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Danish experiences with the MAL-code system,

policy and exposure reduction

By

Bent Horn Andersen

Senior Advisor, M.Sc.

Danish working Environment Authority

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Protection of the workers

Chemical Agens Directive 98/24/EC

Carcinogens Directive2004/37/EC

Safety Data Sheet 91/155/EEC

Classification and labelling 67/548/EEC

MAL-code

Restrictions

76/769/EEC

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Code No.(1993)

00-1

Example of Code number for water based acrylic paint where no specific precautions are required except gloves when using a brush

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History of the MAL-Code (1)•1967: Regulations on paint work - products differentiated in 4 groups. Co-operation between authorities, painters, paint contractors and the paint industry.

•1971-1972: Reports from co-operations between workers/trade unions and students.Suitable waterborne paints for walls / ceilings

•1973: Regulations on paint work revised. Code numbers and safety precautions.

•1976: The Danish authorities recognise the existence of OPS•1978: Regulations on paint work revised. Gas filter mask demanded in work with alkyd paints.

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History of the Male-code (2)

•1982: Regulations on paint work revised:–prohibitions (e.g. alkyd paints on ceilings)–how to choose products (substitution)–training of painters

Waterborne high quality products occurs, e.g. enamels, wood preservative and sealing products

•1993: Regulations on paint work revised. The graphic industry and industrial painting are included.Solvent free waterborne paints for ceilings and walls occur around 1990.

•2000: A system is developed that helps pregnant painters to work during pregnancy

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Consumption of waterborne paints 1966-1984

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Notified cases ofCNS-effects (acute and chronic)

due to exposure from organic solvents

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

140019

88

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

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Notified cases of chronic- and acute CNS effect after exposure to organic solvents

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Cronic CNS effect Acute CNS effect

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MAL-code / Code numbers

•The code number for a product is two numbers joined with a hyphen and the year of the last order, e.g.•The importer, manufacturer or supplier shall determine the code number. It must be given in writing, e.g. stated conspicuously on the packaging, and stated in the SDS. •Code numbers are determined from a list of values for chemicals given by the authorities.

2-11993

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The code number is the basis for:

•Risk reduction measures/Prohibitions •Selection of the least hazardous product for a process (substitution)•Choosing the right Safety Precautions (PPE)

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• Represents the minimum safety precautions to be taken against inhalation of vapours from the products.

• Divides the products in 7 groups (00- to 5-). The higher the number, the heavier demands for respiratory equipment.

• All volatile substances in the paint contributes to the determination, according to the contents in percent. The MAL-factors used in the calculation is calculated on the basis of– relative evaporation rate, or– vapour pressure, and– OEL (Occupational Exposure Limit)

00-11993

The number before the hyphen

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The number before the hyphen

Examples

• 00- Water based acrylic paint

• 2- White spirit based paint

• 3- Pure white spirit

• 4- Pure acetone

• 5- Pure toluene or methylene chloride

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Limitations in use/prohibition

• Indoor: ceiling/wall 1-

big load2-

wet rooms3-

• Out door: wood preservative 3-

The number before the hyphen

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• The number after the hyphen is divided into six groups (-1, -6). It represents the minimum safety precautions which shall be taken against contact with. :

– skin and eyes, e.g. spill or spray dust– the respiratory passages, e.g. spray dust – against ingestion (eating or drinking).

The numbers are calculated on the basis of EU-classification and other information on toxicity.

Examples-1May be harmful when inhaled as dust or spray. No known

effects on eyes or skin in not dirty work – most waterborne paints

-3May be harmful on eyes or skin (>1% Xi)-6Poisonous / Carcinogenic (T, Tx, R45) – e.g. TDI

00-11993

The number after the hyphen

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Examples•Phosphoric Acid 00-1

•Ethanol 2-1

•White Spirit 3-1

•Toluene 5-3

•Epoxy glue, ready for use 3-5

•Isocyanate lacquer,ready for use

3-3

•White spirit based paint2-1

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Notes

1: Gloves (-1 & -2)

2. Face shield / protective clothing – only dirty work

4. Half face mask / shield

5. Low boiling solvents

6. Rooms with inadaquate ventilation – gas filter mask / ventilation

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Status 2006

•Waterborne, low solvent products are predominant in house painting: (for professional use close to 100%, for private consumers 95% indoor and 50% outdoor)

•Painters do seldom complain •Pregnant painters are able to work•OPS from solvents are history in Denmark•Danish painters and paint industry support the Code-number system

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MAL-code is one initiative out of several

• Support from industry and social partners• Focus on organic solvents in general

• Separate regulation on organic solvents

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Next step: Solvents in Risk Groups

Risk group 1: 1,2 < logPo,v and

4,0 mmHg < Pwap

Ex.: n-heptan, p-xylen, tetrachloroethen

Risk group 2: 1,2 < logPo,v and

4,0 mmHg > Pwap or

0,5 < logPo,v < 1,2 or

0,1 < logPo,v < 0,5 and

4,0 mmHg < Pwap

Ex.: Cyclohexanon, tetrahydrofuran, n-butanol

Risk group 3: 0,1 < logPo,v < 0,5 and

4,0 mmHg < Pwap

Ex.: Ethanol, acetone

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Thank you for your attention!