Geplaatst op 5 January 2015

The GHS deadline is approaching quickly; 1 june 2015. How will this influence safety signage and what obligations follow from it? Which benefits will be gained from implementing GHS markings and in what circumstances are they needed?

Obligated by law? Yes

In Holland the marking of pipes and tanks are obligated by law through EU 92-58, ARBO decree (Art. 8.4) and ARBO regulation (Art. 8.12 to 8.15). The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) fulfills a major role in achieving a global uniformity when it comes to hazard symbols.

Where are they needed?

GHS markings are mandatory for reservoirs and pipes that hold dangerous substances. In addition to this any packages that hold dangerous substances are also required to have GHS markings which depict the dangers.

What benefits are to be gained?

When tanks and pipes are being marked with GHS symbols, this creates an opportunity to realize a cohesive, complete and uniform package for all safety information. Medium names, specific medium colors as described by legislation and flow direction can be combined with equipment and line numbers. This will result in clearly marked installations which contribute to a safer and more efficient operation because of optimal recognition of the process and dangerous substances present.

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is a global system for the labelling of reservoirs and pipes that hold or transport chemical substances and mixtures based on their dangerous properties. For the implementation of this system, and the use of chemical substances, the EU has created a new ordinance: Regulation on Classification and Packaging (CLP).

By implementing GHS, the differences between classification systems worldwide are further reduced. It creates uniformity in classification criteria, description of dangers, symbol usage and precautionary measures.

Legislative context

The Globally Harmonized System has been designed by the United Nations. The classification of dangers for supply and use of substances and mixtures in the EU is already in line with GHS. This has been realized through the ordinance EC 1272/2008 that went into effect on 20 january 2009. This ordinance replaced the guideline for substances 67/548/EEGen and the guideline for mixtures 1999/45/EC.

The European Commission has created a timeline for the implementation of GHS which leads to the obligation of having GHS markings clearly visible on reservoirs and piping:

• Since the end of 2010 all pure substances need to be classified according to EU-GHS
• For mixtures this will go in effect at 1 june 2015

Technical information

The harmonized classification criteria for GHS get updated once every two years by the United Nations. At the time of writing the UN has just published revision 5. The European EU-GHS ordinance EC 1272/2008 incorporates revision 4.

Blomsma assists with the implementation of GHS markings

At Blomsma we are fully prepared to help you to comply with the GHS legislation through GHS marking of tanks and piping. We are able to assist in this process from the supply of safety signage up to complete installation of all the signage and markings on location. Our advisors will be happy to inform you about all the possibilities.

 

Please contact us for more information about the GHS deadline.