Download - UNITAR

Pilot Testing Workshop on 

the Development of GHS 

Training Modules 

Ibadan, Nigeria 

July 28-29, 2009 

Final Report

The GHS Pilot Testing Workshop on the Development of GHS 

Training Modules in the Context of Africa took place 28-29 July 

2009 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The event was executed by 

UNITAR/ILO in cooperation with the Basel Convention 

Regional Coordinating Centre for Africa, the Nigerian Federal 

Ministry of Environment, and the Secretariat of the Basel 

Convention, with the financial support from the Swedish 

Chemicals Agency (KemI). The event was also a contribution to 

the WSSD Global Partnership for Capacity Building to 

Implement the GHS which was initiated at the World Summit on 

Sustainable Development in 2002. 

Chemicals and Waste Management Programme 

United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

Palais des Nations 

CH-1211 GENEVE 10 

Switzerland 

Tel : +41.22.917.8525 

Fax : +41.22.917.8047 

Website : www.unitar.org/cwm 

For additional information please contact: 

Pilot Testing Workshop on the Development of the GHS 

Training Modules in the Context of Africa

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary.....................................................................................................1 

1. Introduction to the GHS..........................................................................................2 

2. Project Overview......................................................................................................4 

3. Pilot Testing Workshop...........................................................................................5 

4. Workshop Presentations .........................................................................................6 

5. Feedback Session and Conclusions ........................................................................9 

Annex A: Workshop Agenda ....................................................................................11 

Annex B: List of Participants ..................................................................................13 

Annex C: Presentations .............................................................................................19 





Executive Summary 

The sound management of chemicals is an important means for protecting human 

health and the environment. A key tool for supporting chemical safety is the Globally 

Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). However, it 

has been noted that lack of resources and capacity, as well as lack of awareness on the 

GHS, are obstacles to GHS implementation, in particular, in Africa. In response and 

in the context of KemI’s “Toward a Non-Toxic Environment in Africa”, the Basel 

Convention Secretariat and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

(UNITAR) cooperated to support training and capacity building on the GHS for the 

Africa region. The purpose of the project, “Development of GHS Training Modules in 

the Context of Africa” was to develop a regionally relevant GHS training package. 

Using the draft materials developed, the Pilot Testing Workshop took place 28-29 

July 2009 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The event brought together about 60 participants from 

government, business and industry, public interest groups, academia and labour 

unions to test, review and provide comments on the draft GHS training modules. The 

event was executed by UNITAR/ILO in cooperation with the Basel Convention 

Regional Coordinating Centre for Africa, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of 

Environment, and the Secretariat of the Basel Convention, with the financial support 

from the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI). Overall, the participants found the 

training materials very useful and especially appreciated the technical sessions on 

GHS classification and labeling. However, they also provided important feedback on 

how the materials could be further adapted and improved. Based on the feedback from 

the training workshop in Nigeria, the materials were revised and updated and are 

available for use region-wide for GHS training. The materials can be accessed on the 

project page from the UNITAR website at: www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/events/trainingmodules-nigeria. 


Training Modules in the Context of Africa 

1

1. Introduction to the GHS 

Background on the GHS 

The sound management of chemicals is an important means for protecting human 

health and the environment. A key tool for promoting chemical safety is the Globally 

Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS 

has also been highlighted in recent international discussions as a means for facilitating 

the implementation of chemicals conventions and agreements (such as SAICM). 

The GHS was developed as a result of Agenda 21, agreed in 1992 at the Rio Summit. 

It was adopted in 2002 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 

Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (SCEGHS) and endorsed by ECOSOC in 2003. 

The UN General Assembly endorsed the WSSD Johannesburg Plan of 

Implementation in December 2002. The Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical 

Safety (IFCS) endorsed a global GHS implementation target for 2008. While this 

target has passed, countries around the world are increasingly taking steps to adopt the 

system. 

Responsibility for the maintenance, updating and promotion of the GHS at the 

international level rests with the UN Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS 

(SCEGHS). This Subcommittee – and that of the Experts on the Transport of 

Dangerous Goods (SCETDG) which manages the UN RTDG – is managed by 

ECOSOC “parent” committee: the Committee of Experts on the TDG and the GHS. 

This group is responsible for strategic issues and provides administrative and 

oversight functions. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) provides 

the Secretariat functions for both instruments. Countries may also participate in the 

work of the SCEGHS and SCETDG as observers or apply to become full members of 

those subcommittees. At the national level, countries need to identify a “competent 

authority” responsible for implementing the GHS and determining how the various 

elements of the GHS will be applied. 

Capacity building for GHS implementation 

UNITAR and ILO were nominated as focal points in the UN system for assisting 

countries to build their capacity to implement the GHS. The UNITAR/ILO Global 

GHS Capacity Building Program was initiated in 2001 and includes national, regional 

and global level activities designed to assist in developing and implementing chemical 

hazard communication systems that contribute to the legal and institutional measures 

needed to implement the GHS. As part of the program, UNITAR is engaged in the 

ongoing development of awareness raising, guidance and training materials, as well as 

supporting activities and services. Additionally, in 2002 UNITAR, ILO and OECD 

initiated the WSSD Global Partnership for Capacity Building to Implement the GHS. 

The goal of the Partnership is to mobilize support and catalyze partnerships for 

concrete activities at the global, regional and national levels to strengthen capacities 

in developing countries and countries in transition towards effective implementation 

of the GHS. UNITAR/ILO methodologies for GHS capacity building focus on a 

multi-stakeholder and multi-sector approach in order to provide consistent training to 

support the implementation of the GHS. All groups at the regional and national levels 



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must work together to manage chemicals for the protection of human health and the 

environment. 

International Aspects 

The GHS is an important tool that can contribute to achieving sustainable 

development and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It can also facilitate 

the implementation of other international chemicals management agreements, 

including the Stockholm, Basel and Rotterdam Conventions, ILO Conventions related 

to safety in the workplace and WHO and FAO chemicals management tools. 

Additionally, the importance of implementing the GHS is recognised in the 

Overarching Policy Strategy (OPS) of SAICM – GHS implementation is identified 

under the overall objective of “knowledge and information”: (h) to promote 

implementation of the common definitions and criteria contained in the Globally 

Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. 

GHS is also included as a SAICM work area in the Global Plan of Action, including 

eight distinct activities. In particular, SAICM GPA activity #250 states, “Make 

available sufficient financial and technical resources to support national and regional 

GHS capacity-building projects in developing countries and countries with economies 

in transition.” Participants at ICCM stressed importance of training and capacity 

building for implementing the GHS as part of SAICM, indicating further international 

recognition of the importance of countries and regions moving forward to include the 

GHS capacity building and implementation into overall chemicals management 

strategies and national SAICM implementation programmes. 

In Africa, the importance of the GHS has been highlighted in the Action Plan of the 

Environment Initiative of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). 

In the West African sub-region, the GHS was also cited as a priority by participants at 

the recent Regional GHS Workshop for ECOWAS Countries held 13-15 May 2008 in 

Abuja, Nigeria. Workshop recommendations included the need for further GHS 

training and awareness raising for countries in the region. However, it has been noted 

that lack of resources and capacity, as well as lack of awareness on the GHS, are 

obstacles to GHS implementation. 



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2. Project Overview 

In response to the specific chemicals management training needs in Africa, the 

“Development of GHS Training Modules in the Context of Africa.” project was 

executed by UNITAR, in the context of the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity 

Building Programme, in cooperation with the Basel Convention Secretariat. Funds 

and technical support were provided by the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) 

through the Basel Convention Technical Cooperation Trust Fund in the framework of 

their “Towards a non-toxic environment in Africa” initiative. The initiative is aimed 

at enhancing the capacity of African countries to reduce health and environmental 

risks through SAICM and improving the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and 

Stockholm Conventions. 

The overall goal of the project was to develop training modules on the GHS adapted 

for use in the Africa region in order to strengthen capacities to implement the GHS in 

line with global and regional efforts. The objectives of these training modules were to: 

• raise awareness of, and train decision-makers and relevant experts in all sectors 

about the GHS and its potential benefits for sustainable development, both in the 

context of the Africa region and the Basel Convention; 

• catalyze capacity development for GHS implementation in the private sector; and 

• enable civil society groups to participate actively in GHS implementation. 

Based on the experiences of pilot countries and international experts, UNITAR and 

ILO recently completed the development of an introductory training course on the 

GHS. Further, UNITAR and ILO, in cooperation with the Basel Convention Regional 

Coordinating Center (BCCC) for Africa, adapted this training course into region 

specific training modules, taking into consideration the specific circumstances and 

needs of the Africa context. 

As a lead country in Africa regarding the GHS, the draft training materials were pilot 

tested 28-29 July 2009 in Ibadan, Nigeria. The pilot testing workshop was organized 

in collaboration with the BCCC Africa and the Federal Ministry of Environment of 

Nigeria. The event brought together about 60 technical and policy experts 

representing a wide variety of stakeholder groups. After, materials were updated 

based on feedback provided by workshop participants and are available for download 

and dissemination on the UNITAR website. The training package is comprised of a 

series of presentations related to various aspects of chemicals management and GHS 

implementation relevant for African countries. Further information on the project, the 

workshop and access to the training modules can be found at: 

http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/events/training-modules-nigeria. 



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3. Pilot Testing Workshop 

Opening statement 

The workshop was declared open by the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mr. 

John Odey Ably represented by Alhaji A.K Bayero, Assistant Director, and The 

Federal Ministry of Environment. In his keynote address, the Honourable Minister 

highlighted the importance of ensuring coherence in chemicals management 

framework in Africa through a GHS implementation strategy and harmonized GHScompatible 

chemicals legislation. He pointed out the purpose of the project, which is 

to develop regionally relevant GHS training materials that will ensure sound 

chemicals management for the protection of human health and the environment. Other 

distinguished guests also provided remarks in support of the workshop and to 

welcome participants to the event. 

Workshop overview 

The workshop provided information on related initiatives for environmental 

management in the region and globally as well as information on the GHS and its 

relation to international chemicals management efforts, in depth information on the 

main elements of the GHS and details on how to use and interpret GHS hazard 

communication tools. 

The training was divided into 11 technical sessions over two days. It featured 

presentations and interactive sessions on: 

• Introduction to the GHS and the workshop 

• Overview of the KEMI “Towards a Non-toxic Environment in Africa” Initiative 

• The GHS as a tool for supporting SAICM and implementing the Basel, Rotterdam 

and Stockholm Convention 

• Technical Considerations for GHS and Basel Convention Implementation 

• Chemicals Use and Management in Africa, West Africa and Nigeria 

• GHS Implementation in Nigeria 

• Regional GHS Implementation in ECOWAS 

• Technical Training on the GHS 

• Implementing the GHS in Europe 

• Application of GHS to Hazard and Risk Communication Tools in Practice 

• Review of Materials and Feedback on Training 



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4. Workshop Presentations 

This section of the report provides more details the different presentations given 

during the two-day workshop. 

Introduction to the Project and the GHS 

The representative of UNITAR, Ms. Cheryl Chang, reviewed the objectives of the 

workshop and the GHS training modules. She provided a historical background and 

policy context to the development of the GHS, and explained role of the 

UNITAR/ILO Global Partnership for Capacity Building to Implement the GHS within 

the UN Subcommittee of Experts on GHS. She emphasised the fact that the GHS, if 

properly implemented, can improve the protection of human health and the 

environment and facilitate trade of chemicals. She continued that effective 

implementation of the GHS requires actions on the part of government, business and 

industry, and public interest and labour organizations in the sectors of industrial 

workplaces, agriculture, transport and consumer products. Ms Chang stressed that the 

participants had an important role in providing feedback on workshop materials so 

that the modules could be improved and eventually used in other countries in the 

region. 

KemI and “Towards a Non-toxic Environment in Africa” 

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) representative, Mr. Ule Johansson, discussed 

the role of KemI in chemicals management efforts at the international level, including 

cooperation with countries in ASEAN, Eastern Europe and Africa. The KemI 

cooperation in Africa uses existing network such as the Basel Convention Regional 

Centers (BCRCs) and seeks to create synergies between the multiple related efforts on 

chemicals, wastes, chemicals MEAs, GHS. KemI provides financial and expert 

support, but also has a number of resources available from their website at 

www.kemi.se. 

GHS and International Chemicals Agreements 

Mr. Tarcisio Hardman Reis of the Secretariat of Basel Convention provided an 

overview of the GHS in the context of international chemicals management, including 

the relation and relevance of the GHS to international chemical agreements such as 

the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, as well as the Strategic Approach 

to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The GHS is an important tool that 

countries and regions can use to support the implementation of a number of 

international chemicals management efforts. 

The Basel Convention and the GHS 

In his presentation on GHS and Basel Convention Implementation, Professor Oladele 

Osibanjo of the Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centre stressed the role the 

GHS could play to facilitate implementation of the Basel Convention, and described 

the technical linkages between the GHS and the Basel Convention requirements. He 

discussed how Basel Regional Centres could enhance the capacities of the countries in 



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implementing the GHS (Nigeria as Coordinating Centre for the region; Egypt for 

Arabic states; South Africa for English-speaking countries in Africa; Senegal for 

French-speaking countries in Africa). As specialized centres in the implementation of 

the Basel Convention and other related MEAs, the BCRCs could contribute towards 

the development of national, regional and sub-regional strategies on GHS 

implementation. The BCRCs also have the capacities to develop networks of experts 

and institutions on GHS and can provide capacity building and awareness-raising, as 

well as training programmes. Professor Osibanjo concluded his presentation by saying 

that GHS implementation in coordination with the Basel Convention and other MEAs 

would enhance the chance of achieving sustainable development and millennium 

development goals. 

Chemicals Use and Management in Africa 

In his second presentation, Professor Osibanjo focused on the chemicals use and 

management in Africa. He explained that toxic chemicals and waste have been linked 

to serious damage to the environment and human health and that major global 

environmental problems facing the world today are directly linked to chemicals 

(ozone layer, greenhouse gases, etc). He explained that chemicals are largely not 

manufactured in Africa but imported from other regions (Europe, Asia, North 

America). The main use is for the agricultural sector as fertilizers and pesticides but 

also industrial manufacturing, household use, and the oil and gas sector. He described 

that chemicals sellers and users often lack knowledge about chemical safety, handling 

and disposal. 

He made it clear that efforts have been made in the region since most countries have 

ratified the chemicals and waste MEAs (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, SAICM), 

endorsed the GHS and have prepared a National Chemicals Profile as a tool for gap 

analysis. However, he stressed out the lack of national policies and chemicals control 

regulation in the region. Thus, there is a need for the countries of the region to 

accelerate national and regional measures to ensure a toxics free Africa in view of the 

2020 milestone for safe management of chemicals 

Regional Case Study: ECOWAS and the GHS 

Ms. Abiola Olanipekun, on behalf of the Secretariat of the Economic Commission for 

West African States (ECOWAS), noted the importance of the GHS in achieving 

ECOWAS objectives and its contribution to a harmonized approach to environmental 

protection in the region. The ECOWAS Commission has undertaken a number of 

activities related to GHS, including the development of a policy integrating 

environment concerns related to use of chemicals; inclusion of GHS in the 2009 

program of activities of the Commission; joint organization with UNITAR, the 

Federal Government of Nigeria and others of a workshop on the communication of 

chemical hazards and the implementation of the GHS for the ECOWAS region (May 

2008, Abuja); and the adoption of a roadmap for GHS implementation in ECOWAS. 

