The Ingenieur Vol 59 July-Sept 2014 The Ingenieur Vo. 59, July-Sept 2014 | Page 51

Labels and safety data sheets for hazardous substances and mixtures using the harmonized criteria in the GHS, will ensure that exposed workers have access to information. The purpose of ICSC is to serve as internationally agreed references providing up-to-date information to complement any available chemical safety information at the national level or enterprise level for the sound management of chemicals. But they are not intended to substitute any legal obligation in place by countries using them. The ICSC’s project is intended to provide essential safety and health information on chemicals in a clear and concise way. The Cards provide a concise summary of potential adverse effects of a chemical, as well as protective measures. The primary aim of the Cards is to promote the safe use of chemicals in the workplace and may be used as a reference source for employers, those responsible for occupational safety and health at enterprise level or by workers exposed to the chemicals involved. Final remarks Chemicals are key to modern life, and will continue to be produced and used in workplaces. With concerted efforts, Governments, employers, and workers and their organisations can achieve sound management of chemicals for an appropriate balance between the benefits of chemical use, and the preventive and control measures of potential adverse impacts on workers, workplaces, communities and the environment. Implementing the GHS in a country will address the first step of the sound management of chemicals. The provisions of the GHS support manufacturers and importers who are responsible for hazard identification and classification of the health, physical, and environmental hazards of all substances and mixtures they produce or import. It also specifies the development of labels and safety data sheets for hazardous substances and mixtures using the harmonized criteria in the GHS, thus helping to ensure that exposed workers have access to information, as well as downstream employers. These requirements for manufacturers and suppliers to be responsible for hazard classification, and transmittal of hazard information and protective measures, will form the basis of a programme for the sound management of chemicals in the country. The task at hand for Governments, employers, and workers is to: Maintain the benefits ●● achieved through the production and use of chemicals; Minimize worker exposures ●● and emissions of chemicals into the environment; and, Develop and implement na●● tional preventive and control strategies and systems that comprehensively and simultaneously address the health, safety, and environmental aspects related to the use of chemicals to help ensure a coordinated and sustainable management, and Decent Work for all. Source: International Labour Organisation – Safety and Health in the use of Chemicals at Work. © UNEP 7 49 ingenieur 2014-July-FA.indd 49 7/9/14 10:37 AM