Chemical Safety Science, 2018, Volume 2, No 2, p. 308 — 322

 

General information on chemical safety

UDC 006.88                                                                                Download PDF (RUS) 

DOI: 10.25514/CHS.2018.2.14124

 

REVISION OF CHAPTER 2.1 (EXPLOSIVES) OF THE GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS (GHS)

P.V. Filatkin1, D. A. Tkacheva2*, E. N. Vinogradova2, A. N. Pashkova2, T.S. Pleshivtseva2, and O. S. Kuchina3

1Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia

2Coordinating Informational Center of CIS Member States on Approximation of Regulatory Practices, Moscow, Russia

3Federal State Autonomous Body “Research Institute “Environmental Industrial Policy Center”, Moscow, Russia

Received November 12, 2018

Published December 26, 2018

Abstract – Currently, hazard classification for explosives is governed by the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which has a series of significant drawbacks coming from incomplete consideration of specific features of explosives. The revision of Chapter 2.1 (Explosives) of the GHS is expected, the preliminary proposals prepared by experts from the UN GHS Sub-Committee and TDG (Transport of Dangerous Goods) Sub-Committee are reviewed here. The current and proposed classifications are compared. In order to formulate a position statement and take into account the interests of the Russian Federation on the matter, a questionnaire study of Russian representatives of the explosive industry has been conducted, the results of which emphasize the need for careful monitoring of the situation in order to respond in a timely manner and update the national laws and regulations if needed.

Keywords: GHS, explosives, hazard classification, labeling.

References:

1. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). Seventh Revised Edition. 2017. https://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev07/07files_e0.html (accessed 12.11.2018).
2. ST/SG/AC.10/C.4/2018/7. Outline for a Potential Amended Classification System for Explosives in the GHS. http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/doc/2018/dgac10c3/ST-SGAC.10-C.3-2018-33e-ST-SG-AC.10-C.4-2018-7e.pdf (accessed 12.11.2018).
3. ]Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods — Model Regulations. New York and Geneva: United Nations, Twentieth Revised Edition, 2017.
4. ST/SG/AC.10/C.3/2018/85 − ST/SG/AC.10/C.4/2018/20. Proposed criteria for an amended classification system for Explosives in the GHS (Chapter 2.1 of the GHS).
5. Recommendations for the transport of dangerous goods. Manual of Tests and Criteria. New York and Geneva: United Nations, Sixth Revised Edition, 2017.
6. GOST [State Standard] 31340-2013. Warning labeling of chemical products. General Requirements. Enacted by the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology. No. 776-st of November 22, 2013 [in Russian].
7. GOST [State Standard] 19433-88. Hazardous cargo. Classification and Labeling. Approved by the USSR State Standard of August 19, 1988, No. 2957. Amended on September 1, 1992 [in Russian].
8. The Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the safety of explosives and products based on them” (ТР ТС 028/2012), adopted by the decision of the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission No. 57 dated July 20, 2012.