• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.156-163
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• 2013

Objectives: Numerous poisonous substances are used in paint manufacture, but there are differences in the results of GHS classification between the Ministry of Labor(MOL) and the Ministry of Environment(MOE). Therefore, paint manufacturers suffer confusion as to how to classify a given chemical's risk and hazard level. This paper was designed to compare the classification results of chemicals by the MOL and the MOE and suggest a harmonization measure. Methods: After selecting 25 poisonous substances from among the organic solvents, pigments, and additives used in paint manufacturer, the GHS classification results by MOL and MOE were compared. Further the logic and classification of the GHS proposed by each Ministry was analyzed. Based on the derived results, a harmonization plan was proposed. Results: Based on the GHS classification of the poisonous substances, the concordance is 10.0-66.6 %, excluded flammable liquid. The GHS classifications differed based on the suggested building blocks, the sub-classification method used, the references(data sources), and subjective judgment of the experts from each Ministry. In order to pursue the harmonization plan, cooperation is demanded from the MOL and MOE.