Overview on the GHS

1
Overview on the GHS

• REINER ARNDT, GERMANY Implementation of the GHS
• Stockholm Convention Side Event
• 3 May 2005

2
Content of the GHS

• Define and identify hazardous chemical substances
  and mixtures
• Physical hazards, health hazards and
  environmental hazards (criteria)
• Information transfer via label and SDS
• Provides a basis for safety training and health
  promotion
• Modular system of building blocks for target
  audiences consumer, worker, transport

3
Information in the Supply Chain

• Actors producer, carrier, exporter, importer,
  distributor, employer, user
• Producer of chemical/preparation classify,
  label, SDS
• Exporter/Distributor transfer of information
• Importer recipient and transfer of information
• Professional user label, SDS for safe use
• Consumer label for safe use

4
Data Generation for C/L

• Physico-chemical data, safety data
• Toxicological data from animal experiments
• Human experience
• Ecotoxicological data (relevant for all
  environments?)
• International test programs ICCA, OECD, EU
• Accessibility of data

5
Use of Data for C/L

• Classify/label chemicals apply criteriaphysical
  hazards, toxicological hazards, environmental
  hazards (water, air, soil)
• Classify/label preparations apply rules
• But different classification are possible due
  todifferent available data on same end
  pointdata on different end pointsdifferent
  interpretation of criteria different options of
  CA applied
• List of chemicals, further harmonisation

6
Use of GHS Information

• Raise awareness of target population
• Train target population to understand and apply
  safety information (personal risk management)
• Use GHS as the basis for life cycle safe
  management of chemicals
• GHS as the basis to implement other International
  Chemical Conventions (institutional risk
  management)

7
Benefits of the GHS

• Framework for countries without a system
• Harmonises national chemical hazard communication
  systems world wide
• Avoids duplication of testing and evaluating
  chemicals and chemical mixtures
• Facilitates international trade
• Protects people and environment
• Basis for National Chemical Safety Program

8
Stockholm Convention and GHS

• Identification of hazardous Chemicals (POPs
  Annex A, specific exemptions and Annex B,
  specific exemptions)
• Information on health and environment hazards of
  POPs (see Annex D)
• Safety data sheets for POPs (art 10 (4))
• Public awareness of POPs as a starting point for
  awareness of hazardous chemicals

9
Conclusion

• The GHS provides all countries with a structure
  to classify and label hazardous chemicals. It
  will help ensure that coherent information is
  provided on all imported and exported chemicals
  worldwide.
• This information will form the basis of systems
  for the sound management of chemicals worldwide.