Technical translation is a specialized type of translation direction at technological subject areas or texts which deal with the practical application of scientific and technological information. In terms of regulatory compliance, technical translation could be applied to chemical regulatory documents, marketing materials, employee handbooks, corporate documents and even websites. Technical translations are often useful and needed in many situations. For example, all documents in Canadian workplaces regarding substances must be available in both English and French. If you plan on having your product used in other countries, the official language of that country should be available on your documents.
Using a canned machine translation program is not an appropriate was to translate documents such as these. Errors in translating labels, instruction, or safety precautions could lead to regulatory and/or product/civil liability. In addition, an incorrect translation could be misinterpreted, leading to a possible misuse of the product and physical or property damage.
It is therefore recommended that manufacturers and suppliers use an outsourced regulatory company to assist them in the technical translation of such documents. Relying on an expert to complete the translation guarantees an accurate interpretation of the document in all languages. In addition, outsourcing your technical translation documentation can give your company increased efficiency in other regulatory areas, as well as saving time and money.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
What is considered a hazardous ingredient under the CCCR regulations?
When reviewing a consumer product under the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations (CCCR) you must determine whether the individual chemical components are hazardous. This will assist in classifying the overall product’s hazards.
A "hazardous ingredient" under the CCCR, 2001 can be (a) a pure chemical product; (b) an ingredient present in a chemical product in a concentration of 1% or more and (i) is a chemical product, (ii) the supplier believes on reasonable grounds the chemical may be harmful to humans, (iii) the chemical has toxicological properties that are not known to the supplier, or (iv) derives from a reaction between precursor constituents and the hazards associated with the chemical product are not known to the supplier; or (c) a complex mixture present in a chemical product in a concentration of 1% or more and (i) is a chemical product, (ii) the supplier believes on reasonable grounds the chemical may be harmful to humans, or (iii) the chemical has toxicological properties that are not known to the supplier.
Once each chemical ingredient of the product is classified as hazardous or not, then the overall chemical product classification can be determined.
A "hazardous ingredient" under the CCCR, 2001 can be (a) a pure chemical product; (b) an ingredient present in a chemical product in a concentration of 1% or more and (i) is a chemical product, (ii) the supplier believes on reasonable grounds the chemical may be harmful to humans, (iii) the chemical has toxicological properties that are not known to the supplier, or (iv) derives from a reaction between precursor constituents and the hazards associated with the chemical product are not known to the supplier; or (c) a complex mixture present in a chemical product in a concentration of 1% or more and (i) is a chemical product, (ii) the supplier believes on reasonable grounds the chemical may be harmful to humans, or (iii) the chemical has toxicological properties that are not known to the supplier.
Once each chemical ingredient of the product is classified as hazardous or not, then the overall chemical product classification can be determined.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What is the difference between corrosion and irritation?
In terms of WHMIS classifications, a product which is corrosive would be classified as Class E and an irritant would be classified as D2B Skin/Eye Irritation.
The main distinction between corrosion and irritation is that irritation is more of a physiological effect whereas corrosion is more of a chemical reaction to the biological tissue. Although irritation and corrosion are distinguishable, in many cases, substances can display both characteristics depending on the duration and concentration of the exposure. The effects of irritation are typically considered to be reversible in comparison to corrosive substances.
The following are definitions from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS):
- “Skin corrosion”: the production of irreversible damage to the skin; namely visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test substance for up to 4 hours
- “Skin irritation”: the production of reversible damage to the skin following the application of a test substance for up to 4 hours
Materials that fall within the criteria for corrosivity under WHMIS regulations will also meet the criteria for skin and eye irritation. Classifying these substances into both Class D2B and E would be unnecessary and may cause confusion to users and workers. Therefore, according to the Controlled Product Regulations, the majority of materials meeting the criteria for Class E need not be classified as Class D2B as well.
The main distinction between corrosion and irritation is that irritation is more of a physiological effect whereas corrosion is more of a chemical reaction to the biological tissue. Although irritation and corrosion are distinguishable, in many cases, substances can display both characteristics depending on the duration and concentration of the exposure. The effects of irritation are typically considered to be reversible in comparison to corrosive substances.
The following are definitions from the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS):
- “Skin corrosion”: the production of irreversible damage to the skin; namely visible necrosis through the epidermis and into the dermis, following the application of a test substance for up to 4 hours
- “Skin irritation”: the production of reversible damage to the skin following the application of a test substance for up to 4 hours
Materials that fall within the criteria for corrosivity under WHMIS regulations will also meet the criteria for skin and eye irritation. Classifying these substances into both Class D2B and E would be unnecessary and may cause confusion to users and workers. Therefore, according to the Controlled Product Regulations, the majority of materials meeting the criteria for Class E need not be classified as Class D2B as well.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
What are the differences between the flammable and combustible divisions under Class B?
In regards to WHMIS classifications, there are six classes (Compressed Gas, Flammable and Combustible Material, Oxidizing Material, Poisonous and Infectious Material, Corrosive Material and Dangerously Reactive Material). The Flammable and Combustible Material classification, or Class B, breaks down further into six subdivisions as follows:
Class B1 – Flammable Gases
Class B2 – Flammable Liquids
Class B3 – Combustible Liquids
Class B4 – Flammable Solids
Class B5 – Flammable Aerosols
Class B6 – Reactive Flammable Materials
The classification of a product under this section depends on the physical state of the product as well as the flammable properties of the chemical(s) contained in the product.
Flammable gases (B1) include any compressed gases that form a flammable mixture with air when in a concentration of 13 percent or a concentration range of 12 percent or greater by volume. Any product falling into the category of B1 must also be classified as a Class A Compressed Gas.
Flammable liquids (B2) are any liquids that have a flash point of less than 37.8°C (100°F).
Combustible liquids (B3) are any liquids that have a flash point of 37.8°C (100°F) or greater, but less than 93.3°C (200°F).
Flammable Solids (B4) include any solids that can be ignited readily, cause fires through friction or retained heat, and burn with a self-sustained flame.
Flammable Aerosols (B5) are any products in an aerosol container that give a flame projection at full valve opening, or a flashback at any degree of valve opening when tested.
Reactive Flammable Materials (B6) includes any substance that spontaneously combusts under normal conditions or in contact with air/water, or releases flammable gas if it contact with water.
Class B1 – Flammable Gases
Class B2 – Flammable Liquids
Class B3 – Combustible Liquids
Class B4 – Flammable Solids
Class B5 – Flammable Aerosols
Class B6 – Reactive Flammable Materials
The classification of a product under this section depends on the physical state of the product as well as the flammable properties of the chemical(s) contained in the product.
Flammable gases (B1) include any compressed gases that form a flammable mixture with air when in a concentration of 13 percent or a concentration range of 12 percent or greater by volume. Any product falling into the category of B1 must also be classified as a Class A Compressed Gas.
Flammable liquids (B2) are any liquids that have a flash point of less than 37.8°C (100°F).
Combustible liquids (B3) are any liquids that have a flash point of 37.8°C (100°F) or greater, but less than 93.3°C (200°F).
Flammable Solids (B4) include any solids that can be ignited readily, cause fires through friction or retained heat, and burn with a self-sustained flame.
Flammable Aerosols (B5) are any products in an aerosol container that give a flame projection at full valve opening, or a flashback at any degree of valve opening when tested.
Reactive Flammable Materials (B6) includes any substance that spontaneously combusts under normal conditions or in contact with air/water, or releases flammable gas if it contact with water.
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