APPROVED CRITERIAFOR CLASSIFYINGHAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCES[NOHSC:1008(2004)]
3rd Edition
October 2004

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) has declared theApproved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances, 3rd Edition.
National standards declared by NOHSC under s.38(1) of the National Occupational Healthand Safety Commission Act 1985 (Commonwealth) are documents which prescribe preventive
action to avert occupational deaths, injuries and diseases. Most national standards deal withthe elimination, reduction or management of specific workplace hazards.
The expectation of the Australian Government and NOHSC is that national standards will besuitable for adoption by the Australian, State and Territory governments. Such action will
increase uniformity in the regulation of occupational health and safety throughout Australia
and contribute to the enhanced efficiency of the Australian economy.
It should be noted that NOHSC documents are instruments of an advisory character, except
where a law, other than the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Act 1985,
or an instrument made under such a law, makes them mandatory.
The application of any NOHSC document in any particular State or Territory is theprerogative of that State or Territory.

 Commonwealth of Australia 2004
ISBN 1 920763 61 9First Edition 1994
Second Edition 1999
Third Edition 2004
This work is copyright. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in
unaltered form only (retaining this notice) for your personal, non-commercial use or use
within your organisation. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, allother rights are reserved. Requests for further authorisation should be directed to the
Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Intellectual Property Branch, Department ofCommunications, Information Technology and the Arts, GPO Box 2154, Canberra ACT 2601
or by email to: commonwealth.copyright@dcita.gov.au

FOREWORD
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) is a tripartite bodyestablished by the Australian Government to lead and coordinate national efforts to prevent or
reduce the incidence and severity of occupational injury and disease by providing healthy andsafe working environments.
In seeking to improve Australia’s occupational health and safety (OHS) performance,
NOHSC works to:•support and add value to efforts in the jurisdictions to tailor approaches toprevention improvement;•

facilitate, through strategic alliances, the development and implementation of
better approaches to achieving improved prevention outcomes; and•integrate the needs of small business into its work.

NOHSC has developed a strategic approach to injury and disease prevention that focuses on
identifying nationally significant OHS problems and providing practical solutions to these
problems for workplaces.
This approach has four elements. They are:Identifying OH&S problems - National and international data and research will identify
developing and emerging OH & S problems, including major trends, gaps and issues.
Finding practical solutions - Prevention initiatives that have been successful in one State or
Territory will be evaluated, adapted and made available to all jurisdictions. The focus will be
on finding practical solutions and, ideally, the best combination of measures to accelerate
prevention improvement in workplaces, and reduce the need for government intervention.
Facilitating improved prevention performance - Improved prevention performance will befacilitated by ensuring that workplaces have available to them information and strategies thatare practical and relevant to their needs.
Measuring performance – NOHSC will measure the prevention performance of thejurisdictions and the nation as a whole, and use the findings for continuous improvement ofprevention efforts.

iv

Table of Contents
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................... vii
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................... 1
2. DEFINITION OF TERMS................................................................................................. 5
3. HOW TO APPLY THE CRITERIA ............................................................................... 13
4. HEALTH EFFECTS CRITERIA.................................................................................... 19
VERY TOXIC (T+) ........................................................................................................... 21
TOXIC (T) ........................................................................................................................ 22
HARMFUL (XN) .............................................................................................................. 24
CORROSIVE (C).............................................................................................................. 29
IRRITANT (XI) ................................................................................................................ 30
SENSITISATION ............................................................................................................. 34
OTHER TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES ................................................................... 38
5. CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SPECIFIC EFFECTS ON HUMANHEALTH..................................................................................................................... 40
CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES .................................................................................. 41
MUTAGENIC SUBSTANCES ........................................................................................ 44
SUBSTANCES TOXIC TO REPRODUCTION.............................................................. 48
LIST OF RISK PHRASES................................................................................................ 54
6. CONCENTRATION LIMITS TO BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF HEALTH
HAZARDS .................................................................................................................. 56
ACUTE LETHAL EFFECTS ........................................................................................... 59
NON-LETHAL IRREVERSIBLE EFFECTS AFTER A SINGLE EXPOSURE............ 60
SEVERE EFFECTS AFTER REPEATED OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE ................. 62
CORROSIVE AND IRRITANT EFFECTS INCLUDING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO
THE EYE .......................................................................................................................... 64
SENSITISING EFFECTS................................................................................................. 67
CARCINOGENIC / MUTAGENIC / TOXIC EFFECTS FOR REPRODUCTION........ 68
OTHER TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS .......................................................................... 70
7. METHODS FOR THE EVALUATION OF HEALTH HAZARDS OF MIXTURES71
ACUTE LETHAL EFFECTS ........................................................................................... 73
CORROSIVE (C) MIXTURES WITH R34, R35............................................................. 78
IRRITANT (XI) MIXTURES WITH R36, R37, R38, R41.............................................. 80
MIXTURES CLASSIFIED AS SENSITIZING ............................................................... 85v

CARCINOGENIC MIXTURES ....................................................................................... 86
MUTAGENIC MIXTURES ............................................................................................. 87
MIXTURES TOXIC FOR REPRODUCTION ................................................................ 88
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................ 90
1. INFORMATION SOURCES....................................................................................... 90
2. ACUTE TOXICITY - NOTES ON THE FIXED DOSE PROCEDURE.................. 107
3. RISK AND SAFETY PHRASES .............................................................................. 109
4. APPLYING THE CRITERIA TO CLASSIFY A HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE EXAMPLES............................................................................................................... 129
5. NOTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ............................................. 141
6. CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES.. 144
7. CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ............ 150
8. CLASSIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS SUPPLIED TO /USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND/OR WORKPLACES........................... 156
REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................... 160

vi

PREFACE
Under NOHSC's National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)]1 (National Model Regulations) and the Australian, Stateand Territory government regulations introduced in accordance with the National Model
Regulations, manufacturers and importers of substances supplied for use at work are required
to determine whether they are hazardous to health before supply.
They are also required to produce labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all
hazardous substances, with appropriate information about the hazards of these substances.
Determining whether a substance is hazardous to health is central to the safe management of
substances used in the workplace.
To determine whether a substance is a hazardous substance, manufacturers and importers
should first refer to the List of Designated Hazardous Substances (the List), published by
NOHSC. The List comprises the more common hazardous substances that meet NOHSC's
Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)] (theApproved Criteria). Under the National Model Regulations if a substance is on the List then it
is a hazardous substance. The List is therefore an aid to determining and classifying hazardous
substances.
When a substance is not included on the List, the manufacturer or importer will need to use
the Approved Criteria to determine if it is hazardous to health. If the substance is determined
to be hazardous, the Approved Criteria enable the health hazard(s) to be identified so thatMSDS and labels can be more easily prepared.
The classification criteria used in this publication are adopted from European Community’s(EC) legislation for classifying dangerous substances. The criteria are taken from:•EC Council Directive 67/548/EEC3 on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification,
packaging and labelling of dangerous substances (Dangerous Substances
Directive, DSD); and,•

Directive 1999/45/EC4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31
May 1999 concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations andadministrative provisions of the Member States relating to the classification,
packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations (the Dangerous Preparations
Directive, DPD).

To take into account technical progress and changes in the EC Council Directives, it isintended that the classification criteria contained in the Approved Criteria be updated fromtime to time.

vii

This third edition has been updated to generally reflect the current status of:•

EC Council Directive 67/548/EEC as amended by Commission Directive
2001/59/EC5 of 6 August 2001, and;•

Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31
May 1999 as amended by Commission Directive 2001/60/EC7 of 7 August
2001.

The main changes to the European Directives include:•

the replacement of Dangerous Preparations Directive 88/379/EEC by a newDangerous Preparations Directive 1999/45/EC in which the technical content
has been moved to a number of Annexes that can be revised by Adaptations toTechnical Progress;•

the introduction of three new Risk phrases – R66, R67, and R68;•

the replacement of R40 with R68, and a change of use and wording for R40;•

the inclusion of criteria for classifying substances on the basis of their physicochemical and ecotoxicological effects;•

a list and criteria for use of safety phrases;•

the provision of both generic and specific concentration cut-off levels for
mixtures containing substances classified as hazardous on the basis of theirhealth and environmental effects;•

the inclusion of criteria for the evaluation of the health hazards of mixturescontaining hazardous ingredients having sensitising, carcinogenic, mutagenic,
and toxic for reproduction effects; and,•a new appendix listing special provisions applying to certain dangerous
preparations, supplied to / used by the general public and/or workplaces.

These changes are reflected in the Approved Criteria.
In the EC Directives, criteria for classifying substances or preparations on the basis of their
physicochemical properties or environmental effects have been included. In the Approved
Criteria, these criteria are provided as Appendices (Appendix 6, 7 respectively). They do notform a mandatory part of the Approved Criteria, but are provided for information only.
Other inclusions to the Approved Criteria comprise a listing of particular provisions
concerning certain preparations, which are provided at Appendix 8. In Australia, theApproved Criteria described in Chapters 1-7 are mandatory and are given effect under the
National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1005(1994)] (National Model regulations) and the Australian, State and Territory
regulations introduced in accordance with the National Model Regulations. The provisions
described in Appendix 8 are not mandatory under current Australian workplace chemicals
regulations and as such are provided here for information only.
The inclusion of appendices covering non-mandatory material in the current Approved
Criteria will facilitate the gradual transition to the GHS, in line with the anticipated adoptionviii

by the United Nations of the harmonisation system. Subsequently, the Approved Criteria will
be reviewed to consider the transition to the mandatory use in Australia of physicochemicaland environmental criteria.
In summary, the Approved Criteria are designed to be used by manufacturers and importers
for determining whether substances are hazardous or not, and for preparing labels and MSDS.
They will also be used by NOHSC to review and maintain the List of Designated Hazardous
Substances.
It is not expected that employers and employees using substances in the workplace will need
to apply these Criteria. They would normally identify hazardous substances from the
supplier's label, the MSDS, or for those substances produced in the workplace, by reference tothe List of Designated Hazardous Substances.
Manufacturers and importers are expected to use the Approved Criteria in conjunction with
Australian, State and Territory government regulations and codes of practice introduced toregulate workplace hazardous substances.
This publication is one of six titles produced by NOHSC and released together as part of its
workplace hazardous substances regulatory package. The six titles that comprise the set are:•National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)];•

National Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:2007(1994)];•

National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets
2nd Edition [NOHSC:2011(2003)];•

National Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances[NOHSC:2012(1994)];•

Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1008(2004)]; and•List of Designated Hazardous Substances.

These publications are supplemented by the following titles:•

Guidance Note for the Assessment of Health Risks Arising from the Use ofHazardous Substances in the Workplace [NOHSC:3017(1994)]; and•Guidance Note for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances in the
Retail Sector [NOHSC:3018(1994)].

•

National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances Part 2 – Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances[NOHSC:1011(1995)].

ix

•Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational
Environment [NOHSC:1003(1995)].

NOHSC maintains the regulatory package with reviews and updates of the individual titles
from time to time.

xChapter 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1

The object of classification is to identify all the physicochemical, toxicological andecotoxicological properties of substances and preparations which may constitute arisk during normal handling or use. Having identified any hazardous properties, thesubstance or preparation must then be labelled to indicate the hazard(s) in order toprotect the user, the general public and the environment.

1.2

The Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances are cited in the
National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1005(1994)]1. It provides the mandatory criteria for determining whether asubstance is hazardous based on its health effects, and optional criteria for
determining whether a substance is hazardous based on its ecotoxicological andphysicochemical properties. It is addressed to all those concerned (manufacturers,
importers, national authorities) with methods of classifying and labelling substancesand preparations.

1.3

The Approved Criteria also provide examples showing how to apply theclassification criteria to determine whether a substance is hazardous to health, and forclassifying the nature of the hazard(s).

Classification of Hazardous Substances - Manufacturers’ and Importers’
Duties.
1.4

The responsibility for determining whether a substance is hazardous, and for
identifying its health hazards, belongs to the manufacturer or importer. If thesubstance or mixture cannot be classified, it cannot be supplied.

1.5

Although manufacturers and importers are responsible for determining whether
substances are hazardous or not, and for their classification, they do not have to carryout this work themselves. However, they should ensure that a competent person
carries out the work.

1.6

In this context, a competent person is a person who understands the Approved
Criteria and who has the skills and experience to apply the criteria to the information
about the substance.

1.7

When a substance that does not appear on the List is classified by an importer or
manufacturer, and determined to be hazardous, the manufacturer or importer isrequired to notify NOHSC of that determination. Notification of a hazardous
substance shall be made to NOHSC on the approved form (see Appendix 5).

1

1.8

The Approved Criteria focus primarily on the classification of a substance’s
toxicological properties. Manufacturers and importers will need to consider thephysicochemical hazards defined in the Australian Dangerous Goods Code6, inaddition to these health effects criteria, when producing labels and MSDS.

1.9

Criteria applicable to the classification of physicochemical and ecotoxicologicalproperties of a substance are also provided in these Approved Criteria. Where
information is available that describes the physicochemical properties of a substance,these criteria may be used to identify any physicochemical hazard supplementary to
those defined by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code. Information describing theecotoxicological properties of a substance may be used to extend the classification of
the substance to identify hazards to the environment.

1.10This will permit a more comprehensive classification and complete labelling of thesubstance by identifying hazards additional to health hazards. The addition ofphysicochemical and ecotoxicological risk and safety phrases to product MSDS andlabels will harmonize Australian classification practices with those of the European
Commission.

1.11

Criteria for the classification of a substance on the basis of its physicochemical
properties are included in Appendix 6, and on the basis of ecotoxicological effects inAppendix 7. These criteria are taken from Annex VI of EC Council Directive
67/548/EEC3 (as amended by Commission Directive 2001/59/EC of 6 August 2001).

2

Definition of a hazardous substance
1.12

Under the National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)]1, a hazardous substance means a substance that:(1)

is included on the List of Designated Hazardous Substances; or(2)

has been classified as a hazardous substance by the manufacturer or importer inaccordance with the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1008(2004)].

1.13

The National Model Regulations do not apply to radioactive and infectious
substances, substances that are solely dangerous goods (because of their
physicochemical properties), or substances hazardous to the environment. The
Approved Criteria therefore do not address these hazards in a legislative way.

1.14

However, criteria enabling the classification of physicochemical and environmental
hazards are presented in Appendices 6 and 7, respectively. These criteria may be
used to determine the Risk and Safety phrases applicable to a substance hazardous
because of its physical properties, or because it is hazardous to the environment. Thishazard information may then be included on the label and MSDS of the substance.

1.15

The List contains the more common workplace hazardous substances, but is not acomplete list of all hazardous substances.

1.16

The List is the starting point for identifying whether a substance is hazardous. If a
substance is included on the List it is a hazardous substance under hazardous
substances regulations. If a substance is not on the List it may still be hazardous tohealth but has not yet been classified.

1.17

Where a substance or, in the case of mixtures, an ingredient, is not included on theList, it will be necessary to assess information about its health effects against the
Approved Criteria in order to determine whether it is hazardous or not.

1.18

From such an assessment the nature of the hazard (if any) presented by the substancecan be identified and classified with appropriate risk phrases. Classification ofsubstances is important in producing labels and MSDS as required by Australian,State and Territory government regulations introduced in accordance with the
National Model Regulations.

3

The criteria
1.19

Guidance on applying the criteria is provided in Chapter 3.

1.20

For determining whether a substance is hazardous to health refer to the following
chapters:
Chapters 4 & 5 contain the health effects criteria for classifying a substance on
the basis of its health effects;
Chapter 6

provides concentration cut-off levels for ingredients that havesatisfied the health effects criteria of Chapters 4 and 5. There is aconcentration cut-off level corresponding to each type of healtheffect and hazard category;

Chapter 7

lists formulae to be used in classifying mixtures that may behazardous due to the additive effects of ingredients which havesatisfied the health effects criteria in Chapters 4 and 5, but whose
concentrations do not exceed the concentration cut-off levels in
Chapter 6; and1.21

Substances with similar health effects can produce an additive effect greater thanwould be suggested by their individual concentrations. Therefore, the concentration
cut-off levels of Chapter 6 are designed to provide a practical level of protection andshould not be used to imply that an effect cannot occur below that level.

1.22

The health effects criteria (Chapters 4 and 5) are the same as those used by theEuropean Communities in EC Council Directive 67/548/EC3 (as amended by EC
Commission Directive 2001/59/EC) for classifying substances hazardous to health.

1.23

The criteria will be revised periodically to maintain consistency with European
Commission Council Directives.

1.24

Concentration cut-off levels (Chapter 6) are taken from EC Commission Directive
1999/45/EC4 relating to the classification, packaging and labeling of dangerous
preparations.

1.25

The risk and safety phrases relevant to the different types of health effects (Appendix
3) are taken from EC Council Directive 67/548/EC3 and its subsequent amendments.

4

Chapter 2
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Absorption

The process by which a substance enters the body.

Acute toxicity

The adverse effects occurring within a given time (usually 14days), after administration of a single dose of a substance.

Aerosol

Particles (solid and/or liquid) homogeneously dispersed inair.

Alopecia

Partial or complete lack or loss of hair.

Alveolitis

Inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli.

Aneuploidy

A condition in which a cell or organism has an abnormal total
number of chromosomes and/or where numbers of individual
chromosomes are not in proportion with the numbers of theother chromosomes. Hyperploidy is the presence of too many
chromosomes. Hypoploidy is the presence of too few. A
single set of chromosomes (which is half the full complementof genetic material), is present in the reproductive cells (eggand sperm cells) of animals and in the reproductive cells (eggand pollen cells). Human beings have 23 chromosomes intheir reproductive cells (haploid) and 46 in their nonreproductive cells (diploid).

Aplasia

A condition that manifests in defective or incomplete tissue
development.

ArticleAn item that is formed to a specific shape, surface, or design
during production and has an end function dependent inwhole or in part on its shape or design, and which undergoes
no change in chemical composition and physical state during
its life cycle, including its end use, except as an intrinsic
aspect of that end use. Fluids and particles are not considered
articles, regardless of the shape or design.
A phrase used with respect to risk phrase R65, whereby low
viscosity liquid chemicals can be hazardous to human health
if they enter the lung through swallowing or vomiting.

Aspiration
hazards
Bradypnea

Abnormal slowness of breathing.

Can

Implies a capability or possibility, or a possibility that isavailable or that might occur.

5

Cancer

A malignant tumour that can spread to other organs of thebody, as distinct from a benign tumour that cannot.
(Although leukaemia and some other malignant diseases are
not solid tumours, they meet other criteria for cancer and canbe, and often are, included under this definition).

CarcinogenAn agent which is responsible for the formation ofa cancer.

Carcinogenesis

The process leading to the development of cancer cells.

ChemicalAny element, compound or complex present as an entity or
contained in a mixture.

Chemical Abstracts Service
Registry Number (CAS Number
or CAS No.)The unique number assigned to a chemical by the Chemical
Abstracts Service, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

ChemosisOedema of the conjunctiva.

Chromosome

One of the threadlike, rodlike structures in the nucleus of acell, which carry the genetic information in the cell. Eachspecies has a characteristic number of chromosomes, whichin humans is 46.

Chronic toxicity

A toxic effect that occurs after repeated or prolonged
exposure. Chronic effects may occur some time after
exposure has ceased.

Classification

The process whereby the toxicological, physicochemical andecotoxicological properties of a substance are identified andcategorised.

Conjunctiva

The mucous membrane covering the anterior portion of theeyeball reflected upon the lids and extending to their freeedges.

Corrosivity

The property of a chemical indicating its capacity to cause
corrosion.

Cytogenetic

The branch of genetics devoted to study of the cellularconstituents concerned with heredity, primarily the structure,function and origin of the chromosomes.

Dangerous Goods

Materials which are either specifically listed in the AustralianDangerous Goods (ADG) Code or meet the classification
criteria of the ADG Code, or are deemed to be dangerous
goods by the Competent Authorities Panel.

6Dangerous Preparations

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)Mixtures or solutions composed of two or more substances
determined to be hazardous according to their physicochemical properties and human health and environmental
effects as defined in sub-points 2.a-o of Article 2 of EC
Directive 1999/45/EC.
A large nucleic acid molecule, which contains the genetic
sequence or code, found principally in the chromosomes of
the nucleus of a cell. The crucial property of DNA is that it
consists of two strands that are complementary and joined byweak chemical bonds called hydrogen bonds. A single DNA
strand is made up of four molecules called nucleotides, whichbind to another DNA strand via base pairs. The bases arecalled guanine, cytosine, adenine and thymine. Guanine pairs
with cytosine and adenine with thymine. It is the specificsequence of these nucleotides that create the genetic code.
Damage to the DNA may result in damage to the information
carried on the DNA. This may give rise to genetic errors in
the cell that may manifest in abnormal growth andmetabolism of the cell.

DermalRelating to the skin.

Dermal Corrosion

The production of irreversible tissue damage in the skinfollowing the application of a test substance for the durationof from 3 minutes up to 4 hours.

Distribution

The process(es) by which the absorbed substance and/or its
metabolites partition within the body.

DosageA general term comprising of dose, its frequency and theduration of the dosing.

Dose

The amount of test substance administered. Dose is expressed
as weight (grams or milligrams) or as weight of test
substance per unit weight of test animal (eg. milligrams per
kilogram body weight), or as constant dietary concentrations(milligrams per kilogram of food).

Discriminating dose

Used with reference to the fixed dose procedure, a
discriminating dose is the highest out of four fixed doselevels (5, 50, 500 or 2000 mg/kg) that can be administeredwithout causing compound-related mortality (including
humane kills).

Dysfunction

A state of abnormal, incomplete or impaired function.

Ecotoxicological properties

Properties that contribute to the toxicity of a substance to thenatural environment.

Embryotoxic

Pertaining to anything that is toxic to an embryo.

EntityA single substance that includes discrete chemical elements,
compounds and complexes which may exist in pure or
technical grade, or as components in a mixture of substances.

7

Environmental hazard

Means the hazards to be assessed for the classification“dangerous for the environment”.

Epidemiological

Relating to the study of the relationships determining thefrequency and distribution of disease in a human community.

Erythema

Redness or inflammation of the skin or mucous membranes.

Eschar

The slough or dry scab that forms, for example, on an area ofskin that has been burned.

EuroNorm (EN)A European Union standard that requires implementation at
the national level by EU member countries.

Evident toxicity

The concept ‘evident toxicity’ is used to designate toxic
effects, after exposure to the substance tested, which are sosevere that exposure to the next highest fixed dose would
probably lead to mortality.

Excretion

The process(es) by which an administered substance, and/or
its metabolites, is removed from the body.

Eye irritation

The production of changes in the eye following theapplication of a test substance to the anterior surface of theeye.

Fertility

The capacity to conceive or induce conception.

Fibrosis

The development of fibrous tissue in a part of an organ.

Fixed dose procedure

See Appendix 2.

Foetotoxic

Pertaining to anything that is toxic to a foetus.

Gastritis

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

Gavage

The administration of food or other substances througha stomach tube. Usually the tube is passed through thenose or mouth into the stomach.

Gene

A unit of inheritable genetic material made up of a specificsequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) on a chromosome.

Genotoxin

A substance capable of causing damage to genetic material,
such as DNA.

Germ cell

A sexual reproductive cell in any stage of development, fromthe primordial embryonic form to the mature gamete.

Granuloma

Chronic inflammatory lesion characterised by large numbersof cells of various types (macrophages, lymphocytes,
fibroblasts, giant cells), some of which are involved in tissuedegradation and/or tissue repair.

8

HazardAn intrinsic capacity associated with an agent or processcapable of causing harm.

Hazardous substanceA substance which:• is listed on the National Occupational Health and Safety
Commission's List of Designated Hazardous Substances;or• has been classified as a hazardous substance by the
manufacturer or importer in accordance with the National
Occupational Health and Safety Commission's Approved
Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances[NOHSC:1008(2004)].

Health effects criteria

The basis on which a substance is evaluated with respect to
its toxicological data.

Hyperplasia

The abnormal multiplication or increase in number of normal
cells in normal arrangement in a tissue.

Hypersensitivity

A state of excessive and potentially damaging responsivenessto a chemical or other substance. If immunologicallymediated, hypersensitivity often occurs as a result of previous
exposure to the substance or closely related substance. If thehypersensitivity is of the immediate type (antibodymediated), then the response occurs in minutes; in delayed
hypersensitivity the response takes longer (about 24hr) and ismediated by primed T cells.

Hypertrophy

Enlargement or overgrowth of an organ or part due to anincrease in size of constituent cells.

Hypoplasia

Incomplete development of an organ so that it fails to reachadult size.

Inanition

A condition characterised by marked weakness, extreme
weight loss and a decrease in metabolism resulting from a
prolonged and severe insufficiency of food.

Ingredient

Any component of a substance (including impurities), in a
mixture or combination.

Inhalation

Breathing in.

In vitro

Used to describe the experimental reproduction of biologicalprocesses in isolation from the living organism.

In vivo

Observation made in a living organism either in animals orhumans.

Label

A set of information on a container that identifies thesubstance in the container identifies whether the substance ishazardous and provides basic information about the safe use
and handling of the substance.

9

LC50

Median lethal concentration. A statisticallyderived concentration of a substance thatcan be expected to cause death during exposure or within afixed time after exposure in 50% of animals exposed for a
specified time. The LC50 value is expressed as weight of test
substance per standard volume of air (milligrams per litre).

LD50

Median lethal dose. A statistically derived single dose of a
substance that can be expected to cause death in 50% of
dosed animals. The LD50 value is expressed in terms ofweight of test substance per unit weight of test animal(milligrams per kilogram).

LesionA discontinuity of tissue or loss of function of a part of the
body as a result of disease or trauma.

Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS)

A document that describes the properties and uses of a
substance, that is, identity, chemical and physical properties,
health hazard information, precautions for use and safe
handling information.

Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD)

The highest dose level eliciting signs of toxicity in animals
without having major effects on survival relative to the test inwhich it is used.

May

Indicates that a requirement is optional.

Metabolism

The process(es) by which the administered substances are
structurally changed in the body either by enzymatic or nonenzymatic reactions.

MixtureA physical combination of chemicals resulting from thedeliberate mixing of those chemicals or from a chemical
reaction.

MutagenAn agent capable of producing a mutation.

Mutagenesis

The process of producing a mutation.

Mutagenic

Able to produce a mutation.

Mutation

A change in the genetic material of cells.

Myocardium

The muscular structure of the heart.

Necrosis

Changes that are indicative of cell death.

