Meeting of the GHS Pest Control Products Sector Working Group (PSWG): Flammable Hazards

Friday, May 28, 2004 10:00 -10:35 am

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Members in attendance via teleconference:

Lynn Ovenden, Co-Chair, PMRA
Brenda Linke, Co-Chair, PMRA
Bernadette Boutin-Muma, PMRA
Steve Rathlou, CCSPA
Renee Bartz, CropLife
Irwin Schmidt, CropLife
Jeff Kisiloski, CAAR
Bob Whiting, CCOHS

Observers:

• Kim Headrick, PPSO
• Lisa Wardell, CCSWG
• Ken Loewen, CCSWG
• Suranika Dias, WHMIS
• Mary-Frances Lowe, US EPA

Other Government Representatives: Robert Sebastien, PMRA; Zoe Gillespie, PMRA

Agenda

1. Welcome, Introductions of members and observers
2. Flammable hazard classes - discussion
3. Wrap-up, next meetings

Meeting Notes

• Flammable Gases and Flammable Aerosols:
  Comments:
  
  
  • confirmation was requested that gases and aerosols are separate hazard classes. This was confirmed by PMRA
  • concern was expressed that GHS hazard statements are lengthy when translated, and that a North American/EPA approach is of interest for labelling.
    
    
  Flammable Liquids
  Comments:
  
  
  • support was expressed by some members for option 1 (GHS cat.1-3), conditional on approach taken by US. Harmonization with consumer products in Canada was also deemed important by one member who suggested that this could potentially be achieved if category 4 is excluded for pesticide products.
  • it was noted that many more products will be classified as flammable under the GHS, and that this will have an impact on small agricultural retailers, through storage guidelines and requirements.
    
    
  Flammable Solids: no comments.
• Ad hoc expert group for environmental hazards: Clarification was requested that the committee will have an 'umbrella' type role for all sectors. This was confirmed by PMRA.
  ACTION: members to send nominations to PSWG Co-Chairs.
  
  Members were asked to email comments on the acute toxicity and flammable discussions, to PSWG Co-Chairs July 1. Discussion Guides will be distributed two weeks prior to a teleconference.