1. GUIDANCE AND TRAINING MATERIAL ON COMPREHENSIBILITY TESTING: POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS Andrea Rother Occupational & Environmental Health Research Unit, Dept. of Public Health University of Cape Town, South Africa

2. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 OBJECTIVES OF PRESENTATION zTo give a brief insight to the Zambian Comprehensibility Testing (CT) zTo highlight the obvious and hidden benefits from CT zTo stimulate discussion on the Way Forward for Comprehensibility Testing and CHC comprehensibility awareness

3. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 CT With UCT Methodology in Zambia zOverall positive response zHighlighting weak areas in CHC tools (labels & SDSs) comprehension zZambian team overcame numerous hurdles to achieve successful testing zHighlighted areas for refining testing, especially in developing countries

4. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 SPIN-OFF/HIDDEN EFFECTS FROM CT IN ZAMBIA zCollaboration amongst institutions, organizations and individuals (e.g., UNZA, ECZ, AgriFlora) zAccountability and responsibility for industry to have SDSs easily accessible zStimulate need for future training within organizations/industries where CT took place zDeveloping of awareness and drawing attention to the existence of hazard communication tools

5. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 DEFINING THE PURPOSE OF CT zOverall agreement and appreciation for the need to access CHC comprehension, esp. in light of the GHS - provides factual data on a populations ability to comprehend CHC tools; identifies ease in which GHS can be adopted (low comprehensibility - easier to change existing system) zAccessing applicability of comprehension leading to safety behaviour? zApplying results of CT to improving existing CHC tools? zAs a precursor to training by identifying training needs

6. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Why Continue With Comprehensibility Testing? Benefits: * country data on CHC comprehensibility in 4 sectors * hidden benefits CHC comprehension stimulates safety awareness, safety behaviour and potential reduction of exposure to toxic chemicals. In GHS implementation, CT adds to holistic approach to successful applicability & viability

7. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 HOLISTIC APPROACH TO GHS IMPLEMENTATION & ACHIEVING GOAL OF PROTECTING HUMAN HEALTH & THE ENVIRONMENT GHS implementation training on implementation training on comprehension & applicability - healthy work and living environment - reduction of human & environmental exposure to toxic chemicals Comprehensibility testing

8. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Role of Comprehensibility Testing in Post-Pilot Phase zComprehensibility data provides beneficial insights. zWhat should be done with results? Open zCT lays foundation for targeted training and should be continued with revisions to existing UCT testing tool.

9. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002

10. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 REVISION OF GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR CT Would outline a national strategy for CT in relation to the Rapid Comprehensibility Testing tool to be developed, outlining: xSample size xtesting structure - core team, supervisors, enumerators xRespondents - sectors, stimulating participation xPotential problem areas xCulturally sensitive testing xCost implications xPiloting xHow to use testing modules and tool kit

11. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 zOriginal UCT CT tool covered large range of factors & issues affecting comprehension zIf labels & SDSs will not be revised based on CT data, a simplified testing tool would be beneficial for awareness & training zRapid CT methodology would reduce cost & time Development of a Rapid Comprehensibility Testing Modules & Tool Kit

12. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Construction of a Training Package zComprehensibility testing paves the road to targeted training for GHS comprehension training manual materials development (training and awareness

13. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Development of a Guidance Document for Developing National CHC Awareness Raising Campaigns zRun in conju nction with training program to strengthen and broaden these initiatives & serve as a vehicle for introducing new information/symbols from the GHS. zDocument to outline activities & structures to enhance CHC tool comprehensibility, improve health & safety behaviour, reduce chemical exposure. For example : - presentations to parliament/government - media broadcasts - radio programs - regular articles in community & national papers - school poster and other competitions - erection of billboard notices - mural paintings on walls & buildings

14. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Development of a Guidance Document for Primary School Curriculum Development zGuidelines for incorporating an introduction of CHC and GHS tools in a constructive, innovative and easily understood fashion into primary schools existing curricular activities and structures. zEmphasis on placing CHC comprehension in larger picture of chemical safety and reducing exposure to toxic chemicals

15. PAG 2 Geneva 10 July,2002 Question 10.6.1 - Has this been a useful exercise? (Zambian Railways Worker - June 13, 2002) ……it has ignited my brain.