Neoplasm

Any abnormal growth of new tissue, benign or malignant.

Nephrosis

A syndrome caused by a primary non-inflammatory
degeneration of the renal tubules.

10

NOAELThe abbreviation for no observed adverse effect level. The
highest dose or exposure level where no adverse treatmentrelated findings are observed.

OcularOf the eye or affecting the eye.

Oedema (edema)

Excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissue spaces of the
body due to increase transudation of the fluid from thecapillaries.

Oogenesis

The process of the formation of the female reproductive cells.

Oral

Ingested or administered via the mouth.

Paresthesia (Paraesthesia)

An abnormal sensation, such as tingling, tickling andformication (sensation of insects crawling on or under theskin).
Pertaining to a minute discrete particle or fragment of a
substance or material.

Particulate
Perinatal

Pertaining to or occurring in the period shortly before andafter birth.

PhenotypeThe visible form of an organism, as contrasted with its
genetic character (genotype). In different environments thesame genotype may produce different phenotypes.

Point mutation

A heritable change taking place at a single gene position.

Postnatal

Occurring after birth, with reference to the newborn.

Progeny

Offspring or descendants.

Repeated dose/
Sub chronic toxicity

The adverse effects occurring in experimental animals as aresult of repeated daily dosing with, or exposure to, achemical for a short part of their expected life span.

Reproductive hazard

An agent capable of causing abnormalities in a developing
foetus, that is, causing birth defects.

Resorption

The process of breaking down and absorbing already formed
tissues and structures in an organism. Early resorption of thedeveloping foetus is thought to be caused by errors indevelopment, which may result from chemical damage to the
foetus.

Rhinitis

An inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose.

Risk

The likelihood that a substance will cause harm in thecircumstances of its use.

Sensitisation

To become sensitive/allergic to the effects of minutequantities of a substance.

11

Should

Indicates a recommendation.

Sister chromatid exchange

A technique used for monitoring DNA damage in a pair ofchromosomes during one of the phases of cell division.
Undamaged segments are exchanged for damaged segments
between homologous duplex DNA molecules.

Skin irritation

The production of inflammatory changes inthe skin following the application of a test substance.

Somatic cells

Cells of the body other than germ cells.

Spermatogenesis

The process of formation of spermatozoa.

Substance

Any natural or artificial entity, composite material, mixture
or formulation, other than an article.

TeratogenAn agent capable of causing abnormalities in a developing
foetus, that is, causing birth defects.

Toxicity

The capacity of an agent to produce damage to an organism.
This usually refers to functional (systemic) damage but may
be developmental in respect of tissue and skeleton in the caseof the embryo. The damage may be permanent or transient.

Toxicokinetics

The study of the absorption, distribution, metabolism andexcretion of test substances.

Tumour

A swelling or enlargement or an abnormal mass of tissue inwhich the growth of cells is uncontrolled. A tumour can beeither benign (not malignant) or malignant (cancerous). A
tumour is also called a 'neoplasm'.

Unscheduled DNA synthesis(UDS)

Unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) refers to DNA synthesis
occurring outside of the usual replication phase of the cell
cycle when chromosomes are duplicated. UDS in animalcells in vitro measures the repair of DNA damage induced byvariety of agents including chemicals, radiation and viruses.

Urticaria

A vascular reaction of the skin characterised by the formationof evanescent whitish, pink or red elevations or weals, withitching, stinging or burning.

12Chapter 3
HOW TO APPLY THE CRITERIA
3.1

This chapter gives guidance on how to use the health effects criteria given in
Chapters 4 and 5 to determine whether a substance is hazardous. If the substance is a
mixture, then the criteria in Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 should also be used. Appendix 8
lists non-mandatory classification and labelling requirements for specific mixtures ofhazardous substances. See also the flow chart at the end of this chapter.

3.2

Classification must cover the toxicological properties of substances and preparations.
Physicochemical and ecotoxicological properties may be considered to give a more
complete classification. The addition of physicochemical and ecotoxicological risk
phrases to product MSDS and labels will harmonize Australian classification
practices with those of the European Commission.

3.3

The guidance given in this chapter is to be used when the substance is not found in
the List, or when new toxicology data becomes available on a substance in the List.

3.4

The criteria in this publication are applicable to all substances, including gaseous
substances.

3.5

Classifying the substance will involve finding and putting together all the available
information on the substance and assessing this information against the criteria. This
process will identify the health, physical, and environmental hazards of thesubstances and the appropriate risk and safety phrases to be used.

3.6

The method of applying the criteria to determine whether a substance is hazardous
will depend on:

3.7•

whether the substance is an ingredient in a mixture; and•whether the mixture has been tested as a whole for its effects.

Information on health effects for a substance can be obtained from a number ofdifferent sources. For example:•

scientific reference works and literature;•practical experience, for example, the health effects of the substance on
exposed persons;•the results of experimental animal testing;•information required by international rules on the transport of dangerous goods
and notification of hazardous substances; and•existing classifications for substances that have similar structural relationships.

See Appendix 1 for further suggestions on information resources.
3.8

It is not intended that additional animal testing will need to be carried out.

13

3.9

The classification of substances should include consideration of all the toxicologicalproperties covered in Chapters 4 and 5. These include:•

acute toxicity•

subacute, subchronic and chronic toxicity•

corrosivity•

irritancy•

sensitisation•

other toxicological properties•

carcinogenic effects•

mutagenic effects•

toxicity to reproduction, fertility and development.

3.10

Some substances do not pose a hazard to human health by ingestion, inhalation orcontact with the skin in the form in which they are supplied, for example, certain
polymers. In these cases, the available information may show that they may be
determined not to be hazardous.

3.11

If evidence is available to show that, in practice, the toxic effect of a substance onhumans is, or is likely to be, different from that suggested by the results of animal
testing, then the substance should be classified according to its toxicity in humans.

3.12

If only some information is available for the substance, then the health effects criteria
and other suitable information should be applied as far as possible to classify thesubstance. For assistance in classification matters that may be difficult orcontentious, the relevant Australian, State or Territory government authority should
be consulted for assistance.

3.13

The classification of a substance may need to be revised periodically as new
information about that substance becomes available.

14

For substances not in mixtures
3.14

To determine whether a substance is hazardous and to determine its classification, acomparison should be made of the health effects data for the substance with thehealth effects criteria in Chapters 4 and 5. All the health effects of the substanceshould be considered.

3.15

For example, a substance with acute lethal effects and an oral LD50 of 20mg/kg
would be determined to be hazardous and categorised as Very Toxic. If it also causes
significant inflammation of the skin, then the substance would be categorised as Very
Toxic and Irritant. The most appropriate risk phrases can then be identified for thesubstance, for example, R28 and R38.

For ingredients in mixtures
Mixtures tested as a whole
3.16

If a mixture has been tested for its health effects as a whole, then it can be classified
by applying the health effects criteria in Chapters 4 and 5. The most appropriate risk
phrases can then be assigned.

Mixtures not tested as a whole
3.17

If the mixture has not been tested as a whole, then the health effects data of each
ingredient in the mixture will need to be considered separately against the healtheffects criteria in Chapters 4 and 5.

3.18

The classification of the mixture is dependent upon:•

the health effects data or other information available for each of theingredients; and,•the concentration of each ingredient in the mixture.

3.19

In the case of ingredients that are on the List, the information provided there including concentration cut-off levels and risk phrases - can be used in theclassification of the mixture.

3.20

In the case of ingredients that are not on the List each ingredient should beconsidered separately as a pure substance to determine its health effects.

3.21

Once all the ingredients in a mixture have been classified, the mixture as a whole canbe classified.

15

3.22

The mixture is a hazardous substance if:•

any of the ingredients of the mixture meet any of the health effects criteria in
Chapters 4 and 5, and;•that ingredient is present in the mixture at a concentration that exceeds theconcentration cut-off level given in Chapter 6, for the relevant health effect.

3.23

By use of the concentration cut-off levels, the mixture can be classified overall andthe appropriate risk phrases selected.

3.24

For example, if an ingredient, classified as Toxic by virtue of its acute lethal effects,
is present in a mixture at a concentration of 15% by weight, then the mixture would
only be classified as Harmful (Table 2, Chapter 6).

3.25

Note: Identified impurities, additives or individual constituents should be taken into
account if their concentration is greater than or equal to the cut-off levels specified
in Chapter 6. These cut off levels are:i.

0.1% for liquid or solid substances, and 0.02% for gaseous mixtures that areclassified as:• Very Toxic,• Toxic,• Carcinogenic (category 1 or 2),• Mutagenic (category 1 or 2) or• Toxic to Reproduction (category 1 or 2);

ii.

1% for liquid or solid substances, and 0.2% for gaseous mixtures that areclassified as:• Harmful,• Corrosive,• Irritant,• Sensitising,• Carcinogenic (category 3),• Mutagenic (category 3),• Toxic to Reproduction (category 3);

unless lower values have been specified in the List2.

16

Interaction of substances
3.26

A mixture containing ingredients classified as hazardous on the basis of acute lethal
effects, corrosivity or irritancy, carcinogenic effects, mutagenic effects, or toxic
effects on reproduction, and present at concentrations below the relevant
concentration cut-off levels, may still need to be classified as a hazardous substance.
This can be determined by applying the formulae in Chapter 7. These formulae areused for the classification of mixtures containing ingredients with similar andadditive health effects that are present individually at concentrations below the cutoff levels.

3.27

An additive effect is when the combined toxic effect of a number of individual
chemicals in a mixture is equal to the sum of each individual agent, that is, 3+2=5.
For example, two organophosphate insecticides that act as cholinesterase enzyme
inhibitors will give rise to an additive toxic effect.

3.28

Occasionally the combined effect of multiple exposures is greater than the sum of theeffects from the individual components. Synergism occurs when both chemicals
have an individual effect but the combined effect is more than additive. Potentiation
occurs when only one chemical is individually effective but the second inactive
chemical enhances the first. Subtractive effects are also possible.

17

Process of determining whether a substance is hazardous
Does this substance comprise at least 99.9% of one chemical
entity, or is it a mixture o f two or more chemical entit ies?
One chemical

A mixture

Is the substance listed on the List?

Has the mixture been tested as a whole?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Are health effects data availab lefor the substance?

Are ingredients on the List?
No

Yes

Are health effects data
available for any
ingredient?

Does the substance meet
Chapter 4 & 5 healtheffects criteria?

No

No
Yes

Yes

Yes

No
Is there other informat ion
available to classify thesubstance?

Does any ingredient
meet health effects
criteria?

Yes

No

No

Does any ingredient exceed
concentration cut-off values?

Is the substancehazardous?

Yes

Yes

No

No
The substancecannot be
supplied

Apply formula for
additive effects. Is theanswer ≥ 1?

No

The substance is not a hazardous substance

The substance is a hazardous substanceClassify the substance by using information fro m the
List or by applying the Approved Criteria.

18

Yes

Yes

Chapter 4
HEALTH EFFECTS CRITERIARISK PHRASES:

For a list of relevant risk phrases see the end of chapter 5.

Introduction
4.1

The criteria in this chapter are those used by the European Communities in EC
Council Directive 67/548/EC3 for classifying substances based on their hazards tohealth. These criteria take into account both short and long-term health effects, andare applicable to both pure substances and mixtures.

4.2

Health effects criteria are to be applied to:

4.3

4.4

•

substances which are not listed on the List of Designated Hazardous
Substances2;•

mixtures tested as a whole; and•ingredients of mixtures that have not been tested as a whole.

The process of classification results in assigning the substance to a hazard category.
Broadly these categories are:•very toxic;•

toxic;•

harmful;•corrosive;•

irritant;•

sensitiser; and•other toxicological properties.

Criteria dealing with specific effects on human health (carcinogenicity,
mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicology) are described in Chapter 5. As eachhazard is identified a corresponding risk phrase is applied to the substance beingclassified. A substance may have more than one health effect.

19

Criteria for classification, choice of symbols, indication of danger, choice ofrisk phrases
4.5

The classification of substances must be made on the basis of experimental data inaccordance with the following criteria.
The criteria take into account the magnitude of the observed health effects:a)

For acute, subacute, subchronic or chronic toxicity the criteria in paragraphs
4.9 to 4.22 are to be used.

b)

For corrosive and irritant effects the criteria in paragraphs 4.23 to 4.33 are to be
used.

c)

For sensitising effects the criteria in paragraphs 4.34 to 4.48 are to be used.

d)

Risk phrases for other toxicological properties are described in paragraphs 4.49
to 4.52.

e)

For specific effects on health (carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and reproductive
toxicity) the criteria in Chapter 5 are to be used.

4.6

The guidance criteria set out below are directly applicable when the data in question
have been obtained from test methods comparable with those described in Annex Vof Council Directive 67/548/EEC. In other cases, the available data must be
evaluated by comparing the test methods employed with those indicated in Annex V
and the rules specified in this Approved Criteria for determining the appropriateclassification and labelling.

4.7

The acute oral toxicity of substances or preparations placed on the market may beestablished either by a method permitting assessment of the LD50 value, or bydetermining the discriminating dose (the fixed dose method), or by determining therange of exposure where lethality is expected (the acute toxic class method).

4.8

The discriminating dose is the dose that causes evident toxicity but not mortality.
Evident toxicity is used to designate toxic effects, after exposure to the substancetested, that are so severe that exposure to the next highest fixed dose would probably
lead to mortality (see Appendix 2).

20

VERY TOXIC (T+)
4.9

Substances and preparations shall be classified as very toxic and assigned thesymbol 'T+' and indication of danger 'very toxic' in accordance with the criteria
specified below.

4.10

Risk phrases shall be assigned in accordance with the following criteria:
Acute lethal effects
R28 Very toxic if swallowed
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 oral, rat < 25 mg/kg,•

less than 100% survival at 5 mg/kg oral, rat by the fixed dose procedure, or•high mortality at doses < 25 mg/kg oral, rat, by the acute toxic class method.

R27 Very toxic in contact with skin
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 dermal, rat or rabbit: < 50 mg/kg.

R26 Very toxic by inhalation
Acute toxicity results:•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for aerosols or particulates: < 0.25 mg/litre/4hr,•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for gases and vapours: < 0.5 mg/litre/4hr.

Non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure
R39 Danger of very serious irreversible effects
Strong evidence that irreversible damage other than the effects referred to in Chapter
5 is likely to be caused by a single exposure by an appropriate route, generally in theabove-mentioned dose ranges.
In order to indicate the route of administration or exposure one of the following
combinations shall be used: R39/26, R39/27, R39/28, R39/26/27, R39/26/28,
R39/27/28, R39/26/27/28.

21

TOXIC (T)
4.11

Substances and preparations shall be classified as toxic and assigned the symbol 'T'
and the indication of danger, 'toxic', in accordance with the criteria specified below.

4.12

Risk phrases shall be assigned in accordance with the following criteria:
Acute lethal effects
R25 Toxic if swallowed
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 oral, rat: 25 < LD50 < 200 mg/kg,•

Discriminating dose, oral, rat, 5 mg/kg: 100% survival but evident toxicity, or•

high mortality in the dose range > 25 to < 200 mg/kg oral, rat, by the acutetoxic class method

R24 Toxic in contact with skin
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 dermal, rat or rabbit: 50 < LD50 < 400 mg/kg.

R23 Toxic by inhalation
Acute toxicity results:•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for aerosols or particulates: 0.25 < LC50 < 1 mg/litre/4hr,•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for gases and vapours: 0.5 < LC50 < 2 mg/litre/4hr.

Non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure
R39 Danger of very serious irreversible effects
Strong evidence that irreversible damage other than the effects referred to in Chapter
5 is likely to be caused by a single exposure by an appropriate route, generally in theabove-mentioned dose ranges.
In order to indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the following
combinations shall be used: R39/23, R39/24, R39/25, R39/23/24, R39/23/25,
R39/24/25, R39/23/24/25.

22

Severe effects after repeated or prolonged exposure
R48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
Serious damage (clear functional disturbance or morphological change which havetoxicological significance) is likely to be caused by repeated or prolonged exposureby an appropriate route.
Substances and preparations are classified at least as toxic (T) when these effects areobserved at the following levels: •inhalation, rat ≤ 0.025 mg/l, 6h/day,•oral, rat ≤ 5 mg/kg (bodyweight)/day,•dermal, rat or rabbit ≤ 10 mg/kg (bodyweight)/day.

In order to indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the following
combinations shall be used: R48/23, R48/24, R48/25, R48/23/24, R48/23/25,
R48/24/25, R48/23/24/25.

23

HARMFUL (Xn)
4.13

Substances and preparations shall be classified as harmful and assigned the symbol'Xn' and the indication of danger 'harmful' in accordance with the criteria specified
below.

4.14

Risk phrases shall be assigned in accordance with the following criteria:
Acute lethal effects
R22 Harmful if swallowed
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 per oral, rat: 200 < LD50 < 2000 mg/kg,•

discriminating dose, oral, rat, 50 mg/kg: 100% survival but evident toxicity,•less than 100% survival at 500 mg/kg, rat oral by the fixed dose procedure,(refer to the evaluation table in Appendix 2), or•

high mortality in the dose range > 200 to < 2 000 mg/kg oral, rat, by the acutetoxic class method.

R21 Harmful in contact with skin
Acute toxicity results:•

LD50 dermal, rat or rabbit: 400 < LD50 < 2 000 mg/kg.

R20 Harmful by inhalation
Acute toxicity results:•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for aerosols or particulates: 1 < LC50 < 5 mg/litre/4hr,•

LC50 inhalation, rat, for gases or vapours: 2 < LC50 < 20 mg/litre/4hr.

24

Aspiration hazard
R65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed
Liquid substances and preparations presenting an aspiration hazard in humans
because of their low viscosity, use:(a)for substances and preparations containing aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatichydrocarbons in a total concentration equal to or greater than 10% and having
either:-a flow time of less than 30 sec. in a 3mm International Standards Organisation(ISO) cup according to ISO 2431 (April 1996 / July 1999 edition) relating to‘Paints and varnishes - Determination of flow time by use of flow cups’,-a kinematic viscosity measured by a calibrated glass capillary viscometer inaccordance with ISO 3104/3105 of less than 7 x 10-6 m2/sec at 40°C (ISO3104, 1994 edition, relating to ‘Petroleum products - Transparent and opaqueliquids - Determination of kinematic viscosity and calculation of dynamic
viscosity’; ISO 3105, 1994 edition, relating to ‘Glass capillary kinematic
viscometers - Specifications and operating instructions’), or-a kinematic viscosity derived from measurements of rotational viscometry inaccordance with ISO 3219 of less than 7 x 10-6 m2/sec at 40°C (ISO 3219,
1993 edition, relating to ‘Plastics – Polymers/resins in the liquid state or as
emulsions or dispersions - Determination of viscosity using a rotational
viscometer with defined shear rate’).

Note that substances and preparations meeting these criteria need not be classified ifthey have a mean surface tension greater than 33mN/m at 25°C as measured by the
du Nouy tensiometer.
or,(b)for substances and preparations, based on practical experience in humans.

Non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure
R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects
Strong evidence that irreversible damage other than the effects referred to in Chapter
5 is likely to be caused by a single exposure by an appropriate route, generally in theabove-mentioned dose ranges.
In order to indicate route of administration/exposure one of the following
combinations shall be used: R68/20, R68/21, R68/22, R68/20/21, R68/20/22,
R68/21/22, R68/20/21/22.

25

Severe effects after repeated or prolonged exposure
R48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
Serious damage (clear functional disturbance or morphological change which has
toxicological significance) is likely to be caused by repeated or prolonged exposureby an appropriate route.
Substances and preparations are classified at least as harmful (Xn) when theseeffects are observed at levels of the order of:•

inhalation, rat < 0.25 mg/l, 6h/day.

•oral, rat < 50 mg/kg (bodyweight)/day,•dermal, rat or rabbit < 100 mg/kg (bodyweight)/day,

These guide values can apply directly when severe lesions have been observed in a
sub-chronic (90 days) toxicity test. When interpreting the results of a sub-acute (28days) toxicity test these figures should be increased approximately three fold. If achronic (two years) toxicity test is available it should be evaluated on a case-by-casebasis. If results of studies of more than one duration are available, then those fromthe study of the longest duration should normally be used.
In order to indicate route of administration/exposure one of the following
combinations shall be used: R48/20, R48/21, R48/22, R48/20/21, R48/20/22,
R48/21/22, R48/20/21/22.

Comments regarding the use of R48
4.15

Use of this risk phrase refers to the specific range of biological effects within theterms described below. For application of this risk phrase serious damage to health isto be considered to include death, clear functional disturbance or morphologicalchanges that are toxicologically significant. It is particularly important when thesechanges are irreversible. It is also important to consider not only specific severechanges in a single organ or biological system but also generalised changes of a lesssevere nature involving several organs, or severe changes in general health status.

4.16

When assessing whether there is evidence for these types of effects reference should
be made to the following guidelines:

4.17

Evidence indicating that R48 should be applied:a)substance-related deaths;

b)

(i)

major functional changes in the central or peripheral nervous systems,
including sight, hearing and the sense of smell, assessed by clinicalobservations or other appropriate methods (eg. electrophysiology);(ii)

major functional changes in other organ systems (for example the lung);

26

c)

any consistent changes in clinical biochemistry, haematology, or urinalysis
parameters, which indicate severe organ dysfunction. Haematologicaldisturbances are considered to be particularly important if the evidence
suggests that they are due to decreased bone marrow production of blood cells;d)severe organ damage noted on microscopic examination following autopsy:(i)widespread or severe necrosis, fibrosis or granuloma formation in vitalorgans with regenerative capacity (eg. liver);(ii)

severe morphological changes that are potentially reversible but are clear
evidence of marked organ dysfunction (eg. severe fatty change in theliver, severe acute tubular nephrosis in the kidney, ulcerative gastritis); or(iii) evidence of appreciable cell death in vital organs incapable ofregeneration (eg. fibrosis of the myocardium or dying back of a nerve) orin stem cell populations (eg. aplasia or hypoplasia of the bone marrow).
4.18

The above evidence will most usually be obtained from animal experiments. Whenconsidering data derived from practical experience special attention should be given
to exposure levels.

4.19

Evidence indicating that R48 should not be applied:
The use of this risk phrase is restricted to 'serious damage to health by prolonged
exposure'. A number of substance-related effects may be observed in both humans
and animals that would not justify the use of R48. These effects are relevant whenattempting to determine a no-effect level for a chemical substance.
Examples of well-documented changes that would not normally justify classification
with R48, irrespective of their statistical significance, include:a)clinical observations or changes in bodyweight gain, food consumption orwater intake, which may have some toxicological importance but which do not,by themselves, indicate ‘serious damage’;b)small changes in clinical biochemistry, haematology or urinalysis parameterswhich are of doubtful or minimal toxicological importance;c)changes in organ weights with no evidence of organ dysfunction;d)adaptive responses (eg. macrophage migration in the lung, liver hypertrophyand enzyme induction, hyperplastic responses to irritants). Local effects on theskin produced by repeated dermal application of a substance which are more
appropriately classified with R38 'irritating to skin'; ore)where a species-specific mechanism of toxicity (eg. specific metabolic
pathways) has been demonstrated and the observed effect is not applicable tohumans.

27

Comments regarding volatile substances
4.20

For certain substances with a high saturated vapour concentration evidence may beavailable to indicate effects that give cause for concern. These substances might not
be classified as ‘harmful’ (Xn) under the criteria for health effects described inparagraph 4.13, or not covered under paragraph 4.49 ‘other toxicological properties’.

4.21

However, due to their high volatility and where there is appropriate evidence thatsuch substances may present a risk in normal handling and use, then classification as
Harmful (Xn) with the assignment of risk phrases R20, R21, or R22, may benecessary. This should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

4.22

Such substances may already appear on the List with specific concentration cut-off
levels. For example, a very volatile substance such as nitromethane [CAS No. 75-525] is classified in the List as harmful, R22, at and above 12.5%, rather than at 25%
which is the level normally specified for R22. Very volatile substances will need tobe considered and classified appropriately.

28

CORROSIVE (C)4.23

A substance or a preparation is considered to be corrosive if, when applied to healthy
intact animal skin, it produces full thickness destruction of skin tissue on at least one
animal during the test for skin irritation.

4.24

A substance should also be considered corrosive if the result can be predicted, forexample from strongly acid or alkaline reactions indicated by a pH of 2 or less, or
11.5 or greater. However, where extreme pH is the basis for classification, acid/alkali
reserve1 may also be taken into consideration. If consideration of alkali/acid reservesuggests the substance may not be corrosive then further testing should be carried out
to confirm this, preferably by use of an appropriate validated in vitro test.
Consideration of acid/alkali reserve should not be used alone to exonerate substancesor preparations from classification as corrosive.

4.25

Risk phrases shall be assigned in accordance with the following criteria:
R35 Causes severe burns•

if, when applied to healthy intact animal skin, full thickness destruction of skintissue occurs as a result of up to three minutes exposure, or if this result can bepredicted.

R34 Causes burns•

if, when applied to healthy intact animal skin, full thickness destruction of skintissue occurs as a result of up to four hours exposure, or if this result can bepredicted,•

organic hydroperoxides, except where evidence to the contrary is available.

Note: Where classification is based on results of a validated in vitro test R35 or R34
should be applied according to the capacity of the test method to discriminate
between these.
Where classification is based upon consideration of extreme pH alone, R35 should beapplied.

1 J.R. Young, M.J. How, A.P. Walker and W.M.H. Worth (1988) “Classification as corrosive or irritant to skin of preparations
containing acidic or alkaline substances, without testing on animals” Toxic. In Vitro 2(1): 19-26.

29

IRRITANT (XI)
4.26

4.27

A substance is determined to be hazardous and classified as Irritant (Xi)and the indication of danger, ‘irritant’, if it causes:•

inflammation of the skin;•

eye irritation;•

serious eye effects; or•irritation to the respiratory system.

One or more of the following risk phrases are assigned in accordance with thecriteria given.
Inflammation of the skin
The following risk phrase shall be assigned in accordance with the criteria given:
R38 Irritating to skin•

Substances and preparations which cause significant inflammation of theskin, that persists for at least 24 hours after an exposure period of up to fourhours, determined on the rabbit according to the cutaneous irritation test
method cited in Annex V of Council Directive 67/548/EEC.

Inflammation of the skin is significant if:(a)the mean value of the scores for either erythema and eschar formation oroedema formation, calculated over all the animals tested, is 2 or more; or(b)

in the case where the irritant test has been completed using three animals,
either erythema and eschar formation or oedema formation equivalent to amean value of 2 or more calculated for each animal separately has been
observed in two or more animals.

