SDS and Label in South Africa
Review of legislation (for classification and labelling of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets) as well as policy instruments to ensure alignment with the GHS requirements.
Development of a national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234) intended to be referred to in the above-mentioned legislation and to be used as the basis for the development of a harmonized SADC standard by the Southern African Community Standardization body (SADCSTAN). Release of a draft regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances for public comment.
Publication of the national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234:2008 - "Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals")
Completion of the new regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances: Comments provided during the public comment period were considered and incorporated into the draft regulation as appropriate. The new regulation has been recommended for promulgation to the Minister of Labour. It provides that compliance with the national standard on the GHS and the current national system is allowed during the transition period so that the transition at a national level is facilitated while at the same time accommodating international trade requirements. The transitional period has been aligned with that of international trading partners and is now 3 years (2012) for substances and 7 years for mixtures (2016).
SANS 10234:2008 makes a relevant stipulation to the SDS and label. SDS in South Africa contains 16 sections which are same with GHS.
Transport label elements:
The requirements for labelling and marking of dangerous goods packaging for transport are covered in SANS 10229-1 and SANS 10233 as relevant.
Where a transport pictogram appears on a label, a GHS pictogram for the same hazard shall not appear.
The GHS pictograms, for example irritant and chronic health effects, are not required for the transport of dangerous goods and shall not be displayed on freight containers, road vehicles, railway wagons or railway tanks.
Dimensions of labels:
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Capacity of the package (L)
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Dimensions of the label (mm)
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≤ 3
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≥ 52 × 74
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＞ 3 ≤ 50
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≥ 74 × 105
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＞ 50 ≤ 500
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≥ 105 × 148
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＞ 500
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≥ 148 × 210
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Special provisions for the labelling of certain products:
1. Labels for paints and varnishes that contain lead
The package label of paint and varnish that has a lead content exceeding 0,15 % Pb (by mass), as determined in accordance with ISO 6503, shall bear the following warning:
a) if container content is equal to or exceeds 125 mL: "Warning! Contains lead. Should not be used on surfaces liable to be chewed or sucked by children."
b) if container content is less than 125 mL: "Warning! Contains lead."
2. Labels for adhesives that contain cyanoacrylates
2.1 The package label of an adhesive that is based on cyanoacrylates shall bear the following warning:
Cyanoacrylate.
Danger.
Bonds to skin and eyes in seconds.
Keep out of reach of children.
2.2 Appropriate safety advice on cyanoacrylates shall accompany the package.
3. Labels for products that contain isocyanates
The package label of a product that contains isocyanates, for example as monomers, oligomers, prepolymers, or as mixtures thereof, shall bear the following inscription:
Contains isocyanates.
See information supplied by the manufacturer.
4. Labels for products that contain epoxy constituents
The package label of a product that contains epoxy constituents with an average molecular mass equal to or below 700, shall bear the following inscription:
Contains epoxy.
See information supplied by the manufacturer.
5. Labels for products intended for use by spraying
The package label of a product intended for use by spraying shall bear the relevant of the following precautionary statements:
a) P260 and P285, if the spray contains very toxic or toxic substances that are used in industry or in agriculture; or
b) P260 and P271, if the spray contains substances likely to give rise to inhalation, fire or explosion risks and where P285 is inappropriate.
6. Labels for products that have cumulative effects
The package label of a product that contains at least one substance that has a cumulative effect shall bear the statement "Danger of cumulative effects" if the substance(s) is present at a concentration equal to or exceeding 1 %, and if a different concentration for the substance(s) is not given in the relevant table for concentration limits.
7. Labels for products that contain active chlorine
The package label of a product that has an active chlorine content exceeding 1 % shall bear the following warning:
Danger!
Do not use together with other products.
May release dangerous gases (chlorine).
8. Labels for products that contain cadmium alloys
The package label of a product that contains cadmium alloys intended for use in brazing or soldering shall bear the following warning:
Warning!
Contains cadmium.
Dangerous fumes are formed during use.
See information supplied by the manufacturer.
Comply with the safety instructions.
9. Labels for equipment that contains PCBs
1. In addition to the labelling required in terms of this standard, equipment that contains PCBs shall also display instructions on
a) the disposal of PCBs, and
b) the maintenance and use of equipment that contains PCBs.
2. The instructions mentioned above shall be so located on the packaging as to be visible when the object containing the PCBs is installed in the normal way. The surface area immediately surrounding the instructions shall be of a colour that contrasts with the background colour of the label.
10. Labels for aerosol dispensers
The label of an aerosol dispenser shall contain the following information in indelible, easily legible lettering:
a) the name and address or trademark of the company responsible for marketing the product;
b) the net contents, by volume;
c) directions for use;
d) the danger symbol(s); and
e) the declaration "CFC FREE" plus logo, if applicable.
11. Labels for illuminating paraffin (kerosene)
The package label of an illuminating paraffin (kerosene) container, shall contain the following information in indelible, easily legible lettering:
HAZARDS
Flammable. Very toxic if swallowed. May cause lung damage if swallowed.
PRECAUTIONS:
Keep out of reach of children. Keep only in original container. Keep container tightly closed and at a
temperature not exceeding 40 °C. Keep away from food, drink and animal feed. Do not breath the
fumes. Use only in well ventilated areas. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Turn off all appliances
and put out all flames before going to sleep or when you leave your home.
FIRST AID
If swallowed, do not give the person anything to drink. Do not make them vomit. Seek medical advice immediately and show the container or label.
In case of contact with eyes, immediately rinse with plenty of water and seek medical advice. After contact with skin, immediately wash with plenty of soap and water.
In case of burn, immediately immerse the affected area in cool water for 20 min and get the person to a hospital or clinic quickly.
FIRE FIGHTING
If a fire extinguisher is not available, put out the fire with dry sand, NOT water. Throw the sand at the base of the fire. In case of an uncontrolled fire, get out fast and call the Fire Brigade.
12. Labels for pesticides
The package label of a pesticide shall contain the following information in indelible, easily legible lettering:
a) the registration number required before a pesticide can be placed on the market (see foreword);
b) the name and address of the registration holder; and
c) a note to the physician on the medical treatment in case of an accident.
NOTE See example 8 of annex E for an example of a pesticide label.