She gave an overview of the activities envisaged for 2009-2010 including the 

establishment of a technical committee for coordination and follow-up on the 

management of chemicals and hazardous waste in the ECOWAS sub-region, and the 

development of a chemicals management program with relevant international 

institutions and members states. 



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National Case Study: Nigeria and the GHS 

Ms. Abiola Olanipekun of the Federal Ministry of Environment provided participants 

with an overview of activities related to GHS implementation in the country. Nigeria 

was part of a two year UNITAR/ILO project on Building Capacities to Develop a 

National GHS Implementation Strategy, which included development of a situation 

and gap analysis, conclusion of comprehensibility testing, targeted awareness-raising 

for stakeholder groups, and the development of a Strategic Plan for National GHS 

Implementation. Nigeria also emphasized a strong multi-sector, multi-stakeholder 

approach to coordinating GHS activities, involving representatives from numerous 

related agencies, labour organisations and public interest groups, as well as business 

and industry. She noted that there is an urgent need to strengthen knowledge and 

awareness on the GHS, in particular in the agriculture and transport sectors, and that 

GHS implementation was an ongoing process in the country. 

The GHS and CLP in the European Union 

Mr. Bengt Melsäter, from the Swedish Chemicals Agency explained the new EU 

system on Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Chemicals (CLP) (which entered 

into force on 20 January 2009) and set-out the key instruments of this system. He also 

explained the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction 

of Chemicals (REACH) and gave a brief background of this regulation, its objectives 

and the chemicals covered by it. He then compared the GHS and the EU directives, 

listing the similarities and differences between the two systems. The EU proposal 

applies the general principles of the GHS Building Block Approach to adapt the 

system to EU needs. It ensures consistency with transport and stays as close as 

possible to the GHS format and terminology while keeping the scope as close as 

possible to the existing EU system. 

Technical Training on the GHS 

The sessions and presentations on the Technical Overview of the GHS were given by 

Mr. Andrew Fasey, Training Advisor for UNITAR. He started by providing 

information on the scope and application of the GHS- which chemicals are covered 

and important aspects of the system such as confidential business information and the 

building block approach. He continued by giving details about GHS classification, 

including each hazard class in physical, health and environmental hazards, and the 

break-down of hazard categories. Mr. Fasey went through the process of classification 

for both substances and mixtures and provided several practical examples of GHS 

classification. Next, he explained the details of hazard communication, from the 

various key elements (hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements) to the 

layout of labels and Safety Data Sheets. During this training, Mr. Fasey also covered 

important considerations related to hazard versus risk using several relevant examples 

to highlight his points. After specific presentations, participants were asked to answer 

to a series of learning questions to evaluate the materials used during the training 

sessions. 



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5. Feedback Session and Conclusions 

In order collect information on how the training was received, pilot testing organisers 

requested feedback in a number of ways. First, the presentations were followed by 

questions, comments and detailed discussions on each of the training modules. Also, 

in the last session of the event, participants formed two working groups to discuss in 

further detail the training and to consolidate feedback on their opinions of the training. 

Finally, at the end of the workshop, participants were requested to complete an 

evaluation questionnaire regarding the training. The questionnaire was not considered 

a test in itself, but was rather a way to find out whether the information provided was 

useful or not. 

Challenges for Capacity Building in Developing Countries 

While the focus of the pilot testing workshop was to gain feedback on the draft GHS 

training modules, it also provided a forum for participants to discuss general 

challenges to GHS implementation in the country and the region. 

Workshop participants identified challenges to GHS implementation including 

fragmented chemical laws, low levels of public awareness, poor training, inadequate 

coordination/collaboration among relevant stakeholders and lack of enforcement 

mechanisms. In terms of benefits, participants identified reduced risks to public health 

and environment, and the need for the harmonization of existing systems as key 

drivers for implementation of the system. Participants anticipated that the GHS would 

serve to reduce costs, increase access to accurate information, and improve market 

access and the competitiveness of companies. They recognized the importance of 

involving a range of government ministries as well as other interested groups and 

stakeholders in planning and executing national implementation of the GHS. They 

also noted the need to consider and cooperate with other countries in the region and 

key trading partners internationally. Based on discussions carried during the 

workshop, participants noted that there need to be continual opportunities for 

participants to learn about the GHS and to discuss the necessary steps and roles to 

implement the GHS. 

Recommendations and Evaluation 

Through the workshop discussions, working groups and written evaluations, 

participants made a number of comments and recommendations regarding the pilot 

testing. They concluded that the training materials were useful for learning about 

chemicals safety and the GHS as a key tool for chemicals management. They felt the 

technical training on the GHS was especially useful and appreciated to have in-depth 

information on the system and its application. They also noted the importance of 

learning from the government what the current status of GHS implementation is in the 

country and what activities are happening in the region and globally to promote the 

GHS. In terms of how the training could be improved, participants felt that more time 

was needed to truly understand the GHS and suggested a workshop duration of more 

than two days. They also suggested further examples and exercises to solidify 

participants’ understanding of the use of the GHS criteria. In addressing the Africa 

context, they felt that special attention should be given to the informal sector and 



9

illiterates. Workshop organizers expressed their appreciation to workshop participants 

for their suggestions and confirmed that they would update the materials based on 

their suggestions. It was commented by workshop resource people that the GHS 

relates directly to chemical hazard classification and communication, and serves as a 

foundation for the safe use of chemicals. However, further efforts must be made by 

countries and stakeholders to improve overall chemical safety, including education, 

training, legal infrastructure and enforcement. 

Workshop Conclusion 

Participants expressed their profound appreciation to UNITAR/ILO, Basel 

Convention Secretariat, and the Swedish Chemicals Agency (KemI) for their 

technical and financial support. Special thanks were addressed to the Honourable 

Minister, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr John Odey and the Basel Convention 

Regional Coordinating Centre for Africa for their efforts in organizing the workshop. 

The organizers expressed appreciation to all the participants for their commitment, 

support and cooperation during the workshop. 

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Professor Osibanjo, Director 

of the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the Africa Region (BCCC-Nigeria). 



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Annex A: Workshop Agenda 

Tuesday 28 July 2009 

9:00-10:00: Opening remarks 

10:00-10:30 Coffee break 

10:30-12:30 Session 1: Context and Introductory Presentations 

1. Introduction to the GHS and the workshop 

− Description of the workshop 

− Objectives of the project 

− History and background on the GHS 

− GHS in the Global Policy Context 

Cheryl Chang, United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

2. Overview of the KemI “Towards a Non-toxic Environment in Africa” Initiative 

Ule Johansson, Swedish Chemicals Agency 

3. The GHS as a tool for supporting SAICM and implementing the Basel, Rotterdam 

and Stockholm Conventions 

Tarcisio Hardman Reis, Secretariat of the Basel Convention 

4. Technical considerations for GHS and Basel Convention implementation 

Professor Oladele Osibanjo, Basel Convention Coordinating Centre 

12:30-14:00 Lunch 

14:00-15:30 Session 1 continued 

5. Chemicals use and management in Africa, West Africa and Nigeria 

− Overview of chemicals use in the region 

• Who uses what chemicals? 

• The current situation of chemical safety among users and 

producers 

− Overview of regional chemical management efforts 

Professor Oladele Osibanjo, Basel Convention Coordinating Centre 

6. GHS implementation 

− considerations in national GHS implementation 

− responsibilities for implementation of the GHS, including stakeholders 

and sectors involved 

− key activities for building capacities to implement the GHS 

− GHS capacity building in Nigeria 

Abiola Olanipekun, Federal Ministry of Environment 

7. Regional GHS implementation in ECOWAS 

Abiola Olanipekun, Federal Ministry of Environment (on behalf of ECOWAS) 



11

Questions and discussion 


16:00-17.30 Session 3: Training on the GHS 

8. Introduction to the GHS 

8.a. Chapter 1: Background, Context, and Scope and Application of the 

GHS 

o Lesson 2: Scope and Application of the GHS 

8.b. Chapter 2: Technical Overview of the GHS 

o Lesson 1: Classification 

Andrew Fasey, United Nations Institute for Training and Research 

Wednesday 29 July 2009 

9:00-9:30 Special presentation 

9. Implementing the GHS in Europe 

Bengt Melsater, Swedish Chemicals Agency 

9:30-10:30 Session 3 continued 

8.b. (continued) Chapter 2: Technical Overview of the GHS 

o Lesson 1: Classification (continued) 

• General 

• Substances 

• Mixtures 


11:00-12.30 Session 3 continued 

8.b. Chapter 2: Technical Overview of the GHS 

o Lesson 2: Hazard Communication 

• Communication elements 

• Labels 

• Safety Data Sheets 

Questions and discussion 

12.30-14:00 Lunch 

14:00-15:00 Session 4 

10. Application of GHS to hazard and risk communication tools in practice 

• ICSC (International Chemical Safety Cards) 

• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) 

• Risk management 


15:30-17:00 Session 5: Evaluation and Conclusion of Workshop 



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Annex B: List of Participants 

Pilot Testing Workshop on the Development of 

GHS Training Modules in the Context of Africa 

University of Ibadan Conference Centre 

Ibadan, Nigeria, 28-29 July 2009 

1. Mr. John Adefemi Adegbite 

Chief Environmental Scientist 

Federal Ministry of Environment 

Abuja, Nigeria. 

Tel: +234 802 311 0024 

E-mail: johnadefemiadegbite@yahoo.com 

2. Mr. Isaac Omoniyi 

Lagos Metropolitan Area Transportation 

Authority (LAMATA) 

Ikeja, Lagos. 

Tel: +234 8023253425 

E-mail:omoniyiisaac@yahoo.com; 

iomoniyi@lamata-ng.com 

3. Arc S. M. Danhassan 

General Manager HSE 

Nigerian Ports Authority 

Corporate Headquarters 

Health Safety & Environment 

26/28 Marina, Lagos. 

Tel: +234 803 6060 500; 

+234 805 3546 474 

Email: danhassansule@yahoo.com 

6. Mrs. M. O. Akeju 

Asst. Director, 

Quality Assurance and Development 

Consumer Protection Council, 

Plot 1105, Dar-es Salam Street, Wuse 11 

Abuja, Nigeria 

Tel: +234 808 640 2716 

E-mail: lolakeju@yahoo.com 

7. Mr. H. M. Mundu 

Deputy Comptroller 

Nigeria Custom Services 


Tel: +234 803 284 7350 

E-mail: hassanmundu@yahoo.com 

8. Mr. F. A. Akinfenwa 

Assistant Director 

Special Services Office (OSGF) 

Presidency 


Tel: +234 802 304 5198 

E-mail: wole.akin@gmail.com ; 

wole.akinfenwa@enigeria.com.ng; 

4. Ms. Bammodu Taiwo O Ag Registrar 

Institute Chartered Chemists of Nigeria 

(ICCON) 

443 Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba 

Lagos, Nigeria 

Tel: +234 802 321 1746 

E-mail:info@icconng.com / 

info@iccon.org.ng 

5. Mrs. Adenaike, O. O. 


Games Village, Surulere 

Lagos, Nigeria. 

Tel: +234 803 323 4046 

E-mail: bpenaike2@yahoo.com 

9. Mr. Chris Ojembe 

Deputy Director 

Federal Ministry of Health 


Tel: +234-803 300 4551 

E-mail: akanemeze1@yahoo.com 

10. Mr. Abu M. Glorious 

Federal Ministry of Transport, Bukar 

Dipcharima House Central Area, Marine 

Pollution, Maritime Service Department 


Tel: +234 803 334 7721 

E-mail: gloriousabu@yahoo.com 



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11. Mr. M. B. Okunromade 

Standards Organisation of Nigeria 

Plot 13/14 Victoria Arobieke Street 

Lekki Phase 1, 

Lekki, Lagos. 

Tel: 0802 325 6069 

Email: mbokunromade@gmail.com; copy 

to info@sononline-ng.org 

12. Mr. Ane Leslie Adogame, 

Executive Director 

Sustainable Research and Action for 

Environmental Development (SRADev 

Nigeria) 

Suite 1, 18 Olorunlogbon Street, 

Anthony Village, Lagos, 

Phone : 234-8033301305, 234-7025283219 

Email: ane_adogame@hotmail.com ; 

sradevnigeria@yahoo.com 

13. Malam I. G. Hussaini 

General Manager 

Kaduna State Environmental Protection 

Authority 

No L 10 Link Road 

Kaduna. 

Tel: 08054662131 

Email: ighusaini1958@yahoo.com 

14. Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya 



14, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, 

Maitama District, Abuja 

Tel.: 0802 3040 724 

E-mail: olusanyaeo@yahoo.co.uk 

17. Mrs. Stella U. Mojekwu 

Federal Ministry of Environment, 



Tel.: 0805 9649 475 

E-mail: sumojekwu@yahoo.com 

18. Mr. A. K. Bayero 




Tel.: 0803 311 3755 

E-mail: kasimubayero@yahoo.com 

19. Miss Oluwatoyin Aderonke Ajala 




Tel.: 0805 5124 539 

E-mail: toyluv98@yahoo.com 

20. Dr. Adolphus Nweke 

Director Pollution Control 

River State Ministry of Environment 

State Secretariat Complex 

Port Harcourt 

Tel.: 0803 3100 714 

E-mail: primierenviroserv@yahoo.com 

21. Prof. F. O. Bamiro 

Department of Chemistry 

University of Ibadan 

Ibadan 

Tel.: 0803 3379 697 

E-mail: kbamiro1@yahoo.com 

15. Mrs. Abiola Ifueko Olanipekun 





Tel.: 0802 3175 742 

E-mail: abiolanipekun@yahoo.co.uk 

16. Mrs. Safiya Muhammad 




Tel.: 0802 8410 677 

E-mail: safiyaabu@yahoo.co.uk 

22. Mr. C. F. Onuorah 

Chemical Division 

Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry 

Abuja 

Tel: 08024197776 

Email: franconpool@yahoo.com 

23. Mr. Peter O. Bakare 

Director 

All Farmers Association of Nigeria 

Plot 871 Tafawa Balewa Way Area II 


Tel: +234 806 321 1989 

E-mail: pokebakare@yahoo.com 



14

24. Mr. Adekahunsi, Olujimi 

Federal Ministry of Labour and 

Productivity, 

Federal Secretariat Plot I, Abuja 

Tel: +234 802 327-4040 

25. Mr. Bola Odugbesan 

National Environmental Standards and 

Regulations 

Enforcement Agency (NESREA) 

No. 4 Oro Ago Crescent, Garki II, Abuja 

Tel: +234 803 327-7140 

E-mail: bodugbesan@nesrea.org 

26. Mrs. Miranda A. Amachree 


Regulations 



E-mail: mamachree@nesrea.org 

31. Mr. Fatai Semiyu Olanrewaju 

Food and Drug, Department 

Federal Ministry of Health Federal 

Secretariat, 

Abuj 

Tel: +234 803 608-6768 

E-mail: olanrenwaju1968@yahoo.com 

32. Mr. Tairu Tunde Tajudeen 

Ministry of Environment and Water 

Resources Secretariat 

Ibadan, Oyo State 

Tel: +234 803 473-2640 

E-mail: tttairu@yahoo.com 

33. Engr. Adebola Shabi 

Lagos State Environmental Protection 

Agency (LASEPA) 

