The Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling (The GHS) - Implementation of the GHS in Canada
Consumer Chemicals
Table 2: Comparison of Hazard Communication: Consumer Chemicals [Physical]
Explosive
CCCR |
The Hazardous Products Act (HPA) under which the CCCR falls, does not apply to explosives within the meaning of the Explosives Act. |
GHS |
Danger
Explosive; mass explosion hazard |
Danger
Explosive; severe projection hazard |
Danger
Explosive;
fire, blast or projection hazard |
1.4*
Warning
Fire or projection hazard |
1.5*
Warning
May explode in fire |
1.6* |
Division |
1.1 |
1.2 |
1.3 |
1.4 |
1.5 |
1.6 |
* Apply to substances or mixtures subject to the UN Recommendations for the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Model Regulations
Flammable Gases
CCCR |
Flammable
-a gas, other than a gas in a spray container, that forms a flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13% or less by volume at normal atmospheric pressure; or
-a gas, other than a gas in spray container, that forms a flammable mixture with air over a concentration range of 12% or more by volume at normal atmospheric pressure.
Danger
Flammable
Contents May Catch Fire |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
- ignitable when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume of air; or
- have a flammable range of at least 12 percentage points, regardless of lower flammable limit
Danger
Extremely flammable gas |
Category 2
-gases, other than those in Category 1, have a flammable range while mixed in air
No symbol
Warning
Flammable gas |
Analysis: Under the CCCR, the criteria for Flammable Gases aligns with Category 1 of the GHS and are essentially the same. The flammable symbol will be modified to a revised flammable glyph and a red diamond border. The GHS label hazard statement is Extremely Flammable for Category 1 whereas the CCCR is Flammable. Signal word is the same. The GHS has criteria for lower hazard flammable gases in Category 2 whereas the CCCR do not classify.
Future Work: Consider Category 2 for consumer products if applicable.
Flammable Aerosols
CCCR |
Very Flammable
- a liquid or gas in spray container that has a flame projection of 100 cm or more; or exhibits a flashback.
(Generally prohibited) |
Flammable
- a liquid or gas in a spray container that has a flame projection of 15 cm or more but less than 100 cm.
Danger
Flammable
Contents May Catch Fire |
GHS |
Category 1
-contains  85% flammable components and has a heat of combustion 30 kJ/g.
-for spray aerosols, has an ignition distance 75cm.
-for foam aerosols, has a flame height 20 cm and a flame duration 2s or a flame height 4 cm and a flame duration 7s.
Danger
Extremely flammable aerosol |
Category 2
-for spray aerosols, does not have a heat of combustion
< 20 kJ/g
-has an ignition distance 15cm
-in the enclosed space ignition test has a time equivalent  300 s/m3; or deflagration density 300 g/m3.
- for foam aerosols, has a flame height 4 cm and a flame duration 2s.
Warning
Flammable aerosol |
Flammable Aerosols
Analysis:
The criteria for this endpoint differ for the GHS and the CCCR as they are based on different tests. Under the CCCR, the criteria for spray containers (which includes aerosol and pump-spray containers) are based on flame projection and flashback tests. The GHS criteria use the chemical heat of combustion and if applicable, the results of the foam test (flame height and flame duration) for foam aerosols, and ignition distance test and enclosed spray test for spray aerosols. Flashback is not part of the GHS criteria.
The flammable symbol will be modified to a revised flammable glyph and a red diamond border. Signal words and hazard statements differ slightly.
Future Work:
For spray aerosols, the length of flame projection and ignition distance are theoretically different tests. It is not know whether their practical applications may be similar. This would require further analysis. It has been recommended to Transport Canada who had worked on this endpoint that the GHS criteria also include the consideration of flashback and the length of flame projection. A formal proposal may be presented to the GHS Subcommittee for work for the second biennium.
The CCCR also covers refillable spray containers (pump-sprays) which are not covered by the GHS. It has been recommended that the GHS develop criteria for flammable liquids in refillable spray containers. In addition to the flashpoint, the length of flame projection should be measured and the product classified into the higher level of hazard.
Oxidizing Gases
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
Any gas which may, generally by providing oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material more than air does.