In both cases all scores at each of the reading times (24, 48 and 72 hr) for an effectshould be used in calculating respective mean values.
Inflammation of the skin is also significant if it persists in at least two animals at theend of the observation time. Particular effects eg. hyperplasia, scaling, discoloration,
fissures, scabs and alopecia should be taken into account.
•

Substances and preparations which cause significant inflammation of the skin,based on practical observations in humans on immediate, prolonged orrepeated contact.

•

Organic peroxides, except where evidence to the contrary is available.

30

Paresthesia
4.28

Paresthesia caused in humans by skin contact with pyrethroid pesticides is notregarded as an irritant effect justifying classification as Xi; R38. The safety phrase
S24 should however be applied for substances seen to cause this effect.

Ocular lesions
4.29

The following risk phrases shall be assigned in accordance with the criteria given:
R36 Irritating to eyes•

Substances and preparations which, when applied to the eye of the animal,
cause significant ocular lesions which occur within 72 hours after exposure
and which persist for at least 24 hours.
Ocular lesions are significant if the mean scores of the eye irritation test citedin Annex V of Council Directive 67/548/EEC have any of the following
values:cornea opacity equal to or greater than 2 but less than 3,
iris lesion equal to or greater than 1 but not greater than 1.5,
redness of the conjunctivae equal to or greater than 2.5,
oedema of the conjunctivae (chemosis) equal to or greater than 2,
or, in the case where the test has been completed using three animals, if thelesions on two or more animals are equivalent to any of the following:
cornea opacity equal to or greater than 2 but less than 3,
iris lesion equal to or greater than 1 but less than 2,
redness of the conjunctivae equal to or greater than 2.5,
oedema of the conjunctivae (chemosis) equal to or greater than 2,
In both cases all scores at each of the reading times (24, 48 and 72 hours) for
an effect should be used in calculating the respective mean values.

•

Substances or preparations that cause significant ocular lesions, based onpractical experience in humans.

•

Organic peroxides except where evidence to the contrary is available.

31

R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes•

Substances and preparations which, when applied to the eye of the animal,
cause severe ocular lesions, which occur within 72 hours after exposure andwhich persist for at least 24 hours.
Ocular lesions are severe if the means of the scores of the eye irritation test
have any of the values:
cornea opacity equal to or greater than 3,
iris lesion greater than 1.5.
The same shall be the case where the test has been completed using three
animals if these lesions, on two or more animals, have any of the values:
cornea opacity equal to or greater than 3,
iris lesion equal to 2.
In both cases all scores at each of the reading times (24, 48 and 72 hours) for
an effect should be used in calculating the respective mean values.
Ocular lesions are also severe when they are still present at the end of theobservation time.
Ocular lesions are also severe if the substance or preparation causes
irreversible colouration of the eyes.

•

Substances and preparations that cause severe ocular lesions, based on practicalexperience in humans.

Note: When a substance or preparation is classified as corrosive and assigned R34
or R35, the risk of severe damage to eyes is considered implicit and R41 is notincluded in the label. However, when calculating the sum of quotients by theformulae in Chapter 7 (paragraphs 7.31 and 7.35) substances classified as corrosive
should be considered as if R41 had been assigned.

32

Respiratory system irritation
4.30

The following risk phrase shall be assigned in accordance with the criteria given:
R37 Irritating to respiratory system•

Substances and preparations that cause serious irritation to the respiratory
system based on:practical observation in humans
positive results from appropriate animal tests.

Comments regarding the use of R37
4.31

In interpreting practical observations in humans, care should be taken to distinguishbetween effects that lead to classification with R48 (see sections 4.12 and 4.15 to4.19) from those leading to classification with R37.

4.32

Conditions normally leading to classification with R37 are reversible and usuallylimited to the upper airways.

4.33

Positive results from appropriate animal tests may include data obtained in a general
toxicity test, including histopathological data from the respiratory system. Data fromthe measurement of experimental bradypnea may also be used to assess airway
irritation.

33

SENSITISATION
Sensitisation by inhalation
4.34

Substances and preparations shall be classified as sensitising and assigned thesymbol 'Xn', the indication of danger 'Harmful' and the risk phrase R42 inaccordance with the criteria given below.
R42 May cause sensitisation by inhalation−

if there is evidence that the substance or preparation can induce specificrespiratory hypersensitivity;
where there are positive results from appropriate animal tests; orif the substance is an isocyanate, unless there is evidence that the specificisocyanate does not cause respiratory hypersensitivity−−

Comments regarding the use of R42
Human evidence
4.35

Evidence that the substance or preparation can induce specific respiratory
hypersensitivity will normally be based on human experience. In this context
hypersensitivity is normally seen as asthma, but other hypersensitivity reactions suchas rhinitis and alveolitis are also considered. The condition will have the clinicalcharacter of an allergic reaction. However, immunological mechanisms do not haveto be demonstrated.

4.36

When considering the evidence from human exposure, it is necessary for a decision
on classification to take into account, in addition to the evidence from the cases, the:size of the population exposed
extent of exposure.

4.37

The evidence from cases referred to above could be clinical history and data fromappropriate lung function tests related to exposure to the substance, and confirmed byother supportive evidence, that may include:−

a chemical structure related to substances known to cause respiratory
hypersensitivity;−

an in vivo immunological test (eg. skin prick test);−

an in vitro immunological test (eg. serological analysis);−studies indicating other specific but non-immunological mechanisms of action,eg. repeated low-level irritation, pharmacologically mediated effects; or−data from a positive bronchial challenge test with the substance conductedaccording to accepted guidelines for the determination of a specifichypersensitivity reaction.

34

4.38

Clinical history should include both medical and occupational history to determine a
relationship between exposure to a specific substance or preparation anddevelopment of respiratory hypersensitivity. Relevant information includes
aggravating factors both in the home and workplace, the onset and progress of thedisease, family history and medical history of the patient in question. The medical
history should also include a note of other allergic or airway disorders fromchildhood, and smoking history.

4.39

The results of positive bronchial challenge tests are considered to provide sufficientevidence for classification on their own. It is however recognised that in practicemany of the examinations listed above will already have been carried out.

4.40

Substances that elicit symptoms of asthma by irritation only in people with bronchial
hyper-reactivity should not be assigned R42.

Animal studies
4.41

Data from tests, which may be indicative of the potential of a substance orpreparation to cause sensitisation by inhalation in humans, may include:
IgE measurements (eg. in mice), or
specific pulmonary responses in guinea pigs.

Sensitisation by skin contact
4.42

Substances and preparations shall be classified as sensitising and assigned thesymbol 'Xi', the indication of danger 'Irritant' and the risk phrase R43 in accordancewith the criteria given below:
R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact−−

If practical experience shows the substance or preparation to be capable ofinducing a sensitisation by skin contact in a substantial number of persons, orwhere there are positive results from an appropriate animal test.

35

Comments regarding the use of R43
Human evidence
4.43
a)

The following evidence (practical experience) is sufficient to classify asubstance or preparation with R43:
Positive data from appropriate patch testing, normally in more than one
dermatological clinic, or
Epidemiological studies showing allergic contact dermatitis caused by thesubstance or preparation. Situations in which a high proportion of those
exposed exhibit characteristic symptoms are to be looked at with special
concern, even if the number of cases is small, orPositive data from experimental studies in man.

b)

The following is sufficient to classify a substance with R43 when there is
supportive evidence:
Isolated episodes of allergic contact dermatitis, or
Epidemiological studies where chance, bias or confounders have not been ruledout fully with reasonable confidence.

4.44

Supportive evidence may include:
data from animal tests performed according to existing guidelines, with a resultthat does not meet the criteria given in the section on animal studies but issufficiently close to the limit to be considered significant, or
data from non-standard methods, orappropriate structure-activity relationships.

Animal studies
4.45

Positive results from appropriate animal tests are:in the case of an adjuvant type test method a response in at least 30% of
the animals tested is considered positive;
for any other test method a response in at least 15% of the animals is
considered positive.

36

Immunological contact urticaria
4.46

Some substances or preparations, which meet the criteria for R42 (paragraph 4.34),
may in addition cause immunological contact urticaria. In these cases, information
concerning contact urticaria should be included by the use of appropriate Safety
Phrases (S-phrases), usually S24 and S36/37, both on the label and in the Material
Safety Data Sheet. See Appendix 3 for definitions of these Safety Phrases.

4.47

For substances or preparations that produce signs of immunological contact urticaria
and do not fulfil the criteria for R42, consideration should be given to classification
with R43 (paragraph 4.42).

4.48

There is no recognised animal model available to identify substances that cause
immunological contact urticaria. Therefore, classification will normally be based onhuman evidence, which will be similar to that for skin sensitisation (R43).
Note: that if the symbol ‘Xn” and the indication of danger ‘harmful’ are assigned, thesymbol ‘Xi’ and the indication of danger ‘irritant’ are optional.

37

OTHER TOXICOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
4.49

Additional risk phrases shall be assigned, in accordance with the following criteria,
to substances and preparations classified by virtue of 4.9 to 4.48 above, and/or
Chapter 5, and Appendices 6 and 7.

R29

Contact with water liberates toxic gas
For substances and preparations which in contact with water or damp air, evolve very
toxic or toxic gases in potentially dangerous amounts, eg. aluminium phosphide,phosphorus pentasulphide.

R31

Contact with acids liberates toxic gas
For substances and preparations which react with acids to evolve toxic gases indangerous amounts, eg. sodium hypochlorite, barium polysulphide. For substancesused by members of the general public, the use of S50 (do not mix with ... (to be
specified by the manufacturer)) would be more suitable.

R32

Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas
For substances and preparations that react with acids to evolve very toxic gases indangerous amounts; eg. salts of hydrogen cyanide, sodium azide. For substancesused by members of the general public, the use of S50 (do not mix with ... (to be
specified by the manufacturer)) would be more suitable.

R33

Danger of cumulative effects
For substances and preparations when accumulation in the human body is likely andmay cause some concern which, however, is not sufficient to justify the use of R48.
For comments on the use of this R-phrase see paragraph 5.62.

R64

May cause harm to breastfed babies
For substances and preparations that are absorbed by women and may interfere withlactation or which may be present (including metabolites) in breast milk in amounts
sufficient to cause concern for the health of a breastfed child.
For comments on the use of this R-phrase see paragraphs 5.58 to 5.62.

38

R66

Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking
For substances and preparations that may cause concern as a result of skin dryness,flaking or cracking but which do not meet the criteria for R38 based on either:
practical observation after normal handling and use, or
relevant evidence concerning their predicted effects on the skin.

Note on the use of R66:
4.50

The criteria in this Approved Criteria are directly applicable when the data has beenobtained from test methods equivalent to those described in Annex V to EU
Directive 67/548/EEC. In other cases, the available data should be assessed bycomparing the test methods used with those in Annex V to Directive 67/548/EEC
and by applying the criteria herewith to determine the classification.

4.51

In some cases there may be doubt over the application of the relevant criteria,
especially where these require the use of expert judgement. In such cases the
manufacturer, distributor, or importer should provisionally classify and label thesubstance or preparation on the basis of an assessment of the evidence by acompetent person.

R67

Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizzinessFor volatile substances and preparations containing such substances that cause clear
symptoms of central nervous system depression by inhalation, and which are notalready classified with respect to acute inhalation toxicity (R20, R23, R26, R68/20,
R39/23 or R39/26).
The following evidence may be used:

4.52

(a)

Data from animal studies showing clear signs of CNS depression such as
narcotic effects, lethargy, lack of co-ordination (including loss of righting
reflex) and ataxia either:-at concentrations/exposure times not exceeding 20 mg/l/4h or,-

for which the ratio of the effect concentration at < 4 h to the saturated vapour
concentration (SVC) at 20ºC is < 1/10.

(b)

Practical experience in humans (eg. narcosis, drowsiness, reduced alertness,
loss of reflexes, lack of co-ordination, vertigo) from well documented reports
under comparable exposure conditions to the effects specified above foranimals.

For other supplementary risk phrases see Appendices 6 and 7.

39

Chapter 5
CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF SPECIFIC EFFECTS ON
HUMAN HEALTH
Introduction
5.1

This chapter sets out the procedure for the classification of substances that are
determined to be hazardous because of the following specific effects on humanhealth:carcinogenic effects,
mutagenic effects,
toxic to reproduction, fertility, and development.

5.2

If a manufacturer, distributor, or importer has information available, which indicatesthat a substance should be classified and labelled in accordance with the criteria
given in this chapter, he shall provisionally label the substance in accordance withthese criteria on the basis of the assessment of the evidence by a competent person.

5.3

Where the substance is not already included in NOHSC’s List of DesignatedHazardous Substances, and is not a composite material, mixture or formulation, thenthe manufacturer or importer has a duty to notify NOHSC of that determination (seeAppendix 5).

40

Criteria for classification, indication of danger, choice of risk phrases
CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES
5.4

For the purpose of classification and labelling, and having regard to the current stateof knowledge, such substances are divided into three categories:

Category 1
5.5

Substances known to be carcinogenic to man. There is sufficient evidence toestablish a causal association between human exposure to a substance and thedevelopment of cancer.

Category 2
5.6

Substances that should be regarded as if they are carcinogenic to man. There issufficient evidence to provide a strong presumption that human exposure to a
substance may result in the development of cancer, generally on the basis of:•appropriate long-term animal studies,•other relevant information.

Category 3
5.7

Substances that cause concern for man owing to possible carcinogenic effects but in
respect of which the available information is not adequate for making a satisfactoryassessment. There is some evidence from appropriate animal studies, but this is
insufficient to place the substance in Category 2.

5.8

The following symbols and specific risk phrases apply:

Categories 1 and 2:
5.9

Substances classified as carcinogenic category 1 or 2 shall be assigned the symbol'T' and the risk phrase:
R45 May cause cancer

5.10

However, substances and preparations which present a carcinogenic risk only when
inhaled, for example, as dust, vapour or fumes, (other routes of exposure eg. by
swallowing or in contact with skin do not present any carcinogenic risk), shall beassigned the symbol 'T' and the risk phrase
R49 May cause cancer by inhalation

41

Category 3:
5.11

Substances classified as carcinogenic category 3 shall be assigned the symbol 'Xn'
and the risk phrase
R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effectComments regarding the categorisation of carcinogenic substances.
5.12

The placing of a substance into Category 1 is done on the basis of epidemiological
data; placing into Categories 2 and 3 is based primarily on animal experiments.

5.13

For classification as a Category 2 carcinogen either positive results in two animal
species should be available or clear positive evidence in one species, together withsupporting evidence such as genotoxicity data, metabolic or biochemical studies,
induction of benign tumours, structural relationship with other known carcinogens,or data from epidemiological studies suggesting an association.

5.14

Category 3 actually comprises 2 sub-categories:

5.15

•

substances which are well investigated but for which the evidence of a tumourinducing effect is insufficient for classification in Category 2. Additional
experiments would not be expected to yield further relevant information withrespect to classification; and•substances that are insufficiently investigated. The available date are
inadequate, but they raise concern for man. This classification is provisional;
further experiments are necessary before a final decision can be made.

For a distinction between Categories 2 and 3 the arguments listed below are relevant.
These reduce the significance of experimental tumour induction in view of possible
human exposure. These arguments, especially in combination, would lead in mostcases to classification in Category 3, even though tumours have been induced inanimals:•

carcinogenic effects only at very high dose levels exceeding the 'maximum
tolerated dose'. The maximum tolerated dose is characterised by toxic effects
which, although not yet reducing lifespan, go along with physical changes suchas 10% retardation in weight gain;•

appearance of tumours, especially at high dose levels, only in particular organsof certain species known to be susceptible to a high spontaneous tumour
formation;•

appearance of tumours only at the site of application, in very sensitive test
systems (eg. intraperitoneal or subcutaneous application of certain locally
active compounds), if the particular target is not relevant to man;•lack of genotoxicity in short-term tests in vivo and in vitro;

42

5.16

•

existence of a secondary mechanism of action with the implication of apractical threshold above a certain dose level (eg. hormonal effects on target
organs or on mechanisms of physiological regulation, chronic stimulation ofcell proliferation);•existence of a species - specific mechanism of tumour formation (eg. by
specific metabolic pathways) irrelevant for man.

For a distinction between Category 3 and no classification, the following should betaken into consideration:•a substance should not be classified in any of the categories if the mechanismof experimental tumour formation is clearly identified, with good evidence that
this process cannot be extrapolated to man;•

if the only available tumour data are liver tumours in certain sensitive strains of
mice, without any other supplementary evidence, the substance may not beclassified in any of the categories;•

particular attention should be paid to cases where the only available tumour
data are the occurrence of neoplasms at sites and in strains where they are wellknown to occur spontaneously with a high incidence.

43

MUTAGENIC SUBSTANCES
5.17

For the purposes of classification and labelling, and having regard to the current stateof knowledge, such substances are divided into three categories:

Category 1
5.18

Substances known to be mutagenic to man.
There is sufficient evidence to establish a causal association between human
exposure to a substance and heritable genetic damage.

Category 2
5.19

Substances that should be regarded as if they are mutagenic to man.
There is sufficient evidence to provide a strong presumption that human exposure to
the substance may result in the development of heritable genetic damage, generally
on the basis of:••appropriate animal studies,other relevant information.

Category 3
5.20

Substances that cause concern for man owing to possible mutagenic effects.
There is evidence from appropriate mutagenicity studies, but this is insufficient toplace the substance in Category 2.

5.21

The following symbols and specific risk phrases apply:

Categories 1 and 2:
5.22

Substances classified as mutagenic category 1 or 2 shall be assigned the symbol 'T'
and the risk phrase
R46 May cause heritable genetic damage

Category 3:
5.23

Substances classified as mutagenic category 3 shall be assigned the symbol 'Xn' andthe risk phrase
R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects

44

Comments regarding the categorisation of mutagenic substances
Definition of terms:
5.24

A mutation is a permanent change in the amount or structure of the genetic material
in an organism, resulting in a change of the phenotypic characteristics of theorganism. The alterations may involve a single gene, a block of genes, or a wholechromosome. Effects involving single genes may be a consequence of effects on
single DNA bases (point mutations) or of large changes, including deletions, within
the gene. Effects on whole chromosomes may involve structural or numericalchanges. A mutation in the germ cells in sexually reproducing organisms may betransmitted to the offspring. A mutagen is an agent that gives rise to an enhanced
occurrence of mutations.

5.25

It should be noted that substances are classified as mutagens with specific reference
to inherited genetic damage. However, the type of results leading to classification ofchemicals in Category 3: ‘induction of genetically relevant events in somatic cells’,is generally also regarded as an alert for possible carcinogenic activity.

5.26

Method development for mutagenicity testing is an ongoing process. For many new
tests no standardised protocols and evaluation criteria are presently available. For theevaluation of mutagenicity data the quality of the test performance and the degree ofvalidation of the test method have to be considered.

Category 1
5.27

To place a substance in Category 1, positive evidence from human mutation
epidemiology studies will be needed. Examples of such substances are not known todate. It is recognised that it is extremely difficult to obtain reliable information fromstudies on the incidence of mutations in human populations, or on possible increases
in their frequencies.

Category 2
5.28

To place a substance in Category 2, positive results are needed from assays showing:(a)mutagenic effects;(b)other cellular interactions relevant to mutagenicity in germ cells of mammals in
vivo; or(c)mutagenic effects in somatic cells of mammals in vivo in combination withclear evidence that the substance or a relevant metabolite reaches the germ
cells.

45

5.29

With respect to placement in Category 2, at present the following methods areappropriate:
2 (a) in vivo germ cell mutagenicity assays:••

specific locus mutation test;
heritable translocation test;•

dominant lethal mutation test.

These assays actually demonstrate the appearance of affected progeny or adefect in the developing embryo.
2 (b) in vivo assays showing relevant interaction with germ cells (usually DNA):•

assays for chromosomal abnormalities, as detected by cytogenetic analysis,
including aneuploidy, caused by malsegregation of chromosomes,•

test for sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs),•

test for unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS),•

assay of (covalent) binding of mutagen to germ cell DNA,•

assaying other kinds of DNA damage.

These assays provide evidence of a more or less indirect nature. Positive resultsin these assays would normally be supported by positive results from in vivo
somatic cell mutagenicity assays in mammals or in man (see under Category 3,
preferably methods as under 3 (a)).
2 (c) in vivo assays showing mutagenic effects in somatic cells of mammals (seeunder 3 (a)), in combination with toxicokinetic methods, or othermethodologies capable of demonstrating that the compound or a relevant
metabolite reaches the germ cells.
5.30

For 2 (b) and 2 (c), positive results from host-mediated assays or the demonstrationof unequivocal effects in in vitro assays can be considered as supporting evidence.

46

Category 3
5.31

To place a substance in Category 3, positive results are needed in assays showing:(a)mutagenic effects, or(b)other cellular interactions relevant to mutagenicity in somatic cells in mammals
in vivo.

5.32

The latter especially would normally be supported by positive results from in vitro
mutagenicity assays.

5.33

For effects in somatic cells in vivo the following methods are presently appropriate:
3 (a)•in vivo somatic cell mutagenicity assays:- bone marrow micronucleus test or metaphase analysis;- metaphase analysis of peripheral lymphocytes;- mouse coat colour spot test.

3 (b)
•

in vivo somatic cell DNA interaction assays:- test for SCEs in somatic cells,- test for UDS in somatic cells,- assay for the (covalent) binding of mutagen to somatic cell DNA,- assay for DNA damage, eg. by alkaline elution, in somatic cells.

5.34

Substances showing positive results only in one or more in vitro mutagenicity assays
should normally not be classified. Their further investigation using in vivo assays,
however, is strongly indicated. In exceptional cases, eg. for a substance showing
pronounced responses in several in vitro assays, for which no relevant in vivo data
are available, and which shows resemblance to known mutagens/carcinogens,classification in Category 3 could be considered.

47

SUBSTANCES TOXIC TO REPRODUCTION
5.35

For the purposes of classification and labeling and having regard to the present stateof knowledge, such substances are divided into 3 categories:

Category 1
Substances known to impair fertility in humans
5.36

There is sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between human
exposure to the substance and impaired fertility.

Substances known to cause developmental toxicity in humans
5.37

There is sufficient evidence to establish a causal relationship between human
exposure to the substance and subsequent developmental toxic effects in the progeny.

Category 2
Substances that should be regarded as if they impair fertility in humans
5.38

There is sufficient evidence to provide a strong presumption that human exposure to
the substance may result in impaired fertility on the basis of:•clear evidence in animal studies of impaired fertility in the absence of toxic
effects, or, evidence of impaired fertility occurring at around the same doselevels as other toxic effects but which is not a secondary non-specificconsequence of the other toxic effects;•

other relevant information.

Substances that should be regarded as if they cause developmental toxicity to humans
5.39

There is sufficient evidence to provide a strong presumption that human exposure to
the substance may result in developmental toxicity, generally on the basis of:•clear results in appropriate animal studies where effects have been observed in
the absence of signs of marked maternal toxicity, or at around the same doselevels as other toxic effects but which are not a secondary non-specificconsequence of the other toxic effects;•

other relevant information.

48

Category 3(i)Substances that cause concern for human fertility

5.40

Generally on the basis of:•results in appropriate animal studies that provide sufficient evidence to cause astrong suspicion of impaired fertility in the absence of toxic effects, orevidence of impaired fertility occurring at around the same dose levels as othertoxic effects, but which is not a secondary non-specific consequence of theother toxic effects, but where the evidence is insufficient to place the substancein Category 2;•other relevant information.

(ii)

Substances that cause concern for humans owing to possible developmental toxic
effects

5.41

Generally on the basis of:

5.42

•

results in appropriate animal studies that provide sufficient evidence to cause astrong suspicion of developmental toxicity in the absence of signs of marked
maternal toxicity, or at around the same dose levels as other toxic effects but
which are not a secondary non-specific consequence of the other toxic effects,
but where the evidence is insufficient to place the substance in Category 2,•other relevant information.

The following symbols and specific risk phrases apply:

Category 1:
5.43
(i)

for substances that impair fertility in humans:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 1 shall be assigned thesymbol 'T' and the risk phrase
R60 May impair fertility(ii)

for substances that cause developmental toxicity:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 1 shall be assigned thesymbol 'T' and the risk phrase
R61 May cause harm to the unborn child49

Category 2:
5.44
(i)

for substances that should be regarded as if they impair fertility in humans:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 2 shall be assigned thesymbol 'T' and the risk phrase
R60 May impair fertility(ii)

for substances that should be regarded as if they cause developmental toxicity
in humans:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 2 shall be assigned thesymbol 'T' and the risk phrase
R61 May cause harm to the unborn child.

Category 3:
5.45
(i)

for substances which cause concern for human fertility:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 3 shall be assigned thesymbol 'Xn' and the risk phrase
R62 Possible risk of impaired fertility(ii)

for substances which cause concern for humans owing to possible
developmental toxic effects:
Substances classified as toxic to reproduction category 3 shall be assigned thesymbol 'Xn' and the risk phrase
R63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.

50

Comments regarding the categorisation of substances toxic to reproduction
5.46

Reproductive toxicity includes impairment of male and female reproductivefunctions or capacity and the induction of non-inheritable harmful effects on theprogeny. This may be classified under two main headings of:1.

Effects on male or female fertility;

2.

Developmental toxicity.

5.47

Effects on male or female fertility include adverse effects on libido, sexual
behaviour, any aspect of spermatogenesis or oogenesis, or on hormonal activity or
physiological response which would interfere with the capacity to fertilise,
fertilisation itself or the development of the fertilised ovum up to and including
implantation.

5.48

Developmental toxicity is taken in its widest sense to include any effect interferingwith normal development, both before and after birth. It includes effects induced or
manifested prenatally as well as those manifested postnatally. This includes
embryotoxic/foetotoxic effects such as reduced body weight, growth anddevelopmental retardation, organ toxicity, death, abortion, structural defects(teratogenic effects), functional defects, peri-postnatal defects, and impaired
postnatal mental or physical development up to and including normal pubertal
development.

5.49

Classification of chemicals as toxic to reproduction is intended to be used forchemicals that have an intrinsic or specific property to produce such toxic effects.
Chemicals should not be classified as toxic to reproduction where such effects aresolely produced as a non-specific secondary consequence of other toxic effects.
Chemicals of most concern are those that are toxic to reproduction at exposure levels
that do not produce other signs of toxicity.