Tel: +234 803 666-7049 

E-mail: adebolashabi@yahoo.com 

27. Mrs. Ogunbameru O. Josephine 

Scientific Officer 


Regulations 



Tel: +234 803 470-8174 

E-mail: jogunbameru@nesrea.org 

28. Mr. Y. A. Issa 

Assistant Chief Agric Officer 

Ministry of Agric. P. O. Box 11562 MOOR 

Plantation, Ibadan 

Tel: +234 803 374-2929 

E-mail: honeyheal@yanhoo.com 

29. Mr. Ukponi Joseph 

International Institute for Tropical 

Agriculture (IITA) 

P. M. B. 5320 

Ibadan – Nigeria 

30. Mr. Babatunde O. Bolarinwa 

Ogun State Environmental Protection 

Agency 

Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta 

Tel: +234 803 713-0806 

E-mail: bolarinwa.babatunde@yahoo.com 

34. Mrs. Obasa Deborah Yewande 



Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos 

Tel: +234 802 300-2714 

E-mail: obasayewande@yahoo.com 

35. Mrs. Obasa Deborah Yewande 



Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos 

Tel: +234 802 300-2714 

E-mail: obasayewande@yahoo.com 

36. Ms. Bammodu Taiwo 

Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria 

443, Herbert Macauley Way 

Yaba, Lagos 

E-mail: info@iccon.org.ng 

Tel: +234 802 321-1746 

37. Miss Adigun Adeola 


Agency 

Oke-Mosan, 

Abeokuta 

Tel: +234 805 675-5781 

E-mail: mercy_4eva@yahoo.com 



15

38. Mrs. S. A. Adejumo 

Scientific Officer 

P. O. Box 29748, Secretarial Post Office, 

Ibadan Oyo State 

Tel: +234 803 413-0018 

E-mail: nikade_05@yahoo.com 

39. Prof. P. C. Onianwa 

Department of Chemistry 

University of Ibadan 

Tel: +234 803 348-0589 

E-mail: pconianwa@yahoo.com 

40. Mr. Hussani S. O. 

PRO Ministry of Environment, Oyo State 

Oyo State Ministry of Environment 

Oyo State 

41. Mrs. Mojisola Olufemi Amore 


NAFDAC 

Narcotics and Controlled Substances 

Directorate, Central 

Medical Stores Compound, Oshodi, Lagos 

Tel: +234 8023137385 

E-mail:mojimore@yahoo.com; 

amore.m@nafdac.gov.ng 

42. Dr Mrs, Taiwo M. Odubela 



Idependence Way South 

Garki 

Abuja 

Tel.: +234 805 9649 629 

E-mail: mtodubela@yahoo.com 

UNITED NATIONS INSTITUTE FOR 

TRAINING AND RESEARCH (UNITAR) 

43. 

Ms Cheryl Chang 

Training Associate 

Chemicals and Waste Management 

Programme 

UN Institute for Training and Research 


CH1211 Geneva 10 

Switzerland 

Tel. +41 22 917 8394 

Fax: +41 22 917 8047 

Email: Cheryl.Chang@unitar.org 

44. Mr. Andrew Fasey 

Training Advisor 


Programme 

UN Institute for Training and Research 


CH1211 Geneva 10 

Switzerland 

Fax: +41 22 917 8047 

E-mail:andrew.fasey@ptkltd.com; 

Andrew.fasey@unitar.org 

SECRETARIAT OF BASEL 

CONVENTION / UNEP 

45. Mr. Tarcisio Hardman Reis 

Associated Programme Officer 

Secretariat of the Basel Convention 

United Nations Environment Programme 

Geneva, Switzerland 

Tel.: +41(0) 22-917-8217 

Fax: +41(0) 22-797-34 54 

E-mail: tarcisio.hardmanreis@unep.ch 

SWEDISH CHEMICALS AGENCY 

(KEMI) 

46. Mr. Ule Johansson 

Senior Advisor Development Cooperation 

The Swedish Chemicals Agency (Kemi) 

Box 2, S-172, 13 

Sundbyberg, Sweden 

Tel: +46 8 519 41 210 

Fax: +46 8 735 76 98 

E-mail : ule.johansson@kemi.se 

47. Bengt Melsater 

The Swedish Chemicals Agency 

P.O. Box 2 

SE-17213 Sundbyberg, Sweden 

Tel: +46851941235 

E-mail: bengt.melsater@kemi.se 



16

PRESS 

48. Francis Amanaghawon 

Journalist 

Radio Nigeria, Dugbe 

Ibadan 

Tel: +234 803 597 3336 

E-mail: olayagba@yahoo.com 

49. Mr. Femi IIesanmi 

The Nation Newspaper 

Ibadan 

Tel: +234 803 354-9902 

E-mail: femilesanmi2004@yahoo.com 

50. Mr. Felix Oriyomi Ewulo 

General Manager 


Agency 

1 st Floor, Block B, Governor’s Office 

Oke – Mosan, Abeokuta 

Ogun State 

Tel: +234 803 322 3178; +234 807 708 

5556 

E-mail: oriyomifelix@yahoo.com 

51. Mr. Felix Ademola 

ThisDay Newspaper 

This Day Office, Oke Padre 

Ibadan 

Tel: +234 806 035-9182 

E-mail: felixdemola042004@yahoo.com 

BASEL CONVENTION REGIONAL 

COORDINATING CENTRE FOR 

AFRICA-NIGERIA 

52. Prof. O. Osibanjo 

Director 

Basel Convention Regional Coordinating 

Centre for Africa for Training and 

Technology Transfer; 

Federal Ministry of Environment-University 

of Ibadan Linkage Center For Cleaner 

Production Technology and Hazardous 

Waste Management 

Tel: +234 80 330 13378; +234 805 109 

8483 

E-mail: osibanjo@baselnigeria.org 

Copy oosibanjo@yahoo.com 

53. Miss M. P. Maurice 

Secretary 



Technology Transfer- Federal Ministry of 

Environment-University of Ibadan Linkage 

Center For Cleaner Production Technology 

and Hazardous Waste Management 

Tel: +234 80 384 71242 

E-mail: patcyng@yahoo.com 

54. Dr. A. A. Oketola 

Convention Regional Coordinating Centre for 

Africa for Training and Technology 

Transfer- Federal Ministry of Environment- 

University of Ibadan Linkage Center For 

Cleaner Production Technology and 

Hazardous Waste Management 

Tel: +234 80 377 63961 

E-mail: bolaoketola@yahoo.com 

55. Dr. M. B. Ogundiran 







Tel: +234 80 233 09861 

E-mail: mbogundiran@yahoo.com 

56. Miss A. A. Olusanya 



Technology Transfer- Federal Ministry of 

Environment-University of Ibadan Linkage 

Center For Cleaner Production Technology 

and Hazardous Waste Management 

Telephone: +234 80 679 14677 

E-mail: smileatmeadeposi@yahoo.com 

57. Miss E. E. Moma 







Telephone: +234 80 370 40646 

E-mail: eemoma@yahoo.com 



17

58. Pastor O. A. Ayodele 







Telephone: +234 805 672 2391 

E-mail: pastorayod2006@yahoo.com 

59. Mr. K. Olubanjo 



Technology 




Hazardous 

Waste Management 

Telephone: +234 80 2310 0096 

E-mail: kolubanjo@yahoo.com 

60. Miss A. A. Adeniji 







Telephone: +234 80 5230 4644 

E-mail: adenijisewa@yahoo.com 



18

Annex C: Presentations 



19

Presentation Outline 

2 

The project 

Introduction to the 

Pilot Testing Workshop 

for GHS Training 

Modules in the Context 

of Africa 

The workshop 

Your role in this workshop 

Understand how and why the GHS was developed 

Understand the purpose, objectives and benefits 

of the GHS 

Cheryl Chang 

UNITAR 

28-29 July 2009 

Ibadan, Nigeria 

The Basel/UNITAR GHS project 

Objectives of the project 

Swedish 

Chemicals 

Agency (KemI) 

“Towards a nontoxic 

environment in 

Africa” 

Secretariat of 

the Basel 

Convention 

Development of 

GHS Training 

Modules 

in the Context of 

Africa 

UNITAR/ILO 

Global GHS 

Capacity 

Building 

Programme 

Basel 

Convention 

Regional 

Coordinating 

Centre for Africa 

Pilot Testing 

Workshop 

To develop training modules on the GHS adapted for 

use in the Africa region 

To strengthen capacities to implement the GHS in line 

with global and regional efforts 

To raise awareness of and train relevant experts in all 

sectors and among all stakeholders about the GHS 

To increase understanding of the potential benefits of 

the GHS for sustainable development and 

international chemicals management 

The training modules will cover: 

general chemicals use and safety issues in Africa; 

information on related initiatives for environmental 

management in the region and globally; 

GHS and its relation to international chemicals 

management efforts; 

topics related to GHS capacity building; 

responsibilities for implementation of the GHS, including 

stakeholders and sectors involved; 

in depth information on the main elements of the GHS; 

Pilot Testing in Nigeria 

• Why Nigeria? 

• Nigeria engaged in a 2 year GHS capacity building 

project 2005-2007, coordinated by the Federal 

Ministry of Environment 

• Hosts of the Regional GHS Workshop for West Africa 

• Regional BCCC at the University of Ibadan 

• Strong existing partnerships- ECOWAS 

details on how to use and interpret GHS hazard 

communication tools.

Format of the workshop 

• Overview of the Agenda 

• After specific presentations on the GHS, we will ask 

you a series of learning questions to evaluate the 

materials 

• This is not a test! 

• The questions will help us find out where we were not 

clear enough, or what information is useful or not 

• At the end of the workshop, you will be asked to fill 

out an evaluation form and tell us your overall 

impressions 

What is your role? 

Learn about the GHS! 

Take a critical view of our training 

Think of the potential outside audiences for this training 

Provide suggestions and feedback on how we can improve 

the materials 

Your feedback will be used to update the materials and the 

final resources will be posted on a designated website: 

http://www.unitar.org/cwm/ghs/events/training-modulesnigeria 

Chapter 1 

Let’s get started… Chapter 1 

Background, Context, and Scope and 

Application of the GHS 

Lesson 1: Background on the GHS 

Lesson 2: Scope and Application of the GHS 


11 

Chapter 1: Objectives 

12 

This lesson will show: 

What is the GHS 

What is the “Purple Book” 

Why and how the GHS was developed 

Learn what the GHS is, and why it is useful 

Understand who is responsible for it 

Understand how and why the GHS was 

developed 

What the role of the GHS is in chemical safety 

management 

Who is responsible for the GHS 

How GHS relates to other international agreements 

and standards on chemicals

Chemicals in our lives 

13 

How extensive is chemical use? 

14 

Chemicals contribute to improving the standard 

of living around the world 

The world’s largest substance data base is the 

Chemical Abstracts Service Registry 

Purifying water 

Promoting growth of food 

Improving hygiene 

Producing essential goods 

Use of these chemicals involves 

risks to safety and health 

Currently has over 35 million organic and inorganic 

substances listed 

All are not currently produced on a regular basis 

Potential for harm to people is great 

Chemicals cause a broad range of health effects and 

adverse effects on the environment 

The International Labor Organization (ILO) 

estimates that 25% of workplace deaths worldwide 

are due to chemical exposures 

Availability of chemical information 

15 

Results of conflicting requirements 

16 

Many countries have tried to address protection 

from chemicals through laws that require 

dissemination of information about their hazards 

Extensive international trade in chemicals results 

in exposed people seeing a wide variety of labels 

and safety data sheets 

These laws are similar, but vary in definitions of 

hazards covered, information required on labels, 

and provisions for safety data sheets 

Differences in communication practices lead to 

differences in effectiveness 

The result is a disparity in the extent of information 

provided, the form it is provided in, and the 

coverage of chemicals and people 

Other countries have no coverage 

The broad range of provisions also leads to 

technical barriers to trade 

Small companies in particular are effectively left 

out of international trade by the difficulties of 

complying with all these requirements 

17 

The GHS 

18 

The Globally Harmonised System of Classification 

and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is: 

An international system which harmonises the 

classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals 

Need for the GHS 

A logical and comprehensive approach for: 

Defining health, physical, and environmental hazards 

of chemicals 

Applying agreed hazard criteria to classify chemicals 

based on their hazardous effects 

Communicating hazard information on labels and 

safety data sheets

Safe Use of 

Chemicals 

19 

The Purple Book 

20 

United Nations (UN) publication of the GHS 

Outlines the provisions in four parts: 

Risk 

Management 

Systems 

(risk communication, 

exposure monitoring/control) 

Introduction (scope, definitions, hazard 

communication) 

Classification criteria for physical hazards 

Hazard Communication 

(GHS Labels and SDS) 

Classification criteria for health hazards 

Classification of environmental hazards 

GHS Classification 

Updated every few years 

GHS as the Basis for National 

Chemicals Management Programmes 

Currently in the 3 rd revised edition 

Benefits of the GHS 

21 

Benefits of the GHS continued 

22 

Provides a chemical classification and labelling 

system that is updated and maintained 

internationally 

Provides global benefits, as well as benefits to 

governments, industry, and chemical users 

(workers and consumers) 

Includes provisions for a common and coherent 

approach to classifying hazards and preparing 

labels and safety data sheets 

Results in more effective communication 

worldwide 

Facilitates trade in chemicals 

Enhances the protection of human health and the 

environment through the provision of harmonized 

chemical safety and health information 

Reduces the need for duplicative testing of 

chemicals 

Provides the informational infrastructure for 

chemical safety and health management programs 

Increases efficiencies; reduces costs of compliance; 

lowers health care costs, etc. 

GHS/Other international instruments 

23 

How was the GHS developed? 

24 

Strategic Approach to International Chemicals 

Management (SAICM) 

Rotterdam Convention/Prior Informed Consent (PIC) 

International mandate was adopted in the 1992 

United Nations Conference on Environment and 

Development: 

Stockholm Convention/Persistent Organic Pollutants 

(POPs) 

Basel Convention/Hazardous Waste 

ILO Instruments re: chemicals 

International Chemical Control Toolkit (Control Banding) 

“A globally harmonised hazard 

classification and compatible labelling 

system, including material safety data 

sheets and easily understandable 

symbols, should be available, if feasible, 

by the year 2000.”

Development of the GHS 

25 

What is the GHS based on? 

26 

Agenda 21 of the UNCED agreements included the 

mandate, and instructed the developers to build 

on existing systems 

A meeting of experts convened by the ILO 

identified the following existing systems as the 

primary basis for the GHS: 

The process ultimately included numerous 

countries, multiple international organizations, and 

many stakeholder representatives 

The GHS was developed based on consensus 

among the participants 

Requirements of systems in the United States for 

the workplace, consumers and pesticides 

Requirements of Canada for the workplace, 

consumers and pesticides 

European Union directives for classification and 

labelling of substances and preparations 

The United Nations Recommendations on the 

Transport of Dangerous Goods 

Basis Principles of Harmonisation 

27 

Other principles 

28 

In order to guide the discussions, the participants 

agreed to a set of basic principles. 

