GHS CapacityBuilding and Implementation

13 May 2008

Abuja, Nigeria

Topics Covered

Introduction to the benefits of the GHSUNITAR GHS Capacity Building

Programme (Global, Regional, National)National ActivitiesNational GHS Implementation

Methodology for Developing National GHS Implementation Strategies

Capacity Building Resources

What is the GHS?

Harmonized System for Chemical Classification and Labeling

International standard adopted 2002 and endorsed by ECOSOC 2003

Objectives of the GHS: Protection of human health and the environment Facilitating free trade of chemicals

WSSD GHS Implementation Target: 2008

What is the GHS?

Safe Use of Chemicals

Risk Management

Systems (risk communication,

exposure monitoring/control)

Hazard Communication (GHS Labels and SDS)

GHS Classification

Benefits of the GHS

Provides a framework for countries without chemical hazard communication system;

Harmonizes national chemical hazard communication systems world-wide;

Avoids duplication of testing & evaluating chemicals and chemical mixtures;

Facilitates international trade;Protects people and the environment

Why is the GHS Important?

Why is the GHS Important?

Context forGHS Capacity Building

• UN Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (SCEGHS)

• UNITAR/ILO nominated as focal pointFocus on supporting developing and transition

countries

Global, Regional, National, Stakeholder activities

Programme Advisory Group (PAG)

WSSD Global GHS Partnership

United Nations

Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

and the GHS

Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (SCEGHS)

Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous

Goods (SCETDG)

UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) - Secretariat

UNITAR/ILOWSSD

PartnershipPAG

Global GHS Events

Global Thematic Workshop on GHS Implementation

GHS and International Chemicals Conventions (Stockholm, Rotterdam, Basel)

Side events at International Chemicals Events (SAICM, IFCS)

UNITAR/ILO and OECD Questionnaire

Regional Workshops and Strategies

South America (2004)

SADC (2003)

ASEAN (2005-7)

CEE/CA(2006)

Arab Region(2006)ECOWAS

(2008)

National Activities

Sri Lanka, South Africa, Zambia

The Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal

Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand

Laos, Cambodia

Uruguay, Vietnam, Jamaica

UNECE implementation website: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/

implementation_e.html

National Project Outcomes

Multi-stakeholder involvement Awareness raising and training National GHS-implementing legislationSectoral implementation plansHigh-level endorsement of a National

GHS Implementation Strategy

UNITAR/ILO Approach

GHS Implementation

Industrial Workplaces

Transport AgricultureConsumerProducts

GovernmentBusiness/Industry

Public Interest/Labour

National Planning and Coordination

Project Coordinating Agency National GHS Implementation Committee Lead agencies for four sectors Lead organizations for business and industry, and

public interest and labour Subcommittees and task forces, as appropriate Division of responsibilities, activities, timeframes and

budgets What is your role?

UNITAR/ILO Methodology

Public Interest and Labour

Comprehensibility Testing

National Implementation

Strategy Document

GHS Implementation

Business and Industry

Situation and Gap Analysis

Sectoral Implemen-

tation Plans

-Industrial Workplace

-Agriculture

-Transport

-Consumer Products

Situation and Gap Analysis

Documents existing chemical hazard communication infrastructure and compares existing situation against what should be in place

Approach:Step 1: Information collectionStep 2: Gap analysis

Starting point: National Profile Additional information needs to be collected

Comprehensibility Testing (CT)

Survey based method for assessing understanding of GHS among the public

Comprehensibility is: the ability of an individual reading a label, warning, or safety data sheet to understand information sufficiently to take appropriate precautionary measures

important feedback for developing a chemical hazard communication infrastructure

(e.g. training needs)

National GHS Workshop Objectives

to learn about the GHS to review the situation/gap analysis and CT to review the roles, responsibilities and necessary

activities of stakeholders; to initiate development of required legislative

reform for GHS implementation; to initiate development of sector specific actions to discuss next steps to develop a National GHS

Implementation Strategy, with timeline

Phase 2

Public Interest and Labour

Comprehensibility Testing

National Implementation

Strategy Document

GHS Implementation

Business and Industry

Situation and Gap Analysis

Sectoral Implemen-

tation Plans

-Industrial Workplace

-Agriculture

-Transport

-Consumer Products

GHS Implementing Legislation

Developed for all four sectors

Legislative Situation and Gap Analysis

Based on existing regulatory framework

Draft regulations reviewed by executive branch of national government

GHS Implementing Legislation- Relevant Considerations

Which legal experts or consultants might be able to prepare draft legislation?

