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Chemicals management

What are risks related to chemicals?

The hazard of a chemical is the inherent potential to cause harm. In accordance with chemicals legislation three types of properties are distinguished. They are determined by testing.

Physical-chemical properties determine how a substance “behaves” when handled in production and as component in products. More information about these properties you can find in SDS under headlines 9 - physical and chemical properties and 10 - stability and reactivity.

Explosive: solid, liquid, pasty or gelatinous chemicals, which may also react exothermically without atmospheric oxygen, thereby quickly evolving gases, and which, under defined, test conditions, detonate, quickly deflagrate or upon heating explode when partially confined.

Explosive

R2 Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition

R3 Extreme risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other source of ignition

Oxidizing: chemicals that give rise to highly exothermic reaction when in contact with other substances, particularly flammable substances.

Oxidising

R7 May cause fire

R8 Contact with combustible material may cause fire

R9 Explosive when mixed with combustible material

Extremely flammable: liquid and gaseous substances and preparation, which are flammable in contact with air at ambient temperature and pressure[1]

Extremely flammable

R12 Extremely flammable

Highly flammable:

  • Chemicals which may become hot and finally catch fire in contact with air at ambient temperature without any application of energy, or
  • Solid chemicals which 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, or
  • Liquid chemicals having a very low flash point[2], or
  • Chemicals which, in contact with water or damp air, evolve highly flammable gases in dangerous quantities

Highly flammable

R11 Highly flammable

R15 Contact with water liberates extremely flammable gases

R17 Spontaneously flammable in air

Flammable: liquid chemicals having a low flash point[3]

Flammable

R10 Flammable

Additional phrases (if classified as above):
  • R1 Explosive when dry
  • 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
  • R14 Reacts violently with water
  • R16 Explosive when mixed with oxidising substances
  • R18 In use, may form flammable/explosive vapour-air mixture
  • R19 May form explosive peroxides
  • R30 Can become highly flammable in use
  • R44 Risk of explosion if heated under confinement

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Toxic properties determine which effects a substance would have on human health when exposure exceeded a certain dosage. Substance may enter the human body via ingestion, inhalation and direct contact with skin or eyes. In principle two types of toxicity are distinguished:

  • Acute toxicity --> indicator for the risk of effects after single exposure within a short time.
  • Chronic toxicity --> indicator for the risk of effects after repeated or prolonged exposure to sub-acute doses.

More information about these properties you can find in SDS under headline 11 - toxicological information

Very toxic: chemicals which in very low quantities cause death or acute or chronic damage to health, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they are absorbed via the skin.[4]

Very toxic

R26 Very toxic by inhalation

R27 Very toxic in contact with skin

R28 Very toxic if swallowed

R39 Danger of very serious irreversible effects

Toxic: chemicals that in low quantities cause death or acute or chronic damage to health, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they are absorbed via the skin.

Toxic

R23 Toxic by inhalation

R24 Toxic in contact with skin

R25 Toxic if swallowed

R39 Danger of very serious irreversible effects

R48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

Harmful: chemicals which may cause death or acute or chronic damage to health, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they are absorbed via the skin[5]

Harmful

R20 Harmful by inhalation

R21 Harmful in contact with skin

R22 Harmful if swallowed

R48 Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

R65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed

R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects

Carcinogenic: chemicals which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce cancer in man or increase its incidence. Depending on evidence level, three categories are distinguished: 

  • Cat I - known carcinogens to humans.
  • Cat II – should be treated as if they were carcinogenic, evidence exists from long-term animal studies or other information.
  • Cat III – there is concern but not yet enough evidence for placing it into category II.

Carcinogenic
Categories 1 and 2

R45 May cause cancer

R49 May cause cancer by inhalation

Carcinogenic
Category 3

R40 Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect

Mutagenic: chemicals which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may induce heritable genetic defects or increase their incidence. The three categories of certainty are defined analogous to those of carcinogenic substances

Mutagenic
Categories 1 and 2

R46 May cause heritable genetic damage

Mutagenic
Category 3

R68 Possible risk of irreversible effects

Toxic for reproduction: chemicals which, if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin, may produce, or increase the incidence of, non-heritable adverse effects in the progeny (harm to unborn child) and/or impairment of male or female reproductive functions or capacity. The three categories of certainty are defined analogous to those of carcinogenic substances

Toxic to reproduction Categories 1 and 2

R60 May impair fertility

R61 May cause harm to the unborn child

Toxic to reproduction Category 3

R62 Possible risk of impaired fertility

R63 Possible risk of harm to the unborn child.

Corrosive: chemicals that may, on contact with living tissues, destroy them. E.g. cause severe burns to skin.

Corrosive

R34 Causes burns

R35 Causes severe burns

Irritant: non-corrosive chemicals which, through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membrane, can cause inflammation. of the skin, ocular lesions, serious damage to the eyes or irritations of the respiratory system

Irritant

R36 Irritating to eyes

R37 Irritating to respiratory system

R38 Irritating to skin

R41 Risk of serious damage to eyes

Sensitising: substances and preparations which, if they are inhaled or if they penetrate the skin, are capable of eliciting a reaction of hyper-sensitisation such that on further exposure to the substance or preparation, characteristic adverse effects are produced e.g. respiratory hypersensitivity (asthma) or sensitisation of the skin (e.g. contact dermatitis).

