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Section 2

Hazard identification

Information Elements

  • Classification of the hazardous product
  • Symbol(s)
  • Signal word
  • Hazard statement(s)
  • Precautionary statement(s)
  • Other hazards

Most common non-compliances

  • Hazard classifications are incomplete or missing.
  • Appropriate symbols corresponding to the disclosed classifications are missing.
  • In situations where both signal words “Danger” and “Warning” are applicable, both are disclosed on the safety data sheet (SDS).
  • Signal words are repeated multiple times on the SDS.
  • Hazard or precautionary statements are missing.
  • The forward slash is retained in hazard and precautionary statements for which a choice is to be made in order to include any relevant or appropriate information.
  • Three full periods (“…”) are retained in hazard statements and precautionary statements.
  • Hazard statements which have been combined together do not communicate the intended message of the individual statements, as required.
  • Precautionary statements which have been combined together do not communicate the intended message of the individual statements, as required.
  • The percent of unknown acute toxicity is missing for a product that is a mixture and is classified as an acute toxicant.

Tips

  • Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) Classification

    The appropriate category or subcategory of the hazard classification must be disclosed as outlined within the HPR, or as a name that is a substantive equivalent.
  • The category of the hazard class or a description of the identified hazard must be disclosed for Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified and Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified classifications.
  • Abbreviations and acronyms must not be used to disclose hazard classifications as they are not considered to be substantive equivalents.
  • Suppliers should outline the specific criteria that resulted in the hazardous product being classified within the Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified or Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified classifications.
  • When a hazardous product is classified as “Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified” or “Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified” or both, the classifications must be disclosed within Section 2.
  • In situations where hazard classifications are conducted under other hazard communication systems (such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OHSA] Hazard Communication Standard [HCS]), the safety data sheet (SDS) should disclose that the classification was also done according to the HPR.
  • When a product is classified as an acute toxicant, the SDS must disclose the % amount of the mixture that consists of an ingredient or ingredients of unknown acute toxicity.

  • Signal Word

    The most protective signal word, i.e., “Danger,” must be used and the signal word “Warning” must be omitted in situations where both signal words are required.
  • The same signal word, “Danger” or “Warning,” must not be repeated.

  • Hazard Statement and Precautionary Statement

    Hazard and precautionary statements prescribed for appropriate hazard classes must be disclosed, and are adopted from the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, while Schedule 5 of the HPR specifies the prescribed hazard statements for hazard classes not covered by the GHS (e.g., Combustible Dusts) that must be disclosed.
  • When a forward slash or diagonal mark [/] appears in a hazard statement or a precautionary statement, a choice of relevant options for the product from among the separated text must be selected. The forward slash can be replaced with a comma and all irrelevant information should be removed from the statement.
    • For example, based on the supplier’s determination of the product, the precautionary statement P260, “Do not breathe dust/fumes/gas/vapours/spray,” may be disclosed as follows for a hazardous product that is a liquid: “Do not breathe fumes, gas, vapour or spray.” In the case of a solid that is a powder, the statement could be written as: “Do not breathe dust or fumes generated during processing.”
  • When three full periods [...] appear in a hazard statement or a precautionary statement, they indicate that not all applicable conditions are listed, and the applicable conditions must be specified.
    • For example, in the case of P264 Wash…thoroughly after handling, the “…” must be replaced by an indication of what should be washed, such as, “Wash your hands and all exposed skin thoroughly after handling.”

  • Other Hazards

    Information regarding or a description of other hazards known to the supplier that does not result in classification but may contribute to the overall hazards of the product must be disclosed within Section 2.