On March 7th 2014, Standard SS 586: 2014 “Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods” was approved by the Singapore Chemical Standards Committee and took effect thereafter. This new version of SS 586 was revised from the former SS 586: 2008, which was based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 4.
SS 586: 2014 comprises the following three parts.
Part 1: Transport and storage of dangerous goods. This part provides the information and guidance not only on the classification of dangerous goods, but also on the standard hazard communication labels. It should be noted that this part only applies to the storage and road transportation of dangerous goods in Singapore and does not cover those by sea and air. The most significant comparisons between the 2014 amendment and the previous version include changes to the transport emergency information panel and storage emergency information panel.
Part 2: Globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals – Singapore specific adaptations. A new section on Singapore’s decision on the generic concentration limits for some hazard classes, specific requirements on labeling of containers, workplace signage and training requirements are added into the new version.
Part 3: Preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Part 3 updates the specific qualifying criteria for classification in each of the following hazard classes: Hazardous to ozone layer and Aspiration hazard (Category 1). Part 2 and Part 3 provide guidance for the implementation of GHS and preparation of Safety Data Sheets in Singapore.
