GHS Revision 8 Published

Written By: Atanu Das on Sunday, July 14, 2019

The committee, formed under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) approved amendments to the GHS criteria on March 2019 to be published in July 2019. The major changes are:

• Classification Criteria for Aerosols now under three categories based on
  • Flammable properties
  • Heat of combustion; and
  • Test results from ignition distance test and other tests performed in accordance with UN TDG Manual of Tests and Criteria

• New Chemicals under Pressure Hazard Category
  • Defined as liquids or solids pressurized with a gas at a pressure of 200 kPa (gauge) or more at 20 °C in pressure receptacles other than aerosol dispensers and which are not classified as gases under pressure. 

• New guidance for Skin Corrosion/Irritation classification using in vitro/ex vivo test data

• The use of new Precautionary Pictograms for "Keep out of Reach of Children"
  • The below examples are included in the Annex and come from the Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (AISE) and from the Japan Soap and Detergent Association (JSDA).

• A new example of Labels for Sets or Kits holding inner containers. Generally for use when the supplier determines there is insufficient space for full labeling. 

• New Annex 11 on Dust Explosion - providing guidance on this particular hazard and ways to mitigate and communicate.