Legally Defined Hazard Classification System

According to Article 3 (5) ChemG classification means the assignment to an indication of danger. The rules and conditions for the classification of hazardous materials are determined in the new GHS system and, on the European level, in the CLP Regulation. The latter contains 28 hazard classes that fall into several hazard categories. Annex VI of the CLP Regulation (former Annex I to Directive 67/548/EWG) lists 4.000 substances with their legally binding classifications. These also include concentration limits (previously called “concentration rows“) which are to be applied instead of the concentration table percentages for mixture classification. The classification of dangerous substances is binding and aims to identify the hazards of a substance or mixture. The following labbeling system is based on the results of classification. Here, standardized labelling elements, such as hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements and precautionary statements, are used.

The definitions of substance and mixture contained in GHS and the CLP Regulation are largely the same. Those two terms are the basis for the determination of hazards as well as the obligatory classification of hazardous materials. The group of substances contains chemical elements and their compounds considering their structure, emergence and composition. Usually substances with impurities or additives but also complex substances belong to this group. A mixture, in turn, consists of two or more substances. All information needed for the classification is recorded in inventories or appropriate lists. Some criteria, such as potential water pollution, are only relevant for the classification of substances. For both, substances and mixtures, it must be determined whether they remain stable or instable under normal conditions of storage or transportation. According to REACH your Savety Data Sheet must contain all this information.

When classifying substances and mixtures available test data can be used. If this documentation is not available, an expert opinion is to be sought. Here, the so called “bridging principles” can also be applied. According to the German Ordinance on Hazardous Substances those substances and mixtures are to be classified as dangerous, if at least one of the following criteria is met:

1. Explosive
2. Oxidising
3. Extremely flammable
4. Highly flammable
5. Highly toxic
6. Toxic
7. Harmful to health
8. Caustic
9. Irritating
10. Sensitising
11. Carcinogenic
12. Toxic for reproduction
13. Mutagenic
14. Dangerous for the environment (ecotoxic)

Regarding a proper classification of your product, you also are allowed to make a self-classification on the basis of available information. However, for some substances there are binding classification lists. Annex VI of the CLP Regulation, for example, lists obligatory rules for substance classification and hazards in accordance with EU chemical legislation. Here, a definite self-categorization is not possible. On the other hand, many of the listed substances do not exist in the market (anymore) and the list does not cover many very common chemicals. We can add substances to deliver a database for your software which really helps in everyday work.

Since CLP was put in force, multiplying factors (M factors) for classification limits in environmental hazards add to this. Without this data, no software can calculate correct classifications. M factors can be assigned to Aquatic Acute 1 or Aquatic Chronic 1 or both. According to this division up to two M factors may apply for some substances at the same time.  Here, the critical concentration of a substance is weighted more strongly. If Annex VI of the CLP Regulation does not list an appropriate M factor, it shall be determinedby the manufacturer on the basis of available data.