5.50

The placing of a compound in Category 1 for effects on fertility and/or
developmental toxicity is done on the basis of epidemiological data. Placing into
Categories 2 or 3 is done primarily on the basis of animal data. Data from in vitro
studies, or studies on avian eggs, are regarded as 'supportive evidence' and would
only exceptionally lead to classification in the absence of in vivo data.

5.51

In common with most other types of toxic effect, substances demonstrating
reproductive toxicity will be expected to have a threshold below which adverse
effects would not be demonstrated. Even when clear effects have been demonstrated
in animal studies the relevance for humans may be doubtful because of the doses
administered, for example, where effects have been demonstrated only at high doses,
or where marked toxicokinetic differences exist, or the route of administration isinappropriate. For these or similar reasons it may be that classification in Category 3,
or even no classification, will be warranted.

51

5.52

If a dose level of at least 1000 mg/kg orally produces no evidence of effects toxic toreproduction, studies at other dose levels may not be considered necessary. If data
are available from studies carried out with doses higher than the above limit dose,
this data must be evaluated together with other relevant data. Under normal
circumstances it is considered that effects seen only at doses in excess of the limit
dose would not necessarily lead to classification as ‘Toxic to reproduction’.

Effects on fertility
5.53

For the classification of a substance into Category 2 for impaired fertility, there
should normally be clear evidence in one animal species, with supporting evidence
on mechanism of action or site of action, or chemical relationship to other known
anti-fertility agents or other information from humans which would lead to theconclusion that effects would be likely to be seen in humans. Where there are studies
in only one species without other relevant supporting evidence then classification in
Category 3 may be appropriate.

5.54

Since impaired fertility may occur as a non-specific accompaniment to severe
generalised toxicity or where there is severe inanition, classification into Category 2
should only be made where there is evidence that there is some degree of specificity
of toxicity for the reproductive system. If it was demonstrated that impaired fertility
in animal studies was due to failure to mate, then for classification into Category 2 itwould normally be necessary to have evidence on the mechanism of action in order
to interpret whether any adverse effect such as alteration in pattern of hormonal
release would be likely to occur in humans.

Developmental toxicity
5.55

For classification into Category 2 there should be clear evidence of adverse effects inwell conducted studies in one or more species. Since adverse effects in pregnancy or
postnatally may result as a secondary consequence of maternal toxicity, reduced foodor water intake, maternal stress, lack of maternal care, specific dietary deficiencies,
poor animal husbandry, intercurrent infections, and so on, it is important that theeffects observed should occur in well conducted studies and at dose levels which are
not associated with marked maternal toxicity. The route of exposure is also
important. In particular, the injection of irritant material intraperitoneally may resultin local damage to the uterus and its contents, and the results of such studies must be
interpreted with caution and on their own would not normally lead to classification.

5.56

Classification into Category 3 is based on similar criteria as for Category 2 but may
be used where the experimental design has deficiencies that make the conclusions
less convincing, or where the possibility that the effects may have been due to nonspecific influences such as generalised toxicity cannot be excluded.

52

5.57

In general, classification in Category 3 or no category would be assigned on an ad
hoc basis where the only effects recorded are small changes in the incidences of
spontaneous defects, small changes in the proportions of common variants such as
are observed in skeletal examinations, or small differences in postnatal
developmental assessments.

Effects during lactation
5.58

Substances classified as toxic to reproduction and which also cause concern due totheir effects on lactation should in addition be labelled with R64 (see paragraph4.49).

5.59

For the purpose of classification, toxic effects on offspring resulting only fromexposure via the breast milk, or toxic effects resulting from direct exposure ofchildren, will not be regarded as ‘Toxic to reproduction’, unless such effects result in
impaired development of the offspring.

5.60

Substances which are not classified as toxic to reproduction but which cause concern
due to toxicity when transferred to the baby during the period of lactation should belabelled with R64. This risk phrase may also be appropriate for substances that affect
the quantity or quality of the milk.

5.61

R64 would normally be assigned on the basis of:
toxicokinetic studies that would indicate the likelihood that the substancewould be present in potentially toxic levels in breast milk, and/oron the basis of results of one or two generation studies in animals whichindicate the presence of adverse effects on the offspring due to transfer in themilk, and/oron the basis of evidence in humans indicating a risk to babies during thelactational period.

5.62

Substances which are known to accumulate in the body and which subsequently may
be released into milk during lactation may be labelled with R33 and R64.

53

LIST OF RISK PHRASES
R1

Explosive when dry

R2

Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition

R3

Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition

R4

Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds

R5

Heating may cause an explosion

R6

Explosive with or without contact with air

R7

May cause fire

R8

Contact with combustible material may cause fire

R9

Explosive when mixed with combustible material

R10

Flammable

R11

Highly flammable

R12

Extremely flammable

R14

Reacts violently with water

R15

Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases

R16

Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances

R17

Spontaneously flammable in air

R18

In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture

R19

May form explosive peroxides

R20

Harmful by inhalation

R21

Harmful in contact with skin

R22

Harmful if swallowed

R23

Toxic by inhalation

R24

Toxic in contact with skin

R25

Toxic if swallowed

R26

Very toxic by inhalation

R27

Very toxic in contact with skin

R28

Very toxic if swallowed

R29

Contact with water liberates toxic gas

R30

Can become highly flammable in use

R31

Contact with acid liberates toxic gas

R32

Contact with acid liberates very toxic gas

R33

Danger of cumulative effects

R34

Causes burns

54

R35

Causes severe burns

R36

Irritating to eyes

R37

Irritating to respiratory system

R38

Irritating to skin

R39

Danger of very serious irreversible effects

R40

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect (See R68 for previous description applied
to R40)

R41

Risk of serious eye damage

R42

May cause sensitisation by inhalation

R43

May cause sensitisation by skin contact

R44

Risk of explosion if heated under confinement

R45

May cause cancer

R46

May cause heritable genetic damage

R48

Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

R49

May cause cancer by inhalation

R50

Very toxic to aquatic organisms

R51

Toxic to aquatic organisms

R52

Harmful to aquatic organisms

R53

May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

R54

Toxic to flora

R55

Toxic to fauna

R56

Toxic to soil organisms

R57

Toxic to bees

R58

May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment

R59

Dangerous for the ozone layer

R60

May impair fertility

R61

May cause harm to the unborn child

R62

Possible risk of impaired fertility

R63

Possible risk of harm to the unborn child

R64

May cause harm to breastfed babies

R65

Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed

R66

Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking

R67

Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

R68

Possible risk of irreversible effects (previously this description was R40)

55

CHAPTER 6
CONCENTRATION LIMITS TO BE USED IN THE EVALUATION OF
HEALTH HAZARDS
6.1

Concentration cut-off levels are used to determine whether or not a mixture or
preparation is hazardous on the basis of its ingredients, and to classify the mixture on
the basis of its health effects. The concentration cut-off levels are designed toprovide a practical level of protection and information provision, but should not be
used to imply that an effect cannot occur below that level.

6.2

Mixtures are hazardous if any ingredient meets any of the health effects criteria ofChapters 4 and 5, and is present at a concentration above the minimum concentration
cut-off level for that ingredient, as shown in Tables 1 to 14 (see also Paragraphs
3.17-3.28).

6.3

For the purposes of classification, health effects are subdivided into:•

acute lethal effects (R20-28);•

non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure (R39, R68);•

severe effects after repeated or prolonged exposure (R48);•

cumulative effects (R33);•

corrosive effects (R34, R35);•

irritant effects (R36, R37, R38, R41);•

sensitising effects (R42, R43);•

carcinogenic effects (R40, R45, R49);•

mutagenic effects (R46);•

reproductive effects (R60-64); and,•other toxicological effects (R65-R67).

6.4

A substance may have more than one health effect.

6.5

Unless a mixture has been tested and hence classified as a whole, the mixture isassessed by consideration of the health effects of each ingredient in the mixture, andclassified according to the concentrations of each hazardous ingredient in the
mixture.

6.6

Tables 1 to 14 are provided for determining whether an ingredient in a mixture
exceeds its concentration cut-off level and, if so, the hazard classification of the
mixture. The concentration cut-off levels from the Tables are used in the absence ofspecific concentration limits for the substance under consideration in the List.

56

6.7

For example, a mixture that contains an ingredient hazardous to health on the basis of
its acute lethal effects may be classified as Very Toxic, Toxic or Harmful dependingon the concentration of the hazardous substance contained therein (see Table 2).

6.8

Tables are provided for both solid and liquid mixtures, and for gaseous mixtures. For
solid and liquid mixtures, concentrations are expressed on a weight/weight (w/w)
basis. For gaseous mixtures, concentrations are on a volume/volume (v/v) basis.

6.9

To read the tables:•

identify the ingredient classification in the left-hand vertical column of thetable, titled ‘Classification of the Ingredient’;•compare the concentration of the ingredient in the mixture with theconcentration cut-off levels listed in the table for the ingredient classification;
and•determine the mixture classification by reading the column heading for theconcentration range matching the ingredient concentration in the mixture.

6.10

The hazardous ingredients of mixtures have risk phrases that are based on theirhealth effects. Use of the tables in this chapter enables appropriate risk phrases to be
selected for mixtures.

6.11

For example, a mixture with 15% of an ingredient classified as Toxic on the basis of
its health effects, is classified as Harmful with risk phrases of R20, R21 or R22 (seeTable 2).

6.12

Appropriate risk phrases for substances that are hazardous on the basis of their healtheffects are listed in Appendix 3.

6.13

In some instances, the hazard classification of a mixture may be different to thehazard classifications of the individual ingredients.

6.14

For example, a mixture containing a Corrosive ingredient (risk phrase R35) at 3%w/w will be classified as Irritant (risk phrases R36 or R38) (see Table 8).

6.15

Tables 1 to 14 have been adapted from Directive 1999/45/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 1999, (as amended by Commission
Directive 2001/60/EC of 7 August 2001) concerning the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to theclassification, packaging and labelling of preparations.

57

Lower limits of concentration
6.16

Mixtures containing substances classified as hazardous on the basis of their healthand/or environmental effects, whether they are present as impurities or additives,
shall be taken into consideration when their concentrations are equal to or greaterthan those defined in Table 1, unless lower concentration cut-off values are given ineither the List or in subsequent Tables in this chapter.

Table 1Category of danger of thesubstance

Concentration to take into consideration forgaseous mixtures% vol/volother preparations% w/w

Very toxic≥ 0.02

≥ 0.1

Toxic

≥ 0.02≥ 0.1≥ 0.02≥ 0.1≥ 0.02≥ 0.1≥ 0.02≥ 0.1

Harmful≥ 0.2≥1

Corrosive≥ 0.02≥1

Irritant

≥ 0.2

≥1

Sensitising

≥ 0.2

≥1

Carcinogenic, Category 3

≥ 0.2

≥1

Mutagenic, Category 3

≥ 0.2

≥1

Toxic for reproduction,
Category 3

≥ 0.2

≥1

Carcinogenic,
Category 1 or 2
Mutagenic,
Category 1 or 2
Toxic for reproduction,
Category 1 or 2

Dangerous for theenvironment, N
Dangerous for theenvironment, ozone

≥ 0.1
≥ 0.1

Dangerous for theenvironment

≥ 0.1
≥1

58

ACUTE LETHAL EFFECTS
6.17

The concentration limits in Tables 2 and 3 determine the classification of the mixture
in relation to the individual concentration of the substance(s) present whoseclassification is shown.

6.18

In general, the Risk phrases to be assigned to the mixture will be those applicable tothe substance(s) present in the concentration that gives rise to the most severeclassification.

Table 2

Solid and liquid mixtures (includes aerosols and particulates)

INGREDIENT CLASSIFICATION(start)-MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)
Very Toxic (T+)(R26, R27, R28)

Toxic (T)(R23, R24, R25)

Harmful (Xn)
(R20, R21, R22)

conc ≥ 7%

1% ≤ conc < 7%

0.1% ≤ conc < 1%conc ≥ 25%

3% ≤ conc < 25%

Very Toxic (T+)(R26, R27, R28)
Toxic (T)(R23, R24, R25)
Harmful (Xn)conc ≥ 25%(R20, R21, R22)

Concentrations are in % w/w.

Table 3

Gas and Vapour Mixtures

INGREDIENT CLASSIFICATION(start)Very Toxic (T+)(R26, R27, R28)
Toxic (T)(R23, R24, R25)
Harmful (Xn)
(R20, R21, R22)MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)
Very Toxic (T+)(R26, R27, R28)

Toxic (T)(R23, R24, R25)

Harmful (Xn)
(R20, R21, R22)

conc ≥ 1%

0.2% ≤ conc < 1%

0.02% ≤ conc < 0.2%

conc ≥ 5%

0.5% ≤ conc < 5%conc ≥ 5%

Concentrations are in % v/v.

59

NON-LETHAL IRREVERSIBLE EFFECTS AFTER A SINGLEEXPOSURE
6.19

Table 4For substances that produce non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure(R39/route of exposure, R68/route of exposure), the individual concentration limits
specified in Tables 4 and 5 determine, when appropriate, the classification of the
mixture.
Solid and liquid mixtures

INGREDIENT -MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)

CLASSIFICATION(start)Very Toxic (T+)(with R39/route of
exposure)
Toxic (T)(with R39/route of
exposure)Harmful (Xn)(with R68/route of
exposure)

Very Toxic (T+)
R39 (*)1

Toxic (T)R39 (*)2

Harmful (Xn)
R68 (*)3

conc ≥ 10%

1% ≤ conc < 10%0.1% ≤ conc < 1%conc ≥ 10%

1% ≤ conc < 10%conc ≥ 10%

Concentrations are in % w/w.

(*) To indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the combination risk phrases
listed below should be used.
Very Toxic (T+)1
R39/26, R39/27, R39/28,
R39/26/27, R39/26/28,
R39/27/28
R39/26/27/28

Toxic (T)2
R39/23, R39/24, R39/25
R39/23/24, R39/23/25,
R39/24/25
R39/23/24/25

60

Harmful (Xn)3
R68/20, R68/21, R68/22
R68/20/21, R68/20/22,
R68/21/22
R68/20/21/22

Table 5

Gaseous mixtures

INGREDIENT -MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)

CLASSIFICATION(start)Very Toxic (T+)(with R39/route of
exposure)
Toxic (T)(with R39/route of
exposure)Harmful (Xn)(with R68/route of
exposure)

Very Toxic (T+)
R39 (*)1

Toxic (T)R39 (*)2

Harmful (Xn)
R68 (*)3

conc ≥ 1%

0.2% ≤ conc < 1%

0.02% ≤ conc < 0.2%

conc ≥ 5%

0.5% ≤ conc < 5%conc ≥ 5%

Concentrations are in % v/v.

(*)

To indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the combination risk phrases
listed below should be used.

Very Toxic (T+)1
R39/26, R39/27, R39/28,
R39/26/27, R39/26/28,
R39/27/28
R39/26/27/28

Toxic (T)2
R39/23, R39/24, R39/25
R39/23/24, R39/23/25,
R39/24/25
R39/23/24/25

61

Harmful (Xn)3
R68/20, R68/21, R68/22
R68/20/21, R68/20/22,
R68/21/22
R68/20/21/22

SEVERE EFFECTS AFTER REPEATED OR PROLONGEDEXPOSURE
6.20

For substances that produce severe effects after repeated or prolonged exposure(R48/ route of exposure), the individual concentration limits specified in Tables 6
and 7 determine, when appropriate, the classification of the mixture.

Table 6

Solid and liquid mixtures

INGREDIENT -MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)

CLASSIFICATION(start)Toxic (T)(with R48/route of
exposure)Harmful (Xn)(with R48/route of
exposure)

Toxic (T)R48 (*)1

Harmful (Xn)
R48 (*)2

concentration ≥ 10%

1% ≤ conc < 10%
concentration ≥ 10%

Concentrations are in % w/w.

(*)

To indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the combination risk phrases
listed below should be used.
Toxic (T)1
R48/23, R48/24, R48/25
R48/23/24, R48/23/25,
R48/24/25
R48/23/24/25

Harmful (Xn)2
R48/20, R48/21, R48/22
R48/20/21, R48/20/22,
R48/21/22
R48/20/21/22

62

Table 7

Gaseous mixtures

INGREDIENT -MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)

CLASSIFICATION(start)Toxic (T)(with R48/route of
exposure)Harmful (Xn)(with R48/route of
exposure)

Toxic (T)R48 (*)1

Harmful (Xn)
R48 (*)2

concentration ≥ 5%

0.5% ≤ conc < 5%concentration ≥ 5%

Concentrations are in % v/v.

(*)

To indicate the route of administration/exposure one of the combination risk phrases
listed below should be used.
Toxic (T)1
R48/23, R48/24, R48/25
R48/23/24, R48/23/25, R48/24/25
R48/23/24/25

Harmful (Xn)2
R48/20, R48/21, R48/22
R48/20/21, R48/20/22, R48/21/22
R48/20/21/22

63

CORROSIVE AND IRRITANT EFFECTS INCLUDING SERIOUS
DAMAGE TO THE EYE
6.21

For substances that produce corrosive effects (R34, R35) or irritant effects (R36,
R37, R38, R41), the individual concentration limits specified in Tables 8 and 9
determine, when appropriate, the classification of the mixture.

Table 8

Solid and liquid mixtures

INGREDIENT-MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)

CLASSIFICATION(start)-C with R35

Corrosive (C)(with R35)

≥ 10%

Irritant Xi with
R41

C with R34
5% ≤ conc < 10%

5%(*)

conc ≥ 10%

10%(*)

Corrosive (C)(with R34)
Irritant (Xi)conc ≥ 10%(with R41)

Irritant Xi with R36,
R37, R38
1% ≤ conc < 5%
R36/38 obligatory
5% ≤ conc < 10%
R36/38 obligatory
5% ≤ conc < 10%
R36 obligatory

Irritant (Xi)conc ≥ 20%(with R36, R37, R38)

R36, R37, R38
obligatory

Concentrations are in w/w%(*)

Corrosive ingredients assigned risk phrases R35 or R34 should be considered as
assigned risk phrase R41, that is, capable of causing serious eye damage.
Consequently, if the mixture contains corrosive substances with R35 or R34 below
the concentration cut off levels for a classification of the mixture as corrosive, suchingredients can contribute to a classification of the mixture as irritant (R41) orirritant (R36).
Therefore, when the formulae for classifying mixtures at paragraphs 7.28 and 7.32 of
Chapter 7 are applied the following concentration cut-off levels should be used:

Formula at 7.28
The concentration cut off levels to be usedfor
LXi.R41 in the formula are:

Formula at 7.32
The concentration cut off levels to be usedfor
L Xi.R36 in the formula are:10% for ingredients Xi.R41
10% for ingredients C.R34
5% for ingredients C.R35

20% for ingredients Xi.R36
5% for ingredients Xi.R41
5% for ingredients C.R34
1% for ingredients C.R35

64

Note: Simple application of the conventional method to preparations containing
substances classified as corrosive or irritant may result in under-classification or overclassification of the hazard, if other relevant factors (eg. pH of the preparation) are nottaken into account. Therefore, in classifying for corrosivity, consider the advice given inparagraphs 4.23 to 4.25, and effects such as potentiation that would under-estimate thetoxicological hazard, and antagonism that would over-estimate the toxicological hazard.
Potentiation and antagonistic effects shall be taken into account in classifying the
preparation.

65

Table 9Gaseous mixtures

INGREDIENTCLASSIFICATION(start)Corrosive (C)(with R35)
Corrosive (C)(with R34)MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)
C with R35

C with R34

Xi with R41

conc ≥ 1%
R35 obligatory

0.2% ≤ conc < 1%
R34 obligatory
conc ≥ 5%
R34 obligatory

0.2%(*)
5%(*)
conc ≥ 5%
R41
obligatory

Irritant (Xi)(with R41)

Xi with R36, R37,
R38
0.02% ≤ conc < 0.2%
R36/37/38 obligatory
0.5% ≤ conc < 5%
R36/37/38 obligatory
0.5% ≤ conc < 5%
R36 obligatory
conc ≥ 5%
R36, R37, R38
obligatory as
appropriate

Irritant (Xi)(with R36, R37,
R38)
Concentrations are in v/v%(*)

Corrosive ingredients assigned risk phrases R35 or R34 must also be considered as
being assigned risk phrase R41 (i.e. capable of causing serious eye damage).
Consequently, if the mixture contains corrosive ingredients with R35 or R34 below
the concentration cut-off level for a classification of the mixture as corrosive, suchingredients can contribute to a classification of the mixture as irritant with R41 or
irritant with R36.
Therefore when the formulae for classifying mixtures at paragraphs 7.28 and 7.32 of
Chapter 7 are applied the following concentration cut off levels should be used:

Formula at 7.28:
The concentration cut-off levels to be usedfor LXi R41 in the formula are:

Formula at 7.32:
The concentration cut-off levels to be usedfor LXi R36 in the formula are:5% for the ingredients Xi R41
5% for the ingredients C R34
0.2% for the ingredients C R35

5% for the ingredients Xi R36
0.5% for the ingredients Xi R41
0.5% for the ingredients C R34
0.02% for the ingredients C R35

Note: Simple application of the conventional method to preparations containing
substances classified as corrosive or irritant may result in under-classification or overclassification of the hazard, if other relevant factors (eg. pH of the preparation) are nottaken into account. Therefore, in classifying for corrosivity, consider the advice given inparagraphs 4.23 to 4.25, and effects such as potentiation that would under-estimate thetoxicological hazard, and antagonism that would over-estimate the toxicological hazard.
Potentiation and antagonistic effects shall be taken into account in classifying the
preparation.

66

SENSITISING EFFECTS
6.22

6.23

Preparations that produce such effects are classified as sensitising and assigned:•

the symbol Xn and phrase R42 if this effect can be produced by inhalation,•

the symbol Xi and phrase R43 if this effect can be produced through contact
with the skin.

The individual concentration limits specified in Tables 10 and 11 determine, whenappropriate, the classification of the mixture.

Table 10

Solid and liquid mixtures

INGREDIENTCLASSIFICATION (start)-

Sensitising with R42

MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)Sensitising with R42
Sensitising with R43
(Xn)
(Xi)
concentration ≥ 1%
R42 obligatory
concentration ≥ 1%
R43 obligatory

Sensitising with R43

Concentrations are in % w/w.

Table 11

Gaseous mixtures

INGREDIENTCLASSIFICATION (start)-

Sensitising with R42

MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)Sensitising with R42
Sensitising with R43
(Xn)
(Xi)
concentration ≥ 0.2%
R42 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.2%
R43 obligatory

Sensitising with R43

Concentrations are in % v/v.

67

CARCINOGENIC / MUTAGENIC / TOXIC EFFECTS FORREPRODUCTION(i)

Solid and liquid mixtures.

6.24

For substances that produce such effects, the concentration limits laid down in Table
12, expressed as a weight/weight percentage, shall determine, where appropriate, theclassification of the mixture. The following symbol and risk phrases are assigned:
Carcinogenic categories 1 and 2:
Carcinogenic category 3:
Mutagenic categories 1 and 2:
Mutagenic category 3:
Toxic for reproduction fertility categories 1 and 2:
Toxic for reproduction development categories 1 and 2:
Toxic for reproduction fertility category 3:
Toxic for reproduction development category 3:

T; R45 or R49
Xn; R40
T; R46
Xn; R68
T; R60T; R61
Xn; R62
Xn; R63

Table 12Classification of thesubstance (start ↓ )carcinogenic substancesof category 1 or 2 with
R45 or R49
carcinogenic substancesof category 3 with R40
mutagenic substances ofcategory 1 or 2 with R46
mutagenic substances ofcategory 3 with R68
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
1 or 2 with R60 (fertility)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
3 with R62 (fertility)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
1 or 2 with R61(development)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
3 with R63 (development)

CLASSIFICATION OF THE MIXTURE (RESULT)
Categories 1 and 2
Category 3
concentration ≥ 0.1%
carcinogenic R45, R49
obligatory as appropriate
concentration ≥ 1%
carcinogenic
R40 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.1%
mutagenic
R46 obligatory
concentration ≥ 1%
mutagenic
R68 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.5% toxic
for reproduction (fertility)
R60 obligatory
concentration ≥ 5% toxic
for reproduction (fertility)
R62 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.5% toxic
for reproduction(development)
R61 obligatory
concentration ≥ 5% toxic
for reproduction(development)
R63 obligatory

68

(ii)

Gaseous mixtures.

6.25

For gases that produce such effects, the concentration limits laid down in Table 13,
expressed as a volume/volume percentage, shall determine, where appropriate, theclassification of the mixture. The following symbol and risk phrases are assigned:
Carcinogenic categories 1 and 2:

T; R45 or R49

Carcinogenic category 3:

Xn; R40

Mutagenic categories 1 and 2:

T; R46

Mutagenic category 3:

Xn; R68

Toxic for reproduction fertility categories 1 and 2:

T; R60

Toxic for reproduction development categories 1 and 2:

T; R61

Toxic for reproduction fertility category 3:

Xn; R62

Toxic for reproduction development category 3:

Xn; R63

Table 13Classification of thesubstance (start ↓ )carcinogenic substancesof category 1 or 2 with
R45 or R49
carcinogenic substancesof category 3 with R40
mutagenic substances ofcategory 1 or 2 with R46
mutagenic substances ofcategory 3 with R68
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
1 or 2 with R60 (fertility)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
3 with R62 (fertility)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
1 or 2 with R61(development)
substances ‘toxic for
reproduction’ of category
3 with R63 (development)

CLASSIFICATION OF THE MIXTURE (RESULT)
Categories 1 and 2
Category 3
concentration ≥ 0.1%
carcinogenic R45, R49
obligatory as appropriate
concentration ≥ 1%
carcinogenic
R40 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.1%
mutagenic
R46 obligatory
concentration ≥ 1%
mutagenic
R68 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.2% toxic
for reproduction (fertility)
R60 obligatory
concentration ≥ 1% toxic
for reproduction (fertility)
R62 obligatory
concentration ≥ 0.2% toxic
for reproduction(development)
R61 obligatory
concentration ≥ 1% toxic
for reproduction(development)
R63 obligatory

69

OTHER TOXICOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Table 14

Solid, liquid and gaseous mixtures

INGREDIENTCLASSIFICATION (start)-

MIXTURE –CLASSIFICATION (result)Harmful (Xn)R33

concentration ≥ 1% R33

R64

concentration ≥ 1% R64

R65

concentration ≥ 10.0% R65

Concentrations are in % w/w for solids and liquids and %v/v for gases.

