14.5 Environmental Hazards
Preventive Measures and Best Practices
Packaging and Containment
- Use UN-approved packaging designed to prevent leaks and withstand transport conditions
- Ensure proper closure of all containers
- Use secondary containment for high-risk materials
- Verify package integrity before transport
- Select packaging materials that are compatible with the contents
- Consider using environmentally friendly packaging where possible
Route Planning
- Avoid environmentally sensitive areas where possible
- Plan routes to minimize transit time
- Consider weather conditions that could increase environmental risks
- Identify safe stopping points along the route
- Be aware of local restrictions on transport of environmentally hazardous materials
Emergency Response
- Develop and maintain spill response plans
- Carry appropriate spill control equipment
- Train personnel in environmental emergency procedures
- Have emergency contact information readily available
- Know reporting requirements for environmental incidents
Transport Technology
- Consider using modern transport technologies with improved environmental performance
- Implement real-time monitoring systems for high-risk shipments
- Use leak detection systems where appropriate
- Maintain transport equipment to prevent environmental releases
- Consider intermodal transport options to reduce environmental footprint
Case Study: Sandoz Chemical Warehouse Fire (Switzerland, 1986)
A fire at a chemical warehouse resulted in firefighting water contaminated with pesticides and chemicals entering the Rhine River, causing one of Europe's worst environmental disasters:
- Impact: Severe contamination of the Rhine River for more than 500 km
- Consequences: Massive fish kill (estimated 500,000 fish), destruction of microorganisms, and long-term ecosystem damage
- Economic cost: Over $30 million in immediate cleanup costs, plus long-term economic impacts on fishing and tourism
- Lessons learned:
- Need for proper containment of firefighting water
- Importance of inventory management and segregation of environmentally hazardous materials
- Critical role of emergency planning for environmental incidents
- Value of international cooperation in environmental emergency response
This incident led to significant improvements in regulations for storage and transport of environmentally hazardous substances, particularly regarding emergency planning and containment measures.
Case Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (Alaska, 1989)
An oil tanker ran aground, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound:
- Impact: Contamination of 1,300 miles of coastline
- Environmental damage: Death of approximately 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, and billions of salmon and herring eggs
- Economic cost: Over $7 billion in cleanup costs and damages
- Transport lessons:
- Need for double-hulled vessels for transporting environmentally hazardous materials
- Importance of crew training and rest requirements
- Value of vessel traffic systems and escort vessels in environmentally sensitive areas
- Critical need for rapid response capabilities
This disaster led to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which mandated double-hulled tankers and improved spill response planning for oil transport.
Regional Variations in Environmental Hazard Classification
While the UN Model Regulations provide a global framework, there are some regional variations in how environmental hazards are classified and regulated:
European Union
The EU has implemented the GHS criteria through the CLP Regulation, with some specific provisions:
- Multiplying factors (M-factors) for highly toxic substances
- Specific concentration limits for mixtures
- Additional hazard statements (EUH statements)
United States
The US has its own approach to environmental hazards:
- Marine pollutants regulated under 49 CFR
- Additional EPA regulations for certain substances
- State-specific requirements in some cases
Asia-Pacific
Countries in this region have varying approaches:
- Japan: Chemical Substances Control Law
- China: Regulations on Safe Management of Hazardous Chemicals
- Australia: ADG Code with specific provisions
Summary Statement for SDS
Section 14.5 of a Safety Data Sheet should clearly indicate the environmental hazard classification status of the substance or mixture:
Example Statements for SDS Section 14.5
For environmentally hazardous substances:
14.5 Environmental hazards
- Environmentally hazardous according to the criteria of the UN Model Regulations
- Marine Pollutant: Yes
- EmS: F-A, S-F
For substances not classified as environmentally hazardous:
14.5 Environmental hazards
Not classified as environmentally hazardous according to the criteria of the UN Model Regulations
Important: The environmental hazard classification must be included in Section 14.5 of the SDS even if the substance or mixture is not classified as environmentally hazardous. This is a mandatory requirement under REACH Annex II.
Best Practice: When preparing a Safety Data Sheet, always check the current edition of the applicable transport regulations to confirm the correct environmental hazard classification. For borderline cases or complex mixtures, consider seeking expert advice or conducting appropriate testing to ensure accurate classification.