Harmful

R42 May cause sensitisation by inhalation

Irritant

R43 May cause sensitisation by skin contact

Additional risk phrases (if classified as above):

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

R64 May cause harm to breastfed babies

R66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking

R67 Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness

[1] Flash point lower than 0 oC and boiling point lower than or equal to 35 oC

[2] Below 21 oC

[3] Equal to or greater than 21 oC and less than or equal to 55 oC

[4] Lethal doses for rat: £ 25 mg/kg body weight by ingestion, £ 50 mg/kg via skin or £ 0.5 mg/kg by inhalation

[5] Lethal doses for rat: £ 2000 mg/kg body weight by ingestion, £ 2000 mg/kg via skin, £ 20 mg/kg by inhalation

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Ecotoxic properties determine a chemical’s hazards to and fate in the environment. Environmental classification is currently mainly based on i) acute aquatic toxicity and the behaviour of substances in the aquatic ecosystem and ii) substance properties dangerous to the ozone layer iii) some properties dangerous to the terrestrial environment. The criteria for environmental hazards is still under development.

More information about these properties you can find in SDS under headline 12 - ecological information.

Substances and preparations which, were they enter the environment, would present or may present an immediate or delayed danger for one or more compartments of the environment.

Dangerous for the environment

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 

The hazardousness to the aquatic environment is determined by a substance’s aquatic toxicity, biodegradability and bioaccumulative potential. Harm for the environment depends largely on the combination of these properties:

  • Acute aquatic toxicity --> indicator for effects occurring after single exposure of aquatic organisms in a short period of time.
  • Biodegradability --> indicator for the persistence of a substance in the environment, the slower the degradation the longer the substance remains in the environment.
  • Bioaccumulation --> indicator for the tendency to concentrate in organisms from surrounding media, the quicker a substance is taken up and the slower it is metabolised or excreted the higher is the bioaccumulation.

If the aquatic toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence (e.g. extremely low biodegradations) reach certain treashold levels, we talk about Persistent Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances (PBTs) which are of high concern for the environment. Environmental harm may result in the disturbance of structure and functioning of ecosystems. Besides acute toxic effects, it is difficult to observe environmental damage and link it to chemicals, as environmental concentrations are very low, substances are also found far from their emission sources (atmospheric transport) and effects may be delayed in time.

Criteria for identification of PBT/vPvB substances according European Commission’s Technical Guidance Document for risk assessment of substances:

 

PBT
Criteria

Persistence

Bioaccumulation

Toxicity

Half-life

> 60 d in seawater or

> 40 d in freshwater or

> 180 d in marine

sediment or

> 120 d freshwater

sediment or

>120 d in soil

BCF > 2000

Chronic NOEC

< 0.01 mg/l or

< 30 mg/kg food

LC50 < 0.1 mg/l (not relevant if BCF > 5000)

CMR20  > classified T; R48 or Xn; R48 or R64

 

vPvB

Half-life

> 60 d in seawater or

freshwater or

> 180 d in marine or

freshwater sediment

>180 d in soil

BCF > 5000

Not applicable

If you have no information on bioaccumulation potential, you can look in Water solubility and partitioning coefficient (log Kow) --> indicator for behaviour in wastewater treatment plants and the environment. Substances with a low water solubility will adsorb to particles / sediments or can accumulate in the body fat of water organisms. Substances with a log Kow  > 3 are regarded as liable to bioaccumulate as long as bio-concentration tests (fish test) do not indicate the opposite.

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Chemicals inventory

A chemicals inventory is a database for managing information on chemicals used in an enterprise. The type of stored data depends for what the information shall be used. Inventory can be used in assessing risks to consumers, workers etc, it makes easier to comply with different legislation (e.g. air, waste, water etc), it helps in reporting and permitting procedure.

Legislation requires basic database on used chemicals, in this chapter we recommend to expand this requirement.

Textfeld: Minimum information recommended to make inventory useful:??- chemicals identity (CAS Nr.)??- information on compounds of preparation??- supplier/ producer ??- classification and labelling ??- place of use??- amount used per year??- technical function of chemical ?? ??Important!??-only electronic version of inventory will pay back ??-start with entering info on preparations but finally end-up with information on substance level!??-first put all available information from SDS and later get the missing data??-make inventory a part of the whole system, accessible by different specialists??- renew regularly??
The core data in a chemicals inventory should include the chemicals’ identity, supplier and/or producer, its classification (danger symbols, R- and S-phrases), used amounts as well as the locations where the chemical is used in the company. Information on the technical function of the chemical in products/processes may be added.

Implementation steps to develop chemicals inventory:

  • Determine a need for an inventory – which information is needed for which purposes? Invite all concerned people for a common discussion.
  • Plan the internal project: determine a project manager, who organises the build-up of the inventory. Discuss and plan who does what until when.
  • Discuss on the design of the inventory structure (type of information according to identified internal needs, type of software, search options, options to later expand the data base, linking with other company software programmes etc.).
  • Test run: collect exemplary data e.g. in one shop – discuss about problems, difficulties, if necessary revise the inventory structure, plan etc.
  • Check quality of information in inventory (special expertise needed!), collect further data from producers and suppliers if necessary. Main information sources are chemicals SDSs.
  • Chek performance of the inventory – does the data base give the expected answers? Discuss with other experts and future users of the inventory.
  • Carry out of full data collection in the company and write a procedure for maintaining / updating the inventory.
  • The time for updating the inventory should not be forgotten to plan as regular investment.

