National GHS implementation in Belarus: preparatory stage Dr. Irina Zastenskaya, Republican Scientific Practical Center of Hygiene, Belarus

Implementation of GHS Present situation Main reasons for GHS implementation Challenges for GHS implementation

HAZARD ASSESSMENT Acute toxicological effects evaluation Sub-chronic/chronic effects evaluation Evaluation of remote effects Acute toxicity irritation sensibilization skin resorption Effects on endocrine system Metabolic effect Patho-morphological immunological gonadothrophic … genotoxicity mutagenicity embryotoxicity embryothrophic teratogenicity neurotoxicity … Act of toxicological and hygienic expertise Classification, permission for use HAZARD ASSESSMENT SCHEME (implemented according to normative documents)

Current approach for classification and labeling Classification: Based on toxicity chemicals and wastes are divided into 4 classes: 1 – extremely dangerous; 2 – highly dangerous; 3 – dangerous; 4 – slightly dangerous. Based on specific effects, the chemicals are divided into: allergenic; irritating; carcinogenic; fibrogenic. Labeling of chemicals, pesticides and waste provides mainly information needed for their transportation and is regulated by national standards (according to European Agreement on International Road Transportation of Dangerous Goods). The labeling system that is used in Belarus does not meet modern requirements of informing about hazards posed by chemicals, pesticides and waste.

National system of labeling and classification and GHS Current National Classification Current National Labeling GHS Health Hazard: Toxicity: 4 classes Other effects allergenic; irritating; carcinogenic; fibrogenic Requirement for labeling only for highly dangerous substances No labeling 5 classes Classification and Labeling according to effect Environmental Hazard: No classificationNo labelingClassification and labeling

Reasons for GHS implementation in Belarus Because there are lacks and problems with classification and labeling such as: lack in risk communication acute and chronic poisonings at working place 250 thousand workers are in contact with toxic chemicals chemical industry include 15% of the total industrial production high level of export of chemicals (25% of the national export ) legislation as to dissemination of information about risks of chemicals for workers does exist but tools and mechanisms to do so are not available Belarus has agreements with neighboring states about the acceptance of chemicals risk characterization from Belarus and in Belarus from these states GHS could provide the tools to fill in the gaps and solve problems

Challenges for implementation of GHS in Belarus Legislation adaptation and change Presidential Decrees, Codes and Laws (New law?) Regulations of the Council of Ministers (should be adopted to new law) orders and resolutions of ministries and agencies (should be adopted) Sanitary Norms and Rules, state and national standards, and instructions (should be revised and changed if necessary)

Challenges for implementation of GHS in Belarus Education and awareness raising Academia (science sector) Ministries and agencies: health, environment, agriculture, labor, emergency, custom, economy, industry, trade,etc. Inspectorates: sanitary, environment, emergency, labor Industry associations (concerns) Trade Unions Students Employers Workers Consumers

Challenges for implementation of GHS in Belarus Adaptation of infrastructure, cooperation of stakeholders Improvement of intersectorial cooperation (interministerial commission, target working groups, including all stakeholders) Evaluation of technical infrastructure potentialities: capability for testing, data collecting and handling

Challenges for the implementation of GFS in Belarus Social and economic impact Social rights of workers: will GHS implementation call changes or not? compensations for work with chemicals (shorter working week, longer vacation, additional payments, etc.) Economic: industry, business and trade development resources (financial, human and other) for GHS implementation

Thanks For your attention