Discussion Guide: Physical Hazard Classes - PSWG, June 29, 2004

2004

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Gases under pressure
Pyrophoric solids
Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases
Oxidizing Liquids
Oxidizing Solids
Organic peroxides
Substances which are corrosive to metals
Explosives, Oxidizing gases, Self-reactive substances,
Pyrophoric liquids, and Self-heating substances

This document is a follow up discussion guide to the GHS hazard classification presented at the teleconference of the Pest Control Products Sector Working Group on May 28, 2004. It addresses physical hazard classes, other than flammability, which are applicable to pest control products (PCPs). These hazard classes are gases under pressure, pyrophoric solids, substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases, oxidizing liquids, oxidizing solids, organic peroxides and substances which are corrosive to metals.

As for the first discussion guide, this document has been prepared to facilitate the technical discussion of the Pest Control Products Sector Working Group (PSWG) regarding the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for pest control products. It provides a comparison of existing requirements with those of the GHS and some proposals for members to consider. Members are invited to provide comments and additional options.

PCP labelling requirements cover three types of hazard: Flammable hazard which include all pressurized and non pressurized products with flammable properties; explosive hazard for all pressurized products; and corrosive hazard. The products currently labelled under the corrosive hazard which are discussed in this document, are defined as products with the following properties:

• > 1% mineral acids, organic acid and alkali material
• pH less than 2.5 or more than 11.5. and
• available chlorine between 1-10%.

Unlike GHS, these products are not labelled under separate classes, but rather they are assessed as corrosive and labelled accordingly.

Most of the products that are under the broad PCP corrosive hazard are separated into more specific hazard classes under GHS. The following describes the GHS classes which are applicable to pest control products and changes that are required to implement GHS.

1. Gases Under Pressure:

Gases under Pressure are considered as "all pressurized products" under PCP requirements and labelled accordingly with an explosive symbol.

GHS defines 'gases under pressure' as gases which are contained in a receptacle at a pressure greater or equal to 280 kPa at 20°C or as a refrigerated liquid. Gases are classified according to their physical state into one of the four following groups: compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases and refrigerated gases.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS for PCP which are gases under pressure as defined under GHS and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

2. Pyrophoric Solids

PCP does not have specific classification criteria for pyrophoric solids.

GHS classifies pyrophoric solids into one single category based on specific test criteria.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for PCPs which are pyrophoric solids as defined under GHS and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

3. Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases

PCP does not have specific classification criteria for substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water.

GHS classifies these products into one of three categories based on specific test criteria.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for substances which emit flammable gases when in contact with water and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

4. Oxidizing Liquids

PCP does not have specific classification criteria for oxidizing liquids. These products are currently labelled as corrosive.

GHS classifies these products in one of three categories based on prescribed test criteria.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for PCPs which are oxidizing liquids as defined under GHS and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

5. Oxidizing Solids

PCP does not have not have specific classification criteria for oxidizing solids. These products are currently labelled as corrosive.

GHS classifies these products in one of three categories based on prescribed test criteria.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for PCPs which are oxidizing solids as defined under GHS and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

6. Organic Peroxides

PCP does not have not have specific classification criteria for organic peroxides. These products are currently labelled as corrosive.

GHS classifies these products in one of three categories based on prescribed test criteria.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for PCPs which are organic peroxides as defined under GHS and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

7. Corrosive to metals

PCP currently have a corrosive hazard class. As noted earlier, this hazard class is based on level of acidity and alkalinity and on the percent of available chlorine. The test criteria for corrosion to metal are similar to GHS.

GHS classifies products that are corrosive to metals in a single category based on specific test results.

Proposal:

PMRA proposes to adopt GHS criteria and label elements for PCPs which are corrosive to metals and amend the requirements for chemical and physical properties, if necessary.

8. Explosives, Oxidizing gases, Self-reactive substances, Pyrophoric liquids, and Self-heating substances

a) Classification Criteria

PCP has no criteria for the above hazard classes as such products are not likely to be used as pesticides products.

Proposal:

Do not adopt GHS as such products are not expected to be used as pest control.