1. CHEMICAL HAZARD CLASSIFICATION / COMMUNICATION AND THE STATUS OF THE GHS IN SIERRA LEONE  What does Chemical Hazard Classification / Communication mean? Procedures used to identify the hazardous properties of chemicals and how information about these hazards is then passed to users It represents an important step in harmonizing National Chemical Hazard Communication system It’s a coherent and consistent approach to identifying the hazards of chemicals It provides information about these hazards and some protective measures.

2.  Why are Chemical Hazard Classification / Communication important? To facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been properly assessed and identified on an international basis. To provide a comprehensive system of chemical hazard communication To provide a frame work for those countries without an existing system To protect the users of chemicals To protect the target population To protect the environment

3.  Who are the target population? Employers Workers (this include those involved in transport, consumers, etc Emergency responders Service providers i.e. Doctors, Nurses, Safety Engineers and Occupational Hygienists

4. The Status of GHS in Sierra Leone We are just above the starting line e.g. just concluded the POPs NIP with UNIDO We need the support of all UN bodies (organizations) present here esp. the 4Us - UNITAR, UNEP, UNIDO & UNDP Including the friendly countries of Sierra Leone: Nigeria, UK, Canada, Switzerland, USA, etc

5. MAJOR BOTTLE-NECKS Internal funding difficult to come by as the country depends heavily on donor support for its MTEF Budget implementation Unable to access the SAICM Quick Start Fund because the National Chemical Profile, SAICM situation analysis, etc not done to-date Very Peaceful but delayed Political change

6. The Way Forward Administration & Technical Team now working very hard to stir up The Political Will of the new government International Intervention