The GHS The Globally Harmonized System for Classification & Labelling of Chemicals K. Headrick, Health Canada

Canadian Implementation of the GHS

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 3 The Scope of the GHS  The GHS covers all hazardous chemicals.  Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics and pesticide residues in food will not be covered at the point of intentional intake but will be covered where workers may be exposed and in transport.

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 4 Who is involved?  Key sectors include: Health Canada - Consumer Chemical Products -Pest Control Products -Workplace Chemicals (WHMIS) Transport Canada - Transport of Dangerous Goods

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 5 Objectives of Canadian Implementation of the GHS  Harmonization to the greatest extent possible between the sectors.  Harmonization to the greatest extent possible between the NAFTA countries.

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 6 Situational Analysis  Comparison of the existing systems in Canada to the GHS.  Identify possible issues which require discussion during the implementation of the GHS in Canada

CCCRCCCR Very Toxic (Prohibited) Toxic DANGER Poison Contents Harmful Harmful CAUTION Poison Contents May be Harmful No criteria GHSGHS Category 1 DANGER Fatal if swallowed Category 2 DANGER Fatal if swallowed Category 3 DANGER Toxic if swallowed Category 4 WARNING Harmful if swallowed Category 5 No symbol WARNING May be harmful if swallowed LD Acute Toxicity - Oral

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 8 Canadian Implementation Workshop 15 October 2003

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 9 Canadian Implementation Sectoral Working Groups Multistakeholder General Issues Committee Mulitstakeholder Ad Hoc Expert Groups: - Environmental Hazards - Chronic Hazards for consumer chemicals Multistakeholder

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 10 Status of Canadian Deliberations Consumer Chemicals Pesticides Workplace Chemicals Deliberations almost complete Transport of Dangerous Goods Work as per UNSETDG workplan Implementation almost complete

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 11 Status of Canadian Deliberations Summary  Health & Physical Hazards –Generally what is currently covered will continue to be covered.  Environmental Hazards –Multistakeholder Expert Group is examining this issue. –EG will make recommendations to the Sectoral Working Groups

Canadian Implementation Work Plan Overview JFMAMJJASOND 2004 Technical Consultations 2005 Technical Consultations Economic Analysis 2006 Economic Analysis Decision 2007 Drafting Regulations & Regulatory Process 2008 Implementation

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 13 Global Implementation Objective The Intergovernmental Forum for Chemical Safety (IFCS) and the World Summit on Sustainable Development both: Encourage all countries to implement the GHS as soon as possible with a view to have the system fully operational by 2008.

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 14 Canadian Implementation Timeline: Full implementation in Canada by December 2008

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 15 Canadian Implementation CChallenges –T–Timing of implementation activities elsewhere –M–Multi-sector, multi-stakeholder approach AAchievements –M–Multi-sector, multi-stakeholder approach!

15-18 November 2005Global Workshop on GHS Implementation Capacities 16 Implementation of the GHS in Canada Website

The GHS The Globally Harmonized System for Classification & Labelling of Chemicals K. Headrick, Health Canada