GHS Capacity Building and Implementation 13 May 2008 Abuja, Nigeria

Topics Covered Introduction to the benefits of the GHS UNITAR GHS Capacity Building Programme (Global, Regional, National) National Activities National 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?

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?

Context for GHS Capacity Building UN Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (SCEGHS) UNITAR/ILO nominated as focal point Focus 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/ILO WSSD Partnership PAG

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: implementation_e.html

National Project Outcomes Multi-stakeholder involvement Awareness raising and training National GHS-implementing legislation Sectoral implementation plans High-level endorsement of a National GHS Implementation Strategy

UNITAR/ILO Approach GHS Implementation Industrial Workplaces TransportAgriculture Consumer Products Government Business/ 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 collection Step 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 workshops identify lead NGOs as focal points initiate activities strengthening the role of PILO participation participation 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 15 th revised edition

The GHS and Agriculture FAO and WHO expected to integrate the GHS FAOWHO 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 steps Adopt resolution and commitment of all partners High level endorsement

Implementation Issues to Consider Coordination of trading partners Transition periods Feedback 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: UNITAR/ILO GHS Capacity Building Programme: WSSD GHS Partnership: UNSCEGHS Homepage:

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 Management Programme UNITAR Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Fax: Website: