Hazardous substances - step 5 detail

Q1- is the waste a product?

The manufacture's or suppliers data sheet (SDS) will include information on classification. Where this is present and where the product remains unchanged then the classification of the product (or of the individual components within the product where there are multiple hazards) must be used.

Q2 - is there a harmonised classification for that substance?

Some substances have been assigned classifications at EU level. These are called harmonised classifications and are listed in Table 3.1 of Part 3 of Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. This information within this table takes legal precedence and should always be used where available.

To search for a substance, first enter the substance name in the correct field (or use other identifiers), tick 'search only for harmonised substances', read and agree to the 'legal disclaimer' and then click search. The harmonised classification will provide you with the 'hazard class and category code(s)' as well as the 'hazard statement code'.

Q3 - is there a harmonised group entry?

If there is no harmonised substance entry, then you must repeat the previous step and check if the substance is covered by a harmonised group entry. Examples of group entry include lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, organo-tin, antimony, beyllium, barium and cyanide compounds. For example, if you are looking for 'lead sulphate' but do not find it, search instead for 'lead' and you will find an entry 'lead compounds with the exception of those specified elsewhere in this annex'. You should then consider all hazard classes, categories and statement codes provided.

Q4 - use other sources

If a substance does not have a harmonised entry, you must consider all hazard classes and categories.

If your substance falls within this category, you should refer directly to Appendix B of WM3 where additional information is provided to assist competent classification.