Introduction to Classification and Labelling (CLP/GHS) for Substances and Mixtures

SESSION 1 – Introduction and classification of physical hazards for substances and mixtures (2 hours)

Session 1A – Introduction 

• The roles and obligations under GHS / CLP with regards to classification and labelling
• Hazard classes, categories, hazard statements and precautionary statements
• Outline the additional hazard classes which may be used in different regions of the world when implementing GHS.

Session  1 B – Classification of a substance and mixture

• Useful data sources of data and assessment of data reliability, including specific mixture test data.
• Harmonised versus self-classification and minimum classifications with examples
• Use of bridging principles for classification purposes.
• Additivity principle (including what is meant by non-additivity)
• Concentration limit/cut off values/ calculation method

Session 1C – Classification for Physical Hazards  (Substances and mixtures)

In each case, definitions, testing approach and criteria for classification are covered.

• 2.1 – Explosives
• 2.2- Flammable gases
• 2.3 Aerosols
• 2.4  Oxidizing gases
• 2.5 Gases under pressure
• 2.6 Flammable liquids
• 2.7 Flammable solids
• 2.8 Self-reactive substances and mixtures
• 2.9 Pyrophoric liquids
• 2.10 Pyrophoric solids

Set examples and exercises will be used to illustrate the theory.

SESSION 2 – Classification of substances and mixtures (2 hours)

Session 2A – Classification for Physical Hazards  (Substances and mixtures)

In each case, definitions, testing approach and criteria for classification are covered.

• 2.11 Self-heating substances and mixtures
• 2.12 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water emit flammable gases
• 2.13 Oxidising liquids
• 2.14 Oxidising solids
• 2.15 Organic peroxides
• 2.16 Corrosive to metals
• 2.17 Desensitised explosives

Session 2B  – Classification for Health Hazards  (Substances and mixtures)

In each case, definitions and criteria for classification are covered.

• 3.1 Acute Toxicity
• 3.2 Skin corrosion/Irritation
• 3.3 Serious eye damage/eye irritation
• 3.4 Respiratory or skin sensitization

Set examples and exercises will be used to illustrate the theory.

SESSION 3 – Classification for health and environmental hazards                (2 hours)

Session 3A  – Classification for Health Hazards  (Substances and mixtures)

In each case, definitions and criteria for classification are covered.

• 3.5 Germ cell mutagenicity
• 3.6 Carcinogenicity
• 3.7 Reproductive toxicity
• 3.8 Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure
• 3.9  Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure

Set examples and exercises will be used to illustrate the theory.

Session 3B – Classification for environmental hazards  (substances and mixtures)

• Explain why classification is primarily based on the aquatic compartment.
• Which test organisms are used and why (trophic levels).
• How and why data related to rapid degradability and bioaccumulation is used in classification.
• Hazard classes and categories for environmental hazards.
• The purpose of the safety net classification (chronic category 4).
• Explain the purpose of M factors and how these are used.
• The approach that is taken to using the criteria for classification for acute and chronic aquatic effects respectively (substances and mixtures).
• Explain when test data on the mixture may be used for classification.
• Explain what is meant by the summation method and how it is used.

Set examples and exercises will be used to illustrate the theory.

SDS authors, HSE staff, anyone involved in hazard communication and in particular classification and labelling of substances and mixtures for supply.

• Attendance on the live streaming 6-hour (split over three sessions) training class.
• All course materials (slides and course notes)
• A copy of the recording for your own personal use.
• A certificate of attendance for your training records.

Furthermore, you will be able to contact the trainer at any time both during and after completion of the course.

Laura holds an MSc in Applied Toxicology, a BSc (Hons) Chemistry, PgC Occupational Hygiene and PGCE Post Compulsory Teaching Qualification.

She has worked for many years in industry working in product stewardship which includes writing safety data sheets, classification and labelling, regulatory submissions and workplace risk assessments.  She is an experienced trainer and a published author.

Her recent book ‘A Practical Guide to Toxicology and Human Health Risk Assessment (John Wiley & Sons, December 2018)