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 R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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 R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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 R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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 to:different available data on same end pointdata on different end pointsdifferent interpretation of criteria different options of CA applied • List of chemicals, further harmonisation R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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) R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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 R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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 R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany

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. R. Arndt, Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Dortmund, Germany