GHS & Safety

Ready for the start with Merck Chemicals

GHS
Globally Harmonised System of
Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Worldwide, there are many different systems for classifying and labelling of
chemicals. Consequently, one and the same substance may be classified at the
same time as toxic, non-hazardous or harmful to health depending on in which
country the classification has been made. GHS has been developed on UN level
to harmonise these different systems.
GHS introduces a set of globally harmonised criteria for the classification of
physical hazards, health hazards as well as environmental hazards.
Furthermore, GHS establishes a globally harmonised scheme for hazard communi-
cation. More specifically, this implies the introduction of:
hazard classifications and categories,
hazard pictograms,
signal words,
hazard statements, and
precautionary statements.
With GHS, occupational health and safety as well as product safety is significantly
increased. Thus, GHS will contribute to improve safety, health and environmental
measures on a global level.
1.12. 2010 Substances 1.6.2015 Mixtures
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2007
20.1. 2009 GHS in force
European Union
The European Union has adopted GHS end of 2008 for all EU Member States. The EU
states have time until 1 December 2010 and 1 June 2015 respectively to classify and
label all substances and mixtures in accordance with the new GHS criteria. Until then,
the EU Dangerous Substances Directive as well as the Dangerous Preparations
Directive can be used in parallel with GHS - chemical products with the old and the
new label are in circulation.
Merck will step by step re-classify and re-label the products. Therefore, immediately
after GHS came into force, we started with our fast moving products. The above-men-
tioned EU Directives will be repealed at the end of the transitional period. Chemical
products already placed on the market with the old labelling are permitted to be sold
for an additional 2 years after the expiration of the respective deadline.
GHS The implementation schedule in exemplary countries
1.12. 2010 Substances 1.6.2015 Mixtures
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2007
20.1. 2009 GHS in force
European Union
USA, Canada
Only consultations are
currently being conduc-
ted. No implementation
schedule is published
at the moment.
Korea
All substances have to be
classified and labelled
until 30 June 2010. The
deadline for mixtures is
30 June 2013.
Taiwan
In Taiwan all substances
and mixtures have to be
classified and labelled
according to GHS from
1 January 2009.
New Zealand
GHS is already
implemented since
September 2006.
Japan
Japan has implemented GHS partially.
From 1 December 2008 all substances
listed in the Industrial Safety and
Health Law (ISHL) and mixtures
containing these substances have to
be classified and labelled according to
GHS.
1
GHS Look and feel of the new label
The most noticeable changes are in hazard communication. The
well-known symbols, the attendant indication of danger, the risk and
safety phrases are replaced by hazard pictograms, the signal word,
and hazard as well as precautionary statements under GHS.
Furthermore, there are some major changes to the wording. For
example, very toxic is replaced by fatal.
When directly compared with the new Merck label according to GHS,
these changes are obvious. The format of the labels is the same, but
the new hazard pictograms, which replace the hazard symbols, are
now in the middle of the GHS label.
Another important change is the elimination of the attendant
indication of danger (e.g. highly flammable or toxic). In GHS, instead
of this, a signal word is used. The signal word gives information
about the relative hazard level of a substance or mixture and alerts
the user to a potential hazard.
In GHS, there are two different signal words: Danger indicates more
severe hazard categories and Warning indicates less severe hazard
categories. The hazard and precautionary statements on the right side
replace the current risk and safety phrases.
Indication of danger
Risk and safety phrases
(R-/S-phrases)
Hazard symbol
Current Merck label:
2
Signal word
Hazard pictograms
Hazard and precautionary
statements (H-/P-statements)
Labelling elements:
Hazard pictograms
Signal word
Hazard statements
Precautionary
statements
GHS Hazard and precautionary statements (H- and P-statements)
The current Risk (R) - phrases are transformed into a hazard statements (H-statements) under GHS.
The current Safety (S) - phrases are transformed into a precautionary statements (P-statements) under GHS.
The number of H and P - statements increases under GHS and the wording is revised.
New Merck label:
Physical Hazards
Explosives Flammable Liquids Oxidizing Liquids Compressed Gases Corrosive to Metals
Hazardous to the
Aquatic Environment
CMR
1)
, STOT
2)
,
Aspiration Hazard
Skin Irration Skin Corrosion Acute
Toxicity
Health Hazards Env. Hazards
GHS Hazard Pictograms and correlated exemplary Hazard Classes
1) carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic, toxic to reproduction / 2) specific target organ toxicity
3
Safety
Working with Merck Chemicals:
Whats in it for you?
