HP13: Sensitising
Waste which contains one or more substances known to cause sensitising effects to the skin or the respiratory organs.
What this usually means in practice
HP13 covers sensitising wastes that can trigger allergic reactions after skin or respiratory exposure. It is different from simple irritation because the effect can develop after sensitisation and then recur at low exposure.
Definition
Exact definition wording taken from WM3 Appendix C / Annex III for this hazardous property.
waste which contains one or more substances known to cause sensitising effects to the skin or the respiratory organs
What to check when assessing this property
Use the official definition, composition data and waste-process knowledge together. These points are meant to help frame the assessment, not replace WM3.
- Review H317 and H334 substances and their individual concentration thresholds.
- Consider repeated handling scenarios for powders, dusts, resins, foams and contaminated PPE.
- Distinguish allergic sensitisation from short-term irritation when interpreting site or process descriptions.
Supporting points
Additional points shown where the official definition or WM3 guidance breaks the hazard into categories or clarifications.
- H317 skin sensitisation and H334 respiratory sensitisation each trigger HP13 at an individual substance concentration of 10% or more.
How to use this page
Hazardous properties explain why a waste may be hazardous. They sit alongside EWC classification and they do not replace formal WM3 assessment or site acceptance checks.
1. Start with the waste
Identify the likely EWC entry, the process that produced the waste and whether it is part of a mirror-entry assessment.
2. Check the hazard evidence
Use composition data, SDSs, testing, pH, flash point and process knowledge as relevant to the property in question.
3. Confirm the final outcome
Confirm the conclusion against WM3 and any permit-specific or site-specific acceptance requirements before relying on it.
Wording is based on Annex III of the consolidated Waste Framework Directive opens in a new tab and should be used alongside Waste classification technical guidance (WM3, 3rd edition, 2021) — GOV.UK opens in a new tab.