70

CHAPTER 7

METHODS FOR THE EVALUATION OF HEALTH HAZARDS OFMIXTURES
Introduction
7.1

7.2

7.3

An assessment must be made for all the health effects corresponding to the healtheffects of substances contained in a mixture. This chapter details a method which isapplicable to all preparations and mixtures, and which takes into consideration all thehealth hazards of substances contained in the mixture. For that purpose the adverse
health effects have been subdivided into:1.

acute lethal effects;

2.

non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure;3.

severe effects after repeated or prolonged exposure;4.

corrosive effects,

5.

irritant effects;

6.

sensitising effects;

7.

carcinogenic effects, mutagenic effects, toxic effects for reproduction.

The health effects of a preparation are to be assessed using individual concentration
limits:(a)where the ingredients of a mixture are listed in the List of DesignatedHazardous Substances (the List), and are assigned concentration limits
necessary for the application of the method of assessment described in thischapter, these concentration limits must be used;(b)

where the ingredients of the mixture do not appear in the List or appear there
without concentration limits, the concentration limits must be assigned inaccordance with the specifications in Chapter 6 of the Approved Criteria.

The classification of the substance(s) and the resulting classification of the
preparation are expressed:•

either by a symbol and one or more risk phrases, or•by categories (category 1, category 2 or category 3) also assigned risk phrases
when substances and preparations are shown to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or
toxic for reproduction. Therefore it is important to consider, in addition to thesymbol, all the phrases denoting specific risks, which are assigned to each
substance under consideration.

71

7.4

The systematic assessment of all the adverse health effects is expressed by means ofconcentration limits expressed as a weight/weight percentage, except for gaseous
preparations where they are expressed as a volume/volume percentage, and in
conjunction with the classification of the substance.

7.5

Where they are not given in the List the concentration limits to be taken into accountare those set out in Chapter 6 of the Approved Criteria.

Procedure for evaluation of health hazards.
7.6

The following formulae provide a safeguard, as substances with similar health effects
can produce an additive effect greater than would be suggested by their individual
concentrations.

7.7

For calculating the additive effects of hazardous ingredients in mixtures in order todetermine the hazard classification of the mixture, the following procedure is used:(i)identify the ingredient classification in the first column of the appropriate table
in Chapter 6.

(ii)check to see if two or more ingredients are classified with very toxic, toxic,
harmful, corrosive or irritant, sensitizing, carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic toreproduction effects.

(iii) for each type of health effect use the formulae listed below to classify the
mixture, beginning with the most severe classification for each health effect.
For example, determine whether the mixture is Very Toxic (T+) before
determining whether it is Toxic (T).
(iv) for each denominator in the equation select the concentration cut-off level forthe ingredient that is appropriate for the mixture classification.
For example, in the case of a Very Toxic (T+) ingredient, the concentration cutoff level (Table 2) is 7% for a Very Toxic (T+) mixture, 1% for a Toxic
mixture, and 0.1% for a Harmful mixture.
(v)

Where a concentration range is indicated in Chapter 6, use the lowest
concentration cut-off level as the denominator in the equation.
For example, use 3% if the range shown in Table 2 is 3% ≤ conc < 25%.

72

ACUTE LETHAL EFFECTS
7.8

Lethality resulting from different routes of exposure is considered to be additive forthe purpose of applying the following formulae. The appropriate combination risk
phrase is then applied to the mixture.

Very toxic (T+) mixtures with R26, R27, R28.
7.9

The following preparations are to be classified as very toxic:

7.10

Owing to their acute lethal effects and assigned the symbol T+, the indication ofdanger ‘very toxic’, and the risk phrases R26, R27 or R28;
(i)

(ii)

preparations containing one or more substances classified as very toxic that
produce such effects in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 2 or 3 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits;

preparations containing more than one substance classified as very toxic inlower individual concentrations than the limits specified under (i)(a) or (b) if:Σ( )≥1PT+
LT+

where:
PT+ = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each very toxic substancein the preparation,
LT+ = is the very toxic limit specified for each very toxic substance, expressed
as a percentage by weight or by volume;

73

7.11

owing to their non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure and assigned
the symbol T+, the indication of danger ‘very toxic’, and the risk phrase R39/routeof exposure.
(i)

preparations containing at least one substance that produces such effects inindividual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 4 or 5 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits.

Toxic (T) mixtures with R23, R24, R25
7.12

The following preparations shall be classified as toxic:

7.13

owing to their acute lethal effects and assigned the symbol T, the indication ofdanger ‘toxic’, and the risk phrases R23, R24 or R25;
(i)

(ii)

preparations containing one or more substances classified as very toxic or toxic
that produce such effects in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 2 or 3 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits;

preparations containing more than one substance classified as very toxic or
toxic in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under (i)(a) or(b) if:Σ( + )≥1
PT+

PT

LT

LT

where:
PT+ = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each very toxic substancein the preparation,
PT =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each toxic substance in the
preparation,LT =is the respective toxic limit specified for each very toxic or toxic
substance, expressed as a percentage by weight or by volume;

74

7.14

owing to their non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure and assigned
the symbol T, the indication of danger ‘toxic’, and the risk phrase R39/route of
exposure.
(i)

7.15

preparations containing at least one substance classified as very toxic or toxic
that produce such effects in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 4 or 5 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits.

owing to their long-term effects and assigned the symbol T, the indication of danger‘toxic’ and the risk phrase R48/route of exposure.
(i)

preparations containing at least one substance that produces such effects inindividual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 6 or 7 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits.

Harmful (Xn) mixtures with R20, R21, R22.
7.16

The following preparations shall be classified as harmful:

7.17

owing to their acute lethal effects and assigned the symbol Xn, and the indication ofdanger ‘harmful’, and the risk phrases R20, R21 or R22;
(i)

(ii)

preparations containing one or more substances classified as very toxic, toxic
or harmful and that produce such effects in individual concentrations equal toor greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 2 or 3 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits.

preparations containing more than one substance classified as very toxic, toxic
or harmful in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under(i)(a) or (b) if:

75

Σ( +
PT+

PT

LXn

LXn

PXn

+L

Xn

)≥1

where:
PT+ =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each very toxic substancein the preparation,

PT =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each toxic substance in the
preparation,

PXn = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each harmful substance inthe preparation,
LXn = is the respective harmful limit specified for each very toxic, toxic orharmful substance, expressed as percentage by weight or by volume.
7.18

owing to their acute effects to the lungs if swallowed and assigned the symbol Xn,
and the indication of danger ‘harmful’, and the risk phrase R65.
(i) preparations classified as harmful according to the criteria specified in paragraph4.14 (aspiration hazard) of Chapter 4.
(ii) in applying the method according to 7.17(ii), no account shall be taken of theclassification of a substance as R65;

7.19

owing to their non-lethal irreversible effects after a single exposure and assigned
the symbol Xn, the indication of danger ‘harmful’, and the risk phrase R68/route of
exposure.
(i)

preparations containing at least one substance classified as very toxic, toxic orharmful that produces such effects in individual concentrations equal to or
greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 4 or 5 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits;

76

7.20

owing to their long-term effects after repeated or prolonged exposure and assigned
the symbol Xn, the indication of danger ‘harmful’, and the risk phrase R48/route of
exposure.
(i)

preparations containing at least one substance classified as toxic or harmfulthat produces such effects in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance orsubstances under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 6 or 7 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits.

77

CORROSIVE (C) MIXTURES WITH R34, R35.
7.21

The following preparations are to be classified as corrosive (R35), and assigned thesymbol C, the indication of danger ‘corrosive’ and the risk phrase R35:

7.22

preparations containing one or more substances classified as corrosive to which is
assigned the phrase R35 in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.23

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of Chapter 6 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration limits.

preparations containing more than one substance classified as corrosive to which is
assigned phrase R35 in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified
under 7.22(a) or (b) if:Σ( )≥1
PC.R35
LC.R35where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substancewhich is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

LC R35 = is the corrosive R35 limit specified for each corrosive substance to whichis assigned phrase R35, expressed as a percentage by weight or by volume;
7.24

The following preparations are to be classified as corrosive (R34), and assigned thesymbol C, the indication of danger ‘corrosive’ and the risk phrase R34:

7.25

preparations containing one or more substances classified as corrosive to which is
assigned the phrase R35 or R34 in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.26

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of Chapter 6 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;preparations containing more than one of the substances classified as corrosive towhich is assigned the phrase R35 or R34 in lower individual concentrations than thelimits specified under 7.25(a) or (b) if:

78

Σ(

PC.R35
LC.R34

PC.R34

+L

C.R34

)≥1

where:
PC R35 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,
PC R34 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,
LC R34 = is the respective corrosive R34 limit specified for each corrosive substanceto which is assigned phrase R35 or R34, expressed as a percentage by
weight or by volume.

79

IRRITANT (XI) MIXTURES WITH R36, R37, R38, R41.
7.27

The following preparations are to be classified as irritants:

7.28

Irritant mixtures with risk of serious eye damage (R41)

7.29

liable to cause serious eye damage and assigned the symbol Xi, the indication ofdanger ‘irritant’, and the risk phrase R41:

7.30

preparations containing one or more substances classified as irritant to which is
assigned phrase R41 in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.31

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of Chapter 6 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;preparations containing more than one of the substances classified as irritant and towhich is assigned phrase R41, or classified as corrosive and to which is assigned
phrase R35 or R34, in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under
7.30(a) or (b) if:Σ(

PC.R35
LXi.R41

PC.R34+L

Xi.R41)≥1

PXi.R41+L

Xi.R41

where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R34 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R41 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant substance towhich is assigned phrase R41 in the preparation,
LXi R41 = is the respective irritant R41 limit specified for each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 or R34 or irritant substance to which is
assigned phrase R41, expressed as percentage by weight or by volume;

80

7.32

Eye irritant mixtures (R36)

7.33

irritant to eyes and assigned the symbol Xi, the indication of danger ‘irritant’, andthe risk phrase R36:

7.34

preparations containing one or more substances classified as corrosive to which is
assigned phrase R35 or R34, or as irritant and to which is assigned phrase R41 or
R36, in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.35

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of chapter 6 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;preparations containing more than one substance classified as irritant to which is
assigned phrase R41 or R36, or as corrosive and to which is assigned phrase R35 orR34, in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under 7.34(a) or (b)if:Σ( PL ,,C R35
Xi R36+ LP ,,C R34

Xi R36+ LP ,,Xi R41Xi R36+ LP ,,Xi R36Xi R36)≥1

where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R34 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R41 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant substance towhich is assigned phrase R41 in the preparation,
PXi R36 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant substance towhich is assigned phrase R36 in the preparation,
LXi R36 = is the respective irritant R36 limit specified for each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 or R34 or irritant substance to which is
assigned phrase R41, or R36 expressed as percentage by weight or by
volume;81

7.36

Skin irritant mixtures (R38)

7.37

irritant to skin and assigned the symbol Xi, the indication of danger ‘irritant’, andthe risk phrase R38;

7.38

preparations containing one or more substances classified as irritant and to which is
assigned phrase R38, or as corrosive and to which is assigned phrase R35 or R34, in
individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.39

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of Chapter 6 where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;preparations containing more than one of the substances classified as irritant and towhich is assigned phrase R38, or as corrosive and to which is assigned phrase R35 orR34, in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under 7.38(a) or (b)if:Σ(

PC.R35
LXi.R38

PC.R34+L

Xi.R38)≥1

PXi.R38+L

Xi.R38where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R38 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant substance towhich is assigned phrase R38 in the preparation,
LXi R38 = is the respective irritant R38 limit specified for each corrosive substance towhich is assigned phrase R35 or R34 or irritant substance to which is
assigned phrase R38, expressed as percentage by weight or by volume;

82

7.40

Respiratory irritant mixtures (R37)

7.41

irritant to respiratory system and assigned the symbol Xi, the indication of danger‘irritant’, and the risk phrase R37;

7.42

preparations containing one or more substances classified as irritant, and to which is
assigned phrase R37 in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:

7.43

(a)

either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 8 or 9 of Chapter 6 where the substance or
the substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;preparations containing more than one substance classified as irritant and to which is
assigned phrase R37 in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified
under 7.42(a) or (b) if:Σ( )≥1
PXi.R37
LXi.R37

where:PXi R37 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant substance towhich is assigned phrase R37 in the preparation,
LXi R37 = is the irritant R37 limit specified for each irritant substance to which is
assigned phrase R37, expressed as percentage by weight or by volume;

83

7.44

gaseous preparations containing more than one of the substances classified as irritantto which is assigned phrase R37, or as corrosive and to which is assigned phrase R35
or R34, in lower individual concentrations than the limits specified under 7.42(a) or(b) if:

Σ(

PC.R35
LXi.R37

PC.R34+L

Xi.R37)≥1

PXi.R37+L

Xi.R37

where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by volume of each corrosive substance to which is
assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R34 =is the percentage by volume of each corrosive substance to which is
assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R37 = is the percentage by volume of each irritant substance to which is assigned
phrase R37 in the preparation,
LXi R37 = is the respective irritant R37 limit specified for each gaseous corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 or R34 or gaseous irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R37, expressed as percentage by
weight or by volume.

84

MIXTURES CLASSIFIED AS SENSITIZING
7.45

The following preparations are to be classified as sensitising:

7.46

by skin contact and assigned the symbol Xi, the indication of danger ‘irritant’ andthe risk phrase R43.

7.47

preparations containing at least one substance classified as sensitising and to which is
assigned phrase R43 that produces such effects in individual concentrations equal toor greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 10 or 11 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;7.48

by inhalation and assigned the symbol Xn, the indication of danger ‘harmful’ andthe risk phrase R42.

7.49

preparations containing at least one substance classified as sensitising to which is
assigned phrase R42 that produces such effects in individual concentrations equal toor greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 10 or 11 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits.

85

CARCINOGENIC MIXTURES
7.50

The following preparations are to be classified as carcinogenic:

7.51

those of category 1 or 2 which are assigned the symbol T and the phrase R45 or
R49;

7.52

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
carcinogenic and to which is assigned phrase R45 or R49 which denotes
carcinogenic substances in category 1 and category 2, in individual concentrations
equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;7.53

those of category 3 which are assigned the symbol Xn and the phrase R40;

7.54

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects classified as
carcinogenic and to which is assigned phrase R40 which denotes carcinogenic
substances in category 3, in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits.

86

MUTAGENIC MIXTURES
7.55

The following preparations are to be classified as mutagenic:

7.56

those of category 1 or 2 which are assigned the symbol T and the phrase R46;

7.57

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
mutagenic and to which is assigned phrase R46 which denotes mutagenic substances
in category 1 and category 2, in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;

7.58

those of category 3 which are assigned the symbol Xn and the phrase R68;

7.59

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
mutagenic and to which is assigned phrase R68, which denotes mutagenic substances
in category 3, in individual concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 and 13 of Chapter 6 where thesubstance or substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without
concentration limits.

87

MIXTURES TOXIC FOR REPRODUCTION
7.60

The following preparations are to be classified as toxic for reproduction:

7.61

those of category 1 or 2 which are assigned the symbol T and the phrase R60(fertility);

7.62

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
toxic for reproduction, and to which is assigned phrase R60 which denotes
substances toxic for reproduction of category 1 and category 2, in individual
concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;7.63

those of category 3 which are assigned the symbol Xn and the phrase R62 (fertility);

7.64

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
toxic for reproduction, and to which is assigned phrase R62, which denotes
substances toxic for reproduction of category 3 in individual concentrations equal toor greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;7.65

those of category 1 or 2 which are assigned the symbol T and the phrase R61(development);

7.66

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
toxic for reproduction and to which is assigned phrase R61, which denotes
substances toxic for reproduction of category 1 and category 2, in individual
concentrations equal to or greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits;88

7.67

those of category 3 which are assigned the symbol Xn and the phrase R63(development);

7.68

preparations containing at least one substance producing such effects, classified as
toxic for reproduction, and to which is assigned phrase R63, which denotes
substances toxic for reproduction of category 3 in individual concentrations equal toor greater than:(a)either the concentration specified in the List for the substance or substances
under consideration, or(b)the concentration specified in Table 12 or 13 of Chapter 6 where the substanceor substances do not appear in the List or appear in it without concentration
limits.

89

APPENDICES
Appendix 1
INFORMATION SOURCES
Although not an exhaustive listing, the following information sources described in thisappendix may be useful in the process of collating and interpreting data on the health effects
of a substance.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Books & Monographs
Computer Databases
Factual Databases
Bibliographic Databases
Database Suppliers
Libraries & Information Centres
Internet Resources

Books, monographs and other publications
A1.1

Clayton, G. D. and Clayton, F. E, Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 5thedition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Brisbane, 2000. (Web site:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/reference.html)

A1.2

International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC Monographs on the Evaluationof Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, International Agency for Research on
Cancer, Lyon, France. (Web site: http://www.iarc.fr)
These monographs are critical reviews of the literature on chemicals, industrial
processes and industries associated with human cancer by the various IARC Working
Groups. Summary evaluations, list of agents and exposures evaluated and theirclassification and information on ordering can be found at http://monographs.iarc.fr.

A1.3

International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC Monographs on the Evaluationof the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, Supplement 7 (IARC
Monographs, Volumes 1 to 78 - continuing), International Agency for Research on
Cancer, Lyon, France, 1987.
The supplement summarises the data reviewed in the IARC Monographs, Volumes 1
to 42, and provides a cumulative index. Note that the website http://www.iarc.fr
provides summaries of the carcinogenic properties of chemicals studied in thesemonographs.

90

A1.4

International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC Monographs on the Evaluationof the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, Supplement 6 (Genetic andRelated Effects: An Updating of Selected IARC Monographs, Volumes 1 to 42),International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, l987.
This is a tabulation of the published literature on the genotoxic effects of 200 IARC
evaluated chemicals and agents.

A1.5

International Programme on Chemical Safety, Environmental Health Criteria, World
Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland.
These criteria are reviews of environmental and toxicological literature on chemicals
and physical agents published as a joint venture of the United Nations Environment
Programme, the International Labour Organisation and the World HealthOrganisation. These publications are freely available at:
http://www.inchem.org/ehc.html.

A1.6

Klaasen, C.D., Amdur, M.O. and Doull, J., Casarett and Doull's Toxicology: The
Basic Science of Poisons, 6th Edition. McGraw Hill Companies, Inc., New York,USA, 2001.
This is a textbook covering theoretical aspects of toxicology including concepts andmechanisms.

A1.7

Schardein, J.L., Chemically Induced Birth Defects, 3rd Edition. Marcel Dekker, New
York, USA, 2000.
This is a valuable reference text on chemicals and their interaction with the processesof development and growth.

A1.8

Shepard, T.H., Catalogue of Teratogenic Agents, 7th Edition, Johns Hopkins
University Press, Baltimore, USA, 1992.
This is a comprehensive listing of teratogens, as abstracted from the publishedliterature. This is also available as a database on TOMES Plus.

91

A1.9

The European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC).
ECETOC publishes a range of reports varying in scope from those on specificchemicals (eg the Joint Assessment of Commodity Chemicals reports (JACC)) tothose dealing with the fundamental principles underlying the various branches ofscience in toxicology and ecotoxicology (eg. Monographs and Technical Reports).
ECETOC publications are produced by Task Forces composed of appropriate experts
drawn from member companies and other organisations. Abstracts of recent reports
and monograph ordering information can be found on the ECETOC site:
http://www.ecetoc.org/entry.htm.
The European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals
Avenue E, Van Nieuwenhuyse, 4-B6
B-1160 Brussels, Belgium.
Email: info@ecetoc.org

Computer databases
A1.10

There are two principal types of computer databases available:(a)Factual - a listing of information on the properties of a chemical. For example,
RTECS and HSDB; and(b)Bibliographic - a list of references in the scientific literature, usually with
abstracts or summaries. For example, TOXLINE, CISDOC, HSELINE,MEDLINE and NIOSHTIC.

A1.11

Factual databases have the advantage of allowing immediate access to information,for example, specific physical properties of a chemical or toxicity values. Retrieving
information by searching a bibliographic database is more time consuming as it
involves obtaining copies of the articles from books and journals. However, it should
be noted that reference to articles in the scientific literature will generally provide
more current information in a greater amount of detail.

A1.12

Searching databases containing chemical information demands a knowledge andexperience of the different search techniques. Searching by inexperienced users may
yield results which are not a true representation of the information available. It is
generally recommended that advice from an experienced user should be sought
before commencing a search.

A1.13

Databases are available either by online (web) access or on a CD-ROM. Some
databases, such as RTECS, are available from a number of different databasesuppliers both via the web and through CD-ROM products. Online databasesuppliers provide access to hundreds of databases and very powerful search engines.
Account holders are charged for what they use, usually on a monthly basis. Thismethod of searching can prove expensive for the inexperienced or untrained user.

92

A1.14

There are an increasing number of information products containing one or a packageof several databases which are purchased via annual subscription to either web-basedor CD-ROM access and updated during the year. For the frequent user this may
prove more cost effective as once the subscription fees are paid no charge is made foraccess.

A1.15

There are currently several hundred databases worldwide providing occupational
health and safety information. Some of the more widely used databases providing
information on chemicals are described below. Where a database is freely available
on the web, there is a link directly to that resource (hyperlinked from the resource
title). A selection of database suppliers appends the following list, linked from eachparticular database’s details.

Factual Databases
A1.16

CCRIS - Chemical Carcinogenesis Research Information System. CCRIS contains
scientifically evaluated data derived from carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, tumour
promotion, and tumour inhibition studies on over 2500 chemicals.
CIS | TOXNET

A1.17

CHEMINFO - produced by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety(CCOHS), Cheminfo contains property information, exposure limit values, NFPA
hazard assessments and toxicity data.
CCINFO

A1.18

CHEMLIST - The Regulated Chemicals Listing contains identifying and US
regulatory information for chemical substances listed on the US EPA Toxic
Substances Control Act Inventory or subject to regulation under TSCA; theAustralian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS); the Canadian Domestic
Substances List (DSL) and Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL); the Korean
Existing Chemicals List (ECL), the European Inventory of Existing Commercial
Chemicals Substances (EINECS) and the European List of Notified Chemical
Substances (ELINCS), and the Japanese Chemical Inventory (ECN).
STN | SciFinder

A1.19

CHEMSAFE - contains evaluated safety characteristics of flammable substances.
More than 40 properties, such as flash points, explosion limits, minimum ignitionenergy and autoignition temperature are provided. Sources include technical laws,
collections of safety parameters and accident prevention regulations.
STN

93

A1.20

CHEMTOX - provides a collection of environmental, health and safety data forchemical substances regulated or which are candidates for regulation in the US. The
database contains identifying information, physical and chemical properties, US
regulatory information, toxicity data, and emergency and disposal guidelines for
6,000 chemicals.
Dialog Corp

A1.21

CHRIS 2000- Chemical Hazard Response Information System from the US Coast
Dept of Transportation (CoastGuard) contains information to assist with emergency
response, accident response, accident prevention and safety procedure design, andtransportation of chemicals. This database is available through the following
database collections:
CIS | SilverPlatter | TOMES Plus | STN

A1.22

GENE-TOX - contains mutagenicity data on over 3,000 chemicals assembled fromexpert review of the open scientific literature from the US EPA.
TOXNET

A1.23

HAZARDTEXT - provides information to assist with the management of hazardous
chemical incidents such as spills or leaks - toxicity, fire and explosion data, chemical
reactivity, personal protective equipment and disposal guidelines. A good source of
information on personal protective equipment.
TOMES Plus

A1.24

HSDB - Hazardous Substances Databank from the US National Library ofMedicine’s TOXNET system: broad scope in human and animal toxicity, safety andhandling, environmental fate, and more. Scientifically peer-reviewed.
STN | TOXNET | SilverPlatter | CIS | TOMES Plus

A1.25

IRIS - Integrated Risk Information System, sponsored by the US EPA, provides EPA
health risk and regulatory information on over 600 chemicals. Carcinogenic (eg unit
risks) and non-carcinogenic (eg reference doses) risk assessment data is provided forthe oral and inhalation routes of exposure.
TOXNET | CIS | TOMES Plus

A1.26

NATIONAL CHEMICAL INVENTORIES CD-ROM - includes identifying data(chemical names, synonyms and trade names, and if available molecular formulaeand structure diagrams) for over 175,000 substances taken from the following
national inventories: Australian Inventory of Chemical Substances (AICS), UnitedStates (TSCA); Canada (DSL, NDSL); The European Communities(EINECS/ELINCS); Japan (ECN), Philippines (PICCS), Taiwan, Israel and Korea(ECL).
CAS94

A1.27REGISTRY FILE - contains over 15 million unique chemical substance records
identified by the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). Records contain identifying
information such as CAS Registry numbers, CA index names, commonly usedsynonyms and some trade names, polymer class terms, molecular formula andstructure diagrams. The Registry file is unique to STN and the locator field indicates
which other files (indexed by CAS numbers) on the STN system contain informationon the chemical - thus it will indicate whether there is a record for the chemical in
RTECS, HSDB, Chemlist, Medline, Toxline, Toxlit etc.
STN | SciFinder

A1.28

REPROTEXT - is produced by Micromedex and provides information on the acuteand chronic clinical effects of chemicals and physical agents. Each chemical has adual hazard rating, one for general toxicity and one for reproductive hazard.
TOMES Plus

A1.29

RTECS - Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances is produced by the US
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). RTECS provides
data for over 133,000 chemicals including identifying information such as CAS
number, chemical names and synonyms. Toxicity data include acute and chronic
animal tests data, human data, skin and eye irritation data, Threshold Limit Values,
IARC determinations, in vitro toxicity test data, US National Toxicology Programme(NTP) and TSCA Inventory data. RTECS provides the original reference for eachvalue given.
STN | CIS | CCINFO | SilverPlatter | TOMES Plus

A1.30

TERIS - Teratogen Information System provides current information on the
teratogenic effects of drugs and environmental agents. Agent summaries derived
from thorough literature reviews rate reproductive risk and explain data used todetermine the rating. Produced by the University of Washington.
TOMES Plus

Bibliographic Databases
A1.31

CANCERLIT - Produced by the US National Cancer Institute, Cancerlit covers allareas of the international literature on cancer. It covers material on carcinogens andmutagens.
Dialog Corp | Ovid | STN | SilverPlatter

A1.32

CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS - This huge database (over 13 million records) is
produced by the Chemical Abstracts Service and covers worldwide literature in allareas of chemistry, biochemistry and chemical engineering from 1967 to the present.
It indexes over 9,000 journals as well as patents, conference papers, technicalreports, books and theses. Chemical Abstracts is available from several online
suppliers but only STN contains the abstracts.
STN | Dialog Corp | Questel-Orbit | SciFinder95

A1.33CISDOC - is produced by the International Labour Organisation and indexes
worldwide literature in OHS. CIS abstracts information on the toxicology ofindustrial chemicals, chemical hazards and industrial hygiene. It is a source ofEuropean regulatory information as it indexes OH&S information from the Official
Journal of the European Communities and EC Directives.
CCINFO | SilverPlatter

A1.34

CSNB - Chemical Safety Newsbase, indexes sources such as journals, books,
conference papers, legislation and press releases in areas relating to fire andexplosions, storage and transport, toxicity and waste removal of chemicals,particularly in chemical or allied industries and in chemical and biochemicallaboratories. It is produced by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Dialog Corp | STN

A1.35

EMBASE - is equivalent to the printed Excerpta Medica and covers worldwide
literature in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, including biological science,biochemistry, environmental science, toxicology and pharmacology. It indexes morethan 3,500 journals as well as monographs, conference proceedings, dissertations andreports.
Dialog Corp | Ovid | STN

A1.36

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY HEALTH AND SAFETY - is produced by theRoyal Society of Chemistry. It does not index the toxicological literature ascomprehensively as does Toxline but has good coverage of regulatory informationand chemical industry literature on industrial chemicals.
Dialog Corp

A1.37

HSELINE - is produced by the UK Health and Safety Executive and covers all areasof health and safety at work. It is a good source for UK and European regulatory
information.
Dialog Corp | SilverPlatter

A1.38

KOSMET - Indexes world literature related to cosmetics and perfumes, with anemphasis on scientific and technical aspects.
Dialog Corp | STN

A1.39

MEDLINE - Produced by the US National Library of Medicine. Medline covers allareas of medicine and contains over 8.4 million references from 1966 to the present.
Medline indexes over 4,700 international health and medical journals and is theonline equivalent of the printed Index Medicus, Index to Dental Literature andInternational Nursing Index. The Medline database is available at the US National
Library of Medicine.
NLM | STN | Dialog Corp | Ovid | SilverPlatter | SciFinder96

A1.40NAPRALERT - The Natural Products Alert database contains bibliographic andfactual data on natural products and covers pharmacological, biological activity andchemistry of plant, microbial and animal extracts. The database indexes journals,
books, patents, conference papers, government reports and newsletters.
STN

A1.41

NIOSHTIC - is produced by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health and indexes both US and international literature in all areas of OH&S
including toxicology, hazardous wastes and industrial hygiene. It covers a broad
range of literature in toxicology and includes references to both animal and humanstudies. This is a legacy database that closed in 1998: the indexing of material in thisfield has been taken over by ‘OSHLINE with NIOSHTIC’ through CCINFO. The
second version, NIOSHTIC-2, only indexes literature produced and sponsored by
NIOSH and is available through SilverPlatter.
Dialog Corp | CCINFO | SilverPlatter

A1.42

TOXLINE - Produced by the US National Library of Medicine. Toxline indexes theliterature on pharmacological, biochemical, physiological and toxicological effects ofchemicals. Toxline consists of 16 different files, including TSCATS and indexes
journals, patents, government reports and criteria documents. This file closed in
2001, it still contains over 20 years of citations prior to this however and all future
medical citations dealing with toxicology will be indexed through the National
Library of Medicine’s TOXLINE Core & TOXLINE Special collections, andthrough the broader database MEDLINE.
NLM | TOXNET

A1.43

TOXCENTER – (Toxicology Center) is a new bibliographic database available from
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) through STN. It replaces TOXLINE and TOXLIT
on STN. The database covers the pharmacological, biochemical, physiological, andtoxicological effects of drugs and other chemicals.
STN

A1.44

TSCATS - (Toxic Substances Control Act Test Submissions) enables users to
identify unpublished health and safety studies submitted to the US EPA undervarious sections of the US Toxic Substances Control Act. TSCATS is updated
quarterly and provides access to over 50,000 test submissions on over 6,500
chemicals substances. It can be searched separately on CIS or as a subfile of the
TOXLINE special database via TOXNET.
TOXNET | CIS

97

Database suppliers
A1.45

CAS - The Chemical Abstracts Service, a division of the American Chemical
Society, produces Chemical Abstracts, the Chemical Registry File and CASReact aswell as a number of CD-ROM databases (including the National Chemical
Inventories CD-ROM). It also produces SciFinder and is one of the partners in
producing STN (see below).
CAS - Chemical Abstract Service
2540 Olentangy River Road
PO Box 3012
Columbus, Ohio, 43210
USA
Email:
help@cas.org
Web site:
http://www.cas.org/
NCI Web site: http://www.cas.org/Support/substance.html

A1.46

CCINFO is a series of products published by CCOHS (Canadian Centre ofOccupational Health and Safety). Products available in the series include: MSDS
(contains over 100,000 material safety datasheets prepared by over 550 US or
Canadian chemical suppliers or manufacturers); The CHEMpendium Collection(including Cheminfo, CESARS, CHRIS 2000) ; NIOSHTIC; RTECS and INCHEM.
CCINFO is available by subscription both as a set of CD-ROMs, or via the web.
CCOHS
250 Main Street East
Hamilton, Ontario,
L8N 1H6.
Ph: 905 570 8094
Fax: 905 572 2206
Email:
custserv@ccohs.ca
Web site:
http://www.ccohs.ca

98

A1.47

CIS - (Chemical Information Systems) provides access to a series of databases
containing information on specific chemical substances, including toxicological andcarcinogenic research data, hazardous materials handling information,
chemical/physical property information, regulatory information, spectroscopic data,and pharmaceutical data. CIS does not have an Australian representative, however,they can be contacted directly at:
National Information Services Corporation
Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland
21218 USA
Ph: +1 410 2430797
Fax: +1 410 2430982
EMAIL: sales@nisc.com
Web site:
http://www.nisc.com/cis/(CIS provides access to CCRIS, CHRIS, HSDB, RTECS, TSCATS, and other more
specific databases).
A1.48

Dialog Corporation - provides access to over 600 databases in all areas of scienceand technology, business and company information and social sciences andhumanities through its three systems DIALOG, Datastar and Profound. Contact
details:
The Dialog Corporation
100 Harris Street
PYRMONT, NSW 2009
Tel: 02 8587 7700
Fax: 02 8587 7720
email: contact_australia@dialog.com
Web site: http://www.dialog.com/info/home/australia/(Chemical Abstracts, Medline, NIOSHTIC, HSELINE, Cancerlit, KOSMET, andToxline)A1.49

National Library of Medicine (USA) – Provides free online access to a number of
databases primarily dealing with medical issues, but with substantial access to
toxicology, cancer and occupational and environmental medicine information.
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894
Ph: 1 301 496 6531
Fax: 1 301 480 3537
Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov(Medline, Toxline)

99A1.50

Ovid Technologies - provides access to over 90 Databases either online or in standalone or network configurations at your site. Databases are concentrated mainly in
medical and health sciences but include some databases in the areas of business,science and social science and humanities. Contact:
Ovid Technologies
Suite 1702, Level 17
25 Bligh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9231 5599
Fax: 02 9231 5086
Freecall: 1800 22 6474.
Email:
ausupport@ovid.com
Web site:
http://www.ovid.com/index.cfm(Cancerlit, Embase, Chemical Abstracts, Medline)
A1.51

Questel-Orbit Inc. - provides online access to some 200 databases concentrated in
the areas of business, science and engineering and patents through its two databasesystems Questel and Orbit. Questel-Orbit is represented in Australia and can becontacted at:
Questel-Orbit
TransData Corporation Pty Ltd.
Level 23, The Royal Exchange Building
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 02 9252 2644
Fax: 02 9252 5108
Email:
tracy@transdatacorp.com
Australian Web site:
http://www.transdatacorp.com
International We site: http://www.questel.orbit.com/(Chemical Abstracts)

100A1.52

SciFinder – is a desktop research tool that provides access to chemical identification
data (Registry File); regulation of chemicals (Regulated Chemicals List) ; indexes tothe literature (Chemical Abstracts and Medline) and chemical reaction data
(CASReact). It is produced by the Chemical Abstracts Service.
SciFinder
Dr Damon Ridley
School of Chemistry, F11
University of Sydney
SYDNEY NSW 2006
Ph: 02 9351 2180,
Fax: 02 9351 6650
Email:
dridley@chem.usyd.edu.au
Web site:
http://www.cas.org/SCIFINDER/scicover2.html(CHEMLIST, REGISTRY FILE, CHEMICAL ABSTRACTS, Medline)
A1.53

SilverPlatter – provides access to over 200 bibliographic and full text databases.
The subject coverage is broad, with the following databases of particular interest to
this forum.

CHEM-BANK contains the five fulltext databases; RTECS, HSDB, OHMTADS,CHRIS 2000 and IRIS.
OSHROM contains the seven bibliographic databases HSELine, CISDOC,
MHIDAS, Medline (OEM), RILOSH, NIOSHTIC and NIOSHTIC-2.
MEDLINE contains the National Library of Medicine database covering a huge
range of the medical literature; including the occupational and environmental
medicine subset.
POLTOX I (Pollution and Toxicology) provides access to pollution and toxicology
databases containing citations to the world's pollution and toxicology literature.
Topics covered include air, water, land, radiation, and noise pollution; environmental
risks; food additives, pharmaceutical side effects and biochemistry; agrochemicals;
industrial chemicals; legislation and standards; ecology; and health and safety.
SilverPlatter
Suite 1702, Level 17
25 Bligh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9231 5599
Fax: 02 9231 5086
Freecall: 1800 22 6474.
Ph: 02 9267 9055,
Fax: 02 9267 9430.
Email: australia@silverplatter.com
Web site: http://www.silverplatter.com/au/contact-sydney.htm

101

A1.54

STN - (Scientific and Technical Network) is a joint operation by CAS (Chemical
Abstracts Service), a division of the American Chemical Society in the US; FIZ
Karlsruhe in Europe and JICST (The Japan Information Centre of Science andTechnology) in Japan. The STN system provides access to some 200 databases in allareas of science and technology. STN is represented in Australia by:

Dr Damon Ridley
School of Chemistry, F11
University of Sydney
SYDNEY NSW 2006
Ph: 02 9351 2180,
Fax: 02 9351 6650
Email:
dridley@chem.usyd.edu.au
Web site:
http://www.cas.org/stn.html(Registry File, Chemical Abstracts, Chemlist, HSDB, RTECS, Chemsafe, CSNB,
Medline, Napralert, Cancerlit, Toxcenter.)
A1.55

TOMES Plus is produced by the US company Micromedex Inc. It contains thefollowing fulltext databases: Meditext, Hazardtext, Saratext, Reprorisk, Reprotext,
RTECS, HSDB, IRIS, OHM/TADS, CHRIS 2000, DOT Emergency Response
Guides. TOMES Plus is available in Australia from:
MICROMEDEXA Division of Thomson Financial Services Pty. Ltd.
Level 7/34 Hunter Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Ph: 02 9235 3252
Fax: 02 9223 5308
Web site: http://www.micromedex.com

A1.56

TOXNET – is produced by the National Library of Medicine and is a cluster of
databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, and related areas.

Specialized Information Services
National Library of Medicine
8600 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20894
Ph: 1 301 496 6531
Fax: 1 301 480 3537
Email: tehip@teh.nlm.nih.gov
Web site: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/(CCRIS, DART, EMICBACK, ETICBACK, GENE-TOX, HSDB, IRIS, RTECS,TOXLINE and TRI)

102

Libraries and Information Centres
A1.57

Many of the larger research libraries (such as state and university libraries) subscribe
to some of the products listed above and provide access to the public for free or for anominal sum. In addition, some libraries provide a fee-based search service and willconduct searches on online databases and/or CD-ROM databases specific to theinformation needs of the client.

A1.58

The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission Library has access tomost of the databases listed above (either on CD-ROM or online) as well as an
excellent collection of reference books, monographs and journals in the area of
toxicology, hazardous substances and regulation of chemicals. The Library supplies
information to the general public through the Australian inter-library loan system(contact your local library for assistance), and by working to support the State &Territory OHS Authority libraries and information services.

Internet resources
A1.59

Internet resources, in particular address details, are subject to change. This short list
is provided as a starting point for a few direct resources with many links to other
Internet sites with chemical safety resources. Wherever possible, large organisations,academic institutions or government agencies have been selected. This list wascurrent as of November 2001.

A1.60

Arbete och Hälsa: http://www.niwl.se/ah/default_en.htm
A scientific report series published by the National Institute for Working Life in
Sweden. The series publishes scientific original works, dissertations, criteria
documents and literature surveys. Note that there is considerable material on
occupational health and safety issues in addition to the criteria documents andoccupational standards.

A1.61

ATSDR: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxpro2.html
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in the USA
produces "toxicological profiles" for hazardous substances found at National
Priorities List (NPL) sites. The ATSDR toxicological profile succinctly characterizes
the toxicologic and adverse health effects information for 256 hazardous substances.
Each peer-reviewed profile identifies and reviews the key literature that describes a
hazardous substance's toxicologic properties.

103

A1.62

ChemFinder: http://chemfinder.camsoft.com
For those interested in chemical identification Cambridge Soft provide a usefulsearch tool online, ChemFinder. The company also provides ChemDraw, a usefulstructural drawing program. Demonstration versions of this product may be
downloaded from this site by following links.

A1.63

CHEMINFO: http://www.indiana.edu/~cheminfo/
CHEMINFO is a list of links to chemical resources on the Internet, it is a goodstarting place for any search for chemical information and is organised into subject
areas including MSDS sources and guides to chemical safety or toxicology
information.
A subset of CHEMINFO with a slightly different format is found at:
http://www.indiana.edu/~cheminfo/cisindex.html. This is the Index to SelectedInternet Resources for Chemistry (SIRCh). It is arranged alphabetically rather thanby subject area.

A1.64

ECDIN: http://ecdin.etomep.net/
An online factual databank created under the Environmental Research Programme of
the European Commission, Joint Research Centre at the ISPRA (I) site and provides
identification, pharmacological, toxicological and epidemiological data, healthhazard evaluation and legislative information for chemicals listed as priorities by the
EC.

A1.65

Hardin MD: http://www.arcade.uiowa.edu/hardin-www/md-tox.html
Hosted by the University of Iowa, the Hardin Meta Directory - Toxicology is one of
the best sites for toxicology resources. It is short, quick to load and refers to
excellent toxicology sites.

A1.66

IDLH: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/intridl4.html
Produced by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)
IDLHs document the criteria and information sources that have been used todetermine immediately dangerous to life or health concentrations of chemicals.

A1.67International Clearing House for Major Chemical Incidents:
http://www.healthchem.uwic.ac.uk/
Hosted by the Welsh Combined Centres for Public Health as part of the WHO
collaborating centre, this site provides public health and policy guidance information
on chemical incidents worldwide.

104

A1.68

IPCS: http://www.who.int/pcs/
The International Programme on Chemical Safety or IPCS established in 1980, is a
joint program of three cooperating organisations, ILO, UNEP and WHO,
implementing activities related to chemical safety. It is provided as another usefulstarting place with many links and some of their own resources, including:International Chemical Safety Cards and International Chemical Assessment
Documents.

A1.69

MSDS Online: http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html
Hosted by Interactive Learning Paradigms, this site collates the major collections ofmaterial safety data sheets online into a vortal on MSDS resources. The site includes
links to MSDS collections, advice on the use of MSDS, and providers of MSDS:
both from government (mainly US & European) sites and chemical companies.

A1.70

NICNAS: http://www.nicnas.gov.au/
Australia’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme
scientifically assesses industrial chemicals for their health and environmental effects
and makes recommendations for safe use. Provides access to Public Chemical
Assessment Reports.

A1.71

NIOSH: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/homepage.html
NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the USA
maintains a series of links and some databases for chemical safety information
searching. This is a good site to catch up on conferences and current topics of worker
safety in general in the United States.

A1.72

NOHSC: http://www.nohsc.gov.au/
Australia’s National Occupational Health & Safety Commission provides a wide
range of guidance material on a range of occupational health and safety issues
including the List of Designated Hazardous Substances and an exposure standards
database. It also provides information on the national hazardous substances
regulatory environment.

A1.73

NTP Reports: http://ehis.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/docs/01-99-doc.html
Produced by the US Environmental Health Information Service, the NTP site
includes NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Reports (TR Reports) and NTP
Toxicity Reports (TOX Reports). Abstracts are available online.

105A1.74

RTK Net: http://www.rtk.net
RTK Net, or the Right To Know network, provides free access to numerous
databases, text files, and conferences on the environment, housing, and sustainable
development. This reference is often not directly related to chemical safety but if
your interests are environmental with respect to chemicals or toxicology, it should
prove useful.

Chemical Information Discussion List
If you have an email address, keep up with discussions about chemical information or
ask questions yourself, using the chemical information discussion list. You can join
this discussion list here: http://listserv.indiana.edu/scripts/wa.exe?SUBED1=chminfl&A=1

106

Appendix 2
ACUTE TOXICITY - NOTES ON THE FIXED DOSE PROCEDURE
A2.1

The fixed dose procedure is conducted in two stages - a preliminary sighting study,
and a main study.
In a preliminary sighting study, the effects of various doses administered orally by
gavage to single animals of one sex are investigated in a sequential manner. The
sighting study yields information on the dose-toxicity relationship, including an
estimate of the minimum lethal dose.
In the main study, the substance is administered orally by gavage to groups of fivemale and five female animals at one of the pre-set dose levels (5, 50, 500 or 2,000
mg/kg). The dose used is derived from the sighting study and is that which is likely
to produce evident toxicity but no deaths.

A2.2

The discriminating dose is the dose that causes evident toxicity but not mortality, andshould be one of the four dosage levels specified: 5, 50, 500 or 2000 mg per kg per
body weight. The concept “evident toxicity” is used to designate toxic effects after
exposure to the substance tested which are so severe that exposure to the next highest
fixed dose would probably lead to mortality.
The results of testing at a particular dose may be either:
•
•
•

A2.3

less than 100% survival,
100% survival, but evident toxicity,
100% survival, but no evident toxicity.

Further details of the fixed dose method can be found in Annex V to the Dangerous
Substances Directive 67/548/EEC.

107

Evaluation and interpretation
DOSE

5 mg/kg

50 mg/kg

500 mg/kg

2000 mg/kg

RESULTS

INTERPRETATION

Less than 100% survival

Compounds that are VERY TOXIC

100% survival; but evident toxicity

Compounds that are TOXIC

100% survival; no evident toxicity

See results at 50 mg/kg.

Less than 100% survival

Compounds that may be TOXIC or
VERY TOXIC. See results at 5 mg/kg.

100% survival; but evident toxicity

Compounds that are HARMFUL.

100% survival; no evident toxicity

See results at 500 mg/kg.

Less than 100% survival

Compounds that may be TOXIC or
HARMFUL. See results at 50 mg/kg.

100% survival, but evident toxicity

Compounds considered as having no
significant acute toxicity.

100% survival; no evident toxicity

See results at 2,000 mg/kg

Less than 100% survival

See results at 500mg/kg

100% survival; with or without
evident toxicity

Compounds that do not havesignificant acute toxicity.

108Appendix 3
RISK AND SAFETY PHRASES
Risk phrases
The following risk phrases and combination risk phrases are those adopted by the European
Communities in EC Council Directive 67/548/EC3 to describe health effects. These areapplicable in Australia.
R20

Harmful by inhalation.

R21

Harmful in contact with skin.

R22

Harmful if swallowed.

R23

Toxic by inhalation.

R24

Toxic in contact with skin.

R25

Toxic if swallowed.

R26

Very toxic by inhalation.

R27

Very toxic in contact with skin.

R28

Very toxic if swallowed.

R29

Contact with water liberates toxic gas.

R31

Contact with acids liberates toxic gas.

R32

Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas.

R33

Danger of cumulative effects.

R34

Causes burns.

R35

Causes severe burns.

109

R36

Irritating to eyes.

R37

Irritating to respiratory system.

R38

Irritating to skin.

R39

Danger of very serious irreversible effects.

R40

Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect.

R41

Risk of serious eye damage.

R42

May cause sensitisation by inhalation.

R43

May cause sensitisation by skin contact.

R45

May cause cancer.

R46

May cause heritable genetic damage.

R48

Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure.

R49

May cause cancer by inhalation.

R60

May impair fertility.

R61

May cause harm to the unborn child.

R62

Possible risk of impaired fertility.

R63

Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.

R64

May cause harm to breastfed babies.

R65

Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.

R66

Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking.

110

R67

Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

R68

Possible risk of irreversible effects.

R20/21

Harmful by inhalation and in contact with skin.

R20/22Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed.

R20/21/22

Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R21/22Harmful in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R23/24

Toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin.

R23/25

Toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.

R23/24/25

Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R24/25

Toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R26/27

Very toxic by inhalation and in contact with skin.

R26/28

Very toxic by inhalation and if swallowed.

R26/27/28

Very toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R27/28

Very toxic in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R36/37

Irritating to eyes and respiratory system.

R36/38

Irritating to eyes and skin.

R36/37/38

Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin.

R37/38

Irritating to respiratory system and skin.

R39/23

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation.

111

R39/24

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact withskin.

R39/25

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed.

R39/23/24

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalationand in contact with skin.

R39/23/25

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalationand if swallowed.

R39/24/25

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact with skinand if swallowed.

R39/23/24/25

Toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects through inhalation,in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R39/26

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects throughinhalation.

R39/27

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact withskin.

R39/28

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects if swallowed.

R39/26/27

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects throughinhalation and in contact with skin.

R39/26/28

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects throughinhalation and if swallowed.

R39/27/28

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects in contact withskin and if swallowed.

R39/26/27/28

Very toxic: danger of very serious irreversible effects throughinhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R68/20Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation.

R68/21

Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin.

R68/22Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects if swallowed.

R68/20/21

Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation andin contact with skin.

R68/20/22

Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation andif swallowed.

R68/21/22

Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects in contact with skin andif swallowed.

112

R68/20/21/22

Harmful: possible risk of irreversible effects through inhalation, in
contact with skin and if swallowed.

R42/43May cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact.

R48/20Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation.

R48/21

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposurein contact with skin.

R48/22Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
if swallowed.

R48/20/21

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and in contact with skin.

R48/20/22

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and if swallowed.

R48/21/22

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposurein contact with skin and if swallowed.

R48/20/21/22

Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

R48/23

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation.

R48/24

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure incontact with skin.

R48/25

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure if
swallowed.

R48/23/24

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and in contact with skin.

R48/23/25

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation and if swallowed.

R48/24/25

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure incontact with skin and if swallowed.

R48/23/24/25

Toxic: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure
through inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed.

113

Safety phrases
Safety advice phrases (S-phrases) may be assigned to hazardous substances and dangerous
goods preparations in accordance with the following general criteria.
The ‘manufacturer’ referred to below is the person responsible for placing the substance orpreparation on the market.
The following safety phrases and combination safety phrases are those adopted by theEuropean Communities in EC Council Directive 67/548/EC3 to describe healtheffects. In Europe, these safety phrases apply to dangerous substances. `Dangerous
Substances` are defined as explosive, oxidising, flammable, toxic, harmful, corrosive,
irritant, sensitising, carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction and development
and environmental toxins. Substances are chemical elements and compounds in thenatural state including preservatives and stabilisers. In Australia, these safety phrases
should be used where there is a requirement to do so, in accordance with
Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
S1

Keep locked up
Applicability:-

very toxic, toxic and corrosive substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S2

obligatory for those substances and preparations mentioned above if sold to thegeneral public.

Keep out of the reach of children

Applicability:-

all dangerous substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S3

obligatory for all dangerous substances and preparations sold to the generalpublic, except for those only classified as dangerous for the environment.

Keep in a cool place

Applicability:-

organic peroxides;-

other dangerous substances and preparations having a boiling point < 40° C.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for organic peroxides unless S47 is used;-recommended for other dangerous substances and preparations having a boilingpoint < 40°C.

114

S4

Keep away from living quarters

Applicability:-

very toxic and toxic substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

S5

normally limited to very toxic and toxic substances and preparations whenappropriate to supplement S13; for example when there is an inhalation risk andthe substance or preparation should be stored away from living quarters. The
advice is not intended to preclude proper use of the substance or preparation inliving quarters.

Keep contents under ... (appropriate liquid to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

spontaneously flammable solid substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S6

normally limited to special cases, eg. sodium, potassium or white phosphorous.

Keep under ... (inert gas to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

dangerous substances and preparations, which must be kept under an inert
atmosphere.

Criteria for use:
S7

normally limited to special cases, eg. certain organo-metallic compounds.

Keep container tightly closed

Applicability:-

organic peroxides;-

substances and preparations which can give off very toxic, toxic, harmful orextremely flammable gases;-

substances and preparations, which in contact with moisture, give off extremely
flammable gases;-

highly flammable solids.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for organic peroxides;-

recommended for the other fields of application mentioned above.

115

S8

Keep container dry

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that may react violently with water;-

substances and preparations that on contact with water liberate extremely
flammable gases;-

substances and preparations, which on contact with water, liberate very toxic or
toxic gases.

Criteria for use:-

S9

normally limited to the fields of application mentioned above when necessary
to reinforce warnings given by R14, R15 in particular, and R29.

Keep container in a well-ventilated place

Applicability:-

volatile substances and preparations that may give off very toxic, toxic orharmful vapours;-

extremely flammable or highly flammable liquids and extremely flammablegases.

Criteria for use:

S12-

recommended for volatile substances and preparations that may give off very
toxic, toxic or harmful vapours;-

recommended for extremely flammable or highly flammable liquids orextremely flammable gases.

Do not keep the container sealed

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that will, by giving off gases or vapours, be liable toburst the container.

Criteria for use:
S13

normally limited to the special cases mentioned above.

Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs

Applicability:-

very toxic, toxic and harmful substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

recommended when such substances and preparations are likely to be used by
the general public.

116

S14

Keep away from ... (incompatible materials to be indicated by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

organic peroxides.

Criteria for use:-

S15

obligatory for and normally limited to organic peroxides. However, may be
useful in exceptional cases when incompatibility is likely to produce a particularrisk.

Keep away from heat

Applicability:-

substances and preparations which may decompose or which may react
spontaneously under the effect of heat.

Criteria for use:
S16

normally limited to special cases, eg. monomers, but not assigned if risk phrases
R2, R3 and/or R5 have already been applied.

Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking

Applicability:-

extremely flammable or highly flammable liquids and extremely flammablegases.