The GHS would be based on the classification of 

hazards (i.e., intrinsic properties) 

Key among these was an agreement that the level 

of protection offered by existing systems would 

not be reduced as a result of harmonising the 

provisions. 

Sectors would be able to choose those parts of the 

GHS relevant to them 

Hazard communication would be addressed in 

addition to classification 

This allowed countries to participate in 

negotiations on the basis that the protection of 

their current system would be maintained or 

enhanced as a result of harmonisation. 

Comprehensibility is key 

Validated data can continue to be used 

Confidential business information needs to be 

addressed 

Who developed the GHS? 

29 

International organization responsibilities 

30 

The Inter-organisation Programme for the Sound 

Management of Chemicals’ Coordinating Group for 

the Harmonisation of Chemical Classification 

Systems managed the process of harmonisation 

The Coordinating Group included representatives of 

interested countries, international organizations, 

and stakeholders 

International Labor Organization (ILO): Secretariat 

for the Coordinating Group and the hazard 

communication work group 

Organization for Economic Cooperation and 

Development (OECD): Secretariat for health and 

environmental hazard criteria, including mixtures 

The technical work was completed by technical focal 

points with expertise in the area involved 

UN Subcommittee of Experts on the Transport of 

Dangerous Goods: Secretariat for physical hazard 

criteria

Who is responsible for implementing the GHS? 

31 

Contacts 

32 

The GHS is a non-mandatory recommendation. Overseeing 

national or regional implementation is the responsibility of 

competent authorities. 

Internationally, the UN Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS 

is responsible for the maintenance, updating and promotion 

of the GHS. 

Training and Capacity Building Programmes in 




CH-1211 Geneva 10 

Switzerland 

Over 30 countries have jointed the S/C. 

Observer countries and stakeholders also participate. 

UNITAR/ILO are the designated focal points for GHS 

capacity building 

Fax: + 41 22 917 8047 

Email: gpghs@unitar.org 

Website:www.unitar.org/cwm 

Pilot Training Material: Chapter 1, Lesson 1 

Questions: 

1. What does the acronym GHS mean? 

2. Name three benefits that result from 

implementation of the GHS. 

3. Who is responsible internationally for maintenance 

and implementation of the GHS?

The Swedish Chemicals Agency 

-KemI 

Ule Johansson 

Senior advisor development Cooperation 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

KemI 

• is a supervisory authority under 

the Ministry of the Environment 

• works to prevent chemical and biotechnical products 

from harming people and the environment 

KemI monitors chemical risks 

in Sweden 

mainly through 

• inspections and guidance 

• approval of pesticides applications 

• Restrictions 

• statistics and flow analyses 

• information, influencing public opinion 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

Pesticides 

• Pesticides must be approved 

• 500 pesticides approved in Sweden 

- 1,500 no longer allowed 

• Pesticides: biocidal products and 

plant protection products 

• Swedish Rapporteur Programme (SERP) 

Work within the European Union 

is part of KemI’s activities and implies 

• finding and presenting documentation 

for EU decisions on chemicals legislation 

• taking part in the work of decision and expert groups 

in order to push for Swedish opinions 

• ensuring that the regulations and directives 

which have been decided upon are complied 

with in Sweden 

• EU is a regional cooperation 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se

KemI evaluates and monitors the risks of 

chemicals 

within the framework of EC directives 

and regulations, for instance 

• new and old substances 

• classification and labelling 

• Restrictions/prohibitions 

• REACH 

A Non-Toxic Environment 

KemI 

• should be a guide to a non-toxic environment, 

one of Sweden’s environmental objectives 

• and follow up and report to 

the government and the Riksdag (Parlament) 

• should involve others in the commitment 

for a non-toxic environment 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

The Products Register 

• 70,000 chemical products/biotechnical organisms 

from about 2,500 companies. 

• Activity report - companies starting an activity 

involving chemicals 

• Product report - companies manufacturing, importing, 

or changing the names of their 

chemical products 

International work – UN bodies 

• OECD – Chemical Safety Programme 

• UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) 

• IPCS (International Programme on Chemical Safety 

• FORUM (Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety) 

• UNSCGHS (UN Subcommittee of Experts on 

the Globally Harmonized System of 

Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) 

• SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals 

Management) 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

The international secretariat 

KemI´s international secretariat takes part in the 

development of chemicals control in 

• Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Ukraine (Eastern 

Europe) 

• Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lao, China 

• Tanzania, Ethiopia and regionally in Africa 

• Everything is financed by the Swedish International 

development Agency, Sida and EU 

Towards a Non-toxic Environment in 

Africa 

• A regional cooperation 

• Using a already existing network of centers, BCRC/BCCC 

and the Secretariat of the Basel Convention/SBC 

• Combining issues strongly connected, 

Chemicals/Waste/International conventions and 

agreements(Stockholm, Rotterdam, Basel, SAICM, GHS) 

• Using funds, experts and experience from Sweden 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se

Chemicals Management 

GHS 

Includes; 

• knowledge, risk assessment, risk reduction, classification 

and labelling, approval systems, inspections, awarness 

and information 

Touches; 

• waste issues, workers health, public safety, sustainable 

production, cleaner production 

• Maybe the most important tool for 

good chemicals management 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

Databases and information available at 

KemI or on www.kemi.se 

• PRIO 

• Restrictions database and Pesticides register 

• List of classification and labelling 

• N-Class and list of substances 

• The journal ’Aktuellt från KemI’ 

• Reports, pamphlets 

• Exhibitions, fairs 

• Library 

This is the Swedish Chemicals 

Agency (KemI) 

• Esplanaden 3 A P.O. Box 2 172 13 

Sundbyberg Sweden 

• Phone: +46 8 519 41 100 

• Fax: +46 8 735 76 98 

• E-mail: kemi@kemi.se 

• Website: www.kemi.se 

• My personal contact details, cell phone +4670 

568 32 12, e-mail ule.johansson@kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

www.kemi.se 

Thank you 

www.kemi.se

Workshop 

Development of GHS Training Modules in the context of Africa 

University of Ibadan, 28-29 July 2009 

The GHS as a tool for the implementation 

of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm 

Conventions and to support the SAICM 

Tarcisio Hardman Reis 

Associate Programme Officer 

Secretariat of the Basel Convention 

TheGHS andtheBasel, Rotterdam 

and Stockholm Conventions 

• A harmonized classification system: 

- Prevents hazards related to the chemicals 

and hazardous wastes; 

- Facilitates communication and public 

awareness; 

- Facilitate the transboundary movement of 

chemicals and wastes. 

GHS and the Basel Convention 

• Application of GHS to hazardous wastes 

• Define hazardous characteristics of wastes under the 

Basel Convention while satisfying the needs of both 

international instruments 

• Article 4.7(b) “Require that hazardous wastes and other 

wastes that are subject of a transboundary movement be 

packaged, labelled, and transported in conformity with 

generally accepted and recognized international rules 

and standards in the field of packaging, labelling, and 

transport, and that due account is taken of relevant 

internationally recognized practices;” 

• Basel/GHS Correspondence Group 

Joint Correspondence Group 

• Cooperation between the Open-ended Working 

Group of the Basel Convention (OEWG) and the 

United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the 

GHS; 

• Established by the 4th meeting of the OEWG; 

the Correspondence Group commenced its work 

on July 2005; 

• Little progress due to the absence of chair to the 

JCG; 

• Parties are invited to provide comments to 

various issues (see COP decisions) 

GHS and the Rotterdam 

Convention 

• Article 13: exported PIC chemicals subject to labelling requirements 

that ensure adequate availability of information with regard to risks 

and/or hazards to human health or the environment, taking into 

account relevant international standards 

• Requires Parties to ensure that chemicals used for occupational 

purposes have a safety data sheet that follows an internationally 

recognized format 

• The Convention provides the opportunity for parties to take 

responsibility for exported chemicals by allowing them to require that 

chemicals subject to national environmental or health labelling 

requirements (not just PIC chemicals) are exported subject to 

labelling requirements taking into account relevant international 

standards 

• The references to an “international standard” and format for labels 

and SDS are references to the GHS 

GHS and the Stockholm 

Convention 

• The Stockholm Convention underlines “the importance of 

manufacturers of persistent organic pollutants taking responsibility 

for reducing adverse effects caused by their products and for 

providing information to users, governments and the public on the 

hazardous properties of those chemicals” (preamble) 

• Article 10 on “Public information, awareness and education,” 

encourages parties to use safety data sheets, reports, mass media 

and other means of communication 

• As with the Rotterdam Convention, countries may use the GHS as a 

basis for the information to be provided on the characteristics of the 

chemicals, as well as for a format for communication tools such as 

SDS

GHS and the SAICM 

• The importance of implementing the 

GHS is recognised in the Overarching 

Policy Strategy (OPS) of SAICM, where 

implementation of the GHS is identified 

under the overall objective of 

“knowledge and information” 

• GHS also included as a SAICM work 

area in the Global Plan of Action 

Acknowledgement 

• UNITAR 

• Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention 

• Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention 

• SAICM Secretariat 

cop9.secretariat@menlh.go.id

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR GHS 

AND BASEL CONVENTION 

IMPLEMEMNTATION 

By 

Prof. Oladele Osibanjo 

Director, 

Basel Conventional Regional Coordinating 

Centre for Africa, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 

GHS Pilot Testing Workshop In Nigeria 

28‐29 July 2009 

University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Nigeria. 

Email: osibanjo@baselnigeria.org copy to: oosibanjo@yahoo.com 

Introduction 

• Chemicals are elixirs of life being useful in 

multifarious ways to man daily in agriculture, 

industry and health care etc 

• However toxic chemicals abuse or misuse can 

make them harbingers of diseases and death 

• According to the World Health Organization 

(WHO) unintentional poisonings by toxic 

chemicals lead to over 300,000 deaths per 

year with most of these incidents occurring in 

developing countries including those of Africa. 

• About 70,000 deaths or more occur yearly in 

children up to 14 years old 

Introduction 

• A large number of people are injured or die 

each year as a result of exposure to toxic 

chemicals 

• Most poisoning cases result from lack of 

knowledge about risks and from carelessness 

• Special concern about toxic chemicals and 

human disaster episodes from chemicals 

accidental release and exposure of population. 

e.g. BHOPAL INDIA 1984, CHERNOBYL 1986 etc 

• Prevention of Human Exposure to Toxic 

Chemicals is the Best Antidote 

Examples of Human Disaster Episodes 

caused by chemicals 

• Pollution in Japan 

• Minamata, Japan – Methyl mercury 

poisoning of people who ate fish 

polluted by Mercury. Minimata bay was 

polluted by untreated effluent from a plastic 

factory. 

• Official estimates: 

• By 1956-100 affected, 20 dead 

• By 1980’s -1800 affected-400 dead. 

• Unofficial estimates: 

• By 1980’s, 10,000 affected and 3000 dead 



• USA 1977 

• Love Canal Niagra Falls .Human 

poisoning, high birth defects rate, 

from pesticides and industrial 

chemicals buried underground 25 years 

earlier. A case of chemical time bomb. 

Examples of Human Disaster 

Episodes caused by chemicals 

• 1984: Release of methyl isocyanate 

(MIC), a toxic gas used in 

manufacturing pesticides, at a 

chemical plant at Bhopal, India, 

heightens concern about safety in 

and around industrial installation, 

especially in developing countries. 

2,500 people died, over 100,000 

hospitalised.



• 1986: Sandoz warehouse fire in 

Basel, Switzerland, during which more 

than 30 tonnes of pesticides, fungicides 

and chemical dyes were washed into the 

Rhine, draws attention to other 

(unreported and under-reported) 

incidents involving pollution of the 

Rhine by chemical companies. 

Examples of Human Disaster Episodes caused by 

chemicals 

• Remember January 27 2002 

Chemicals explosion at Ikeja 

military cantonment Lagos involving 

monumental loss of lives and 

properties and the Oke Afa canal 

disaster involving death of about 

1000 people in Lagos ! ! ! There 

was an earlier Chemicals explosion at 

a Chinese factory in Ikorodu with 

several loss of lives 

Symptoms of Human Exposure to Toxic 

Chemicals 

DEATH, Headaches, Nausea, Fever, Coma, Asthma, 

Cramps, Allergies, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Vomiting, 

Convulsions, Memory Loss, Blurred Vision, Chronic 

Fatigue, Rapid Heartbeat, Soreness of Joints, 

Tightness in Chest, Flu Like Symptoms, Respiratory 

Paralysis, Reproductive Failures, Elevated 

Blood Pressure, Immune Deficiency Disorders, Central 

Nervous System (CNS) Disorders, Multiple chemical 

Sensitivities (MCS), Irritations to Skin, Eyes, Nose and 

Throat, Muscle Twitches, Loss of Coordination, 

Changes in Heart Rate and Liver function, Behavioral 

Abnormalities, Hyperactivity, Moodiness, Genetic 

Damage, Various Cancers.

SYMPTOMS OF PCB POISONING 

“YUSHO PATIENT ‘’ IN JAPAN 

Global Harmonized System of Classification 

and Labeling of Chemicals 

• Communicating the hazards of toxic chemicals 

to workers and the public is a key foundation for 

protecting human health and the environment 

• GHS is a new environmental management tool 

for ensuring that information on chemical 

hazards‐ through labels and safety data sheets 

is made available to workers and consumers in a 

harmonized and comprehensible format in 

countries around the world. 

Advantages of GHS 

• Enhances the protection of people and the 

environment by providing an internationally 

comprehensive system for chemical hazard 

communication 

• Provides a recognized framework for those 

countries without an existing system 

• Reduces the need for duplicative testing and 

evaluation of chemicals 

• Facilitate international trade in chemicals whose 

hazards have been properly assessed and 

identified on an international basis 

Advantages of GHS 

• GHS implementation may contribute to broader 

sustainable development goals (such as the 

protection of marginalized populations, clean 

drinking water and the realization of the 

Millennium Development goals MDGs 

• GHS supports the implementation of 

Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

MEAs,including Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm 

Conventions. 

The GHS Elements 

‣Classification Criteria 

‣Health 

‣Environment 

‣Physical 

‣Hazard Communication 

‣Labels 

‣Safety Data Sheets 

The GHS: Classification 

Health & Environmental Hazards 

‐Acute Toxicity 

‐Skin Corrosion/Irritation 

‐Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation 

‐Respiratory or Skin Sensitization 

‐Germ Cell Mutagenicity 

‐Carcinogenicity 

‐Reproductive Toxicity 

‐Target Organ Systemic Toxicity – Single and 

Repeated Dose 

‐Hazardous to the Aquatic Environment 

17 

18

Physical Hazards 

‐Explosives 

-Flammability – gases, aerosols, 

liquids, solids 

-Oxidizers – liquid, solid, gases 

-Self-Reactive 

-Pyrophoric – liquids, solids 

-Self-Heating 

-Organic Peroxides 

-Corrosive to Metals 

-Gases Under Pressure 

-Water activated flammable gases 

The GHS: 

Hazard Communication 

‣Labels 

‣Safety Data Sheets (i.e. 

