Aplicação do GHS na indústria de saneantes: roteiro para classificação de produtos saneantes

Abstract

With the technology gradual increase and the need of human consumption every day new products and new substances are developed. In addition to the benefits of this modernization, there are concerns about the excessive use of chemicals. Many chemicals have potential to cause adverse effects on human health and the environment and, therefore, a few years ago the risk communication of these products in a workplace became essential and mandatory. The GHS, a globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals was created by the UN to bring harmonized criteria and elements to communicate these dangers. The GHS hazard identification is a complex and difficult procedure for the industries, especially those ones that are small, as sanitizer sector for example, which is mostly composed of micro and small companies. In addition to have the GHS obligation the sanitizer manufacturers follow the Anvisa regulation as well. Combining the Anvisa requirements with GHS ones, it is clear that some GHS hazard classes and categories do not apply for cleaning products. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a GHS classification guide intended specifically for sanitizer industry. To build the guide flowcharts were developed with logical decisions with GHS and Anvisa requirements. This study reached its goal as a whole, creating a guide model for GHS implementation in sanitizer industries. After the guide application in a product sample and the discussions, it was noted that some details could be better incorporated into the script of the guide. Although the guide has some limitations and imperfections, it can contribute in some way to the industry. Instead of a professional consulting GHS as a whole, a simplified, summarized and with the sanitizer particularities guide may give to the industries an easier way to apply the GHS contributing to the correct classifications.