Criteria for use:
S17

recommended for the substances and preparations mentioned above but not
assigned if risk phrases R2, R3 and/or R5 have already been applied.

Keep away from combustible material

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that may form explosive or spontaneously
flammable mixtures with combustible material.

Criteria for use:
S18

available for use in special cases, eg. to emphasise R8 and R9.

Handle and open container with care

Applicability:-

substances and preparations liable to produce an overpressure in the container;-

substances and preparations that may form explosive peroxides.

Criteria for use:-

normally limited to the above-mentioned cases when there is risk of damage tothe eyes and/or when the substances and preparations are likely to be used by thegeneral public.

117

S20

When using do not eat or drink

Applicability:-

very toxic, toxic and corrosive substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

S21

normally limited to special cases (eg. arsenic and arsenic compounds;
fluoracetates) in particular when any of these are likely to be used by the generalpublic.

When using do not smoke

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that produce toxic products on combustion.

Criteria for use
S22

normally limited to special cases (eg. halogenated compounds).

Do not breathe dust

Applicability:-

all solid substances and preparations dangerous for health.

Criteria for use:

S23-

obligatory for those substances and preparations mentioned above to which R42
is assigned;-

recommended for those substances and preparations mentioned above which aresupplied in the form of an inhalable dust and for which the health hazards
following inhalation are not known.

Do not breathe gas/fumes/vapour/spray (appropriate wording to be specified by the
manufacturer)

Applicability:-

all liquid or gaseous substances and preparations dangerous to health.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for those substances and preparations mentioned above to which R42
is assigned;-

obligatory for substances and preparations intended for use by spraying. Either
S38 or S51 must be ascribed in addition;-

recommended when it is necessary to draw the attention of the user to inhalation
risks not mentioned in the risk phrases that have to be ascribed.

118

S24

Avoid contact with skin

Applicability:-

all substances and preparations dangerous for health.

Criteria for use:

S25-

obligatory for those substances and preparations to which R43 has been
ascribed, unless S36 has also been ascribed;-

recommended when it is necessary to draw the attention of the user to skincontact risks not mentioned in the risk phrases (eg. paresthesia), which have to
be ascribed. However, may be used to emphasise such risk phrases.

Avoid contact with eyes

Applicability:-

all substances and preparations dangerous to health.

Criteria for use:

S26-

recommended when it is necessary to draw the attention of the user to eye
contact risks not mentioned in the risk phrases that have to be applied. However,may be used to emphasise such risk phrases;-

recommended for substances ascribed R34, R35, R36 or R41, which are likely to
be used by the general public.

In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical
adviceApplicability:-

corrosive or irritant substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for corrosive substances and preparations and those to which R41 hasalready been ascribed;-

recommended for irritant substances and preparations to which the risk phrase
R36 has already been ascribed.

119

S27

Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.

Applicability:-

very toxic, toxic or corrosive substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:

S28-

obligatory for very toxic substances and preparations to which R27 has been
ascribed and which are likely to be used by the general public;-

recommended for very toxic substances and preparations to which R27 has been
ascribed. However, this safety phrase should not be used if S36 has been
ascribed;-

recommended for toxic substances and preparations to which R24 has been
ascribed, as well as corrosive substances and preparations that are likely to be
used by the general public.

After contact with skin, wash immediately with plenty of ... (to be specified by the
manufacturer).

Applicability:- very toxic, toxic or corrosive substances and preparations.
Criteria for use:
- obligatory for very toxic substances and preparations;- recommended for the other substances and preparations mentioned above, inparticular when water is not the most appropriate rinsing fluid;- recommended for corrosive substances and preparations that are likely to be usedby the general public.
S29

Do not empty into drains

Applicability:-

extremely or highly flammable liquids immiscible with water;-

very toxic and toxic substances and preparations;-substances and preparations dangerous for the environment.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for substances and preparations dangerous for the environment andassigned the symbol 'N', which are likely to be used by the general public, unless
this is the intended use;-

recommended for other substances and preparations mentioned above which are
likely to be used by the general public, unless this is the intended use.

120

S30

Never add water to this productApplicability:-

substances and preparations that react violently with water.

Criteria for use:-

S33

normally limited to special cases (eg. sulphuric acid) and may be used, as
appropriate, to give the clearest possible information, either to emphasise R14 oras an alternative to R14.

Take precautionary measures against static discharges

Applicability:-

extremely or highly flammable substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

S35

recommended for substances and preparations used in industry which do notabsorb moisture. Virtually never used for substances and preparations placed on
the market for use by the general public.

This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way.

Applicability:-

all dangerous substances and preparations

Criteria for use:-

recommended for substances and preparations where special guidance is needed
to ensure proper disposal.

121

S36

Wear suitable protective clothing

Applicability:-

organic peroxides;-

very toxic, toxic or harmful substances and preparations;-corrosive substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:

S37-

obligatory for very toxic and corrosive substances and preparations;-obligatory for those substances and preparations to which either R21 or R24 has
been ascribed;-

obligatory for category 3 carcinogens, mutagens and substances toxic toreproduction unless the effects are produced solely by inhalation of thesubstance or preparation;-

obligatory for organic peroxides;-

recommended for toxic substances and preparations if the LD50 dermal value is
unknown but the substance or preparation is likely to be toxic through skincontact;-

recommended for substances and preparations used in industry which are liable
to damage health by prolonged exposure.

Wear suitable gloves

Applicability:-

very toxic, toxic, harmful or corrosive substances and preparations;-organic peroxides;-

substances and preparations irritating to the skin or causing sensitisation by skincontact.

Criteria for use-

obligatory for very toxic and corrosive substances and preparations;-obligatory for those substances and preparations to which R21, R24 or R43 hasbeen ascribed;-

obligatory for Category 3 carcinogens, mutagens and substances toxic toreproduction unless the effects are produced solely by inhalation of thesubstances and preparations;-obligatory for organic peroxides;-

recommended for toxic substances and preparations if the LD50 dermal value is
unknown but the substance or preparation is likely to be harmful by skin contact;-

recommended for substances and preparations irritating to the skin.

122

S38

In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment

Applicability:-

very toxic or toxic substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S39

normally limited to special cases involving the use of very toxic or toxic
substances and preparations in industry or in agriculture.

Wear eye/face protection

Applicability:-

organic peroxides;-

corrosive substances and preparations, including irritants that give rise to risk ofserious damage to the eyes;-very toxic and toxic substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:

S40-

obligatory for those substances and preparations to which R34, R35 or R41 havebeen ascribed;-

obligatory for organic peroxides;-

recommended when it is necessary to draw the attention of the user to eye
contact risks not mentioned in the risk phrases that have to be ascribed;-

normally limited to exceptional cases for very toxic and toxic substances andpreparations, where there is a risk of splashing and they are likely to be easily
absorbed by the skin.

To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material use ... (to be
specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

all dangerous substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

S41

normally limited to those dangerous substances and preparations for which water
is not considered to be a suitable cleansing agent (eg. where absorption by
powdered material, dissolution by solvent etc. is necessary) and where it isimportant for health and/or safety reasons to provide a warning on the label.

In case of fire and/or explosion do not breathe fumes

Applicability:-

dangerous substances and preparations, which on combustion give off very toxic
or toxic gases.

Criteria for use:-

normally limited to special cases.

123

S42

During fumigation/spraying wear suitable respiratory equipment (appropriate
wording to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

substances and preparations intended for such use but which may endanger thehealth and safety of the user unless proper precautions are taken.

Criteria for use:
S43

normally limited to special cases.

In case of fire use ... (indicate in the space the precise type of fire-fighting equipment.
If water increases the risk add: ‘Never use water’)Applicability:-

extremely flammable, highly flammable and flammable substances andpreparations.

Criteria for use:

S45-

obligatory for substances and preparations which, in contact with water or damp
air, evolve extremely flammable gases;-

recommended for extremely flammable, highly flammable and flammable
substances and preparations, particularly when they are immiscible with water.

In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately (show thelabel where possible).

Applicability:-

very toxic substances and preparations;-

toxic and corrosive substances and preparations;-substances and preparations causing sensitisation by inhalation.

Criteria for use:
S46

obligatory for the substances and preparations mentioned above.

If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label

Applicability-

all dangerous substances and preparations other than those that are very toxic,
toxic, corrosive or dangerous to the environment.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for all dangerous substances and preparations mentioned above which
are likely to be used by the general public, unless there is no reason to fear any
danger from swallowing, particularly by children.

124

S47

Keep at temperature not exceeding ... ° C (to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that become unstable at a certain temperature.

Criteria for use:
S48

normally limited to special cases (eg. certain organic peroxides).

Keep wetted with .... (appropriate material to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that may become very sensitive to sparks, friction or
impact if allowed to dry out.

Criteria for use:
S49

normally limited to special cases, eg. nitrocelluloses.

Keep only in the original container

Applicability:-

substances and preparations sensitive to catalytic decomposition.

Criteria for use:
S50

substances and preparations sensitive to catalytic decomposition eg. certain
organic peroxides.

Do not mix with ... (to be specified by the manufacturer)

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that may react with the specified product to evolve
very toxic or toxic gases;-

organic peroxides.

Criteria for use

S51-

recommended for substances and preparations mentioned above which are likely
to be used by the general public, when it is a better alternative to R31 or R32;-

obligatory with certain peroxides which may give violent reaction withaccelerators or promoters.

Use only in well-ventilated areas

Applicability:- substances and preparations likely to or intended to produce vapours, dusts,
sprays, fumes, mists, etc. which give rise to inhalation risks or to a fire or
explosion risk
Criteria for use:
- recommended when use of S38 would not be appropriate. Thus important whensuch substances and preparations are likely to be used by the general public.

125

S52

Not recommended for interior use on large surface areas

Applicability:-

volatile, very toxic, toxic and harmful substances and preparations containing
them.

Criteria for use:-

S53

recommended when damage to health is likely to be caused by prolonged
exposure to these substances and preparations by reason of their volatilisationfrom large treated surfaces in the home or other enclosed places where persons
congregate.

Avoid exposure - Obtain special instructions before use

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that are carcinogenic, mutagenic and/or toxic toreproduction.

Criteria for use:
S56

obligatory for the above-mentioned substances and preparations to which at least
one of the following R-phrases has been assigned: R45, R46, R49, R60 or R61.

Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special waste collection
point.

Applicability:-

all dangerous substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S57

recommended for all dangerous substances and preparations likely to be used by
the general public for which special disposal is required.

Use appropriate containment to avoid environmental contamination

Applicability:-

substances and preparations that have been assigned the symbol ‘N’.

Criteria for use:
S59

normally limited to substances and preparations not likely to be used by thegeneral public.

Refer to manufacturer for information on recovery/recycling

Applicability:- all dangerous substances and preparations.
Criteria for use:
- obligatory for substances and preparations dangerous for the ozone layer;- recommended for other substances and preparations for which recovery/recycling
is recommended.

126

S60

This material and its container must be disposed of as hazardous waste

Applicability:-

all dangerous substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:
S61

recommended for substances and preparations not likely to be used by thegeneral public and where S35 is not assigned.

Avoid release to the environment. Refer to special instructions/Material Safety Data
Sheets.

Applicability:-

substances and preparations dangerous for the environment.

Criteria for use:

S62-

normally used for substances and preparations that have been assigned thesymbol ‘N’;-

recommended for all substances and preparations classified as ‘dangerous for theenvironment’ not covered above.

If swallowed, do not induce vomiting: seek medical advice immediately and show thiscontainer or label.

Applicability:-

substances and preparations classified as harmful with R65 in accordance withthe criteria in section 4.9;-

not applicable to substances and preparations which are placed on the market inaerosol containers.

Criteria for use:

S63-

obligatory for substances and preparations mentioned above, if sold to, or likely
to be used by the general public, except when S45 or S46 are obligatory;-

recommended for the substances and preparations mentioned above when used
in industry, except where S45 or S46 are obligatory.

In case of accident by inhalation: remove casualty to fresh air and keep at rest.

Applicability:-

very toxic and toxic substances and preparations (gases, vapours, particulates,
volatile liquids);-

substances and preparations causing respiratory sensitisation.

Criteria for use:-

obligatory for substances and preparations to which R26, R23 or R42 has been
assigned which are likely to be used by the general public in a way that could
result in inhalation.

127

S64

If swallowed, rinse mouth with water, (only if the person is conscious).

Applicability:-

corrosive or irritant substances and preparations.

Criteria for use:-

recommended for the above substances and preparations that are likely to be
used by the general public and where the above treatment is suitable.

128

Appendix 4
APPLYING THE CRITERIA TO CLASSIFY A HAZARDOUS
SUBSTANCE - EXAMPLES
Example 1: A substance containing 0.5% w/w Parathion
A4.1

The data show that parathion is Very Toxic on the basis of its acute lethal effects(risk phrase R27/R28).

A4.2

Therefore, parathion meets the health effects criteria of Chapter 4. The concentration
cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.3

According to Table 2, a mixture with 0.5% w/w of a Very Toxic substance is to beclassified as Harmful, as the concentration is below the concentration cut-off level
for a Very Toxic mixture (7%). It is also below the concentration cut-off level for a
Toxic mixture (1%), but within the range (0.1-1%) for a Harmful mixture. The
substance is therefore a hazardous substance and is classified as Harmful with
R21/22 the most appropriate risk phrase.

Example 2: A substance containing 7% w/w Acetyl chloride
A4.4

The data show that acetyl chloride is Corrosive (risk phrase R34).

A4.5

Therefore, acetyl chloride meets the health effects criteria of Chapter 4. The
concentration cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.6

According to Table 8, a mixture with 7% w/w of a Corrosive substance is to beclassified as Irritant, as the concentration is in the range 5 -10%, but below the cutoff level for a Corrosive mixture (10%). The substance is therefore a hazardous
substance and is classified as Irritant with R36/38 the most appropriate risk phrase.

Example 3: a substance containing 70% w/w 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7methanoindene and 30% w/w amyl alcohol
A4.7

As the substance is a mixture its classification depends on whether the mixture has
been tested as a whole and whether it has health effects that meet the criteria in
Chapter 4. If the mixture has not been tested as a whole, the availability of healtheffects data on the individual ingredients (3a,4,7,7a-Tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene
and Amyl alcohol) need to be considered.

129

A4.8

The data available for 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene and amyl alcohol
show that:•

3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene is Harmful by inhalation or if
swallowed on the basis of its acute lethal effects (risk phrases R20, R22), and isan Irritant (risk phrase R36/37/38); and•amyl alcohol is Harmful by inhalation on the basis of its acute lethal effects(risk phrase R20).

A4.9

Both 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene and amyl alcohol meet the healtheffects criteria of Chapter 4. The concentration cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should
now be applied.

A4.10

According to Table 2 a mixture containing a Harmful substance (risk phrases R20,
R22) at a concentration above 25% w/w is a hazardous substance. The mixture isclassified as Harmful with risk phrases R20, R22 considered appropriate for the
mixture.

A4.11

According to Table 8 a mixture containing an Irritant (risk phrase R36/37/38) at aconcentration above 20% w/w is a hazardous substance and the mixture is classified
as Irritant, with risk phrase R36/37/38 considered appropriate.

A4.12

Therefore, according to the health effects criteria of Chapter 4 and the concentration
cut-off levels of Chapter 6, a 70% 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,7-methanoindene and 30%
amyl alcohol mixture is a hazardous substance. The mixture is classified as Harmfuland Irritant, with R20, R22 and R36/37/38 the most appropriate risk phrases.

Example 4: A substance containing 0.5% w/w 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine;
A4.13 The data show that 3,3-dichlorobenzidine is:•a Category 2 carcinogen (R45);•

harmful by skin contact on the basis of its acute lethal effects (R21); and,•a skin sensitiser (R43).

A4.14

Therefore, 3,3-Dichlorobenzidine meets the health effects criteria of Chapters 4 and5. The concentration cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.15

According to Table 2, a mixture with 0.5% w/w of a Harmful substance is not ahazardous substance on the basis of its acute lethal effects.

A4.16

According to Table 10, a mixture with 0.5% w/w of a skin sensitiser is not ahazardous substance on the basis of its sensitising effects.

A4.17

According to Table 12, a mixture with 0.5% w/w of a Category 2 Carcinogen is to beclassified as Toxic, with risk phrase R45 to be assigned to the mixture.

130A4.18The substance is therefore a hazardous substance and is classified as Toxic with risk
phrase R45.

Example 5: A substance containing 10% w/w Methyl mercaptan, 20% w/w
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene, and 2% w/w 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol;
A4.19

The data show that:•methyl mercaptan is Harmful (Xn) by inhalation on the basis of its acute lethal
effects (risk phrase R20);•

1,2,4-trimethylbenzene is Harmful (Xn) by inhalation on the basis of its acutelethal effects (risk phrase R20), and is Harmful (Xi) on the basis of its irritanteffects (R36/37/38); and,•

2,4,6-trinitrophenol is Toxic if swallowed, by inhalation, or by contact with theskin on the basis of its acute lethal effects (risk phrase R23/24/25).

A4.20

Therefore, each of the three ingredients in the mixture meet the health effects criteriaof Chapter 4. The concentration cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.21

According to Table 2, a mixture with less than 25% w/w of a Harmful ingredient is
not classified as a hazardous substance on the basis of its acute lethal effects.

A4.22

Similarly, a mixture with less than 3% w/w of a Toxic ingredient is not classified as ahazardous substance on the basis of its acute lethal effects.

A4.23

1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene is present at 20%, which in Table 8 (Chapter 6) is at the cutoff for classification as an irritant by virtue of R36/37/38. The mixture is therefore
classified as Harmful (Xi) with R36/37/38.

A4.24

Since all the other hazardous ingredients in the mixture are in concentrations below
their respective cut-off levels and they have similar health effects, the formulae ofChapter 7 should be used to determine whether the mixture overall is a hazardous
substance on the basis of acute lethal effects.

131

A4.25

Assuming that the three ingredients have additive health effects the appropriate
formulae in Chapter 7 can be applied.
Step 1 Consider the concentration cut-off levels for a Toxic mixture. These are in
Table 2 for acute lethal effects. That is:• for a Toxic ingredient, 25% w/w;
• for a Harmful ingredient, no concentration cut-off level is given in thetable, as it is not appropriate.

Applying the formula from Section 7.13 for a Toxic mixture:Σ( + )≥1
PT+

PT

LT

LT

where:
PT+ = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each very toxic
substance in the preparation,
PT =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each toxic substance inthe preparation,LT =is the respective toxic limit specified for each very toxic or toxic
substance, expressed as a percentage by weight or by volume;

The only toxic ingredient (2,4,6-Trinitrophenol) is present at a concentration
below the cut-off level of 25% w/w and the sum is less than 1.
That is:
PT

____

LT

2

=

____

25 (cut-off for T ingredient)

Therefore, the mixture is not classified as Toxic.
Step 2 Consider now the concentration cut-off levels for a Harmful mixture (Table2). That is:• for a Very Toxic ingredient, 0.1% w/w;
• for a Toxic ingredient, 3% w/w; and• for a Harmful ingredient, 25% w/w.

132

The formula for a Harmful mixture from Section 7.16 can be applied.

Σ( +
PT+

PT

LXn

LXn

PXn

+L

Xn

)≥1

where,
PT+=

the percentage by weight of each Very Toxic (R26, R27, R28)
ingredient in the mixture;PT=the percentage by weight of each Toxic (R23, R24, R25)
ingredient in the mixture;PXn =the percentage by weight of each Harmful (R20, R21, R22)
ingredient in the mixture; andLXn =the concentration cut-off level specified for each Very Toxic(R26, R27, R28), Toxic (R23, R24, R25), or Harmful (R20, R21,
R22) ingredient, expressed as a percentage by weight.

• There are no Very Toxic ingredients, so there is no PT+ value.

PT + =0LXn

0.1 (Harmful cut-off for T+ ingredient)• 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol is the only Toxic ingredient, so:

PT = 23 (Harmful cut-off for T ingredient)
LXn• methyl mercaptan and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene are both Harmful
ingredients, so:

PXn = 10 + 20 = 30
LXn 25 25 25 (Harmful cut-off for Xn ingredient)• applying the formula:

Σ( +
PT+

PT

LXn

LXn

0
0.1

+

2
3

133

PXn

+L

Xn

+

)≥1

30
25

= 1.9

As the sum is greater than 1 the mixture is a hazardous substance and isclassified as:• Harmful (Xn) with R20 the most appropriate risk phrase on the basis of
its acute lethal effects; and,• Harmful (Xi) with R36/37/38 as the appropriate risk phrase on the basisof its irritant effects.

Example 6: A substance containing 15% w/w 3-Chlorophenol and 10%
w/w Bromobenzene
A4.26

The available data show that:•

3-chlorophenol is Harmful on the basis of its acute lethal effects (risk phrase
R20/21/22); and•bromobenzene is Irritant on contact with the skin (risk phrase R38).

A4.27

Each of the two ingredients in the mixture meets the health effects criteria of Chapter
4. The concentration cut-off levels in Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.28

According to Table 2, a mixture containing less than 25% w/w of a Harmful
ingredient is not classified as a hazardous substance on the basis of its acute lethal
effects.
According to Table 8, a mixture containing less than 20% w/w of an Irritant is notclassified as a hazardous substance on the basis of its irritant effects.

A4.29

As the health effects for each ingredient are different they are not additive, and so it
is not necessary to apply the formulae in Chapter 7. The mixture is therefore not ahazardous substance.

Example 7: A substance containing 5.7% w/w Lead azide
A4.30

The data show that lead azide is:
•
•
•
•

A4.31

a Category 1 - Toxic for Reproduction (development) substance (R 61),a Category 3 - Harmful for Reproduction (fertility) substance (R62),
harmful by inhalation and if swallowed on the basis of its acute lethal effects(R20/22); andaccumulation in the human body is likely (R33).

Lead azide meets the health effects criteria of Chapter 4. The concentration cut-off
levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

134

A4.32

According to Section 6.18 and Table 12 a mixture containing 0.5% w/w or more of acategory 1 - Toxic for reproduction substance is to be classified as Toxic, with risk
phrase R61 to be assigned to the mixture.

A4.33

According to Section 6.18 and Table 12 a mixture containing 5% w/w or more of a
Category 3 - Toxic for Reproduction substance is to be classified as Harmful withrisk phrase R62. The hazard category ‘Harmful’ is redundant and not assigned as the‘Toxic’ hazard classification from above, which is valid at concentrations of 0.5%
w/w and above, takes precedence.

A4.34

According to Table 2 a mixture containing less than 25% w/w of a Harmful
substance is not classified as a hazardous substance on the basis of its acute lethal
effects.

A4.35

According to Table 14 a mixture containing a substance likely to accumulate in thebody, at a concentration of 1% or more, shall be assigned risk phrase R33.

A4.36

Therefore, according to the health effects criteria of Chapter 4, and the concentration
cut-off levels of Chapter 6, a 5.7% lead azide mixture is a hazardous substance and isclassified as Toxic with risk phrases R61, R62, and R33.

Example 8: A substance containing 2.5% w/w Aqueous Ammonia solution,
0.4% w/w Sodium hydroxide, and 2.4% w/w Bis(3(trimethoxysilyl)propyl) amine;
A4.37

Information, current in 2001 and included in the List of Designated Hazardous
Substances, shows the following classification and cut-off information.
CLASSIFICATION

CUT-OFFS

Ammonia solution

C; R34Conc ≥ 10%: C; R34
5% ≤ Conc < 10%: Xi; R36/37/38

Sodium hydroxide

C; R35

Conc ≥ 5%: C; R35
2% ≤ Conc < 5%: C; R34
0.5% ≤ Conc < 2%: Xi; R36/38

Bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)
propyl)amine

Xi; R41

Conc ≥ 10%: Xi; R41
5% ≤ Conc < 10%: Xi; R36

135

A4.38The data show that:•ammonia solution is corrosive causing burns (risk phrase R34);•

sodium hydroxide is corrosive causing severe burns (risk phrase R35); and,•bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)amine causes serious damage to eyes (risk phrase
R41).

A4.39

Each of the three ingredients in the mixture meets the health effects criteria ofChapter 4. The concentration cut-off levels of Chapter 6 should now be applied.

A4.40

According to Table 8:•

a mixture with less than 5% w/w of a Corrosive (ammonia, R34) ingredient is
not classified as a hazardous substance (Irritant) on the basis of its corrosive
effects, and•a mixture with less than 5% w/w of an ingredient with a risk of serious damage
to eyes (Bis(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)amine) is not classified as a hazardous
substance on the basis of its irritant effects.

Additionally,•a mixture with less than 0.5% sodium hydroxide is not classified as ahazardous substance on the basis of its corrosive effects.

Note that sodium hydroxide has been assigned specific cut-offs in the List and thesemust be applied, not the generic cut-offs in Table 8.

A4.41

Since all hazardous ingredients in the mixture are in concentrations below theirrespective cut-off levels, and they have similar health effects, the formulae ofChapter 7 should be used to determine whether the mixture overall is a hazardous
substance.

A4.42

Assuming that the three ingredients have additive health effects, the appropriate
formulae in Chapter 7 can be applied.
Note: Classification begins with the most hazardous classification in the family andproceeds to the next hazardous classification if classification is not satisfied at any
level.
Step 1 Normally the concentration cut-off levels for the most hazardous substancein a mixture are taken from the appropriate Table(s) in Chapter 6.

For a Corrosive/Irritant mixture this is Table 8.
Sodium hydroxide however, has cut-off levels specified in the List. These
values are applied.
For R35 corrosive effects, the cut-off for sodium hydroxide is 5% w/w. No
others apply.

136

Step 2 The most severe classification for corrosive / irritant effects is R35. Sodiumhydroxide is the only ingredient of the mixture with an R35 classificationand it is present in the mixture at a concentration less than the corresponding
concentration cut-off for the mixture to be classified as R35 (that is a cut-off
level of 5% w/w). A classification of R35 for the mixture does not apply.
Step 3 For R34 corrosive classification the cut-offs are 2% for sodium hydroxide,and 10% for ammonia solution.

Applying the formula from Section 7.26

Σ(

PC.R35
LC.R34

PC.R34

+L

C.R34

)≥1

where:
PC R35 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,
PC R34 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,
LC R34 = is the respective corrosive limit R34 specified for each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 or R34, expressed as apercentage by weight or by volume,
the result is = 0.4 / 2.0 + 2.5 / 10 = 0.45 < 1
Since the value of 1 is not met or exceeded the substance is not classified ashazardous in terms of R34.