For further information about our products
just visit www.merck-chemicals.com
HDPE-bottles The optimal
alternative with proven benefits
No risk of breakage when handling hazardous
chemicals
Integrated carrier handle for optimal handling
Best emptying properties
Optimal centre of gravity shift for convenient
pouring
Easy and environmentally friendly disposal (no
polystyrene outer packaging)
Slim design for improved footprint
High pressure stability through special bottom
surface
Safety screw cap S40 for highest closeness
More cost-efficient than glass bottles
The only 2.5 l bottle that is easy to use
just ask your sales rep and try it out!
Safebreak bottle Glass bottle
coated with polyethylene
Glass bottles are coated with
environmentally friendly Polyethylene
The bottle is able to withstand considerable impact force
In case of breakage the acid and any glass splinters are
reliably contained
Screw Cap remains intact after frequent opening and
closing
The bottle is as recyclable as the conventional glass
bottle
Meets all safety requirements
Can be incorporated in all logistic systems
Can be easily and ecologically disposed of or re-used
At Merck - Safety has top priority!
Are you working in a laboratory? Then you are responsible for the prevention of accidents, the safety
of the staff and the security of your working environment.
The modifications introduced by the new GHS regulation imply that you have to:
Inform, educate and train your staff
Apply the new labelling to your own mixtures and solutions
Update your documentation to be on the safe side e.g. during your next audit
Check your storage conditions and adjust to the new regulatory demands
Our products, safety instructions, supporting materials and our experts around the globe will help
you with this. We are committed to act in an environmentally positive and responsible way, by
safeguarding your health and the well-being of all people working with Merck products. Our Safety
and Environmental Management is based on statutory legislation and the principles of Responsible
Care. All applicable laws and directives are strictly adhered. Mercks Safety System follows
international standards. We take our responsibility very seriously, to assure your occupational health
and safety. High standards of safety in production and processing are reflected in all our products
you are later using in your laboratory.
Thats whats in it for you. Merck Chemicals.
Safety Solvents and Acids from Merck
Always the perfect choice
4
Safety Merck offers you smart solutions to enhance your productivity
and occupational health and safety
Workplace Safety Cards
A new and fast way to maximise the safety in your lab
Merck Chemicals is proud to launch a new online feature that allows lab directors to create their own
safety cards. In minutes, you can tailor important safety information to the needs and regulations of
your lab and create an eye-catching, single-sheet printout for posting.
Your team will know exactly where to go for emergency procedures, instructions on handling
whatever hazardous materials you use, and emergency contact information.
Workplace safety cards can help to avoid injuries and costly mistakes. Here are a few more reasons
they should be a part of your lab:
fast
Just a few clicks: as soon as you have registered you can create your
workplace safety card for individual substances or groups of substances
in just a few steps.
individual
Add specific protective measures and information relevant to process
planning in your laboratory. Once saved, your individual data will be
retained.
simple
Compact safety instructions for all of Mercks hazardous substances
on one page. Simply print it out and put it up.
current
Weekly updates on hazardous substances: the latest safety instruction for more than 10.000 Merck
products are always available.
www.merck-chemicals.com/regulatory-support
Regulatory Support
Workplace Safety Cards
More Information?
To find out what Merck
Chemicals can do for you
today, just ask us.
Or visit www.merck-chemicals.com to take
advantage of the wide range of services and read
up on the news. For further information about
Safety just klick on our Service Center. Detailed
info about GHS and REACH is available at:
www.merck-chemicals.com/regulatory-support
5
Merck KGaA Germany
D-64271 Darmstadt
Phone +49 (0) 61 51 72-0
Fax +49 (0) 61 51 72-2000
service@merck.de
www.merck-chemicals.com
w
2
8
0
1
2
8
We provide information and advice to our customers on application technologies and regulatory matters to the
best of our knowledge and ability, but without obligation or liability. Existing laws and regulations are to be
observed in all cases by our customers. This also applies in respect to any rights of third parties. Our information
and advice do not relieve our customers of their own responsibility for checking the suitability of our products
for the envisaged purpose.