Guidance on the application of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) criteria to petroleum substances

IPIECA has developed this guidance through close consultation with the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (Sub-Committee or UNSCEGHS).

IPIECA is the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues. It develops, shares and promotes good practices and knowledge to help the industry improve its environmental and social performance; and is the industry’s principal channel of communication with the United Nations.

The Guidance on the application of Globally Harmonized System (GHS) criteria to petroleum substances was developed by IPIECA to facilitate appropriate classification and labelling of petroleum substances within the Unknown or Variable Composition, Complex Reaction Products or Biological Materials (UVCB) group. 

It was developed with input from experienced technical experts in petroleum substance toxicology and addresses crude oil and petroleum substances produced from oil and gas operations. 

The guidance includes a Technical Support Document where the principles of the guidance are explained using relevant scientific literature.

IPIECA has developed this guidance through close consultation with the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (Sub-Committee or UNSCEGHS). 

Efforts on this guidance commenced at the thirteenth session of the Sub-Committee where IPIECA presented a work plan which was endorsed by the Sub-Committee. At the fourteenth session of the Sub-Committee, IPIECA listed issues that could result in divergent classification of petroleum substances. 

These issues have been informally discussed at the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth sessions of the Sub-Committee. At its eighteenth session, the Sub-Committee endorsed the concept of sector-specific guidance by creating a webpage on the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) website which links to third-party sector-specific guidance. As the author, IPIECA remains responsible for the contents and maintenance of this guidance.

IPIECA
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association