MSDS) 

Definitions, test methods and 

classification criteria based on existing 

transport system 

19 

20 

Physical Hazards 

Explosives 

Flammability – gases, aerosols, 

liquids, solids 

Oxidizers – liquid, solid, gases 

Self-Reactive 

Pyrophoric – liquids, solids 

Self-Heating 

Organic Peroxides 

Corrosive to Metals 

Gases Under Pressure 

Water activated flammable gases 

Control of International Trade in 

Toxic Chemicals 

• UNCED AGENDA 21 Chapter 19 specifies 

control of the international trade in toxic 

chemicals for sustainable development 

Definitions, test methods and 

classification criteria based on existing 

transport system 

21 

Hazardous Waste 

• Wastes Generation often accompanies 

human activities in consumption and 

production both in developed and 

developing countries 

• Basel Convention : Hazardous Waste (HZW) 

defined as substances/matter/things which 

even in low concentrations are 

injurious/harmful/dangerous to animals, 

plants, human health and the environment 

• Hazardous wastes are harmful to humans 

and the environment 

• Multifarious human activities lead to 

wastes generation 

• Multifarious human activities lead to 

wastes generation

THE BASEL CONVENTION 

OBJECTIVES OF THE BASEL CONVENTION 

LIST OF HAZARDOUS CHARACTERISTICS. 

Explosive 

Flammable 

Oxidizing (can yield –undesirable Oxygen to or support 

combustion) 

Poisonous (when swallowed or skin contact) 

Infectious (contain microorganisms/toxins) 

Corrosive (through chemical reaction) 

Toxic (long term effects/carcinogenic) 

Ecotoxic (potential for bio-accumulation) 



HAZARDOUS CHARACTERISTICS (H1 TO H13) 

H1 Explosive 

H 3 Flammable liquids 

H 4.1 Flammable solids –undesirable or 

H 4.2 Substances /wastes liable for spontaneous combustion 

H4 .3 Emit flammable gases when in contact with water 

H5.1 Oxidizing 

H5.2 Organic peroxides (have o‐o, unstable and can undergo exothermic 

self accelerating decomposition) 

H6.1 Poisonous (acute) (when swallowed, skin contact, inhaled) 

25 

26 



HAZARDOUS CHARACTERISTICS (H1 TO H13) contd 

H 6.2 Infectious substances 

H 8 Corrosives (reacts when in contacts with living tissues, or other materials 

damaging them) 

–undesirable or 

H 10 Liberation of toxic gases in contact with air or water 

H 11 Toxic –when inhaled or ingested (Delayed or Chronic including 

carcinogenicity) 

H 12 Ecotoxic (Have immediate or delayed effects‐bioaccumulation) 

H13 Capable of yielding another material with the above 

characteristics 

Basel Control Mechanism 

• A control system for the transboundary movement of 

wastes aiming at the reduction of transboundary 

movement of waste based on a prior consent regime 

• The environmentally sound management of wastes 

aiming at the reduction of the quantity of wastes to a 

minimum 

• The prohibition to export wastes to non‐Parties to the 

Convention unless bilateral, multilateral, or regional 

agreements or arrangements with non‐Parties stipulate 

provisions which are not less environmentally sound than 

those provided for by the Convention 

27 

GHS and Basel Convention 

• GHS elements are applicable to Basel 

Convention and are therefore 

complementary. 

• Hazard Criteria of Chemicals in GHS 

are similar and applicable to those of 

hazardous wastes under Basel 

• Define hazardous characteristics of 

wastes under the Basel Convention 

while satisfying the needs of both 

international instruments 

• GHS with some adaptation can be 

utilised in control of Basel chemical 

wastes 

GHS and Basel Convention 

• Article 4.7 (b) of Basel Convention Requires 

that hazardous wastes and other wastes that 

are subject of a transboundary movement be 

packaged, labelled, and transported in 

conformity with generally accepted and 

recognized international rules and standards in 

the field of packaging, labelling, and transport, 

and that due account is taken of relevant 

internationally recognized practices;” 

• Basel/GHS Correspondence Group-GHS can be 

applied to packaged, labeled and transported 

toxic waste subject to transboundary 

movement.

Basel Convention Centres- African Region 

• 1989: The Convention Article 14 Proposes the 

Establishment of Regional or Sub-Regional Centres 

for Training and Technology Transfers Regarding 

ESM of HZW 

• 1992-1997 FEASIBILITY STUDIES DONE FOR ALL 

REGIONS 

• 1994: COP 3/19 DECISION TO HAVE Basel 

Convention Regional Centres in Africa to assist 

African countries in implementing the Basel 

Convention; 

– Nigeria as Coordinating Centre for the region 

– Egypt for Arabic states ; 

– South Africa for English-speaking countries in 

Africa; 

– Senegal, for French-speaking countries in Africa. 

African Region Basel Convention Centres 

Senegal‐ 

French 

Egypt‐ 

Arabic 

Nigeria‐ 

Coordinating 

South Africa‐ 

English 

EASTERN AND CENTRAL 

EUROPE 

RUSSIA 

BRATISLAVIA 

What the BCRCs can Offer 

NETWORK OF ACTIVE BASEL CENTRES 

LATIN AMERICA AND 

CARIBBEAN 

ASIA 

AFRICA 

INDONESIA 

CHINA 

INDIA 

SENEGAL (FRENCH) 

EGYPT (ARABIC) 

EL SALVADOR 

ARGENTINA 

SOUTH AFRICA (ENGLISH) 

NIGERIA (COORDINATING) 

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 

URUGUAY (COORDINATING) 

The BCRCs in Africa based on their experiences 

in implementing the Basel Convention from 

1994 to date and other related MEAs in the 

last 7 years , can provide assistance in the 

following areas : 

• Development of Networks of Experts and 

Institutions on GHS 

• Provide Capacity Building - Development of 

Awareness and Training Programmes and their 

Implementation in Regional and Country 

Specific Setting including R & D 

• Information Management – 

websites/newsletters with information for the 

countries being served. 

• Projects Development & Implementation 

What the BCRCs can Offer 

• Contribution towards the development 

of National, Regional and Sub-Regional 

Strategies in GHS implementation- role 

of BCCC-Nigeria in GHS development in 

Africa is a good example 

• Bring to bear existing experience in 

Partnership with Industry 

• No insurmountable technical difficulties 

are envisaged in GHS and Basel 

Convention implementation 

CONCLUSION 

• Implementation of Basel Convention along 

with GHS within an integrated chemicals and 

wastes management regime can lead to 

better and effective national, regional and 

global chemicals and waste governance 

• GHS implementation in coordination with 

Basel Convention and other MEAs would 

enhance the chance of achieving sustainable 

development and millennium development 

goals.

THE END 

THANK YOU 

37

CHEMICALS USE AND MANAGEMENT IN 

AFRICA, WEST AFRICA AND NIGERIA 

By 

Prof. Oladele Osibanjo 

Director, 

Basel Conventional Regional Coordinating 

Centre for Africa, University of Ibadan, 

Nigeria. 

GHS Pilot Testing Workshop In Nigeria 

28‐29 July 2009 

University of Ibadan Conference Centre, Nigeria. 

Email: osibanjo@baselnigeria.org copy to: 

oosibanjo@yahoo.com 

Introduction 

• The environment is the life support system God has 

endowed mankind with. 

• However toxic chemicals and toxic waste chemicals 

have been linked with serious dangers to 

environment and human health 

• This is underscored by the fact that the major Global 

Environmental problems facing the world today i.e : 

Ozone Layer Depletion, Green House gases 

Emission/Global Warming/Climate Change, 

Transboundary movement of toxic wastes, Persistent 

Organic Pollutants (POPs) threat to ecosystems and 

humans, are directly or indirectly linked to chemicals 

release to the environment. 

• 

Classification of Chemicals 

Chemicals may be classified based on 

intended use into several categories 

which include : 

• Industrial Chemicals 

• Drugs and Pharmaceuticals 

• Narcotics 

• Agrochemicals(Pesticides& Fertilisers) 

• Consumer products /domestic 

Chemicals 

• Explosives 

• Chemical munitions/warfare 

Chemicals/ Chemical weapons 

• Others 

Some Of The Main Industries/Activities Using 

Hazardous Chemicals As Raw Materials And 

Generating Hazardous Chemical Waste 

• Petroleum exploration and production 

• ∙ Petroleum refining 

• ∙ Petroleum products storage and supply 

• ∙ Plastic products manufacture and finishing 

• ∙ Leather processing (Tannery) and Finishing 

• ∙ Textiles bleaching, dyeing and Finishing 

• ∙ Basic metal industries 

• ∙ Iron and Steel industries 

• ∙ Manufacture of automotive batteries 

• ∙ Electrically and Gas generation and distribution (e.g. 

• PCBs in NEPA’s transformer oils) 

Pesticides Manufacturing/Formulation 

• ∙ Pharmaceuticals manufacture 

• ∙ Dry cleaning operations 

• Agriculture 

Chemicals Use In the Africa Region 

• Africa is mainly an agricultural economy with 

differentiated levels of chemicals use. 

• Chemicals are largely not manufactured in the region but 

imported from developed countries of Europe, North 

America and in recent years from Asia. 

• Chemicals use are diversified and involve different sectors 

of the economy 

• Fertilizers and pesticides for use in agricultural food 

production , high volume consumer industrial chemicals 

such as acids and bases in particular caustic soda are 

widely used in industrial manufacturing while there are 

also consumer chemicals used in homes etc. ; as well as 

organic solvents in oil and gas sector .

Chemical Safety Issues 

• Improper warehouse management and 

unsafe practices such as : 

• Non-segregation or separation of 

hazardous chemicals from other 

chemicals in warehouses 

• Non-isolation of leaking or damaged packs 

• Lack of awareness of the hazards 

associated with the chemicals by the 

warehouse personnel 

• Non-display of hazard signs or labels or 

notices to caution handlers 

• Most personnel in charge of chemical stores 

do not have even SSCE or O/level 

qualification in chemistry!. 

Chemicals Safety Issues 

• Little or no knowledge of material 

safety data sheet(msds) of hazardous 

chemicals 

• Chemicals may arrive without 

warning 

• REGULATORY & CRISIS 

INFRASTRUCTURE MAY BE 

INADEQUATE – e.G. Lack of poison 

control centres in most african 

countries 

• Those selling and using the chemicals 

may lack the knowledge, equipment 

and ability to use the products safely


• Generally speaking safety issues are 

accorded low priority by most users and 

producers of chemicals. 

• Use of Personal Protective Equipment 

is complied with more in the breach 

rather than compliance with 

international best practices 

• All these can be hinged on low 

awareness about the hazard associated 

with exposure to chemicals 


• Abuse and misuse of hazardous 

chemicals especially pesticides for 

tooth ache and head lice, PCB oil used 

as hair cream or body lotion 

• Huge quantities of unused chemicals, 

dumped illegaly or forgotten in unsafe 

storage areas/conditions, can 

contaminate soil, water and air 

• Special concern about toxic chemicals 

human disaster episodes from 

chemicals accidental release and 

exposure of population. E.g. BHOPAL 

INDIA 1984, CHERNOBYL 1986 etc 

Overview of Regional Chemical 

Management Efforts 

• Most of the countries have prepared National 

Chemicals Profile as a tool for gap analysis with respect 

to chemicals regulatory infrastructure; but lack 

national policy and chemicals control regulations 

• Most of the Countries have ratified Chemicals and 

Waste MEAs including SAICM 

• Most of the countries and ECOWAS have endorsed 

GHS 

• ECOWAS organised a GHS workshop last year in Abuja , 

and has put in motion activity to develop an ECOWAS 

GHS policy. 

CONCLUSION 

• Awareness of chemicals safety issue is weak in the 

region. 

• Infrastructure for sound chemicals management is 

also weak 

• In view of the 2020 milestone for the sound 

management of chemicals based on the lifecycle 

approach. African countries have to speed up 

national and regional measures to ensure a toxics 

free Africa. 

• Nigeria has made good efforts but yet to have a 

national chemicals policy and a comprehensive 

national law for effective chemicals control 

THE END 

THANK YOU 

18

ECOWAS COMMISSION 

STATE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF GHS 

IN ECOWAS SUB‐REGION 

By: ECOWAS Directorate 

Jully 2009 

Presentation Outline 

1. ECOWAS objectives 

2. Contribution of the GHS in achieving the 

ECOWAS objectives 

3. Related activities undertaken on GHS by 

ECOWAS Commission 

4. Possible activities envisaged by the 

Commission 

(2009‐2010) 

5. Suggestions……………….. 

1‐ ECOWAS objectives 

Article 3 of the revised Treaty 

• ECOWAS aims to promote cooperation and integration 

in the context of an Economic Union of West Africa in 

order to raise the living standards of its people and its 

activities will include: 

‐ The harmonization and coordination of national 

policies and the promotion of programs, projects and 

activities; 

‐ The harmonization and coordination of policies for 

environmental protection 

‐ The creation of a common market 

2h T Contribution of the GHS to achieve 

the ECOWAS objectives 

• implementation of GHS will: 

‐ contribute to a harmonized approach to 

environmental protection in the region; 

‐ assist Member States in the implementation of 

environmental conventions related to chemicals 

including: 

‐ Basel Convention 

‐ Stockholm Convention on POPs 

‐ Bamako Convention 

‐ Rotterdam Convention 

2‐ The contribution of the GHS to 

achieve the ECOWAS objectives 

(continued ….) 

• promote the mastery of a better knowledge 

and better management of pollution and 

nuisance and dangerous products flow into 

the economy of the sub-region (Strategic 

Objective No. 3 of environmental policy); 

• contribute to the rational use of fertilizers and 

pesticides and other industrial chemicals 

3‐ 3. Related activities undertaken on 

GHS by ECOWAS Commission 

• Development of a policy integrating environmental 

concerns related to use of chemicals (Axis 3 of strategic 

environmental policy); 

• Joint organization of a workshop with UNITAR ,Federal 

Republic of Nigeria, and others on the communication 

of chemical hazards and the implementation of the 

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the ECOWAS 

region, 13‐15 May 2008 Abuja‐Nigeria

3‐ 3.Related activities undertaken on 

GHS by ECOWAS Commission (continued) 

• Inclusion of GHS in the 2009 program of activities 

of the Commission 

• Preparation of draft terms of reference for the 

development of a plan for implementing the GHS 

in the ECOWAS region. 

• Organizing a small meeting of project analysis of 

terms of reference on 8 and 9 May 2009 in Abuja 

3‐ 3.Related activities undertaken on GHS by 

ECOWAS Commission (continued .) 

• Improvements have been made to TDR; 

• A roadmap has been adopted 

with the post‐ analyse of the roadmap 

it appear that financial resources are not 

available for the implementation of the 

roadmap Abuja 

44. Possible activities envisaged by the 

Commission (2009‐2010) 

• Establish a Technical Committee for Coordination 

and Follow‐up Evaluation of the management of 

chemicals and hazardous wastes in the ECOWAS subregion 

and ensure its operation 

• Develop a program with the cooperation of relevant 

international institutions and members States on 

chemicals management and hazardous wastes; 

• Attends the international meeting on chemicals and 

hazard wastes 

4‐ Po4. Possible activities envisaged by the 

Commission (2009‐2010) (……) 

• Raise funds from partners and existing 

mechanisms for the implementation of the 

program by giving priority to the implementation 

of GHS 

• Conduct or promote, as far as possible activities 

to strengthen national capacity in the 

management of chemicals and hazardous wastes 

and in particular the GHS implementation of GHS. 

