1. GHS Implementation: Contributing to National Chemical Safety and Sustainable Development A Forum V Side Event Wednesday, 27 September 2006 13:15-14:45

2. 1 What is the GHS? Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals International standard adopted 2002 and endorsed by ECOSOC 2003 GHS (Purple Book) includes harmonized approaches for: –Chemical Classification –Chemical hazard communication tools (SDSs and Labels) Objectives of the GHS: –Protection of human health and the environment –Facilitating free trade of chemicals WSSD GHS Implementation Target: 2008

3. 2 The GHS: a Foundation for Chemical Safety Safe Use of Chemicals Risk Management (risk communication, exposure monitoring, risk reduction) Hazard Communication (GHS Labels and SDS) Chemical Hazard Classification

4. 3 International GHS Activities & Initiatives UN SCEGHS (Secretariat: UNECE) OECD Task Force on Harmonization of Classification and Labeling WHO/IPCS (ICSC, Pesticide Classification, CICADs, Heath Sector Issues, etc.) FAO activities UNITAR/ILO GHS Capacity Building Programme UNITAR/ILO/OECD WSSD GHS Partnership

5. 4 UNITAR/ILO Activities - 2006 National GHS Implementation Projects Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Nigeria, Senegal, Slovenia, Thailand, The Gambia and The Philippines Regional GHS Implementation Projects: ASEAN, SADC Regional Workshops –completed: SADC, South America, ASEAN –upcoming: CEE, Arab countries Global Thematic Workshop to Strengthen GHS Capacities, Nov. 2005 Financial support (2005-2006) –Government of Switzerland and European Union (core projects) –US State Department, Foreign Affairs Canada (specific activities)

6. 5 Guidance Document on “Developing a National GHS Implementation Strategy” Comprehensibility Testing Website GHS Capacity Building Library Roster of GHS Experts (Forum IV request) Regional Workshop Reports WSSD GHS Partnership Annual Reports other guidance currently under development GHS Events Page Resources

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8. 7 Countries which Already Implemented the GHS: New Zealand & Mauritius

9. 8 National GHS Implementation Strategy in Developed Countries

10. 9 National GHS Implementation Strategy Initiated with Support of UNITAR/ILO (green)

11. 10 Countries Requesting Support for GHS Capacity Building

12. 11 Questions What is the status of GHS implementation in countries with major chemical industries? How is your country/organization preparing for GHS implementation and how will it be implemented? How can GHS implementation contribute to national and regional chemical safety and sustainable development? What are the challenges and capacity building needs for effective GHS implementation? –Government –Business and Industry –Public Interest and Labour Organizations How can resources for capacity building be mobilized to address immediate needs and country requests?

13. 12 Contacts Programmes in Chemicals,Waste and Environmental Governance UNITAR Palais des Nations CH-1211 Geneva 10 Switzerland Fax:+ 41 22 917 8047 Email:gpghs@unitar.org Websites: www.unitar.org/cwgwww.unitar.org/cwg www.unitar.org/cwg/ghs_partnership/index.htm