22. September 2016
A new hazard class „May be corrosive to metals“ was introduced under the European CLP Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. The goal is an approximation of the differences between the legislations on transport and handling, respectively.
For this reason, products classified with H290 are invariably also classified as dangerous goods class 8. This physico-chemical property was not taken into account in the old classification system (67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC); there was only the hazard class „skin corrosive“.
These two hazard classes are related in a certain way, because they are allocated the same pictogram (GHS05) in labelling according to the CLP Regulation – however, only with the signal word „Warning“. Quite often but not always, a skin corrosive substance or a skin corrosive mixture is also corrosive to metals. On the one hand, an extreme pH value is no classification criterion for classifications of dangerous goods, so that it does not lead to a dangerous goods classification [in transport]. Thus, because of the extreme pH value a product can be classified with H314 without being dangerous goods class 8. Classification with H290 is not needed for reasons of plausibility. On the other hand, it is possible that a chemical is classified as corrosive to metals without being corrosive to skin.
Labelling with additional safety information (P phrases) is not required.
According to the CLP Regulation, regarding their corrosive properties only those substances are given consideration that attack qualities of steel and aluminium relevant in transport legislation, because these metals can most frequently have contact in the transport of chemicals.
This hazard class originates from the rules on the transport of dangerous goods (TDG); it is determined with tests that are used within the transport rules. The goal was to minimise the damage to transport vehicles in the event of accidents or other forms of damage. Therefore, the classification applies for the concentrated products, but it cannot be transferred to highly diluted application solutions. Consequently, there is no risk of material damage in the intended use of the products and, in particular, in the use of the application solutions.
signed Dr. H. Faubel, Managing Director