Participate in international meetings 

THE ECOWAS COMMISSION WELCOMES 

SUGGESTIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

Outline of the presentation 

1. Current EU system 

Implementation of GHS in Europe 

2. GHS/EU – similarities and differences 

Bengt Melsäter, M.Sc. 

Swedish Chemicals Agency 

bengt.melsater@kemi.se 

Development of GHS Training Modules in the context of Africa 

Pilot testing workshop in Nigeria 

28-29 July 2009 

3. Commission Proposal 

4. EU Regulation - CLP 

www.kemi.se 

Current/old EU System 

The current EU system on classification, packaging 

and labelling of chemicals has been developed over 

the last 40 years and is set out in three key 

instruments 

• the Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) 

• the Dangerous Preparations (i.e. mixtures of 

substances) Directive (1999/45/EC) 

• REACH Annex II ((EC) 1907/2006); originally the Safety 

Data Sheet Directive (91/155/EEC) 

REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) 

• REACH is the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, 

Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. 

• Entered into force on 1 st June 2007. 

• REACH places greater responsibility on industry to 

manage the risks that chemicals may pose to the health 

and the environment. 

• In principle REACH applies to all chemicals: chemicals 

used in industrial processes and in our day-to-day life, 

for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in 

articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical 

appliances. 

www.kemi.se 

REACH - links to C&L 

REACH does NOT include CRITERIA for C&L 

• It refers to: 

– Substance classification Directive 67/548/EEC 

– Preparation classification Directive 1999/45/EC 

– Safety Data Sheets REACH Annex II 

• But has links to C&L 

– Registration 

– Information in the supply chain 

– C&L Inventory – Title XI; moved to CLP Title V 

GHS / EU 

– similar framework – different elements 

The GHS is similar to the 

current EU system: 

• It provides one single system 

for hazard classification and 

labelling 

• It covers approximately the 

same hazards 

• It often uses similar or equal 

classification criteria 

• It sets up an equivalent 

system of hazard 

communication 

The GHS is different to the 

current EU system: 

• It sets criteria for both transport 

and supply and use 

• It defines further hazard classes 

and categories 

• It uses partly other criteria and 

other cut-offs 

• It uses a different approach for 

mixtures 

• It changes some labelling 

elements

GHS – what is new and what is different 

Old Cl&L 

GHS 

Different / additional label elements, e.g. pictograms, 

signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements 

Symbol 

Pictogram 

Examples: 

• explosive 

• extremely flammable 

• highly flammable 

• flammable 

• oxidising 

Indication of 

danger 

Risk phrase 

Safety phrase 

Explosive 

Extremely/very flammable 

Oxidising 

Very toxic/toxic 

Corrosive 

Harmful/irritating 

Dangerous for the 

environment 

R## 

S## 

Signal word 

Hazard 

statement 

Precautionary 

statement 

Danger 

Warning 

H### 

EUH### 

P### 

NEW! 

Pictograms 

Commission Proposal - Scope 

Proposed Regulation covering Supply and Use 

Scope 

• Regulation for C&L of substances and mixtures 

• All areas except transport but including C&L of Plant 

Protection Products and Biocides 

Regulatory Instrument 

• Regulation based on Art. 95 of the EU Treaty 

(harmonisation of the internal market) 

Commission Proposal - Principles 

• Applies the general principles of the GHS 

• Uses the GHS Building Block Approach and a few other 

“optionalities” to adapt the system to EU needs 

• Ensures consistency with transport 

• Stays as close as possible to the GHS format and 

terminology e.g. 

– “Mixtures” not “preparations” 

– “Hazardous” not “dangerous” 

• Keeps the scope as close as possible to the existing EU 

system 

Commission Proposal – Principles 2 

• Takes up all GHS Hazard Classes 

• Does not include categories not part of current EU 

system 

• Flammable liquids category 4 

• Acute Toxicity category 5 

• Skin corrosion/irritation category 3 

• Aspiration hazard category 2 

• Acute aquatic toxicity category 2 

• Acute aquatic toxicity category 3

Proposal – Example 

EU regulation - CLP 

GHS 

No Symbol 

Not contained in the 

1 2 

3 4 Commission 5 proposal 

5 

50 

300 

2.000 

5.000 

25 200 2.000 

T+ T Xn 

EU 

• Health Hazards: e.g. acute oral toxicity (mg / kg) 

• The new EU regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 on 

classification, labelling and packaging of chemical 

substances and mixtures, the so called CLP Regulation, 

was adopted by the European Parliament and the 

Council in December 2008 after a co-decision process of 

around 18 months 

• It entered into force on 20 January 2009. 

• The CLP Regulation will gradually replace the 

Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC) and the 

Dangerous Preparations Directive (1999/45/EC). Both 

Directives will be repealed on 1 June 2015. 

www.kemi.se 

Classification and labelling in EU 

Regulation- Overview 

GHS 

Dangerous substances: 

Dir. 67/548/EEC 

Dangerous preparations: 

Dir. 1999/45/EC 

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 

Classification and Labelling Requirements for Hazardous 

Substances and Mixtures 

http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/classification-labelling/ 

Annexes on technical details: 

• Annex I: Classification and labelling requirements for 

hazardous substances and mixtures 

• Annex II: Special rules for labelling and packaging 

• Annex III: List of Hazard Statements 

• Annex IV: List of Precautionary Statements 

• Annex V: Pictograms 

• Annex VI: Harmonised List of Hazardous Substances 

• Annex VII: Translation Table for classification 

www.kemi.se 

Transitional provisions 

1. Until 1 December 2010, substances shall be classified, labelled and 

packaged in accordance with Directive 67/548/EEC. 

Until 1 June 2015, mixtures shall be classified, labelled and packaged 

in accordance with Directive 1999/45/EC. 

2. Substances and mixtures classified in accordance with paragraph 1 

may, as regards the period before 1 December 2010 and 

1 June 2015 respectively, be classified and labelled in accordance 

with this Regulation. In that case, the provisions on labelling in 

Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC shall not apply. 

3. From 1 December 2010 until 1 June 2015, substances shall be 

classified in accordance with both Directive 67/548/EEC and this 

Regulation. They shall be labelled and packaged in accordance with 

CLP-regulation. 

4. Substances and mixtures that have been classified and placed on the 

market before 1 December 2010 and 1 June 2015 respectively shall 

not be required to be labelled and packaged in accordance with CLPregulation. 

CLP 

Substances 

DSD: C,L,P obligatory 

CLP: C,L,P optional ** 

Mixtures 

DPD: C,L,P obligatory 

CLP: C,L,P optional ** 

REACH 

20 Jan 2009 

HPV etc. 

Transitional provisions 

1 Dec 2010 

DSD: C obligatory 

CLP: C,L,P obligatory 

1/12/2012* 1 June 2015 1/6/2017* 

* Derogations for substances/mixtures already on the shells before 1/12/2010 resp. 1/6/2015 

CLP: obligatory 

CLP: obligatory 

Dangerous Substance Directive (DSD) 

Dangerous Preparations Directive (DPD) 

are repealed 

** If labelled www.kemi.se and package according to CLP, then should not be labelled and package according to DSD.

Guidance documents for CLP 

• Guidance on application of the proposed Regulation 

under development within REACH Implementation 

Project 3.6 (RIP 3.6) 

– Module 1 General guidance (for managers) 

available 2009 

– Module 2 – detailed, technical guidance (for experts) 

available later 2009 

Guidance to be published on ECHA homepage 

http://echa.europa.eu/classification/clp_guidance_en.asp 

“Downstream” Legislation 

“Downstream” Legislation: 

• Obligations in Community legislation referring to C&L 

(workers safety, Seveso II, consumer products etc.) 

More than 20 pieces of EU downstream 

legislation refer to classification either directly 

or indirectly: 

• Careful analysis of possible effects by Commission 

Services 

• Study demonstrates that effects are mostly minimal or can 

be minimised through appropriate consequential changes 

• Two legal acts proposed to amend downstream legislation 

Consumer Products 

(EC) No 1980/2000 

(EC) No 648/2004 

88/378/EEC 

75/324/EEC 

76/768/EEC 

91/157/EEC 

Downstream 

Legislation 

Export and import Pollution Major Accidents 

(EC) No 689/2008 

1996/62/EEC 

96/82/EEC 

1998/24/EEC 

CLP 

Risk 

(EC) No 1907/2006 

91/414/EEC 

98/8/EEC 

Waste 

91/689/EEC 

2000/53/EC 

2002/96/EC 

2004/42/EC 2004/37/EC 

1999/13/EC 1992/58/EEC 

1992/85/EEC 

1994/33/EEC 

Worker Health and Safety 

Risk Management 

• Information about hazard and precaution 

– EU harmonised classification: > 8 000 chemicals 

Annex VI to CLP 

– Self-classification (Industry): thousands of 

chemicals + about 2 millions mixtures 

• Authorisation/restrictions/prohibition 

– pesticides 

– a limited number of other chemicals 

There is always a risk using hazardous chemicals. 

Risk management in order to minimize the risk and to 

protect human health and the environment . 

Substances v. Mixtures 

Main CLP-obligations of a manufacturer/importer/downstream 

user placing substances or mixtures on the market 

• Classify, label and package before placing them on the market (Article 4); 

• Notify to ECHA the classification and labelling elements in case substances 

are placed on the market (Article 40); 

20 000 

substances 

< 1t pa,y 

REACH 

40 000 substances 

> 1 t pa,y 

3 000 

+ 

active 

pesticide 

ingredients 

2 000 000 

mixtures 

• To take all reasonable steps available to become aware of new scientific or 

technical information that may affect the classification. When such 

information is considered adequate and reliable they should, without undue 

delay, carry out a new evaluation of the relevant classification (Article 15); 

• To update the label following any change to the classification and labelling, 

in certain cases without undue delay (Article 30); 

• To assemble and keep available all the information required for the purposes 

of classification and labelling for a period of at least 10 years after they have 

last supplied a substance or mixture (Article 49). 

www.kemi.se 

KI 10 mars 2009

Main CLP-obligations of a distributor placing 

substances or mixtures on the market 

• To ensure correct label and package before placing them on the 

market (Article 4); 

• To update the label following any change to the classification and 

labelling, in certain cases without undue delay (Article 30); 

• To assemble and keep available all the information required for the 

purposes of classification and labelling under CLP for a period of at 

least 10 years after they have last supplied a substance or mixture 

(Article 49). 

Main Role of the European Chemicals 

Agency (ECHA) 

• To provide industry with technical and scientific guidance and 

tools on how to comply with the obligations of CLP (Article 50); 

• To provide Member State CA with technical and scientific 

guidance on the operation of CLP (Article 50); 

• To provide support to the national CLP helpdesks (Article 44); 

• To establish and maintain the classification and labelling 

inventory (database) and to receive notifications to the inventory 

(Article 42); 

• To receive proposals for harmonised classification of a 

substance from Member State CA and suppliers, and to submit 

an opinion on such proposals to the Commission (Article 37); 

Substance Harmonised classification and 

labelling 

Industry 

MSCA 

proposals 

ECHA 

European 

Commission 

decision 

EU List of substances 

with Community 

harmonised C&L 

CLP 

VI 

http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/classification-labelling/search-classlab/ 

Links 

• http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_welcome_e.html 

UN GHS - homepage 

• http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/reach/ghs_more_on_com_proposal_en.htm 

EU-Commission information on the new EU CLP-regulation 

• http://echa.europa.eu/classification_en.asp 

About classification and labelling on ECHA homepage 

• http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/classification-labelling/ 

About classification and labelling at EU Joint research Centre 

• http://www.kemi.se/ 

Homepage of the Swedish Chemicals Agency 

www.kemi.se

Course Objectives 

2 

This course will cover: 

• The Scope and Application of the GHS 

Andrew Fasey 

Training Advisor, UNITAR 

28 – 29 July 2009 

Nigeria 

Introduction to the 

Globally Harmonised 

System of 

Classification and 

Labelling of Chemicals 

(GHS) 

• General GHS Classification for Substances and Mixtures 

• Hazard Communication 

Communication elements 

Labels 

Safety Data Sheets 

• Application of GHS to hazard and risk communication 

tools in practice 

• ICSC (International Chemical Safety Cards) 

• SDS (Safety Data Sheets) 

• Risk management 

Your Objectives 

1. To test the training material (we are not testing you!) 

2. To input your ideas to make the material as good as 

possible for Africa and the rest of the world 

3. To input your thoughts and ideas to future and 

additional training material 

The input and opinions of every one of you is 

important! 

Please feel free to pass comments on to us at 

any time (through Prof Osibanjo if you 

wish) 

Training Material 

1. This presentation – in your pack 

2. Pilot training material (May 2009) – in 

your pack 

3. IOMC guide on tools and resources – in 

your pack 

4. The ‘Purple Book’ – website and copies 

coming… 

5. Example SDS and ICSC – in your pack 

Spirit of GHS and Chemicals 

Management 

Ensure all chemicals are identified and 

adequately assessed to enable the 

determination of suitable risk 

management measures and to enable 

communication of hazards and risk 

management information. 

GHS is a tool not an end in itself 

5 

Seven Steps to Effective Risk Management 

1. Chemical Identity (substance, mixture, articles) 

2. Data Collection (e.g. SDS, web sites, safety cards, 

testing) 

3. Hazard Identification and Classification - identification 

and evaluation of hazards (e.g. GHS) 

4. Exposure Assessment (extent of exposure of people 

and the environment to a chemical) 

5. Risk Characterisation - identification of risk (i.e. use 

(exposure) in relation to hazard) 

6. Risk Management - control of risk (i.e. risk 

management measures, bans, restrictions etc) 

7. Hazard/Risk Communication - effective communication 

of hazard (e.g. labels, SDS) and/or risk (e.g. SDS, 

labels, safety cards etc)

Risk Management Options 

May include: 

Labelling 

Packaging 

Dilution 

Instructions for safe use 

Limit supply to closed systems 

Limit supply to professional use 

Chapter 1 

Background, Context, and Scope and 

Application of the GHS 


(covered in Session 1) 

Lesson 2: Scope and Application of the GHS 

Withdrawal from sensitive markets 

Waste management instructions 

Lesson 2: Scope and application of the GHS 

9 

What chemicals are covered? 

10 


All chemicals are covered: 

What chemicals are covered in the GHS 

Sectors affected by the GHS 

Includes substances, products, and mixtures/ 

preparations 

How the hazard communication components are 

applied 

The Building Block approach 

Principles of hazard vs. risk 

Principles of consumer product labelling based on 

likelihood of injury 

Application of the hazard communication 

components 

11 

Chemical product life cycle 

12 

The need for labels and safety data sheets varies 

by the product and the stage of the life cycle 

Pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, and 

pesticide residues in food will not be covered at the 

point of consumption (e.g., where a patient is taking 

a pharmaceutical) but will be covered in the 

workplace and in transport 

These types of products are generally regulated 

based on risk where the consumer is exposed so are 

not subject to hazard communication

Sectors affected by the GHS 

13 

Sectors that may be considered 

14 

The GHS is intended to cover any place where 

people are exposed to hazardous chemicals 

Considering them by sector is a convenient way to 

indicate different ways they may be covered due 

to differing exposures 

However, countries may identify the sectors in any 

way that is appropriate to their regulatory system 

as long as they consider all types of exposures 

Industrial workplace: Workers are a key sector to 

be considered. Chemicals are present in all types 

of workplaces, from manufacturing facilities to 

construction, retail services to health care. 