137

Step 4 Consider the concentration cut-off levels for an R41 mixture (causing
serious eye damage) in Table 8:•

for sodium hydroxide 5.0% w/w;•

for a R34 ingredient, 10% w/w; and•for a R41 ingredient, 10% w/w.

The formula for an irritant mixture causing serious damage to eyes (R41)from Section 7.31 can be applied:Σ(

PC.R35
LXi.R41

PC.R34+L

Xi.R41)≥1

PXi.R41+L

Xi.R41

where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R34 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R41 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R41 in the preparation,
LXi R41 = is the respective irritant limit R41 specified for each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 or R34, or irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R41, expressed aspercentage by weight or by volume,= 0.4 / 5.0 + 2.5 / 10 + 2.4 / 10 = 0.57 < 1
Since the value of 1 is not met or exceeded, the substance is not classified ashazardous in terms of R41.

138

Step 5 Consider the concentration cut-off levels for an irritant mixture with risk
phrase R36 (eye irritation). From Table 8, and the List for sodiumhydroxide, the relevant cut-offs for R36 are:• for sodium hydroxide 0.5% w/w;
• for a R34 ingredient, 5% w/w; and• for a R41 ingredient, 5% w/w.

The formula for an irritant mixture with R36 (Section 7.35) can be applied.

Σ( PL ,,C R35
Xi R36+ LP ,,C R34

Xi R36+ LP ,,Xi R41Xi R36+ LP ,,Xi R36Xi R36)≥1

where:
PC R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 in the preparation,

PC R34 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R34 in the preparation,

PXi R41 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R41 in the preparation,
PXi R36 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R36 in the preparation,
LXi R36 = is the respective irritant limit R36 specified for each corrosive
substance to which is assigned phrase R35 or R34 or irritant
substance to which is assigned phrase R41, or R36 expressed aspercentage by weight or by volume;= 0.4 / 0.5 + 2.5 / 5 + 2.4 / 5 = 1.78 > 1
Since the value of 1 is exceeded, the substance is classified as hazardous i.e.
an Eye Irritant (Xi) with the risk phrase R36.

139

Step 6 Consider the concentration cut-off levels for this irritant mixture with risk
phrase R38 (skin irritant). From the List and Table 8:• for sodium hydroxide 0.5% w/w;
• for ammonia solution 5% w/w.

The formula for an irritant mixture with R38 (Section 7.39) can be applied.

Σ(

PC.R35
LXi.R38

PC.R34+L

Xi.R38)≥1

PXi.R38+L

Xi.R38where:
PC.R35 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each Corrosive
ingredient with risk phrase R35 in the mixture,

PC.R34 =is the percentage by weight or by volume of each Corrosive
ingredient with risk phrase R34 in the mixture,

PXi.R38 = is the percentage by weight or by volume of each Irritantingredient with risk phrase R38 in the mixture,
LXi.R38 = is the Irritant (Xi) concentration cut-off level specified for each
Corrosive ingredient assigned with risk phrase R35 or R34 or
Irritant ingredient with risk phrase R38 expressed as a percentage
by weight or volume, and= 0.4 / 0.5 + 2.5 / 5 = 1.3 > 1
Since the value of 1 is exceeded, the substance is classified as hazardous ie.
a Skin Irritant with the risk phrase R38.
The overall classification of the mixture is Harmful (Xi) R36, R38.

140

Appendix 5
NOTIFICATION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
Hazardous substances regulations have been implemented by State, Territory and theAustralian governments in accordance with the National Occupational Health and Safety
Commission’s National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous
Substances. The National Model Regulations require manufacturers or importers to determine
if a substance to be used in the workplace is a hazardous substance.
If the substance meets the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission’s Approved
Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)] and that hazardous
substance is not already included in NOHSC’s List of Designated Hazardous Substances, andprovided the substance is not a composite material, mixture or formulation, then the
manufacturer or importer has a duty to notify NOHSC of that determination.
This Notification Form is provided for manufacturers/importers to advise NOHSC of theirdetermination of a hazardous substance and the associated hazard classification assigned forthat substance. In order for NOHSC to keep an accurate and complete register of all
notifications the notifier is required to complete this Notification Form.

The information contained in this form is not regarded as confidential
Completed forms should be forwarded to:Manager
Improving Regulatory Framework
Chemicals Framework TeamNational Occupational Health and Safety Commission
GPO Box 1577
Canberra City ACT 2601
NOHSC staff will acknowledge all notifications received

141

NOTIFIER’S DETAILS

Date:Company name:
ACN:
Contact name and position:

Address:

Phone number:
Facsimile number:
Email address:
Tick which is applicable:

Manufacturer [ ]SUBSTANCE IDENTIFICATION

Chemical name:
Synonyms:
Product or Trade names:
Chemical Abstract Services Registry (CAS) Number:
If a CAS number is not available, please supply:
Molecular Formula:
AND

Structural Formula:142

Supplier [ ]PROPOSED CLASSIFICATION

Risk Phrase(s):_____________________________________________________________
Safety Phrase(s):___________________________________________________________
Note(s):Concentration cut-offs:
Xn
Harmful

T
Toxic

T+
Very Toxic

Xi
Irritant

C
Corrosive

Please state how this classification determination was reached:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

143

Appendix 6
CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF PHYSICOCHEMICALPROPERTIESIntroduction
A6.1

The criteria used by the European Commission for the classification of substances on
the basis of their physicochemical properties is presented here for information only.
It may be used to supplement the classification resulting from the use of theAustralian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG Code) criteria, and the National Standard
for the Storage and Handling of Workplace Dangerous Goods[NOHSC:1015(2001)].

A6.2

The test methods relating to explosive, oxidising and flammable properties arereferenced from Annex V of EC Council Directive 67/548/EEC. Classification
criteria follow directly from the test methods in Annex V as far as they are
mentioned.

A6.3

If adequate information is available to demonstrate in practice that thephysicochemical properties of substances and preparations (apart from organic
peroxides) are different from those revealed by the test methods given in Annex V,then such substances and preparations should be classified according to the hazard
they present, if any, to those handling the substances and preparations or to otherpersons.

144

Criteria for classification, choice of symbols, indication of danger andchoice of risk phrases
Explosive
A6.4

Substances and preparations shall be classified as explosive and assigned the symbol‘E’ and the indication of danger ‘explosive’ in accordance with the results of thetests given in Annex V and in so far as the substances and preparations are explosive
as placed on the market.
One risk phrase is obligatory and is to be specified on the basis of the following:
R2

Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition

Includes substances and preparations except those set out below.
R3

Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source of ignition

Includes substances and preparations that are particularly sensitive such as picric acidsalts or PETN.

Oxidising
A6.5

Substances and preparations shall be classified as oxidising and assigned the symbol‘O’ and the indication of danger ‘oxidising’ in accordance with the results of thetests given in Annex V.

A6.6

One risk phrase is obligatory and is to be specified on the basis of the test results but
subject to the following:
R7

May cause fire

Organic peroxides which have flammable properties even when not in contact withother combustible material.
R8

Contact with combustible material may cause fire

Other oxidising substances and preparations, including inorganic peroxides, which
may cause fire or enhance the risk of fire when in contact with combustible material.
R9

Explosive when mixed with combustible material

Other substances and preparations, including inorganic peroxides, which become
explosive when mixed with combustible materials, eg. certain chlorates.

145

Remarks concerning peroxides
A6.7

For the explosive properties, an organic peroxide or preparation thereof in the form
in which it is placed on the market is classified according to the criteria in section
A6.6 on the basis of tests carried out in accordance with the methods given in Annex
V.

A6.8

For the oxidising properties the existing methods in Annex V cannot be applied toorganic peroxides.

A6.9

For substances, organic peroxides not already classified as explosive are classified as
dangerous on the basis of their structure (eg. R-O-O-H; R1-O-O-R2).
Preparations not already classified as explosive shall be classified using the
calculation method, based on the percentage of active oxygen, shown in Section 9.5
of Annex VI of Commission Directive 67/548/EEC (as amended by Commission
Directive 2001/59/EC).

A6.10

Any organic peroxide or preparation thereof not already classified as explosive isclassified as oxidising if the peroxide or its formulation contains:-

more than 5% of organic peroxides; or-more than 0.5% available oxygen from the organic peroxides, and more than
5% hydrogen peroxide.

Extremely flammable
A6.11

Substances and preparations shall be classified as extremely flammable andassigned the symbol 'F+' and the indication of danger 'extremely flammable' inaccordance with the results of the tests given in Annex V. The risk phrase shall beassigned in accordance with the following criteria:
R12 Extremely flammable•

Liquid substances and preparations which have a flash point lower than 0°C,
and a boiling point (or in case of a boiling range the initial boiling point) lower
than or equal to 35°C.

•

Gaseous substances and preparations that are flammable in contact with air at
ambient temperature and pressure.

146

Highly flammable
A6.12

Substances and preparations shall be classified as highly flammable and assigned
the symbol 'F' and the indication of danger 'highly flammable' in accordance withthe results of the tests given in Annex V. Risk phrases shall be assigned inaccordance with the following criteria:
R11 Highly flammable•

Solid substances and preparations that may readily catch fire after brief contact
with a source of ignition and which continue to burn or to be consumed after
removal of the source of ignition.

•

Liquid substances and preparations having a flash point below 21°C but which
are not extremely flammable.

R15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases

Substances and preparations, which, in contact with water or damp air, evolve
extremely flammable gases in dangerous quantities at a minimum rate of one litre perkilogram per hour.
R17 Spontaneously flammable in air

Substances and preparations that may become hot and finally catch fire in contact
with air at ambient temperature without any input of energy.

Flammable
A6.13

Substances and preparations shall be classified as flammable in accordance with theresults of the tests given in Annex V. The risk phrase shall be assigned in accordancewith the criteria mentioned below.
R10 Flammable

Liquid substances and preparations having a flash point equal to or greater than
21°C, and less than or equal to 55°C.
A6.14

In practice, however, it has been shown that a preparation having a flash point equal
to or greater than 21°C and less than or equal to 55°C need not be classified as
flammable if the preparation could not in any way support combustion and only solong as there is no reason to fear risks to those handling these preparations or to otherpersons.

147

Other physicochemical properties
A6.15

Additional risk phrases shall be assigned to substances and preparations which havebeen classified by virtue of Sections 6.4 to 6.9 above, or by Chapters 4 and 5, or by
Appendix 7 of the Approved Criteria, in accordance with the following criteria:
R1

Explosive when dry

For explosive substances and preparations put on the market in solution or in awetted form, eg. nitrocellulose with more than 12.6% nitrogen.
R4

Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds

For substances and preparations which may form sensitive explosive metallic
derivatives, eg. picric acid, styphnic acid.
R5

Heating may cause an explosion

For thermally unstable substances and preparations not classified as explosive, eg.
perchloric acid >50%.
R6

Explosive with or without contact with air

For substances and preparations which are unstable at ambient temperatures, eg.
acetylene.
R7

May cause fire

For reactive substances and preparations, eg. fluorine, sodium hydrosulphite.
R14 Reacts violently with water

For substances and preparations that react violently with water, eg. acetyl chloride,
alkali metals, titanium tetrachloride.
R16 Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances

For substances and preparations which react explosively with an oxidising agent, eg.
red phosphorus.
R18 In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture

For preparations not in themselves classified as flammable, which contain volatilecomponents that are flammable in air.
R19 May form explosive peroxides

For substances and preparations which may form explosive peroxides during storage,eg. diethyl ether, 1,4-dioxan.
R30 Can become highly flammable in use

For preparations not in themselves classified as flammable, which may become
flammable due to the loss of non-flammable volatile components.

148

R44 Risk of explosion if heated under confinement

For substances and preparations not in themselves classified as explosive inaccordance with paragraph A6.4 above but which may nevertheless display explosive
properties in practice if heated under sufficient confinement. For example, certain
substances which would decompose explosively if heated in a steel drum do notshow this effect if heated in less-strong containers.
A6.16

For other additional risk phrases see Appendix 3.

149

Appendix 7
CLASSIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Introduction
A7.1

The adopted criteria of the European Commission for the classification of substanceson the basis of their ecotoxicological properties are presented here for information
only. They may be used to supplement the classification of a substance that has beenclassified on the basis of its health effects and physicochemical properties.

A7.2

The primary objective of classifying substances and preparations dangerous for theenvironment is to alert the user to the hazards these substances and preparations
present to ecosystems. Although the present criteria refer to aquatic ecosystems it isrecognised that certain substances and preparations may simultaneously or
alternatively affect other ecosystems whose constituents may range from soil
microflora and microfauna to primates.

A7.3

The criteria set out below follow directly from the test methods set out in Annex V of
EC Council Directive 67/548/EEC. Classified substances may be subject to review inthe light of new data.

A7.4

For the purposes of classification and labelling, and having regard to the current stateof knowledge, such substances and preparations are divided into two groups
according to their acute and/or long term effects in aquatic systems, or their acuteand/or long-term effects in non-aquatic systems.

A7.5

The classification of substances is usually made on the basis of experimental data
for acute aquatic toxicity, degradation, and log Pow (or BCF if available).

A7.6

The classification of preparations shall normally be carried out on the basis of aconventional method referred to in Annex III, Parts A and B of Directive
1999/45/EC. In this case, the classification is based on the individual concentration
limits specified: •in the List, or•in Annex III, Part B to Directive 1999/45/EC where the substance orsubstances do not appear in the List, or appear in it without concentration
limits.

150

Criteria for classification, indication of danger, choice of risk phrases
Aquatic environment
A7.7

Substances shall be classified as dangerous for the environment and assigned thesymbol 'N' and the appropriate indication of danger, and assigned risk phrases inaccordance with the following criteria:
R50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms

andR53 May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

used together when:96 hr LC50 (for fish)< 1 mg/lor

48 hr EC50 (for Daphnia)< 1 mg/lor

72 hr IC50 (for algae)< 1 mg/l-

the substance is not readily degradable,

Acute toxicity:

and

or
-

the log Pow (log octanol/water partition coefficient) > 3.0(unless the experimentally determined BCF < 100).

R50 Very toxic to aquatic organisms

96 hr LC50 (for fish)< 1 mg/lor

48 hr EC50 (for Daphnia)< 1 mg/lor

72 hr IC50 (for algae)< 1 mg/l

Acute toxicity:151R51 Toxic to aquatic organisms

andR53 May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

used together when:96 hr LC50 (for fish)

1 mg/l < LC50 < 10 mg/l

or

48 hr EC50 (Daphnia)

1 mg/l < EC50 < 10 mg/l

or

72 hr IC50 (for algae)

1 mg/l < IC50 < 10 mg/l-

the substance is not readily degradable

Acute toxicity:

and

or
-

A7.8

the log Pow > 3.0 (unless the experimentally determined
BCF < 100).

Substances shall be classified as dangerous for the environment in accordance withthe criteria set out below. Risk phrases shall also be assigned in accordance with thefollowing criteria:
R52 Harmful to aquatic organisms

andR53 May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

used together when:96 hr LC50 (for fish)

10 mg/l < LC50 < 100 mg/l

or

48 hr EC50 (for Daphnia)

10 mg/l < EC50 < 100 mg/l

or

72 hr IC50 (for algae)

10 mg/l < IC50 < 100 mg/l-

the substance is not readily degradable.

Acute toxicity:

and

A7.9

This criterion applies unless there exists additional scientific evidence concerning
degradation and/or toxicity sufficient to provide an adequate assurance that neither
the substance nor its degradation products will constitute a potential long-term and/or
delayed danger to the aquatic environment. Such additional scientific evidence could
include:(i)a proven potential to degrade rapidly in the aquatic environment,(ii)

an absence of chronic toxicity effects at a concentration of 1.0 mg/litre, eg. a
no-observed effect concentration of greater than 1.0 mg/litre determined in a
prolonged toxicity study with fish or Daphnia.

152

R52 Harmful to aquatic organisms

Substances not falling under the criteria listed above in this Appendix, but which on
the basis of the available evidence concerning their toxicity may nevertheless present
a danger to the structure and/or functioning of aquatic ecosystems.
R53 May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment

Substances not falling under the criteria listed above, but which, on the basis of theavailable evidence concerning their persistence, potential to accumulate, andpredicted or observed environmental fate and behaviour may nevertheless present a
long-term and/or delayed danger to the structure and/or functioning of aquatic
ecosystems.
For example, poorly water-soluble substances, i.e. substances with a solubility of lessthan 1mg/l will be covered by this criterion if:

A7.10

(a)

they are not readily degradable; and(b)the log Pow > 3.0 (unless the experimentally determined BCF < 100).

This criterion applies to substances unless there exists additional scientific evidence
concerning degradation and/or toxicity sufficient to provide an adequate assurance
that neither the substance nor its degradation products will constitute a potential
long-term and/or delayed danger to the aquatic environment.
Such additional scientific evidence could include:(i)a proven potential to degrade rapidly in the aquatic environment;(ii)

an absence of chronic toxicity effects at the solubility limit eg. a no-observed
effect concentration of greater than the solubility limit determined in a
prolonged toxicity study with fish or Daphnia.

153

Comments on the determination of IC50 for algae and of degradability
A7.11 Where it can be demonstrated in the case of highly coloured substances thatalgal growth is inhibited solely as a result of a reduction in light intensity, then the
72h IC50 for algae should not be used as a basis for classification.
A7.12

Substances are considered readily degradable if the following criteria hold true.
(a)

If in 28-day biodegradation studies the following levels of degradation areachieved-

in tests based upon dissolved organic carbon: 70%,-in tests based upon oxygen depletion or carbon dioxide generation: 60% of
the theoretical maxima.
These levels of biodegradation must be achieved within 10 days of the startof degradation, which point is taken as the time when 10% of the substancehas been degraded.

or(b)

if in those cases where only COD and BOD5 data are available when the ratioof BOD5/COD is greater than or equal to 0.5;or(c)

if other convincing scientific evidence is available to demonstrate that thesubstance can be degraded (biotically and/or abiotically) in the aquatic
environment to a level of >70% within a 28-day period.

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Non - aquatic environment
A7.13

Substances and preparations shall be classified as dangerous for the environment
and assigned the symbol 'N' and the appropriate indication of danger, and assigned
risk phrases in accordance with the following criteria:
R54 Toxic to flora
R55 Toxic to fauna
R56 Toxic to soil organisms
R57 Toxic to bees
R58 May cause long-term adverse effects in the environment

Substances and preparations which, on the basis of the available evidence concerning
their toxicity, persistence, potential to accumulate and predicted or observed
environmental fate and behaviour, may present a danger, immediate or long-term
and/or delayed, to the structure and/or functioning of natural ecosystems other thanthose covered under paragraphs A7.7 to A7.12 above.
A7.14

Substances and preparations shall be classified as dangerous for the environment,
and assigned the symbol 'N' and the appropriate indication of danger, whereapplicable, and assigned risk phrases in accordance with the following criteria:
R59 Dangerous for the ozone layer

Substances which, on the basis of the available evidence concerning their properties
and their predicted or observed environmental fate and behaviour, may present a
danger to the structure and/or the functioning of the stratospheric ozone layer.

155

Appendix 8
CLASSIFICATION GUIDANCE FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS
SUPPLIED TO / USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND/OR
WORKPLACES
A8.1

Manufacturers and Importers of chemical substances supplied for use at workplaces inAustralia are required to determine whether such substances are hazardous to health,prior to supply. The criteria that determine the hazardous nature of chemicals areprovided in Chapters 1-7 of this document known as the Approved Criteria forClassifying Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1008(2004)].

A8.2

The Australian Approved Criteria are based on those used in Europe, as NOHSC has aprocess by which these criteria are updated in line with changes in European
classifications. In Australia, the Approved Criteria described in Chapters 1-7 aremandatory and are given effect under the National Model Regulations for the Controlof Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)] (National Model
regulations) and the Australian, State and Territory regulations introduced inaccordance with the National Model Regulations.

A8.3

The provisions described in this Appendix (Appendix 8) are those enforced under EU
regulations and largely provide information for the classification of consumer productsthat contain dangerous preparations2, in Europe.

A8.4

In Australia, classification and labelling instructions for consumer chemical products
are provided in the SUSDP. Therefore, the provisions in Appendix 8 are notmandatory under current Australian workplace chemicals regulations, except wheresuch provisions appear in the Approved Criteria (Chapters 1-7), and as such areprovided here for information only.

A8.5

However, labels and MSDS of chemicals imported from, and classified in accordancewith the criteria of Europe, may bear some or all of the specific provisions outlined inAppendix 8. As such, manufacturers and importers of chemicals intended for
consumer use in Australia should refer to the requirements of the SUSDP for labelling.

-Products supplied to the general public
A8.6

The labels on packages of –products containing dangerous preparations, which areintended to be supplied to the general public must bear relevant safety phrase S1, S2,
S45 or S46 in accordance with the Approved Criteria and the National Code ofPractice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances.

2

Dangerous preparations are mixtures or solutions composed of two or more substances determined to be
hazardous according to their physico-chemical properties and human health and environmental effects as definedin sub-points 2.a-o of Article 2 of EC Directive 1999/45/EC.

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A8.7

When products referred to in sub-paragraph (8.6) are classified as very toxic, toxic or
corrosive, and where it is physically impossible to give the information on the package
itself, packages containing such preparations must be accompanied by precise andeasily understandable instructions for use including, where appropriate, instructions
for the destruction of the empty package and disposal of un-used product.

Products intended for use by spraying
A8.8

The labels on packages containing dangerous preparations intended to be used forspraying shall bear the safety phrase S23 and safety phrase S38 or S51 assigned inaccordance with the Approved Criteria and the National Code of Practice for the
Labelling of Workplace Substances.

Products containing a substance affected by the risk phrase R33 (danger ofcumulative effects)
A8.9

When a product contains at least one substance required to show the risk phrase
R33, that phrase must be shown on the label of the dangerous preparation when theconcentration of that substance is equal to or higher than 1%, unless a different cutoff value is shown for that substance in the List.

Products containing a substance affected by the risk phrase R64 (maycause harm to breast-fed babies)
A8.10

When a product contains at least one substance required to show the risk phrase
R64, that phrase must be shown on the label of the dangerous preparation when theconcentration of that substance is equal to or higher than 1%, unless a different cutoff value is shown for that substance in the List.

Paints and varnishes containing lead
A8.11

Labels of packages of paints and varnishes containing lead in quantities exceeding
0.15% (expressed as weight of lead out of the total weight of the preparation anddetermined in accordance with ISO Standard 6503/1984) shall show the following
particulars –“Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces that are liable to be chewed orsucked by children.”A8.12

In the case of packages containing less than 125 millilitres of the preparations
referred to in paragraph8.9, the particulars on the label may be –“Warning. Contains lead.”157

Cyanoacrylate based adhesives
A8.13

The immediate packages of glues based on cyanoacrylates shall bear the following
inscription –“Cyanoacrylate. Danger. Bonds skin and eyes in seconds. Keep out of the reach ofchildren.”

A8.14

Appropriate safety advice shall accompany the package.

Preparations containing isocyanates
A8.15

The package labels of preparations containing isocyanates (whether as monomers,
oligomers, prepolymers etc. or as mixtures thereof) shall bear the following
inscriptions “Contains isocyanates. See information supplied by the manufacturer.”

Certain preparations containing epoxy constituents
A8.16

The package labels of preparations containing epoxy constituents with an averagemolecular weight ≤ 700 shall bear the following inscription “Contains epoxy constituents. See information supplied by the manufacturer.”

Preparations intended to be sold to the general public that contain active
chlorine
A8.17

The package labels of preparations containing more than 1% of active chlorine,
which are intended to be sold to the general public, shall bear the following
inscription “Warning. Do not use with other products. May release dangerous gases(chlorine).”Preparations containing cadmium (alloys) intended to be used for brazing
or soldering
A8.18

The package labels of preparations containing cadmium (alloys) intended to be used
for brazing or soldering shall bear the following inscriptions “Warning! Contains cadmium. Dangerous fumes are formed during use.
See information supplied by the manufacturer. Comply with the safety instructions.”

158

Preparations not classified as sensitising but containing at least one
sensitising substance
A8.19

The packaging of preparations containing at least one substance classified assensitising and being present in a concentration ≥0.1% or in a concentration greaterthan or equal to that specified under a specific note for the substance in the List mustbear the inscription “Contains (name of sensitising substance). May produce an allergic reaction.”

Liquid preparations containing halogenated hydrocarbons
A8.20

For liquid preparations which show no flashpoint or a flashpoint higher than 55ºC
and contain a halogenated hydrocarbon and more than 5% flammable or highly
flammable substances, the packaging must bear the following inscription as
appropriate “Can become highly flammable in use” or “Can become flammable in use”.

Preparations containing a substance assigned the risk phrase R67
A8.21

When a preparation contains one or more substances assigned the risk phrase R67,
the label of the preparation must bear the following inscription “Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness”,

when the total concentration of such substances present in the preparation is ≥15%,
unless:-the preparation is already classified with phrases R20, R23, R26, R68/20, R39/23
or R39/26, or- the preparation is in a package not exceeding 125 ml.

Cements and cement preparations
A8.22

The packaging of cements and cement preparations containing more than 0.0002%
soluble chromium (VI) of the total dry weight of the cement must bear the
inscription:“Contains chromium (VI). May produce an allergic reaction”

unless the preparation is already classified and labelled as a sensitiser with phrase
R43.

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REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
1.

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, National Model Regulations
for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC:1005(1994)], inControl of Workplace Hazardous Substances: National Model Regulations andNational Code of Practice, AGPS, Canberra, 1994.

2.

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, List of Designated Hazardous
Substances, NOHSC, Canberra.

3.

EC Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations andadministrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of
dangerous substances, Official Journal of the European Communities, No. L196 (16August 1967).

4.

Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning theapproximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to theclassification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations, Official Journal of
the European Communities, No. L200 (31 May 1999).

5.

Commission Directive 2001/59/EC of 6 August 2001 adapting to technical progress
for the 28th time Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging andlabelling of dangerous substances, Official Journal of the European Communities,
No. L225 (21 August 2001).

6.

Federal Office of Road Safety, Australian Dangerous Goods Code 6th Edition, Vol
1, Attachment 1, Road Transport Reform (Dangerous Goods) Regulations, AusInfo,
Canberra, 1998.

7.

Commission Directive 2001/60/EC adapting to technical progress Directive
1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning theapproximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to theclassification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations, Official Journal of
the European Communities, No. L226 (22 August 2001).

8.

Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Guidelines for
the Testing of Chemicals, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development,
Paris, 1992

160