Classification

Supply Classification

This is the process whereby substances and preparations are determined as being dangerous for supply.

The classification process determines the category of danger, along three dimensions:

Physico-Chemical	Health	Environmental
Explosive	Very Toxic	Dangerous for the Environment
Oxidising	Toxic
Extremely flammable	Harmful
Highly flammable	Corrosive
Flammable	Irritant
	Sensitising (inhalation)
	Sensitising (skin contact)
	Carcinogenic (Cat. 1,2 &3)
	Mutagenic (Cat.1,2 & 3)
	Toxic for Reproduction

Table 1. Categories of Danger for Supply

Associated with the dangers are symbols and symbol letters, with the exception of 'flammable' (R10) and 'harmful to aquatic organisms. May cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment' (R52/53).

Risk phrases are an integral part of classification. They expand the description of the danger and are more specific to a particular chemical.

The detail of the processes for classification are well documented elsewhere.

It is important to note that:

• Classification is a mechanistic time-consuming process which lends itself to computerisation and all the attendant benefits.
• Inaccurate classification can harm people who it is intended to protect and is the major reason for non-compliance.
• Over classification increases costs and remains non-compliant.

Consequently, Safeware Quasar has always attached a great deal of importance to the integrity and quality of its classification module and will continue to do so into the future.

 

Transport Classification

Classification for transport provides for the assignment of a Class (and, where applicable, a division of that class) to a dangerous substance, preparation or article based on hazardous properties.

Class	Description
1	Explosives
2	Gases
3	Flammable liquids and de-sensitising explosives (liquid)
4	Other flammable substances: Flammable solids and de-sensitising explosives (solid) Substances liable to spontaneous combustion Substances which in contact with water emit flammable gases
5	Oxidising substances and organic peroxides
6	Toxic and infectious substances
7	Radioactives
8	Corrosives
9	Miscellaneous

Table 2. Categories of Class for Carriage

This is augmented by Packaging Groups which denote the degree of danger, on a scale of 'low', 'medium' or 'high.

This underpins the requirements for packaging, classification labelling and marking.

As with Supply, the details of the processes for transport classification are well documented elsewhere.

It is important to note that:

• Classification is not so as mechanistic as for Supply, but still lends itself lends itself to computerisation and all the attendant benefits.
• Inaccurate classification can harm people who it is intended to protect and is the major reason for non-compliance.
• Over classification increases costs and remains non-compliant.

Consequently, Safeware Quasar have always attached a great deal of importance to the integrity and quality of its classification module and will continue to do so into the future.