What is the appropriate format for new/amended legislation and to whom should it be presented for approval?

How can input from and support of all stakeholders be secured for the new regulations?

How will coordination take place for all the four sectors? How can conformity with the GHS and trading partners

be assured? What is the schedule for development and endorsement

of the legislation?

Options for GHS Legislation

Single consolidated Act Amend existing legislation to incorporate GHS

elements Amend existing legislation to incorporate GHS

elements by reference Amend standards with corresponding amendments

to legislation (e.g. for compliance and enforcement) Consolidate and amend existing standards with

corresponding amendments to legislation (e.g. for compliance and enforcement)

Sectoral Implementation Plans

Roles of stakeholders involved in GHS implementation in the sector

Summary of the situation and gap analysis, and comprehensibility testing

Legislative actions necessary for GHS implementation

Details on Cross-sectoral activities needed for GHS implementation

Workplan for activities

Roles and Activities for Other Stakeholders

Development of awareness raising materials

Industry and PILO workshopsidentify lead NGOs as focal points initiate activities strengthening the role of

PILO participationparticipation in the development of the

Implementation Strategy

The GHS and Transport

UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

Classification and labelling for TDG will be based on GHS

Current TDG labels and

pictograms remain Orange Book 15th revised edition

The GHS and Agriculture

FAO and WHO expected to integrate the GHS

FAO Guidelines on Pesticide Registration

FAO Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides

WHO Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard

Phase 3

Public Interest and Labour

Comprehensibility Testing

National Implementation

Strategy Document

GHS Implementation

Business and Industry

Situation and Gap Analysis

Sectoral Implemen-

tation Plans

-Industrial Workplace

-Agriculture

-Transport

-Consumer Products

National Implementation Strategy

Compilation of all project activities

Outlines remaining activities

Provides a “road map” for GHS implementation

National GHS Review Workshop

Review and agree National GHS Implementation Strategy

Discuss next stepsAdopt resolution and commitment of all

partnersHigh level endorsement

Implementation Issues to Consider

Coordination of trading partnersTransition periodsFeedback to/from international

committee (UNSCEGHS)GHS implementation as ongoing process

Resources

Guidance Document on “Developing a National GHS Implementation Strategy”

Regional Workshops

Annual Reports

GHS Capacity Building Library

Resources, Continued

Comprehensibility Testing Website

Roster of Experts

Discussion Board

Events Page

ROE

WSSD Global GHS Partnership

Launched by UNITAR, ILO, and OECD in 2002

strengthen capacities at all levels and sectors -- in particular in developing countries

"Type 2 Partnerships“: to enable all stakeholders to make a concrete contribution to the outcomes of the WSSD

Meetings of the Partners (2003, 2007)

Web Resources

Regional GHS Workshop for ECOWAS Website:http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/ghs15.html

UNITAR/ILO GHS Capacity Building Programme:http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/index.html

WSSD GHS Partnership:http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs_partnership/index.htm

UNSCEGHS Homepage: www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_welcome_e.html

Workshop Objectives

take stock of the status of GHS implementation in ECOWAS member countries;

initiate development of national GHS implementation strategies;

ensure that health services are informed about the GHS; examine existing regional institutions and initiatives

relevant for GHS implementation; initiate development of a regional GHS implementation

strategy; and identify the role and initiate development of action plans

for business industry, and public interest and labour organizations to contribute to regional GHS implementation.

Contacts

Chemicals and Waste ManagementProgrammeUNITARPalais des NationsCH-1211 Geneva 10Switzerland

Fax: + 41 22 917 8047Email: gpghs@unitar.orgWebsite: www.unitar.org/cwm