for the real China REACH regulation? More News & Articles Limited Quantities and Excepted Quantities Explained 29 April 2015 If you ship hazardous chemicals in small quantities and would like to take advantage of limited quantities or excepted quantities provisions in dangerous goods regulations, please read this article. We have compared their differences and requirements.   How to Choose Right Proper Shipping Names (PSNs) for Dangerous Goods Declaration and Safety Data Sheets? 29 April 2015 Proper shipping name needs to be given on the outer packages of dangerous goods. It also needs to be included in the section 14 of SDSs. However, finding a correct proper shipping name for a hazardous mixture can be difficult. We have summarized some rules you shall follow when identifying PSNs for your products. Read more...   Interpretation of K-REACH's New Safety and Labelling Standards for Chemical Consumer Products 24 April 2015 In this month, the Korean Ministry of Environment (MoE) has finally issued its Notice No. 2015-41 setting safety and labelling standards for 8 types of chemical consumer products (detergent, adhesives, etc). We will take a close look at how those standards work. Read more.   A Free Guide on International Chemical Conventions 22 April 2015 Many international chemical conventions restrict or even ban the production, use and trade of certain hazardous chemicals. Are your chemicals subject to the control of those conventions. Please read this original guide on major chemical conventions.   Regulatory Requirements for Priority Management Chemical Substances under Taiwan OSHA 17 April 2015 On 13 April 2015, the Ministry of Labor in Taiwan  released the first draft list of 580 priority management substances. We will help you understand how those priority management chemicals are regulated under Taiwan OSHA. Read more... "Did you know that we are a mobile device friendly website? Please feel free to click all links above on your phone or tablets to take a look."  - Mr Little Pro.

Introduction to Dangerous Goods Regulations

The UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations (TDG Model Regulations, also called UN Orange Book) is a guidance document developed by the United Nations to uniform the development of national and international regulations governing the various modes of transport of dangerous goods (by air, by road and by sea). Most of dangerous goods regulations such as IMDG Code, IATA and other national regulations are developed based on this Model Regulations. .

General Principles for the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG)

No person may offer or accept dangerous goods for transport unless those goods are properly classified, packaged, marked, labelled, placarded, described and certificated on a transport document. Persons engaged in the transport of dangerous goods shall be trained first.

Classification of Dangerous Goods & Hazard Symbols

Substances (including substances and mixtures), and articles are assigned to one of nine classes. Some of the classes are divided into divisions, e.g., Class 1, while others are not e.g., Class 3. The nine classes are:

• Class 1 Explosives
• Class 2 Gases
• Class 3 Flammable Liquids
• Class 4 Flammable solids; substances liable to spontaneous combustion; substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
• Class 5 Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6 Toxic and Infectious substances
• Class 7 Radioactive material
• Class 8 Corrosive substances
• Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances

The picture below shows hazard symbols for Class 4 dangerous goods. You can download all hazard symbols for all 9 hazard classes above by clicking the picture below.

UN Number, Proper Shipping Name and Packing Group

Dangerous goods are assigned four-digit UN numbers and proper shipping names according to their hazard classification and composition. Several examples are given below:

• Example 1: UN 1090 ACETONE
• Example 2: UN 1993 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, N.O.S.

Selecting a correct propper shipping name is not easy. More info about how to assign a correct proper shipping name can be found here.

Dangerous goods (excluding articles) are further divided into packing groups (although some classes do not have packing groups, i.e. Class 2, Division 6.2 and Class 7) in accordance with the degree of danger they present:

• Packing Group I: high danger
• Packing Group II: medium danger
• Packing Group III: low danger

Only UN-approved packages are allowed to be used for packaging transported dangerous goods. UN-approved packages are packages that have passed specific performance tests and certified by authorities or qualified labs. There will be UN specification markings on UN certified packages (please refer to marking and labelling part).

Understanding Dangerous Goods List

The UN Dangerous Goods List in Chapter 3.2 of the Model Regulations lists the proper shipping names and UN numbers of substances most commonly transported. The picture below is an example of several entries in the Dangerous Goods list.

The dangerous goods list includes lots of useful information such as proper shipping name, hazard class, packing group and packaging instructions. More info about how to understand and download this list, please click here.

Marking & Labelling of Dangerous Goods Package

Dangerous goods packages must be marked and labelled before they are assigned for shipment. The differences between marking and labelling under TDG are listed as below:

• Marking: mainly refers to UN number, proper shipping names, UN specification marks and other markings if applicable(i.e. orientation arrows, environmental hazardous substances mark for UN 3077 and UN 3082 and excepted quantities mark);
• Labelling: mainly means hazard symbols (and handling labels) displayed on small means of packages (usually less than 450 liters) ;

The picture below shows how a dangerous goods package should be marked and labelled.

Limited Quantity and Excepted Quantity

Selected dangerous goods packed in small quantities (limited quantity) or very small volumes (excepted quantity) pose a lesser risk in transport than do the same goods packed in larger volumes. Thus they qualify for some relief from robust packaging requirements provided that they are packed and marked properly. This could save considerable packaging costs.

More info about limited quantities and excepted quantities can be found here.

