Comparison of South African skin and sensitisation notations with those of other countries

Abstract

South African skin notations listed in the Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Substances (RHCS) and Mine Health and Safety Regulations (MHSR) were compared to those of selected other developed countries in order to ascertain the assignment criteria and use of these notations relative to those of other countries. Skin notations in the RHCS and MHSR had a mean agreement of between 42.9% and 45.8% with other countries, while agreement for sensitisation notations was only 3.6% between countries. As with many other countries there is a lack of frequent review and updates of these notations. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop and implement a strategy which will ensure frequent revision of assignment of notations accompanied by accessible supporting documentation. Adoption of the USA’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health skin ­notation criteria is recommended, whereby substances may be assigned with multiple descriptive skin notations. The development of similar sensitisation notation criteria whereby the route of exposure is indicated is also recommended