Meeting of the GHS Pest Control Products Sector Working Group (PSWG): Other Physical Hazard Classes

June 29th, 2004, 10:00AM - 12:00PM

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Members in attendance via teleconference:

Lynn Ovenden, Co-Chair, PMRA
Bernadette Boutin-Muma, PMRA
Lisa Woods, PMRA
Renee Bartz, CropLife
Irwin Schmidt, CropLife
Andrew Medryk, CCSPA
Dave Bennett, CLC
Steve Rathlou, CCSPA
Lorna Poff, F/P/T
Sean Griffin, LEAS
Karen Ryan (alt. Nfld)

Observers:

• Stéphane Lavigne, PMRA
• Lisa Wardell, CCSWG
• Zoe Gillespie, PMRA
• Suranika Dias, WHMIS

Agenda

1. Welcome, Introductions of members and observers
2. Physical hazards other than flammability - discussion guide
3. Proposal for revising the workplan
4. Chronic health hazard classes: forum for discussion
5. Ad hoc expert group on environmental hazards (aquatic): request for nominees
6. Next meeting

Meeting Notes:

• The Discussion Guide proposes adoption of GHS criteria and labelling for the following classes: gases under pressure, pyrophoric solids, substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases, oxidizing liquids, oxidizing solids, organic peroxides, and corrosive to metals.
  The Discussion Guide suggests not adopting the following classes because no such pest control products are registered in Canada: explosives, oxidizing gases, self-reactive substances, pyrophoric liquids, and self-heating substances.
  Comments: It was expressed by some members that without absolute certainty that no pest control product will be within these categories, GHS should be adopted so that the criteria are in place for future products and to increase harmonization with other sectors. Some members supported the adoption of all GHS categories proposed by PMRA.
• PMRA will draft a proposal regarding hazard classes already discussed, for discussion by the PSWG in fall.
• The initial workplan for all sectors included establishment of an ad hoc Expert Group to discuss adoption of the GHS chronic health hazard classes. The observer from CCSWG indicated that the CCSWG will support such a group for discussion of consumer products. Co-chair asked for comments regarding PSWG participation in an expert group on chronic health hazard classes.
  CLC, F/P/T and LEAS members support participation in an ad hoc Expert Group.
  Interest in participation by other members will depend on the expertise required and the scope of the issues to be addressed.
• Ad hoc Expert Group on Environmental hazards (aquatic tox) request for nominees.
  Comments: an F/P/T nominee may be sent next week.
• Next Meeting: agreement to not meet over summer but to reconvene in September.

AOB

• request was made that members be notified when new info is uploaded to HC website.
• clarification was requested regarding the format and comment period of PMRA's proposal and whether other sectors will be developing proposals in the same time frame.