Analyzes
the GHS hazard classes and categories
Bridging the Gap Between Fire Code and GHS
In a major move toward unified hazard communication, the International Fire Code (IFC) is widely anticipated to integrate the UN Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for chemical classification starting in 2027, with a few key differences.
This harmonization effort began with the adoption of Annex E in 2024—an initial framework to compare GHS hazard categories with IFC fire code definitions. The proposal, championed by HMEx’s own, CEO Lynne Kilpatrick, was supported by fire safety professionals nationwide, and was formally approved through the ICC code development process.
We’ve now incorporated this framework into HMEx, which is now live and available to all users. We are extremely excited to offer this functionality to existing users and know the value it brings to our tool.
🔗 See the official code change proposals:
IFC 2027 Change Proposals (PDF)
Why This Matters
Historically, GHS hazard classification and fire code categories have used different thresholds and language—making it difficult to ensure consistency between SDS authoring, hazard labeling, and code compliance.
With this new HMEx feature, those barriers are gone. Your GHS data is now instantly translatable into fire code terms—backed by Annex E logic and ready for the 2024 and 2027 code adoptions.
How It Works in HMEX
This new feature lets you reverse-engineer fire code compliance from chemical classification data (GHS Codes) found in an SDS.
Whether you’re entering a pure substance or a mixture, HMEx maps GHS data directly to fire code terms—saving time and ensuring consistency.
Example 1: Flammable Liquid
Substance: Ethyl Acetate
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Flash Point: 24°C (75.2°F)
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Boiling Point: 77°C (170.6°F)
GHS Classification
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Hazard Class: Flammable Liquid
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Category: Category 2
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H-Code: H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapor
IFC Classification
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Class: IB Flammable Liquid
Liquids with a flash point < 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point ≥ 100°F (38°C)
In HMEx:
| Property | Value | GHS Interpretation | IFC Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash Point | 24°C (75.2°F) | Category 3 | Class IC |
| Boiling Point | 77°C (170.6°F) | Valid for Cat 2–4 | Above 100°F threshold |
| Final Classification | Cat 3 (H226) | Flammable Liquid | Class IC Flammable Liquid |
🚨 Notice the mismatch: GHS Category 3 ≠IFC Class IC
If the user has additional data, they can enter it, and if not, HMEX will auto-classify the substance based on a conservative classification where no data exists.
Example 2: Acute Toxicity
Substance: Sodium Cyanide
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Oral LDâ‚…â‚€ (rat): 6.4 mg/kg
GHS Classification
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Hazard Class: Acute Toxicity – Oral
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Category: Category 2
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H-Code: H300 – Fatal if swallowed
GHS Criteria (Oral LDâ‚…â‚€):
| Category | LDâ‚…â‚€ (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| Cat 1 | ≤ 5 |
| Cat 2 | > 5 ≤ 50 |
| Cat 3 | > 50 ≤ 300 |
| Cat 4 | > 300 ≤ 2000 |
✅ Result: Category 2, due to LD₅₀ between 5 and 50 mg/kg
IFC Classification
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Class: Highly Toxic Material
A material which produces a lethal dose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the following categories:
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Oral LD₅₀: 5–50 mg/kg
✅ Result: Highly Toxic, perfectly aligned with GHS Category 2
In HMEx:
| Property | Value | GHS Interpretation | IFC Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral LDâ‚…â‚€ | 6.4 mg/kg | Category 2 (H300) | Highly Toxic |
| Final Classification | Fatal if swallowed | Requires signage, controls | Trigger for MAQ & storage rules |
✅ Perfect alignment: No discrepancy
This is all HMEX needs. Once the user pastes this GHS info or selects it from their SDS database, the tool reviews the submitted info, auto-classifies the substance, and provides any flags to the end user. It’s really that simple.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Officially Endorsed By:
