February 17, 2020
The Malaysian Industry Code of Practice on Chemicals Classification and Hazard Communication (Amendment) 2019 was approved on October 11, 2019, updating Part 1: List of Classified Chemicals according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The amendment is available on the website of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
The Industry Code of Practice on Chemical Classification and Hazard Communication (ICOP) is a mandatory guidance to chemical suppliers to comply with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations (CLASS Regulations) 2013 [P.U. (A) 310/2013] and guides industries on chemical classification and hazard communication for chemicals used in the workplace.
The ICOP consists of four parts:
Part 1: List of Classified Chemicals
Part 2: Chemical Classification
Part 3: Hazard Communication: Labelling and Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Part 4: Confidential Business Information (CBI)
The 2019 Amendment only affects the List of Classified Chemicals in Part 1. The classification of previously classified chemicals were reviewed and modified based on the most recently available information and data. The updated list contains the GHS classifications for 662 substances, adding the GHS classification of more than 400 substances to the previously classified 229 substances.
Listed chemicals shall be classified according to the classification specified in the list. It is a minimum classification. If the supplier has data or other information that leads to additional hazard class or more severe category, then such classification is acceptable. If the classification provided by the supplier excludes any hazard class or adopts a less severe category compared to the minimum classification, the relevant information and data to support such classification need to be submitted to Director General of the DOSH.
Chemicals not listed in Part 1 of the ICOP shall be classified according to the classification criteria prescribed in Part 2 (Chemical Classification) of the ICOP.
Malaysia implements the GHS in accordance with the UN Purple Book Revision 3 with the following exclusions:
- Flammable Liquids Category 4
- Acute Toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation) Category 5
- Skin Corrosion/Irritation Category 3
- Aspiration Hazard Category 2
- Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment – Acute – Category 2, 3
The classified chemicals list will be updated from time to time. The Malaysian GHS lists contained in UL’s LOLI Database will be updated according to the newest classification results.
Recommended Action Items:
- Check if your products contain any substance included in the amendment;
- Reclassify your products and update their safety data sheets and labels accordingly.
References:
The Malaysian Industry Code of Practice on Chemicals Classification and Hazard Communication (Amendment) 2019 and the 2014 version http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/legislation/codes-of-practice/chemical-management
Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013 http://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/legislation/eregulations/regulations-under-occupational-safety-and-health-act-1994-act-514
Gazette Notification of Approval for Amendment of Industry Code of Practice http://www.federalgazette.agc.gov.my/outputp/pub_20191212_PUB623.pdf