Danger
May cause or intensify fire; oxidizer |
Analysis: This endpoint may not be applicable to the CCCR but this should be confirmed.
Gases Under Pressure
CCCR |
Pressurized Containers
Applies to a pressurized container that
(a) contains or will contain a substance that, when in a liquid state, has an absolute vapour pressure greater than 275 kPa at 37.8°C as determined using ASTM D 323; or
(b) is or will be pressurized to an absolute pressure greater than 275 ± 1 kPa at 21.1°C or 717 ± 2 kPa at 54.4°C.
Caution
Contents Under Pressure
Container May Explode If Heated |
GHS |
GHS Definition: Gases under pressure are gases which are contained in a receptacle at a pressure no less than 280 kPa at 20 degrees Celsius or as a refrigerated liquid.
Specific criteria for each of the following groups in outlined in Table 1 of Chapter 2.5 of the GHS document. |
Compressed Gas
Warning
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated |
Liquified Gas
Warning
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated |
Refrigerated Liquified Gas
Warning
Contains refrigerated gas; may cause cryogenic burns or injury |
Dissolved Gas
Warning
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated |
Gases Under Pressure
Analysis:
The CCCR criteria is essentially similar to the GHS definition for gases under pressure. It is assumed that a pressure of 275 kPA at 21.1°C is essentially the same as 280 kPa at 20°C.
The CCCR however, does not have specific criteria for each of the 4 groups: compressed gas, liquified gas, dissolved gas and refrigerated liquified gas.
The hazard symbol will now be a compressed gas cylinder as opposed to an exploding rock which under the GHS has been reserved for explosives. The octagon border will be replaced by the red diamond border under the GHS.
The signal word of "Caution" will be replaced by "Warning" under the GHS. The hazard statements differ slightly and are more specific under the GHS.
The CCCR apply to an empty container that will be filled.
Flammable Liquids
Analysis:
Criteria for both systems is based on the flashpoint of the substance or mixture. The GHS, however, also includes consideration of initial boiling point for extremely or highly flammable substances. In general, the criteria cut-offs for both systems do not align in any category.
Under the CCCR, products that are Very Flammable will be classified as Extremely or Highly Flammable under the GHS. There will be minor change to the symbol such that the flame glyph will be modified slightly and the GHS red diamond border will replace the octagon. The signal word will change from "Extreme Danger" to "Danger"for substances with flashpoints below -18°C. The primary hazard statement will be modified as above. The current prohibition of products below -18°C is outside of the scope of the GHS and will continue.
Under the CCCR, some products (those with flashpoints up to 23 °C) that are Flammable will be classified as Extremely or Highly Flammable under the GHS. The symbol will be modified as indicated above. The signal word will remain as "Danger" and the primary hazard statement will be modified.
Under the CCCR, Flammable products with flashpoints between 23°C and 37.8°C will be classified also as Flammable under the GHS. The symbol is modified as indicated above and the signal word of "Warning" will replace "Danger". The primary hazard statement will also be modified.
Under the CCCR, products that are Combustible will be classified as Flammable under the GHS. The flammable symbol will now be required where it was not required under the CCCR. A signal word will now be required and the primary hazard statements will be modified.
Under the CCCR, products with higher flashpoints (greater than 60 °C ) are not classified. Under the GHS, these products will now be classified as Combustible. No symbol will be required. A primary hazard statement will be required.
Flammable Solids
CCCR |
Very Flammable
A solid, paste or gel that emits a vapour that has a flash point of less than -18C.
Generally prohibited.
Extreme Danger
Very Flammable
Vapour May Catch Fire |
Flammable
A solid, paste or gel that emits a vapour that has a flash point of
-18C or more but not more than 37.8C.
Danger
Flammable
Vapour May Catch Fire |
Combustible
A solid, paste or gel that emits a vapour that has a flash point of more than 37.8C but not more than 60.0 C.