Agriculture (pesticides): Involves both workplace 

and consumer exposures, and is often regulated 

separately by countries. 

Sectors, cont. 

15 

Building block approach 

16 

Transport (emergency response): Another subset 

of occupational exposures that is often regulated 

separately. Involves many provisions beyond 

classification and labelling (e.g. packaging). Also 

impacts public exposures. 

Consumer Products (public): Involves products 

sold to the general public, and exposures of 

vulnerable populations (e.g. children). 

The GHS includes all of the regulatory tools 

needed to cover any of the sectors, hazards, or 

chemicals present 

Competent authorities can choose their own 

scope of coverage from the comprehensive 

choices presented in the GHS 

Coverage may vary between sectors in the 

same country 

The GHS provides the building blocks 

to construct an appropriate regulatory 

system 

18 

GHS Building Blocks as Used in CLP (EU) Expected sector application 

Hazard class 

3.1 Acute oral toxicity 

Acute dermal toxicity 

Acute inhalation toxicity 

Aspiration hazard 

Hazard category 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 3 4 5 

1 2 

Transport: similar to current international 

transport system covering physical hazards, acute 

toxicity, and aquatic toxicity; pictograms are used 

to convey hazards 

3.2 Skin corrosion / irritation 

3.3 Serious eye damage / eye irritation 

3.4 Respiratory or skin sensitisation 

3.5 Germ cell mutagenicity 

3.6 Carcinogenicity 

3.7 Reproductive toxicity – sexual functions and fertility 

Reproductive toxicity – development of the offspring 

3.8 Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure 

(Skin corrosion or 

serious eye damage) 

1A 1B 1C 

1 

1A 1B 2 

1A 1B 2 

1A 1B 2 

1A 1B 2 

1 2 

(Irritation) 

2 3 

1 2(A) 2B 

3* 

Lactation 

Not used in the 

EU-Regulation 

Workplace: all types of health and physical 

hazards; labels and safety data sheets, 

supplemented by training 

Consumers: labels are the primary means of 

communication 

3.9 Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure 

1 2

Differentiating Hazard vs. Risk 

19 

Risk? 

GHS is based primarily on the identification of 

intrinsic properties of chemicals (hazards) and 

subsequent communication of this information 

Risk introduces the additional concept of exposure 

Ibadan Lion: 

Very Hazardous? 

Low exposure? 

Risk? 

Hazard x Exposure = Risk 

20 

Risk ? 

Risk Analysis 

Deaths from lions in EU = 0* 

Deaths linked to asthma in EU = 12 000 

Ibadan Kitten: 

Not very hazardous? 

High exposure? 

Risk? 

Kittens provoke asthma attacks in many 

sufferers 

⇒ kittens are a greater health risk than lions 

* As far as I know 

21 

22 

Risk from Ibadan Lions? 

Optional consumer product labels 

24 

Hazard = danger (e.g. lions are hazardous if hungry) 

Exposure = contact (i.e. if you do not meet a lion there is no 

problem) 

Risk = a combination of the chance of meeting a lion 

and how hungry it is 

Risk reduction 

= feed the lions (reduce hazard) or 

= lock lions in a cage (remove exposure) or 

= don’t go to where lions live (remove exposure) 

or 

= wear a lion-proof vest (personal protective 

equipment – last resort (try to remove hazard and 

exposure first)) 

23 

Some systems only provide information on chronic 

health hazards on consumer labels after 

considering risk i.e. if risk is very low there is no 

benefit in passing on hazard information to 

consumers 

Since labels are the only means to provide 

information to consumers, these systems 

consider it important to consider the likelihood 

of injury before providing information on 

chronic effects (e.g. US) 

Annex 5 of the GHS outlines general principles 

for this process while not addressing 

harmonisation of risk-based labelling for 

consumer products

Pilot Training Material: Chapter 1, Lesson 2 

Questions: 

1. What chemicals are covered by the GHS? 

2. What sectors are covered by the GHS? 

3. Is risk covered by the GHS? 

4. Do competent authorities have to adopt 

all hazard classes and categories? Why or 

why not? 

Chapter 2 

Technical Overview of the GHS 

Lesson 1 Classification 

Lesson 2 Hazard Communication 

Chapter 2 Objectives 

27 

GHS/CLP ELEMENTS 

Be familiar with the main elements of the GHS 

Understand who is responsible for development of 

the elements 

Learn what hazards are covered by the GHS 

Learn what the GHS hazard communication tools 

include and how the information is obtained by 

users 

• Classification 

• Hazard 

Criteria 

Health 

Environment 

Physical 

Communication 

• Labels (label elements) 

• Safety Data Sheets 

GHS Label elements 

Lesson 1: Classification 

30 

Classification Water-react 1 

Signal word 

Hazard statement 

Suppl. haz. info 

Precautionary 

statements: 

Prevention 

Response 

Danger 

Pictogram 

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite 

spontaneously 

e.g. EUH014 reacts violently with water (= EU only requirement) 

P223: Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent 

reaction and possible flash fire. 

P231 + P232: Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture. 

P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face 

protection. 

P335 +334: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool 

water/wrap in wet bandages. 

P370 + P378: In case of fire: Use powder for extinction. Water increases 

risk 


How classification is carried out under the GHS 

and who is responsible for it 

What physical, health, and environmental 

hazards are covered under the GHS 

Storage 

P402 + 404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. 

Disposal 

P501: Dispose of contents to… 

29

What is hazard classification? 

31 

Data Sources Include… 

The GHS describes the process as follows: 

Identification of relevant data regarding the 

specific hazard of the substance or mixture. 

Subsequent review and quality check of those 

data to ascertain the hazards associated with 

the substance or mixture 

A decision on whether the substance or mixture 

will be classified as a hazardous substance or 

mixture and the degree of hazard, where 

appropriate, by comparison of the data with 

agreed hazard classification criteria. 

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 

International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC) 

Websites e.g. 

ESIS http://ecb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/esis/ 

KEMI http://www.kemi.se/templates/Page____2859.aspx 

CAS http://www.cas.org/index.html 

OEKOpro http://www.oekopro.de/?s=1000&l=EN 

Key definitions 

33 

Health Effects - Classification Criteria 

“Hazard class” means the nature of the physical, 

health or environmental hazard e.g. flammable 

solid, carcinogen, oral acute toxicity, aquatic 

toxicity 

“Hazard category” means the division of criteria 

within each hazard class e.g. oral acute toxicity 

includes five hazard categories and flammable 

liquids include four hazard categories (some 

physico-chemical classes refer to Types and 

Divisions) 

Acute toxicity 

= Class 

Oral (mg/kg bw) 

Dermal (mg/kg bw) 

Gases (ppmV) 

Vapours (mg/l) 

Dusts and Mists 

(mg/l) 

Cat. 1 

5 

50 

100 

0,5 

0,05 

Cat. 2 

50 

200 

500 

2,0 

0,5 

Cat. 3 

300 

1000 

2500 

10 

1,0 

Cat. 4 

! 

2000 

2000 

20000 

20 

5 

Cat. 5 

5000 

Special 

rules 

apply 

Who classifies hazards? 

35 

How were the criteria developed? 

36 

The GHS is designed to be a “self” classification 

system e.g. chemical manufacturers, formulators 

and importers classify their products 

Physical hazard criteria were based on the existing 

definitions in the UN transport system, revised to 

address other sectors 

Some competent authorities may choose to 

classify chemicals and provide lists of ‘harmonised’ 

classifications 

Chemical users do not have to undertake the 

classification process, but can rely on the 

information provided by their suppliers with the 

products when they purchase them 

Health and environmental hazard criteria in 

existing systems were compared and analyzed 

The most current scientific information was 

reviewed 

Negotiators agreed to harmonised approaches 

based on the information assembled

37 38 

Environmental hazards 

39 

Environmental hazards 

40 

Hazardous to the aquatic environment 

Hazardous to the aquatic environment 

Hazardous to the ozone layer (Montreal Protocol) 

Acute aquatic toxicity 

Chronic aquatic toxicity, based on: 

Bioaccumulation potential 

Degradability 

M-factors: highly toxic components of 

mixtures have a multiplier applied to 

ensure their toxicity is fully taken into 

account in the classification of mixtures for 

environmental effects 

Principles for Classification of Substances 

Classification of a substance is based on: 

• test data (in vitro tests and animal data) 

• QSAR-results and 

• human experience. 

For each hazard class and category criteria have 

been established which enable the substance to 

be classified based on available data. 

Principles for Classification of Mixtures 

TIERED APPROACH TO CLASSIFICATION 

Generally use test data for the mixture, when 

available 

 

Use bridging principles, if applicable 

 

For health and environmental hazards, estimate 

hazards based on the known ingredient 

information 

Sometimes an additivity approach will apply in 

others not (sometimes even a variation within 

the same end-point)

Classification of mixtures 

Bridging Principles 

If test data are not available for a mixture but there 

are available test data for a similar mixture, it is 

possible to classify the untested mixture using 

bridging principles. There are different types of 

bridging principles: 

1.Dilution 

2.Batching 

3.Concentration of highly toxic mixtures 

4.Interpolation within one toxicity category 

5.Substantially similar mixtures 

Classification of mixtures cont. 

Concentration of substances in a mixture: Cut-off values 

“Cut-off” values based on the substance(s) taken into 

consideration to classify the mixture. 

Substance is present below the cut-off value then the 

classification should not be considered. 

GHS lays down generic cut-off values for certain effects only 

(and specific ‘cut-off’ values may be set for particular 

substances). 

Countries/regions may set individual concentration limits lower 

than the generic cut-off values. In this case, the lowest value 

must be used. 

For substances hazardous to the aquatic environment where an 

M-factor has been set the generic cut-off value must be 

adjusted accordingly. 

Mixtures: Examples of cut-off levels 

Hazard Class 

Cut-off value (weight percentage) 

Acute toxicity, category 1-3 0.1 % 

Acute toxicity, category 4 1 % 

Skin corrosion / irritation 1 % 

Serious damage to eyes / eye irritation 1 % 

Hazardous to aquatic environment – Acute category 1 0.1 % 

Hazardous to aquatic environment – Chronic category 1 0.1 % 

Classification per End-Point 

Examples 

Hazardous to aquatic environment – Chronic category 2-4 1 % 

Health effects - Classification criteria 


Use ATE (Acute Toxicity Estimate) 

LD 50 or LC 50 

[mg/kg bw] 

OR 

Conversion value (point estimate) value 

from conversion table (3.1.2) that relates to 

the result of a range test or to a 

classification category 


Acute toxicity – Conversion Table 3.1.2 

Exposure routes 

Oral 

(mg/kg bodyweight) 

Dermal 

(mg/kg bodyweight) 

Gases 

(ppmV) 

Vapours 

(mg/l) 

Dust/mist 

(mg/l) 

Classification Category or experimentally 

obtained acute toxicity range estimate 

0 < Category 1 ≤ 5 

5< Category2 ≤ 50 

50 < Category 3 ≤ 300 

300 < Category 4 ≤ 2000 

2000 < Category 5 ≤ 5000 

0 < Category 1 ≤ 50 

50 < Category 2 ≤ 200 

200 < Category 3 ≤ 1000 

1000 < Category 4 ≤ 2000 

2000 < Category 5 ≤ 5000 

0< Category1 ≤ 100 

100 < Category 2 ≤ 500 

500 < Category 3 ≤ 2500 

2500 < Category 4 ≤ 20000 

Special rules apply 

0< Category1 ≤ 0,5 

0,5 < Category 2 ≤ 2,0 

2,0 < Category 3 ≤ 10,0 

10,0 < Category 4 ≤ 20,0 


0< Category 1 ≤ 0,05 

0,05 < Category 2 ≤ 0,5 

0,5 < Category 3 ≤ 1,0 

1,0 < Category 4 ≤ 5,0 


Converted acute toxicity 

point estimate 

0,5 

5 

100 

500 

2500 

5 

50 

300 

1100 

2500 

10 

100 

700 

4500 

0,05 

0,5 

3 

11 

0,005 

0,05 

0,5 

1,5




Acute oral toxicity: GHS & comparison with ’old’ EU system 


Cat. 1 

Cat. 2 

Cat. 3 

Cat. 4 

! 

Cat. 5 


5 

50 

300 

2000 

5000 

EU 

Very toxic 

< 25 

Toxic 

> 25 - 200 

Harmful 

> 200 - 2000 

Not in EU system 


Gases (ppmV) 

50 

100 

200 

500 

1000 

2500 

2000 

20000 

Special 

rules 

apply 

200 - 300 

2000 - 5000 


0,5 

2,0 

10 

20 

Category 1 

GHS 

< 5 

Category 2 

> 5 - < 50 

Category 3 

> 50 - < 300 

Category 4 

> 300 - < 2,000 

Category 5 - optional 

> 2,000 - < 5,000 


(mg/l) 

0,05 

0,5 

1,0 

5 

! 

No Pictogram 

Health effects - classification criteria 

Acute toxicity – Label elements 


Acute toxicity – Classification of mixtures 

Classification 

Category 1 

Category 2 

Category 3 

Category 4 

Category 5 

GHS Pictograms 

None 

Tiered approach: 

Signal Word 

Hazard Statement: 

-Oral 

- Dermal 

- Inhalation 

(see Note 1) 

Precautionary 

Statement 

Prevention (oral) 

Danger 

H300: 

Fatal if 

swallowed 

H310:Fatal 

in contact 

with skin 

H330:Fatal 

if inhaled 

P264 

P270 

Danger 

H300: 

Fatal if 

swallowed 

H310:Fatal 

in contact 

with skin 

H330: Fatal 

if inhaled 

P264 

P270 

Danger 

H301: 

Toxic if 

swallowed 

H311: 

Toxic in 

contact with 

skin 

H331: 

Toxic if 

inhaled 

P264 

P270 

Warning 

H302: 

Harmful if 

swallowed 

H312: 

Harmful in 

contact with 

skin 

H332: 

Harmful if 

inhaled 

P264 

P270 

Warning 

H303: 

May be harmful if 

swallowed 

H313: 

May be harmful in 

contact with skin 

H333: 

May be harmful if 

inhaled 

None 

1. Classification based on testing of the mixture 

2. Apply bridging principles 

3. Classification based on the concentrations and 

toxicities (ATE values) using ATE mix calculations 



Data available for all ingredients (ATE is known) 

The ATE shall be considered as follows: 

Include ingredients with a known acute toxicity 

Ignore ingredients that are presumed to be non-toxic 

Ignore ingredients if the oral limit test does not show acute 

toxicity at 5000 mg/kg bw (N.B. Is 2000mg/kg bw in the EU) 

Apply formulas, based on the concentrations of the 

components and their toxicities (ATE, usually LD 50 or LC 50 ) for all 

relevant routes (oral, dermal, inhalation) 

Additivity formulas 



Data are available for all components ⇒ Formula 3.1.3.6.1: 

100 

ATE 

mix 

C i 

= concentration of ingredient i (% w/w or % v/v) 

i = the individual ingredient 

∑ 

ATE i 

= Acute Toxicity Estimate of ingredient i 

= 

n 

Ci 

ATE 

i 

n = the number of ingredients



If data not available for all components ⇒ Formula 3.1.3.6.2.3: 

100 – ( Σ C unknown if >10 %) 

_______________________ 

ATE mix 

= 

C i = concentration of ingredient i (% w/w or % v/v) 

C unknown = ingredient with unknown toxicity 

ATE i = Acute Toxicity Estimate of ingredient i 

n = the number of ingredients 

Σ 

n 

C i 

_____ 

ATE i 



Example: 

Ingredient 

Concentration 

in mixture 

(%) 

LD50 Classification 

Oral acute tox 

(mg/kg bw) 

A 20 1800 Cat 4 

B 18 1300 Cat 4 

C 30 2400 Cat 5 

D 3 3000 Cat 5 

Water ad 100 - - 

Calculations: 

ATE mix -formula (GHS): 

100 

ATE mix = = 2600 

20 18 30 3 

1800 + 1300 + 2400 + 3000 

GHS categories 1 – 5 are applied 

Mixture classified in Cat 5 



Skin corrosion/irritation – Criteria for substances 

Stepwise evaluation 




Gases (ppmV) 

Cat. 1 

5 

50 

100 

Cat. 2 

50 

200 

500 

Cat. 3 

300 

1000 

2500 

Cat. 4 

! 