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Example for an inventory table

1

2

3

4

5.1

Identity

5.2

Identity

6

7

8.1

R Phrase

8.2

R Phrase

8.3

R
Phrase

8.4.

8.5.

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Trade
Name

Sub

Prep

Internal
Name

Supplier/

Producer

Name

CAS

EC

Percen-

tage

Classi-

fication

Health

Env

Chem-phys

Physical condition

S Phrase

SDS

update

Volume

kg

Year

Product

use type

Remains in product

Location

of use

Remarks

White varnish

P

White varnish

Producer 10

Iso-alkanes (C9-C12)

Isoaliphatic hydrocarbons

90622-57-4

68551-17-7

 

20,5

7,5

 /p>

 

Check! SDS before env. Class in force

R 10

Liquid

 

19.06.01

5 645

2002

Varni­shing

Yes

Varnishing hall, application with rolls or machine

 

Iso-alkanes (C9-C12)

S (component of white varnish)

-

Unknown

Only mixture given

90622-57-4

 

20,5 (white varnish)

Xn

R 65-66

?

R 10

Liquid

 

 

1 157,2

2002

Varni­shing

Yes

Varnishing hall, application with rolls or machine

Checking of classification necessary

Isoaliphatic hydrocarbons

S (component of white varnish)

-

Unknown

Only mixture given

68551-17-7

> 

7,5 (white varnish)

Xn

R 65

?

 

Liquid

 

 

423,4

2002

Varni­shing

Yes

Varnishing hall, application with rolls or machine

Checking of classification necessary

Nitrilotrispropanol

S

Nitroprop

Producer 5

1,1',1'-nitrilotris-2-Propanol

122-20-3

100

Xi

R 36

R 52-53

-

Liquid

S 2, S 26, S 61

None

5000

Not existing

Auxiliary varnishing

Yes

Only spray painting

GET SDS!

Explanations

1

The Trade name of the product is the name on the label. In case of a single substance it can be also the chemical name

8

Insert the R Phrases according to the basic hazard types: Toxic effects, environmental effects, chemical-physical hazards. Insert S-phrases.

2

Insert an S if the product you buy is a single substance; insert a P if it is  a preparation

9

Note the year of last SDS update; if no SDS available in your company insert a “0” into the cell.

3

May be the chemical has a well known traditional internal name in your company. It could be useful to have it in the inventory as well.

10

11

Insert the used volume of chemical (in kg) in a certain time period. The used volume is the stock at beginning of the period + purchase – stock at the end of the period.

4

Insert up-to-date name of your supplier (the company from which you order the chemical and with which you get into contact in case of questions).

12

It can be useful to roughly sort the products according to the technical type of use, e.g.: paints and varnishes, inks, dyes, solvent-cleaner, water-based cleaner, metal concentrate for electroplating. Try to standardise as a short-list and limit yourself to not more, better less than 20 categories.

5.1

5.2

Depending on the nature of the product and the information on the label, the SDS or any technical dossier you should list the identifiable substances contained in the product by CAS number (EC-number) and chemical name. The CAS (EC) number is essential. Eventually, you have the full list of ingredients. In such case, select only those that are dangerous. Use a separate row for any of the components and 1 row for the product as such.

13

Flag for indicating if the substance can be found in the final product. Fill in yes for all substances which are

1)       components of the product (e.g. varnishes, plasticisers) or

2)       come into contact with the final product and may remain on the surface (e.g. cleaning agents)

6

For dangerous components the SDS or the label usually provides information on concentrations or at least ranges.

14

There might be a list with locations of activity in your company (workshops, processes, halls, units). Try to develop a short list of locations where chemicals are used. In the first step it should be a low number of clearly defined locations, not single working places.

7

Classification of preparation (first row) and classification of single components

 

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Obtaining hazard information

Each company must have information about chemicals to fulfil own obligations. Therefore each company should establish communication routines with chemicals suppliers to get up-to-date and good quality safety data sheets (SDS) and further chemical risk management information if necessary. The persons responsible for the communication need to know which information must be provided, which can be requested additionally and how to use and interpret it.

Before purchasing the chemical we recommend to evaluate the SDS and consider all environment, health and technical aspects.

Start with analysing of the current situation of the company

Step 1 – Screen available information on chemicals used in your company, availability of SDSs

Step 2 – Clarify who communicates with suppliers/producers about what

Step 3 – Analyse who in the company lacks information on chemicals and which?

Allocate the responsibilities and capability for obtaining risk information

Step 1 – Which person(s) should be responsible for communicating with chemicals suppliers?

Step 2 – Who informs the "communicator" about information needs in the company?

Step 3 – Are the relevant persons trained on existing risk information instruments: classification,
labelling, SDSs, other information sources, legal rights to request information, interpretation of additional risk information?

Design of procedures to obtain hazard information from the supplier

Step 1 – Define which chemicals risk information the company generally requires from suppliers
(SDS, additional information is wanted, in-house training for the handling of new chemicals etc.)