Packing Instructions

The Packing Instructions consist of a small number of general instructions supplemented by a limited number of more specific instructions for particularly hazardous or specialized dangerous goods. The Packing Instructions are primarily intended for the person preparing the package for consignment. It can be found in the column 8 of the Dangerous Goods List.

The picture bellows shows the packing instructions for P001:

There are also packing instructions for ISO containers and tanks for different classes of dangerous goods. More info about packing instructions can be found here.

Placarding of Cargo Transport Units

Placards are affixed to the exterior surface of cargo transport units to provide a warning to other people and vehicles. The minimum dimension is 250mm x 250mm. Both hazard symbols and UN numbers shall be placarded (see examples below). Proper shipping name is not required.

Note: a cargo transport unit containing environmentally hazardous substances classified under UN 3077 and UN 3082 needs to be marked with the following environmentally hazardous substance mark. Additional marking is also required for dangerous goods transported at an elevated temperature.

Documentation for Dangerous Goods

Whenever dangerous goods are offered for transport, a dangerous goods transport document shall also be provided conveying basic hazard information about the dangerous goods to be transported. The following information is required for each of the dangerous goods offered for transport by any mode. Different authorities may consider requiring addition info.

• Consignor, consignee and date;
• Dangerous goods description: UN number, proper shipping name, primary and subsidiary hazard class and division, packing group, and technical names for "N.O.S" and generic entries; empty uncleaned packages, waste, and elevated temperature substances (i.e., MOLTEN) shall also be indicated;
• Total quantity of dangerous goods;
• Additional words: Indication of "limited quantities" or "excepted quantities" or "STABILIZED" or "SALVAGING PACKING" if applicable.

Note: Many consignments of goods are treated with fumigants that pose a risk during transport. Special documentation and warning sign requirements apply in the consignment.

Source: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/TDG/Introduction_to_the_transport_of_dangerous_goods_TDG.htm

CHEMSAFETPRO: K-REACH's New Safety and Labelling Standards for Consumer Products

In April 2015, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) in South Korea issued its Notice No. 2015-41 setting safety and labelling standards for 8 types of products designated as products of risk concern: cleaning agents, synthetic detergents, bleaching agents, fabric softeners, coatings, adhesives (including glues), fragrances, and deodorants. Manufacturers and importers of those household chemicals are required to comply with the new standards from 1 Oct 2015. 

K-REACH not only regulates chemical substances but also regulates chemical consumer products. Product containing hazardous chemical substances may require notification while product of risk concern needs to comply with additional safety and labelling standards. The picture below is an overview of product management under K-REACH.   



CHEMSAFETYPRO has written an article on helping you understand how those safety and labelling standards work and how to comply with them. http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/Korea/Safety_and_Labelling_Standards_Chemical_Consumer_Product_Korea_REACH.html

ChemSafetyPro publishes a free guide on international chemical conventions.

CHEMSAFETYPRO has published a free guide on major international chemical conventions with a focus on their aims, controlled substance list, control measures and their impacts.

Note: You do not need to read all chemical conventions because some of them are not relevant to your business. The table below shows you how to identify which chemical conventions you shall read.

Table of Content

• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs);
• Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade;
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal;
• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer;
• Minamata Convention on Mercury;
• Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC);
• The United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances;
• ILO’s Chemicals Convention concerning Safety in the use of Chemicals at Work;
• Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM);

Newsletter Vol. 5 2015: 4 Changes and 5 Facts about the New Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals in China

Source: http://www.chemsafetypro.com/

You may have already heard a lot of interpretations of the new Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals in China recently. If you are still confused and would like to know more, you are encouraged to spend a few minutes reading our version. 

• 4 Changes and 5 Facts about the New Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals in China

More News & Updates in This Newsletter

How Are Existing Chemicals Regulated by Types and Lists in China?
13 April 2015
If you think that having all your substances listed on IECSC means compliance with Chinese chemical regulations, then you are wrong. Lots of existing chemicals such as hazardous chemicals, chemical weapons precursors and drug precursor chemicals are also subject to registrations, reporting and production, import and export control. Read more...

Tips on Searching Japan ENCS
8 April 2015
If you find it difficult to search the Japan existing chemical substance inventory ENCS, you may get some tips here. 

Original Report: A Comparison of Global GHS Label Size Requirements 2015
24 March 2015
Many countries have set minimum GHS label size requirements for chemical packages with different packaging capacities. Some countries have even set additional requirements on GHS pictogram size and even font size. Read more...

GHS Quiz Result Summary & Some Clarifications
24 March 2015
Over 300 people have taken our GHS quiz in the past month. Less than 5% of people have scored more than 80%. Less than 20% of people have scored more than 60%.

If you failed in this quiz, please do not get disappointed. Some questions are designed to be confusing to make this quiz difficult. You are the GHS experts as long as you can find some arguments to support your choices.

Most of participants did not answer the 2nd question correctly.  Just to clarify, some physical tests are still needed for mixture classification. 

"Did you know that we are a mobile device friendly website? Please feel free to click all links above on your phone or tablets to take a look."  - Mr Little Pro.