M10 PM Chemical Hazard Identification, Classification and Communication
Monday, 14 November 2005: 1:50 PM - 5:30 PM in 341-342

(PIT-1117-632706) The Role of Professional Judgment in Chemical Hazard Assessment and Communication.

Hamilton, John¹, Daggett, Daniel¹, Pittinger, Charles², ¹ JohnsonDiversey, Inc, Sturtevant, WI, USA² BBL Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA

ABSTRACT- Health hazard assessments of chemicals and products used in the home and workplace require a keen sense of expert judgment on the part of the assessor. Given the broad diversity of chemicals and the contexts in which they are used, professional judgment is needed to accurately assess and communicate chemical hazards. Most if not all hazard assessment guidelines and regulatory requirements, including the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, explicitly recognize the need for professional judgment in hazard assessment. The authority for applying professional judgment in hazard assessment can be traced to underlying, explicit language in international regulations and standards. However, the practical application of such judgment, i.e., how and when that judgment should be applied, is often left to the assessor's discretion. This can lead to inconsistent hazard assessments and ultimately result in ineffective or confusing hazard communications. This paper summarizes the stated role of professional judgment in regulatory guidelines, and proposes a series of sound guidelines drawn from existing hazard assessment programs and professional toxicological experience in the workplace. The guidelines are illustrated by cogent examples drawn from the experiences of professional toxicologists and industrial hygienists charged with complying with global hazard assessment requirements.

Key words: hazard assessment, professional judgment, chemical classification