Step 2 – Define communication steps (e.g. check delivered information, identify what information
is missing, write letter to ask for information, call by phone, what happens if supplier does not reply)

Step 3 – Develop argumentation strategies (e.g. reasoning for requests, claiming on legal rights,
threatening with inspection...) and skills communicating with suppliers (communication training, increasing knowledge etc.)

Step 4 – Consider also what is done with the obtained information (how is it documented and
communicated inside the company?)

For example when asking for safety data sheets, users frequently are responded that the chemical is not dangerous and does not require a safety data sheet. The following two “decision trees” show how this answer can be questioned.




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Checklist for the reading of Safety Data Sheet information

The checklist is a support tool for those who use chemical products in order to make sure that the safety data sheet contains all information they need, or see if there is a need to contact the supplier and ask for more information. Note that the checklist is not a ‘list of musts' (all information mentioned in list is not required by law), in many cases it might well be that the information is not relevant for the product, or is not given for any other easily understandable reason. A serious and responsible supplier should however always be able to justify why the information is not given in the SDS.

The checklist is made by Association of Swedish Chemical Industries and the Swedish Plastics and Chemicals Federation “The art of reading Safety Data Sheets – Check list”.

Contents of SDS

1. Identification of the substances/ preparation and of the company/ undertaking
2. Composition/ information on ingredients
3. Hazards identification
4. First aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage8
8. Exposure controls/ personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

General information

Information

Check

Comments

The product name is stated the same way as on the product label. There is no doubt what product this SDS belongs to

Date of issue/revision is stated (and this date is not too far away in time)

The safety data sheet is written in local language and the information is clear, concise and easy to understand

1. Identification of the substance/preparation and company/undertaking

Information

Check

Comments

The product name is identical with the name stated on the label/packaging and in other product documents

The supplier's name, address and telephone number are stated correctly

An emergency telephone number is stated. This number can be reached 24 hours a day, all year round

2. Composition/information on ingredients

Information

Check

Comments

Components that are classified as dangerous to health or the environment are stated, with concentration or concentration intervals.

If intervals are given, these should not be too wide

3. Hazards identification

Information

Check

Comments

The product's classification is stated

The most important safety hazards are stated, e.g. flammability/explosion hazards

The most important hazards to human health are stated

The most important hazards to the environment are stated

If no hazardous properties are mentioned here there should not be any contradictory information in other chapters of the SDS

4. First-aid measures

Information

Check

Comments

Measures are given for the exposure routes inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion.

The recommended measures are in line with the hazardous properties of the product, e.g. measures like immediate medical assistance and 15 minutes flushing of the eyes is recommended for a non-hazardous product there are reasons to question the assessment of the product's hazardous properties

5. Fire-fighting measures

Information

Check

Comments

Suitable extinguishing media are stated

Hazardous combustion products or gases that can be formed in a fire are stated

6. Accidental release measures

Information

Check

Comments

Measures to prevent damage to human health are stated

Measures to prevent damage to the environment are stated

Personal protective equipment for persons cleaning up spills is stated.

Methods for collecting and cleaning up spills are stated, and also a recommendation on how to dispose or recycle the collected material

7. Handling and storage

Information

Check

Comments

Measures to reduce risks when handling the product are stated

Suitable storage temperature and other conditions that may be of importance for storage are stated, e.g. humidity and light

8. Exposure controls/Personal protection

Information

Check

Comments

Occupational exposure limits according to local legislation are stated if relevant

Measures needed to minimise exposure are stated, e.g. need for ventilation, local exhaust, etc

The need for respiratory protection is stated. If a filter mask is recommended the type of filter should also be stated

The need for protective gloves is stated, including suitable material.

The need for eye or face protection is stated

The need for protective clothing and shoes is stated

The recommended measures are in line with the hazardous properties of the product. Extensive protective equipment should not be recommended for products that are not classified as hazardous to health

The recommended measures are reasonable bearing in mind the volumes in which the product normally is handled. Extensive protective equipment should not be recommended for products that are supplied only in small packages

9. Physical and chemical properties

Information

Check

Comments

The physical state, colour and odour of the product are stated

pH-value is stated (including what concentration the value refers to)

Flashpoint is stated (including method)

Auto ignition temperature is stated

Explosion limits are stated

For powder material dust explosion data are stated

Solubility in water is stated

Vapour pressure is stated

Viscosity is stated (if petroleum products are present in the product)

All units of measurement are stated clearly so there is no doubt what unit the given values refers to

10. Stability and reactivity

Information

Check

Comments

Conditions that may affect the stability of the product and cause dangerous reactions or hazardous decomposition products are stated (e.g. temperature, light, humidity, pressure, shock, etc.)

Materials and substances that may give rise to dangerous reactions or dangerous substances in contact with the product are stated

Dangerous reaction or decomposition products that may form upon fire, heating or contact with air or water are stated

11. Toxicological information

Information

Check

Comments

Effects from exposure via inhalation are stated

Effects from exposure via ingestion are stated

Local effects from skin contact are stated

Local effects from contact with eyes are stated

If numerical values are stated these are accompanied by explanatory text of the product's possible effects on human health

The product's potential to cause allergic effects or other kinds of hypersensitivity are stated. If the product contains one or more substance(s) with known sensitising properties this should be mentioned

If the product can cause serious health effects after long-term exposure, the first symptoms should also be described so that possible exposure can be detected at an early stage

12. Ecological information

Information

Check

Comments

Expected mobility and distribution in the environment is stated

Information on the components. toxicity to aquatic organisms is stated.

Information on the components degradability stated

Information on the components. potential to bio-accumulate is stated

For substances and preparations not classified as dangerous to the environment it is clear if the assessment is done because no data are available, of if there are data available indicating that the substance/preparation not should be classified as dangerous to the environment

13. Disposal considerations

Information

Check

Comments

Concrete advice for disposal of product residues and predictable waste from the intended use is stated

Concrete advice for disposal of the product's packaging is stated

If the packaging can be used for material recycling a proper method for emptying it should be stated

14. Transport information

Information

Check

Comments

UN number is stated

Class is stated

Proper shipping name is stated

Packaging group is stated

An indication is given if the product is classified as a Marine Pollutant or not

If no classification is stated, it is clear that the product has been assessed but found not to meet the criteria for classification, e g ‘Not classified as dangerous goods' or similar is stated

15. Regulatory information

Information

Check

Comments

Indications of danger symbols (if any) are stated and agree with those found on the product label

R- and S-phrases are stated and agree with the product label

If the product is a registered pesticide this is stated together with any restrictions in its use

References to other applicable local legislation is given if relevant (e.g. legislation on occupational health)

16. Other information

Information

Check

Comments

The full text of any R-phrases referred to in chapter 2 is stated

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Procedure for hazardous materials substitution

Substitution of currently-used materials with less hazardous materials is one of the most effective ways of eliminating or reducing exposure to materials that are toxic or pose other hazards:

  • Identify hazards and assess risks. This step involves deciding whether the current substance or process is a hazard. Is there a significant risk involved in storing, using or disposing of a substance?
  • Identify alternatives. Investigate a wide range of options. Compare all of the hazard assessment information as previously mentioned in this document. Compare the different states of a chemical (e.g., will a granular form create less dust than a powder form?) Also consider whether the job is necessary or not (e.g., can the part be replaced rather than cleaned).
  • Think about what could happen if you use the alternatives. It is important that you have gathered all available information before this step so that you can make a realistic comparison of both the good and bad points. Remember that you must also consider the way employees use it and how likely it is that they may be exposed. Choosing an alternative chemical may require changes in:
    • the way the work is done,
    • the kind of equipment or parts needed to be compatible with the substitute chemical,
    • the ventilation system that may be required,
    • the disposal methods, and
    • regulatory requirements that may apply.
  • Compare alternatives. In this step, compare the alternatives with each other, and with the substance or process currently being used. Think of the effects in simple terms such as "Is the substitute going to explode, or poison people? Will it only affect people who work with it, or could it affect other people in the area?" Remember to consider how and where the alternative will be used.
  • Decide whether to substitute. This step is the most difficult. Remember that a change in one step of a process can affect many others. Consult with the workers who will be handling the material directly for their input. It may be a good idea to introduce the substitute on a trial or small quantity basis at first.
  • Introduce the substitute. Plan the change in material or process carefully. Remember to train and educate the workers involved.
  • Assess the change. Check to see if the substitution has produced the intended results. You may find monitoring the health of the workers, monitoring the level of contaminants in the air, or fulfilling legal requirements useful parameters to measure.
    http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/substitution.html

For substitution and evaluation the substitute substance ‘Column Model' can be used.
http://www.hvbg.de/e/bia/pra/pdf_bild/spaltmod.pdf

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Water and wastewater

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Air

How do I know I use VOC?

VOC = any organic compound having a vapour pressure of 0,01kPa at 293,15 °K (19,85 °C) or having a similar volatility under particular conditions of use > look for information on physical properties in SDS section 9.

Be aware, that VOCs are not only pure solvents, they might be also in paints, lacquers, glues! > look for information on composition of the preparation.

How to identify VOC, which should be substituted?

1. Hazardous VOC > the ones having CMR properties (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances).

2. CMR of the Categories 1 and 2 have R-phrase R45, R46, R49, R60, R61.

3. CMR of the Category 3 have R-phrase R40.

  • R40: Limited evidence of carcinogenic effects (Category 3)
  • R45: May cause cancer
  • R46: May cause heritable genetic damage
  • R49: May cause cancer by inhalation
  • R60: May impair fertility
  • R61: May cause harm to the unborn child

4. Screen SDS section 2 > CMR substances have to be declared in the safety data sheet when they are contained above certain percentages:

  • CMR of the Categories 1 and 2 (R45, R46, R49, R60, R61)
    • > or equal 0,1 %w/w
    • > or equal to 0,02 %vol/vol
  • Carcinogens of the Category 3 (R40)
    • > or equal 1 %w/w
    • > or equal to 0,2 %vol/vol

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Product safety

Risk assessment with regard to consumers

If your monitoring procedures suggest one of your products may pose a risk to consumers, you need to assess the risk to determine whether corrective action is needed. This is mainly the producer's responsibility but distributors may be able to supply information that will help.

The product safety directive (2001/95/EC) requires all consumer
products placed on the market to be “safe”, however no explicit
standards are set.
For some product groups you need to have standardised testing and you need to follow it (e.g. wooden toys, construction details). There are no specific requirements which requests risk assessments for consumer products of furniture or metal product group. If standardised testing is not requested then we recommend to use next approach (based on publication ‘Product safety in Europe: A Guide to corrective action including recalls- helping businesses to protect consumers from unsafe products'):

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List of restricted and banned chemicals in furniture industry

Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances

Ban on the marketing to the general public of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, and of preparations containing these substances.

