: US Department of Labor Globally Harmonized System of Classification
What are the GHS Physical Hazards?
The GHS physical hazards criteria, developed by the ILO and UNCETDG, were largely based on the existing criteria used by the UN Model Regulation on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Therefore, many of the criteria are already being used on a worldwide basis. However, some additions and changes were necessary since the scope of the GHS includes all target audiences. The physical hazards classification process provides specific references to approved test methods and criteria for classification. The GHS physical hazard criteria apply to mixtures. It is assumed that mixtures will be tested for physical hazards.
In general, the GHS criteria for physical hazards are quantitative or semi-quantitative with multiple hazard levels within an endpoint. This is different from several of the existing systems that currently have qualitative criteria for various physical hazards (e.g., organic peroxide criteria under WHMIS and OSHA HCS). This could make classification under the GHS more consistent.
In developing GHS criteria for physical hazards it was necessary to define physical states. In the GHS,
- a gas is a substance or mixture which at 50°C has a vapor pressure greater than 300 kPa; or is completely gaseous at 20°C and a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
- a liquid is a substance or mixture that is not a gas and which has a melting point or initial melting point of 20°C or less at standard pressure of 101.3 kPa.
- a solid is a substance or mixture that does not meet the definitions of a liquid or a gas.
Physicals Hazards
- Explosives
- Flammable Gases
- Flammable Aerosols
- Oxidizing Gases
- Gases Under Pressure
- Flammable Liquids
- Flammable Solids
- Self-Reactive Substances
- Pyrophoric Liquids
- Pyrophoric Solids
- Self-Heating Substances
- Substances which, in contact with water e-mail flammable gasses
- Oxidizing Liquids
- Oxidizing Solids
- Organic Peroxides Corrosive to Metals
Industrial Accident Topics
Industrial Accident Case Evaluation
Industrial Accident Videos
Industrial Accident Links
- Industrial Accident - Bureau of Labor Statistics