Tool: GHS Column Model for Chemical Substitutes Assessment
A practical tool aimed to help companies with the identification of alternative safer chemicals:
- Compares the hazards of different substances and mixtures under specific process conditions
- Based on the classification of chemicals according to GHS and uses hazard statements and process conditions as inpus
| SMC Category | Hazard identification and risk assessment, Risk prevention and reduction |
| Subcategories | Hazard identification and chemicals risk assessment, Process safety assessment, Workplace safety assessment, Preventive measures |
| SME Activity | Product development and process design, Handling, Unloading and loading, Input material selection, Production |
| Resource Type | Downloadable document |
| Author | Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social Accident Insurance (IFA) |
| Company type | Synthesis of substances, Formulation of chemicals, Industrial users of chemicals |
| Year | 2014 |
| Link(s) |
http://www.dguv.de/ifa/Praxishilfen/Hazardous-substances/GHS-Spaltenmodell-zur-Substitutionspr%C3%BCfung/index.jsp |
How to use it
Inputs
1) Chemical information from the safety data sheet (SDS): hazard classes/H-statements
2) information on the exposure potential (physical state, dust generation (y/n), vapour pressure)
3) Process information:
- process design (open, closed, etc.)
- if available, the process index according to the German TRGS 500 (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances)
Outputs
1) Risk assessment of alternatives for comparison:
- risk level of health, environmental and physio-chemical hazards (from 'very high' to 'negligible')
- safer alternative chemicals or processes
| Learning time | Medium (~4h) |
| User expertise | Intermediate (scientific/engineering degree required/business management experience required) |
| User-friendliness | Easy to use |
| Advanced tool | No |
| Languages | English, German |