Brominated flame retardants

Restrictions of brominated flame retardants: pentabromdiphenyl ether (pentaBDE), octabromodiphenyl ether (octaBDE)

Applicable: for “articles” as furniture

Requirement: Prohibition of the marketing of product, if they, or flame retardant parts thereof, contain pentaBDe or octaBDE in concentrations higher than 0.1 % by mass

In force from August 15 2004
Use: PentaBDE > flexible polyeruthane foam for furniture and upholstery

Flame retardants in textile

Prohibited the use of three flame-retardants:

  • Tri-(2,3,-dibromopropyl)-phosphate (TRIS)
  • Tris-(aziridinyl)-phosphineoxide (TEPA)
  • Polybromobiphenyles (PBB)

wood preservatives

Restrictions for use of copper, chrome, arsenic (CCA) containing preservatives

Wood treated with arsenic compounds may not be placed on the market.

Exceptions:
CCA compounds may only be used for the preservation of wood in industrial installations using vacuum or pressure to impregnate wood if they are solutions of inorganic compounds of the copper, chromium, arsenic type C (specific type of CCA treatment with specific percentages of CCA), see http://www.ccaresearch.org/about_cca.htm

Wood treated in this way may not be placed on the market before fixation of the wood is completed.

Exceptions:
If wood is treated with the above mentioned CCA type C, it may only be placed on the market for professional and industrial use. It should be clear that the structural integrity of the wood is required for human or livestock safety. Skin contact by the general public with wood treated with CCA type C must be unlikely. These can be the following applications:

  • As structural timber in public and agricultural buildings, office buildings and industrial premises
  • In bridges and and bridgework
  • As constructional timber in freshwater areas and brackish waters e.g. jetties and bridges
  • As noise barriers
  • In avalanche control
  • In highway safety fencing and barriers
  • As debarked round conifer livestock fence posts
  • In earth retaining structures
  • As electric power transmission and telecommunications poles
  • As underground railway sleepers

Treated wood may NOT be used for:

  • Residential or domestic constructions, regardless the purpose
  • In any application where there is a risk of repeated skin contact
  • In marine waters
  • For agricultural purposes other than for livestock fence posts and structural uses mentioned above
  • In any application where the treated wood may come into contact with intermediate or finished products intended for human and/or animal consumption
  • As substances or constituents of preparations for use in the treatment of industrial waters, irrespective of their use

Labelling

All wood treated with arsenic compounds must be labelled:

  • “for professional and industrial installation and use only, contains arsenic”
  • “Wear gloves when handling this wood. Wear a dust mask and eye protection when cutting or otherwise crafting this wood.
  • "Waste from this wood shall be treated as hazardous by an authorised undertaking”.

Prohibition of the marketing of wood treated with the substances listed below

  • Creosote (EINECS No. 232-287-5, CAS No. 8001-58-9)
  • Creosote oil (EINECS No. 263-047-8, CAS No. 61789-28-4)
  • Distillates (coal tar) naphthalene oils (EINECS No. 283-484-8, CAS No. 84650-04-4)
  • Creosote oil, acenaphthene fraction (EINECS No. 292-605-3, CAS No. 90640-84-9)
  • Distillates (coal tar), upper (EINECS No. 266-026-1, CAS No. 65996-91-0)
  • Anthracene oil (EINECS No. 292-602-7, CAS No. 90640-80-5)
  • Tar acids, coal crude (EINECS No. 266-019-3, CAS No. 65996-85-2)
  • Creosote wood (EINECS No. 232-419-1, CAS No. 8021-39-4)
  • Low temperature tar oil, alkaline (EINECS No. 310-191-5, CAS No. 122384-78-5)

Exceptions:

  • The listed substances are used for wood treatment in industrial installations or by professionals on the protection of workers for retreatment only if they contain:
    • (a) benzo(a)pyrene in concentration not exceeding 0,005% by mass, and
    • (b) water extractable phenols at a concentration of less than 3% by mass.
  • They are used for wood treatment in industrial installations or by professionals and if:
  • The substances are placed on the market in packaging of a capacity equal to or greater than 20 litres.
  • The substances are not sold to consumers.
  • The packaging is legibly and indelibly marked ‘For use in industrial installations or professional treatment only'.

Wood treated with creosote is never allowed to be used, not even when the applications fall within the scope of the exemptions:

  • Inside buildings, whatever their purpose
  • In toys
  • In playgrounds
  • In parks, gardens, and outdoor recreational and leisure facilities where there is a risk of frequent skin contact
  • In the manufacture of garden furniture such as picnic tables
  • For the manufacture and use and any re-treatment of:
  • Containers intended for growing purposes
  • Packaging that may come into contact with raw materials, intermediate or finished products destined for human and/or animal consumption.

Other materials that may contaminate the products mentioned above.

Ö Pentachlorophenol

Restriction the use of pentachlorophenol (PCP)

Ban on the use of pentachlorophenol and its compounds in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% by mass, including for the impregnation of fibres and heavy-duty textiles not intended in any case for clothing or for decorative furnishings.

