Fundacentro, in collaboration with the National Association for the Diffusion of Fertilizers (Anda), has released the second edition of the “Manual for the Application of the GHS in the Fertilizer Industry.” This comprehensive guide aims to ensure proper classification and hazard communication for chemical products in the fertilizer industry.
Key Highlights of the Manual
Importance of GHS Compliance
The manual emphasizes adherence to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classifying and labeling chemicals, crucial for workplace safety and regulatory compliance. It aligns with Brazil’s NR-26 regulations, which mandate the classification of chemicals based on GHS criteria.
Physical Hazards
The manual outlines how to classify chemicals that pose physical hazards such as:
Explosives: Criteria for fertilizers that may have explosive properties. Ammonium nitrate, a common fertilizer component, is classified based on its potential to explode under certain conditions.
Oxidizers: Guidelines for classifying substances that can cause or enhance combustion. Potassium nitrate, often used in fertilizers, is classified as an oxidizer due to its ability to enhance combustion.
Corrosives: Identification of substances that can cause severe damage to metals or skin. Phosphoric acid, used in some fertilizers, is classified as corrosive because it can cause severe skin burns and eye damage.
Health Hazards
Guidelines for classifying health hazards include:
Acute Toxicity: Criteria for substances harmful when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Zinc sulfate, a micronutrient in fertilizers, can cause acute toxicity if ingested in large quantities.
Skin and Eye Irritation: Standards for classifying substances that cause skin or eye irritation. Urea, a common fertilizer, can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact.
Carcinogenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Criteria for substances that may cause cancer or reproductive harm. Boric acid, used in some fertilizers, is classified based on evidence of reproductive toxicity.
Environmental Hazards
The manual provides criteria for classifying environmental hazards, focusing on:
Aquatic Toxicity: Guidelines for substances harmful to aquatic life, both in the short term (acute) and long term (chronic). Copper sulfate, used in fertilizers, is classified as hazardous to aquatic environments due to its toxicity to fish and other marine organisms.
Practical Application
The manual provides practical tools, including:
- Appendices: Classifications for raw materials and substances used in fertilizers.
- Labeling Guidance: Instructions on final classification and labeling elements.
Collaborative Effort
The creation of the manual was a collective effort involving Fundacentro researchers and Anda professionals. The coordination was led by Gilmar Trivelato from Fundacentro, with contributions from experts like Renato Tavares de Souza, Viviane Iunck Kawakami, and others. Technical revisions were made by Marcela Gerardo Ribeiro and Arline Arcuri, ensuring the guide’s accuracy and relevance.
Accessibility
The manual is available in both Portuguese and English, ensuring broader accessibility for industry stakeholders.