ECHA - Guidance of the application of CLP criteria [November 2012]

Guidance on the Application of the CLP Criteria Version 3.0 - November 2012“1.3.2.2.1 The GHS uses the term “hazard classification” to indicate that only the intrinsichazardous properties of substances or mixtures are considered.1.3.2.2.2 Hazard classification incorporates … identification of relevant data regarding thehazards of a substance or mixture …”The following guidance is intended to clarify the references to 'reasonably expected use' and'form or physical state' in this context.1.2.2 The term 'reasonably expected use’ in relation to hazard classificationHazard classification is based on intrinsic properties of the substance and does not take intoaccount exposure. Reasonably expected use summarises all physical forms and states of asubstance or mixture that may occur during intended use or reasonably foreseeable conditionsof misuse.Reasonably expected use of a substance is as follows: Any process, including production, handling, maintenance, storage, transport ordisposal. All technical operations/manufacturing activities like e.g. spraying, filing, and sawing Any putative consumer contact through e.g. do-it-yourself or household chemicals. All professional and non-professional uses including reasonably foreseeable misuse,but not abuse such as criminal or suicidal uses.Reasonably expected use is also related to any consumer disposal or any work in which asubstance or mixture is used, or intended to be used irrespective of its present limited use oruse pattern. Thus, use should not be mixed up with usage category.1.2.3 The term ‘form or physical state’ in relation to hazard classificationDepending on different prerequisites, form or physical state is taken into account differentlyin the practice of testing and classification for physical, health, and environmental hazardswhich is described in the following paragraphs.1.2.3.1 Physical hazardsDifferent forms or physical states of a substance or mixture may result in different physicalproperties and hazards with possible consequences for the hazard classification of a substanceor mixture. Putative forms comprise properties such as crystal structure, particle size,homogeneity (e.g. emulsions) and texture (e.g. viscosity or tablet form). Examples of physicalstate factors are: surface treatment (e.g. coating), state of aggregation, moisture content,residual solvent, activation or stabilisation.The classification of a substance or mixture relates to the tested form and physical state. If theform and / or physical state is changed it has to be evaluated whether this might affect theclassification and whether re-testing is necessary. For example, a hazardous phase separationmay occur due to a temperature change under conditions of storage, or a solid substance maybe molten to bring it into the liquid phase (e.g. for pumping).General considerationsThe form of a substance or mixture as placed on the market might be such that it is notpossible to test it in this form, e.g. if it is in the form of tablets or pellets. In suchcircumstances, the physical hazards of the substance or mixture shall be considered for42