Note: usual use of PCP:

  • in textile and leather industry, PCP is mostly used for preservation finishing;
  • in ligneous products (wood-based products) in conservation paints;
  • in wooden toys and handicrafts, for the purpose of conservation

Heavy metals

Cadmium in components for furniture

Restricts the use of Cd

  • as pigment (textile, leather)
  • as stabilizer in plastics
  • for metal surface treatment used in furniture production equipment

Lead compounds

Resticts the use of Pb as pigment in paints

Mercury compounds

Restricts the use of mercury compounds for the protection of any totally or partially submerged appliances or equipment

textile/leather finishing chemicals

Azoic colouring agents

Bans the market of some textiles and leather articles coloured with dangerous azocolourants and coming into contact with the skin.

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs)

Bans the marketing of substances or preparations containing more than 1% SCCPs in leather finishing.

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List of restricted and banned chemicals in printing industry

Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances

Ban on the marketing to the general public of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, and of preparations containing these substances.

Benzene

Substances and preparations for use in industrial processes not allowing for the emission of benzene in quantities in excess of those laid down in existing legislation.

Cadmium and its compounds

May not be used to give colour to finished products manufactured from the substances and preparations: polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyurethane (PUR); low-density polyethylene (ld PE), with the exception of low-density polyethylene used for the production of coloured masterbatch; cellulose acetate; cellulose acetate butyrate; epoxy resins.

In any case, whatever their use or intended final purpose, finished products or components of products manufactured from the substances and preparations listed above coloured with cadmium may not be placed on the market if their cadmium content (expressed as Cd metal) exceeds 0,01 % by mass of the plastic material.

May not be used to give colour to finished products manufactured from the substances and preparations: melamine — formaldehyde (MF), urea — formaldehyde (UF), unsaturated polyesters (UP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), transparent/general-purpose polystyrene, acrylonitrile methylmethacrylate (AMMA), cross-linked polyethylene (VPE), high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene (PP), paints.

However, if the paints have a high zinc content, their residual concentration of cadmium must be as low as possible and at all events not exceed 0,1 % by mass.

May not be used for cadmium plating metallic products or components of the products used in equipment and machinery for printing and book-binding.

Pentachlorophenol and its salts and esters

Shall not be used in a concentration equal to or greater than 0,1 % by mass in substances or preparations placed on the market.

Nonylphenol

Nonylphenol ethoxylate

May not be placed on the market or used as a substance or constituent of preparations in concentrations equal or higher than 0,1 % by mass for the industrial and institutional cleaning except:

- controlled closed dry cleaning systems where the washing liquid is recycled or incinerated,

- cleaning systems with special treatment where the washing liquid is recycled or incinerated.

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List of restricted and banned chemicals in metal industry

Ö Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic substances

Ban on the marketing to the general public of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction, and of preparations containing these substances.

Ö Mercury, arsenic compounds

May not be used as substances and constituents of preparationsintended for use:

(a) to prevent the fouling by micro-organisms, plants or

animals of

— the hullsof boats,

— cages, floats, nets and any other appliances or equipment used for fish or shellfish farming,

— any totally or partly submerged appliances or equipment.

Ö Cadmium

and its compounds

May not be used to give colour to finished products manufactured from the substances and preparations: polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyurethane (PUR); low-density polyethylene (ld PE), with the exception of low-density polyethylene used for the production of coloured masterbatch; cellulose acetate; cellulose acetate butyrate; epoxy resins.

May not be used to stabilize the finished products manufactured from polymersor copolymers of vinyl chloride: swing doors; vehicles for road transport (interior, exterior,

underbody); coating of steel sheet used in construction or in industry; insulation for electrical wiring.

May not be used for cadmium plating metallic products or components of the products used in the sectors/ applications:

(a) equipment and machinery for food production; agriculture; cooling and freezing; paper and board, textiles and clothing.

(b) equipment and machinery for the production of household goods; furniture; sanitary ware; central heating and air conditioning plant; industrial handling equipment and machinery; road and agricultural vehicles; vessels.

Ö Chloroform

Carbon tetrachloride

1,1,2 Trichloroethane

1,1,2,2 Tetrachloroethane

1,1,1,2 Tetrachloroethane

Pentachloroethane

1,1 Dichloroethylene

1,1,1 Trichloroethane

May not be used in concentrations equal to or greater than 0,1 % by weight in substances and preparations placed on the market for sale to the general public and/or in diffusive applications such as in surface cleaning and cleaning of fabrics.

Without prejudice to the application of other Community provisions on the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations, the packaging of

such substances and preparations containing them in concentrations equal to or greater than 0,1 % shall be legible and indelibly marked as follows: ‘For use in

industrial installations only'.

Ö Hexachloroethane

May not be used in the manufacturing or processing of nonferrous metals

Ö Alkanes, C10-C13, chloro (shortchain

chlorinated paraffins)

May not be placed on the market for use as substances or as constituents of other substances or preparations in concentrations higher than 1 % in metalworking.

Ö Nonylphenol

Nonylphenol ethoxylate

May not be placed on the market or used as a substance or constituent of preparations in concentrations equal or higher than 0,1 % by mass for metal working except uses in controlled closed systems where the washing liquid is recycled or incinerated

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How you can identify hazardous substances used in your products?

In order to identify hazardous substances relevant for your products, you can act following:

  • Start with screening what substances might be relevant to your industry branch (which substances are restricted or prohibited to use in products)!
  • Continue with screening for hazardous substances in USED chemicals at your company!

