Hazard Classification
Hazard classification is the responsibility of the chemical manufacturers and importers. Employers are not required to classify chemicals. Chemicals will be classified using a harmonized system that provides standardized language for:
- Acute Toxicity
- Skin Corrosion/Irritation
- Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation
- Respiratory or Skin Sensitization
- Germ Cell Mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive Toxicity
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure
- Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure
- Aspiration
- Simple Asphyxiants (not part of GHS classification, but included by OSHA as a health hazard)
- Explosives
- Flammable Aerosols
- Oxidizing Gases
- Gases under Pressure
- Compressed Gases
- Liquefied Gases
- Refrigerated Liquefied Gases
- Dissolved Gases
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Self-Reactive Chemicals
- Pyrophoric Liquids
- Pyrophoric Solids
- Self-Heating Chemicals
- Chemicals, which in contact with water, emit flammable gases
- Oxidizing Liquids
- Oxidizing Solids
- Organic Peroxides
- Corrosive to Metals
- Combustible Dusts (not part of GHS classification, but included by OSHA as a physical hazard)
- Pyrophoric Gases (not part of GHS classification, but included by OSHA as a physical hazard)
These are not regulated by OSHA, but include:
- Acute Aquatic Toxicity
- Chronic Aquatic Toxicity
- Hazards to the Ozone Layer
An adverse physical or health effect, identified during the classification process, that does not meet the specified criteria for the physical and health hazard classes addressed in the Hazard Communication Standard.
For more information
Mark Borth
Hazardous Materials Specialist
208-885-6279
borth@uidaho.edu