SANS 10234: Globally Harmonized System for Chemical Classification

SANS 10234 aligns with global standards for classifying and labeling chemicals, ensuring safe handling in industries like manufacturing and agriculture. 

SANS 10234: Globally Harmonized System for Chemical Classification

Introduction

SANS 10234 adopts the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for South Africa, providing a standardized framework for classifying and labelling hazardous chemicals. It ensures that chemical hazards are consistently identified and communicated across industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics. This standard is critical for professionals handling chemicals to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Key Requirements

• Classification: Chemicals must be classified based on physical, health, and environmental hazards according to GHS criteria (e.g., flammability, toxicity, corrosivity).

• Labelling: Labels must include standardized pictograms, signal words (e.g., "Danger" or "Warning"), hazard statements, and precautionary statements.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Detailed SDS must be provided, covering 16 sections including chemical properties, handling instructions, and emergency measures.

• Documentation: Manufacturers and suppliers must maintain records of classifications and ensure compliance with labelling requirements.

Why It Matters

SANS 10234 ensures consistent communication of chemical hazards, protecting workers, consumers, and the environment by reducing risks of accidents like spills or exposures. Compliance is mandatory under South African regulations, such as the Hazardous Substances Act, and aligns with international standards, facilitating global trade. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, workplace incidents, or environmental harm.

How It Applies

Manufacturers use SANS 10234 to classify and label chemicals during production, while distributors ensure compliant labelling during transport. For example, a chemical supplier must provide GHS-compliant labels and SDS for pesticides used in agriculture. Employers in industries like construction or agriculture use the standard to train workers on safe chemical handling.

Recent Updates

The latest editions of SANS 10234 align with updates to the UN GHS (e.g., Revision 7 or later), incorporating new hazard classes or refined labelling requirements. South Africa has been implementing GHS progressively, with full adoption mandated for manufacturers and suppliers by 2012, as per regulatory updates.

Compliance Tips

• Train Staff: Educate employees on GHS pictograms and SDS interpretation to ensure safe handling.

• Update Labels and SDS: Regularly review and update chemical labels and safety data sheets to align with the latest GHS revisions.

• Consult Experts: Engage professionals to verify classifications and compliance. For support, visit SAPAC to connect with industry experts.

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