Step 1 – Screen available information on chemicals used in your company

Step 2 – Screen Safety data sheets of chemical products

Contact Supplier:

  • ask supplier for an updated version of SDS
  • ask for occurance of specific substances in the preparation
  • provide concrete atguments why you need such information - refer to legislation

If the supplier is not able to provide the requested information -- find a new supplier!
If this is not possible, you have to search for the information yourself. It is very time-consuming and not always reliable -- nobody knows the products better as the supplier or producer!

Step 3 – If you use ready materials/details for your final product from other suppliers (textile, metal/plastic parts) – request detailed information on how they have been produced, i.e. which raw materials (e.g. chemicals) are used.

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Waste management

Stages of waste minimisation project in the company

A systematic waste minimisation project will typically have a number of stages:

Stage 1. Management commitment: strong commitment from senior management is essential if waste minimisation is to be taken seriously. The changes required to minimise waste may affect the way some people work – they may also have short-term effects on productivity. There may have to be some expenditure too.

Stage 2. Team building: appointing a project co-ordinator supported by a project team will allow ownership of the project to be spread to individuals in different parts of the company. This will lead to a more diverse range of input and suggestions. It also provides a mechanism for discussion and brainstorming.

Stage 3. Assessing waste streams: all wastes need to be identified and quantified in terms of volume and cost. Additional information requirements should be identified and measures put in place to obtain the relevant data. Process mapping can be a useful technique at this stage.

Stage 4. Prioritise areas to be addressed: choose one or two key areas with a good potential for progress.

Stage 5. Generate ideas: brainstorming can be a good starting point for the generation of potential waste minimising actions.

Stage 6. Measure and manage: it is essential to measure the impact of any resulting initiatives and feedback the results to the project team and all who have participated.

Stage 7. Impetus: it is vital to maintain interest in waste minimisation if the full benefit is to be realised. Impetus must be maintained through ongoing top level support, publicising progress and implementing new ideas.

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Principles of waste classification

For a successful waste management in company, it is important to know what waste streams are generated. The tool for it is waste classification.

The legislative bases for waste classification are provided by EU Waste List (Commission Decision 2000/532/EC + amendments). The list has been transposed into national legislation. In case of differences in classification between the documents, the company should use national list as a basis for decisions.

The concept of Waste List is providing standardised classification of waste. The list includes both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

The EU Waste list is divided into 20 chapters based on:

  • type of industry;
  • type of industrial process;
  • type of waste.

The chapters are structured as follows:

  • 01-12 – waste types based on industrial activity (e.g., waste from furniture production, mining activities etc);
  • 13 – waste oils;
  • 14 – solvents;
  • 15 – packaging/filters;
  • 16 – wastes not otherwise specified;
  • 17-20 – construction, health care waste and municipal waste types.

Each waste type listed there is identified by a waste code consisting of 6 digits:

  • the first two digits stand for the number of the chapter (from 01 to 20);
  • the middle two digits stand for the type of industrial process;
  • the last two digits stand for the waste type.

The wastes that are not listed anywhere have “99” as two last digits at the end. Such waste types still have to be reported.

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Identification whether waste is hazardous or non-hazardous

  1. Do the properties of substances contained in waste determine the hazardousness of waste? 
  2. What are the concentrations of those substances in the waste?

H1 Explosive

R2, R3

H2 Oxidizing

R7, R8, R9

H3-A Highly flammable

R10, R11, R12, R15, R17

H3-B Flammable

R10, R11, R12

H4 Irritant

R35, R34, R41, R36, R37, R38

H5 Harmful

R21, R22, R23, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28,

H6 Toxic

R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28,

H7 Carcinogenic

R40, R45, R49

H8 Corrosive

R35, R34

H9 Infectious

H10 Teratogenic

R60, R61, R62, R63

H11 Mutagenic

R46, R68

H12 Substances and preparations which release toxic or very toxic gases in

contact with water, air or an acid.

R29, R31, R32

H13 Substances and preparations capable by any means, after disposal, of

yielding another substance, e.g. a leachate, which possesses any of the

characteristics listed above.

R1, R4, R5, R16, R18, R19, R44

H14 Ecotoxic

R59, R50-53, R51-53, R52-53, R50, R52

Criteria for waste hazardousness

Hazardous waste is any waste which displays any of the 6 hazardous properties and the cumulative concentration of components is equal to, or greater than, the threshold stated.

Cat.

Hazard

Threshold

H3-A

Highly flammable liquids with a flash point below 21oC

-

H4

Irritant non corrosive substances which can cause inflammation through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

R36, R37, R38 20%

R41 10%

H5

Harmful substances which may involve limited health risks if they are inhaled or ingested or if they penetrate the skin.

25%

H6

Toxic (including very toxic) substances which may involve serious, acute or chronic health risks and even death.

Very toxic 0.1%

Toxic 3%

H7

Carcinogenic substances (categories 1 and 2 only) which may induce cancer or increase its incidence.

0.1%

H8

Corrosive substances which may destroy living tissue on contact.

R34 5%

R35 1%

Practical example: The case of waste being carcinogenic- H7.

Follow the same principle to check waste hazardousness according to other H groups of hazardousness! 
n case waste gets classified as hazardous at least according one group, then it is hazardous!

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IPPC

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