No symbol
Keep away from flames or sparks. |
GHS |
Category 1
-substances or mixtures
other than metal powders
(a) wetted zone does not stop fire &
(b) burning time < 45 sec burning rate > 2.2 mm/sec
-metal powders: burning time 5 min
Danger
Flammable solid |
Category 2
-substances or mixtures other than metal powders
(a) wetted zone stops fire for at least 4 min &
(b) burning time < 45 sec
or burning rate > 2.2 mm/sec
-metal powders: burning time > 5 min and 10 min
Warning
Flammable solid |
Flammable Solids
Analysis:
The CCCR criteria are aimed at measuring the flashpoint of the vapours that are emitted from solids, pastes or gels as opposed to the material itself. The GHS criteria are aimed at measuring the burning time and rate of the actual solid material such as powders and are not concerned with the vapour. The criteria for this endpoint therefore cannot be compared.
The GHS criteria for flammable liquids may be more appropriate measuring the flashpoint of the vapours that are emitted from solids, pastes and gels as opposed to the criteria for flammable solids.
Future Work:
It may be recommended that solids, gels and pastes that emit flammable vapours be classified as per the GHS flammable liquids criteria in addition to the criteria for flammable solids (if applicable).
Self-Reactive Substances
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Type A
Danger
Heating may cause an explosion |
Type B
Danger
Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
Type C & D
Danger
Heating may cause a fire |
Type E & F
Warning
Heating may cause a fire |
Type G
No label elements |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that self reactive substances or mixtures are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Pyrophoric Liquids
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
-liquid ignites within 5 min when added to an inert carrier and exposed to air, or it ignites or chars a filter paper on contact with air within 5 min
Danger
Catches fire spontaneously if ignited |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that pyrophoric liquids or mixtures are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Pyrophoric Solids
CCCR |
no criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
-solid ignites within 5 min of coming into contact with air
Danger
Catches fire spontaneously if ignited |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that pyrophoric solids or mixtures are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Self Heating Substances
CCCR |
Spontaneously Combustible
(a) A product that spontaneously combusts under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use; or
(b) A product that heats spontaneously on contact with air to the point that it begins to burn
CAUTION
Read Instructions Before Using
Danger of Combustion |
|
GHS |
Category 1
Criteria are based on results of tests outlined in Table 1 of Chapter 2.11 of the GHS document.
Danger
Self-heating; may catch fire |
Category 2
Criteria are based on results of tests outlined in Table 1 of Chapter 2.11 of the GHS document.
Warning
Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire |
Analysis:
Under the GHS, self-heating of substances, leading to spontaneous combustion, is caused by reaction of the substance with oxygen (in the air) and the heat developed not being conducted away rapidly enough to the surroundings. Spontaneous combustion occurs when the rate of heat production exceeds the rate of heat loss and the auto-ignition temperature is reached.
The GHS criteria is concerned mainly with the self-heating of a solid substance. The CCCR criteria are directed at liquid and paste products that are intended to be used with rags for cleaning, rubbing or polishing purposes. A used rag that is not disposed of properly may create conditions for a fire caused by spontaneous combustion. Drying oils like linseed oil may meet this criteria.
Future Work:
It is uncertain if this endpoint can apply to liquid or paste products that may cause spontaneous combustion in foreseeable conditions of use. It may be more appropriate to develop a separate endpoint to deal with this hazard or it may be determined that this hazard is rather a risk posed by flammable liquids or pastes due to a foreseeable condition of use and not an inherent hazard related to the substance or mixture. Application of this endpoint for consumer products will require more discussion.
Substances, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
Danger
In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. |
Category 2
Danger
In contact with water releases flammable gases |
Category 3
Warning
In contact with water releases flammable gases |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that these substances are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Oxidizing Liquids
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
Danger
May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer |
Category 2
Danger
May intensify fire; oxidizer |
Category 3
Warning
May intensify fire; oxidizer |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that these substances are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Oxidizing Solids
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
Danger
May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer |
Category 2
Danger
May intensify fire; oxidizer |
Category 3
Warning
May intensify fire; oxidizer |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that these substances are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Organic Peroxides
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Type A
Danger
Heating may cause an explosion |
Type B
Danger
Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
Type C & D
Danger
Heating may cause a fire |
Type E & F
Warning
Heating may cause a fire |
Type G
No label elements |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that these substances are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
Corrosive to Metals
CCCR |
No criteria |
GHS |
Category 1
Warning
May be corrosive to metals |
Analysis:
It may be unlikely that these substances are sold as consumer products, however, this should be verified.
|
