GHS Implementation in Zambia Importance and Benefits of National Capacity Development Program David Kapindula ECZ Zambia

Introduction Aimed at developing and implementing CHC action plans through collaboration between the Zambian government and UNITAR/ILO Zambia was selected as one of the pilot counties The project was to be undertaken in three phases

Phase 1 Activities Situation Analysis - About 2% of those directly in contact with chemicals and chemicals products fully comprehend the hazard labels in use in industry, transport and agriculture. - Only 1% of the population are aware of the likelihood of hazards posed by chemicals - Various legislations were identified and Inception workshop - Inception workshop held in November Formed four working groups, namely Transport, Consumer, Agriculture and Industry - From over 35 organizations

Phase 1 Activities The High level Awareness Raising Meeting - Held a High-level awareness raising meeting in February Targeted MPs and other high level officials First National Project Coordination Committee Meeting - The Meeting discussed and adopted Work plans for phase 1 and set the stage for phase 2

Phase 2 Activities Development of the NAP - Working groups held planning meetings and developed draft legislation for implementation of GHS Comprehensibility Testing - Respondents exhibited low levels of comprehension for color bands, most symbols and poor understanding of the SDS phrases - Current understanding of the labels commonly used in Zambia is below 50% - Training on the correct interpretation of labels is critical - Need for public awareness has been identified

Phase 3 Activities Awareness Raising Activities Chemical Safety Awareness Day Formation of Coordinating Committee for Emergency Response Emergence Response System Poison Control Center Development of educational materials on CHC Draft amended legislation for the implementation of GHS completed

Results of CHC Increased Public awareness MPs and other high level officials are supporting project activities SDS on display in some workplaces and retailers for easy access by workers and customers Transporters of chemicals have begun training drivers e.g ZR and ERB As a result of the project Customs and ECZ officers were trained to enforce labeling requirements

Results of CHC CHC to be introduced in curriculum of key educational institutions Development of an emergency Response System Two products withdrawn from the market due to improper labelling

Benefits of a National CHC Capacity Development Project (e.g. 2 years ECZ-UNITAR) Catalyzing multi-stakeholder Committee (NPCC) Formation of 4 Sector working groups Support for situation Analysis, CT, NAP Expert support on GHS and CT Initiation of GHS implementation

Conclusion Need for continued support Legislation drafting to adopting is costly therefore the need for support As a pilot country we are interested in sharing our experiences with other African countries hence need for support in this regard

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