The Column Model – Release behaviour (Part 6)

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In today’s blog post, I would like to introduce you to another column of the column model of TRGS 600 [1]. After the last blog in the series, in which I dealt with column 4, physico-chemical effects, we are now staying in a technically similar topic. Column 5 of the column model deals with the release behaviour of hazardous substances.

Release behaviour (column 5)

In the four columns of the column model, which I have already presented to you in this blog series, the H-phrases of the substances were to a large extent the criterion according to which the classification was made. Unfortunately, the H-phrases are no help when it comes to release behaviour and are therefore not taken into account by the column model. Instead, properties such as aggregate state or vapour pressure are considered. In the following, I would like to list some relevant properties and their classification in the column model. You can find the list of all points in TRGS 600.

Very high and high hazard

Gases or aerosols, for example, have a very high release behaviour. Dusting solids or liquids with a high vapour pressure (> 250 hPa) are also classified here. TRGS 600 mentions the solvent dichloromethane as an example.
Liquids with a vapour pressure between 50 and 250 hPa have a classification in the high category. Methanol, for example, can be found here.

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Medium and low hazard

Liquids such as toluene, which have a vapour pressure of 10 – 50 hPa, pose a medium hazard in terms of release behaviour. Water is excluded from this, although it can be found in this vapour pressure range.
If the vapour pressure is even lower (2 – 10 hPa), for example in the case of xylene, which is classified as a low hazard.

Negligible hazard

Non-dusting solids and liquids whose vapour pressure is below 2 hPa are considered negligible. This applies to glycol, for example.

Conclusion

Compared to the columns already presented, the column of release behaviour deals with considerably fewer criteria. At the same time, the classification is somewhat more difficult, as one cannot orientate oneself on the H-phrases. Instead, one needs the vapour pressure of liquids, which is partly missing in the safety data sheet.

Now only one last column of the column model is left, which I will deal with in the next part of this blog series. You are also welcome to visit our website, where you can find more information about the application of the column model in our GeSi³ software solution.

[1]        Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances, TRGS 600, version 27.07.2020, BAuA website.

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