2000 

2000 

20000 

Cat. 5 

5000 

Special 

rules 

apply 

1. Existing human and animal data 

2. Testing for corrosion/irritation in vivo avoided as 

much as possible 

3. In vitro alternatives may be considered 



(mg/l) 

0,5 

0,05 

2,0 

0,5 

10 

1,0 

20 

5 

4. pH extremes (≤ 2 and ≥ 11,5) as indicators of skin 

effects 



Category 1 

Skin corrosive 

Destruction of skin tissue: 

Visible necrosis through epidermis and into dermis in at least 1 

tested animal 

Category 2 

Skin irritant 

Reversible serious effects 

on skin 

Category 1A 

Category 1B 

Category 1C 

Draize values (mean value of 

scores from at least 2 of 3 

tested animals): 

EU DSD 

Corrosive Corrosive Irritant 

”Causes severe 

”Causes burns” 

”Irritating to skin” 

burns” 

R34 

R38 

R35 

Exposure ≤ 3 min 

Exposure ≤ 1 hour 

Exposure ≤ 4 hours 

Erythema/eschar or oedema: 

Exposure 

(corrosion) 

≤ 3 min > 3 min - ≤ 1 h > 1 h - ≤ 4 h 

Criteria* 

Observation 

≤ 1 hour 

Observation 

≤ 14 days 

Observation 

≤ 14 days 

≥ 2,3 - ≤ 4,0 

Persistent inflammation of 

CLP 

H314 ”Causes severe skin burns and eye damage” Category 1 

Category 1A Category 1B Category 1C 

H315 

”Causes skin irritation” 

Category 2 

the skin 

DSD = Dangerous Substances 

Directive (67/548/EEC) 

* Criteria for Category 2: see previous slide

Skin corrosion/irritation – Mixture Classification 

Tiered approach to classification of mixtures 

1. Classification 

based on tesing the whole mixture 

Skin corrosion/irritation – Mixtures Classification 

Generic concentration limits: Additivity approach applies 

Sum of ingredients 

classified as: 

Concentration triggering classification of a mixture as: 

Skin Corrosive 

Skin Irritant 

2. Application 

of bridging principles 

Skin Corrosive Categories 1A, 

1B, 1C 

Category 1 

≥ 5% 

Category 2 

≥ 1% but

Hazard communication tools 

67 

Comprehensibility principles 

68 

Once the hazards are identified in the classification 

process, the information must be provided to: 

Information should be conveyed in more than one 

way. 

Downstream users and handlers 

Professionals providing services or designing 

protective measures for those exposed 

Information provided must be accurate, 

comprehensive, and provided in an 

understandable manner 

Information tools and needs may vary by sector 

Comprehensibility should consider the findings of 

existing studies and data. 

Phrases indicating degree of hazard should be 

consistent across different hazard types. 

Words and phrases should retain comprehensibility 

when translated into other languages. 

Format and color of the label elements and SDS 

format should be standardized. 

Tools available include 

69 

Tools available by sector include 

70 

Labelling/Placards 

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) 

Transport Documents 

Workplace/industrial sector: labels, SDSs, specific 

training, ICSC 

Agriculture/pesticides: labels, specific training, 

SDSs in some situations 

Training 

Consumers: labels 

ICSC 

Emergency responders: labels, placards, specific 

training, transport documents 

Transport: labels, placards, transport documents, 

specific training 

Hazard vs. risk communication 

71 

Confidential business information 

72 

GHS is a hazard communication system—the 

information is provided on the basis of the 

intrinsic properties of the chemical 

It is difficult for suppliers to fully understand the 

exposures that may be generated by their users 

The information provided should lead to risk 

mitigation—having hazard information allows 

users to choose appropriate protective measures 

The GHS recognizes that there is legitimate 

confidential business information regarding 

chemicals, and that there is a legitimate safety 

and health need for disclosure of that information 

in some situations 

The GHS provides principles regarding CBI that 

countries should follow when addressing this issue

CBI Principles 

73 

Understand and read GHS labels 

74 

Limit to chemical names/concentrations 

Harmonised label elements: 

Indicate if information has been withheld 

Disclose CBI to competent authority on request 

Disclose to medical professionals in emergencies 

Symbol/pictogram 

Signal word 

Hazard statement(s) 

Precautionary statement(s 

Non-emergency disclosure should be done where 

there is a need and a means to protect 

confidentiality 

Process for challenges to disclosure 

Other core information to be provided 

Product identifier 

Supplier identification 

Supplemental information 

GHS Label Elements 

76 

Classification Water-react 1 

Signal word 

Danger 

Pictogram 


Suppl. haz. info 

Precautionary 

statements: 

Prevention 

Response 

H260: In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite 

spontaneously 

[e.g. EUH014 reacts violently with water] 

P223: Keep away from any possible contact with water, because of violent 

reaction and possible flash fire. 

P231 + P232: Handle under inert gas. Protect from moisture. 

P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face 

protection. 

P335 +334: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool 

water/wrap in wet bandages. 

P370 + P378: In case of fire: Use powder for extinction. Water increases 

risk 

Storage 

P402 + 404: Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container. 

Disposal 

P501: Dispose of contents to… 

75 

GHS Labelling 

PICTOGRAM SHAPE AND COLOUR 

Company/Branding Information 

GHS Label §1.4.10.5.4.1 

Transport Information 

§1.4.10.5.2(d)(i) 

Transport - pictograms to have current 

background and symbol colours. 

Commercial Information 

PRODUCT ABC 

Manufactured by 

Company XYZ 

Product Information/Use 

Instructions 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 









XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

Other Information 

GHS Product Identifier (§1.4.10.5.2(d)(i)) 

[GHS Chemical Identities (§1.4.10.5.2(d)(ii))] 

GHS Signal Word (§1.4.10.5.2(a)) 

GHS Hazard Statement (§1.4.10.5.2(b)) 

GHS Hazard Statement (§1.4.10.5.2(b)) 

GHS Precautionary Statement (§1.4.10.5.2(c)) 



GHS Supplier Identifier (§1.4.10.5.2(e)) 

GHS Supplemental Information (§1.4.6.3) 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 


GHS Supplemental Information 

§1.4.10.5.4.2 

UNXXXX & Proper 

Shipping Name 

Other sectors - pictograms to have a 

black symbol on a white background with 

a red diamond frame (black and white OK 

within one country). 

If transport pictogram appears, the GHS 

pictogram for the same hazard should 

not.

79 80 

Signal words 

81 

Hazard statements 

82 

Signal words serve two purposes in the GHS: 

Describe the hazards covered by the GHS 

Get the attention of the label reader 

Indicate the degree of severity of the hazard 

Indicate the severity of the hazard 

Text of the statements has been harmonised 

There are two signal words in the GHS 

Danger 

Warning 

Harmonised statements are assigned to each 

hazard class and category, and have been codified 

(a numbering system has been applied to them for 

ease of reference) 

Allocation of harmonised label elements 

83 

84 

The GHS includes an appendix which specifies the 

harmonised label elements for each hazard class 

and category: 

Pictogram 

Signal word 

Hazard statement

Precautionary statements 

85 

Germ Cell Mutagenicity 

There are 5 types of statements: 

Classification 

Category 1A/1B 

Category 2 

General 

Prevention 

Response 

Storage 

Disposal 

These have been assigned to hazard classes and 

categories 

Symbol 

Signal Word 

Hazard 

Statement 

Precautionary 

Statement: 

Prevention 

Response 

Danger 

H340 

May cause genetic defects 

(state route of exposure if it is 

conclusively proven that no other 

routes of exposure cause the 

hazard) 

P201 Obtain special instructions 

before use 

P202 Do not handle until all safety 

precautions have been read 

and understood. 

P281 Use personal protective 

equipment as required. 

P308 IF exposed or concerned: 

P313 Get medical advice/attention. 

Warning 

H341 

Suspected of causing genetic 

defects (state route of exposure if 

it is conclusively proven that no 

other routes of exposure cause the 

hazard) 

P201 Obtain special instructions 

before use 

P202 Do not handle until all safety 

precautions have been read 

and understood. 

P281 Use personal protective 

equipment as required. 

P308 IF exposed or concerned: 

P313 Get medical advice/attention. 

Storage 

P405 Store locked up. 

P405 Store locked up. 

Disposal 

P501 Dispose of contents/container 

to ... 

P501 Dispose of contents/container 

to ... 

Precautionary pictograms 

87 

Product and supplier identification 

88 

Some systems may choose to illustrate 

precautionary information using pictograms. 

These are not harmonised in the GHS. 

Chemical identity required for substances 

For mixtures either: 

All the ingredients contributing to the hazard of 

the mixture/alloy, or 

All the ingredients contributing to any health 

hazards presented by the product other than 

irritation 

Supplier identification required on all labels, 

including name, address, and phone number 

Other label provisions 

89 

Supplementary information may also be required 

or permitted by competent authorities to provide 

other items such as directions for use 

Competent authorities should also specify how 

often labels are to be updated 

Anything wrong? 

Contact 

details…

The GHS label 91 

Combination GHS/Transport Label 

92 

The GHS label 

Combination GHS/Transport Label 

GHS Safety Data Sheet 

93 

SDS 

94 

Comprehensive sources of information about 

substances and mixtures 

16 sections specified in a given order of 

information 

Provides information about the hazards, but also 

information to establish risk management 

programs 

Audiences for the 16 sections vary, but include 

workers, safety engineers, physicians, and other 

professionals providing protection to exposed 

people 

Information in the beginning sections have a 

broad audience 

More detailed, technical information included in 

following sections 

Required for substances/mixtures meeting criteria; 

mixtures containing chronic hazards above cutoffs; 

and unclassified substances or mixtures as 

required by competent authorities 

SDS sections 

95 

SDS sections, cont. 

96 

1. Identification of the substance/mixture and 

supplier 

2. Hazards identification 

3. Composition/information on ingredients 

4. First aid measures 

5. Firefighting measures 

6. Accidental release measures 

7. Handling and storage 

8. Exposure controls/personalprotection 

9. Physical and chemical properties 

10.Stability and reactivity 

11.Toxicological information 

12.Ecological information 

13.Disposal considerations 

14.Transport information 

15.Regulatory information 

16.Other information including information on 

preparation and revision of the SDS

Pilot Training Material: Chapter 2 , Lesson 2 

Questions: 

1. What is the purpose of the information provided under the GHS? 

2. What are the primary means of conveying information about 

chemicals in the GHS? 

3. What is the difference between hazard and risk communication? 

4. What kind of information is considered Confidential Business 

Information under the GHS? 

5. What label elements are harmonised under the GHS? 

6. What other information is required on a GHS label? 

7. What are the signal words used in the GHS? 

8. What does a GHS pictogram look like? How is it different from a 

transport pictogram? 

9. Are workplace labels the same as GHS labels? 

10. What is an SDS used for? 

11. How many sections are in an SDS? 

Hazard/Risk Communication 

…in practice

Summary: Chemicals Management 

Approach should be geared to risk management: 

See specimen SDS 

• Identification and evaluation of hazard(s) (Hazard 

Assessment including classification) 

• Identification and evaluation of exposure (Exposure 

Assessment) 

• Identify risk(s) = combination of hazard and exposure 

(Risk Characterisation) 

• Identify precautions for use that result in acceptable 

exposure for particular hazard(s) (Risk Management) 

• Get message to users and other stakeholders – e.g. 

on Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (Hazard/Risk 

Communication) 

Additional Reading 

Additional Reading 

• Globally Harmonised System of Classification and 

Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), United Nations 

Publication, Sales No., Third revised edition, United 

Nations, New York and Geneva, 2009. 

• UNITAR (2005) Developing a National GHS 

Implementation Strategy, Guidance Document to 

support implementation of the Globally Harmonised 

System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 

(GHS), Pilot edition, 15 August 2005, Geneva, 

Switzerland. 

• IOMC (2008) : Assisting Countries with the 

Transition Phase for GHS Implementation - Tools 

and resources of the Inter-Organization 

Programme for the Sound Management of 

Chemicals (IOMC) to support implementation of 

the Globally Harmonized System of Classification 

and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), November 

2008. 

• US Occupational Safety and Health 

Administration (OSHA) Guide to the Globally 

Harmonised System of Classification and 

Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), 2006. 

Contacts 

Training and Capacity Building Programmes in 




CH-1211 Geneva 10 

Switzerland 

Fax: + 41 22 917 8047 

Email: gpghs@unitar.org 

Website:www.unitar.org/cwm 

107 

Evaluation of Pilot Training 

MOST IMPORTANT!! 

1. Each individual to complete the evaluation 

questionnaire 

2. In groups consider the following and report back 

to the plenary session (you may wish to appoint 

a Chair and a rapporteur): 

• Where more detail is needed 

• What was most relevant and why 

• What was least relevant and why 

• Any sectoral considerations 

• Any African considerations 

• Any other comments to help improve this training package

Photo Credits 

109 

UNITAR (Zambian chemical worker) 

US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation 

Board (chemical incidents) 

US Environmental Protection Agency (heavy 

equipment operation) 

Additional Information for 

Compilation of SDS 

Why Do We Need SDS? 

WHO SHOULD PROVIDE A SDS? 

WHY DO WE NEED SAFETY DATA SHEETS ? 

To provide comprehensive information about hazards and 

safety precautions 

For substances and mixtures 

Primarily for use in the workplace 

The information provided enables the employer: 

- to develop risk management measures specific to the 

workplace 

- to consider measures to protect the environment 

- to provide information for other target audiences 

consumers 

emergency responders 

transport workers, etc. 

The supplier provides the recipient (company) with a SDS 

For professional use (SDS do not normally need to be provided 

to the general public; some companies make available) 

SDS requirements and responsibilities relate to manufacturers 

and importers and downstream users 

Distributors must ensure that SDS are provided with the 

substances/mixtures they sell 

SDS follow products down the supply chain 

DISTRIBUTION OF SDS 

REVISION OF SDS 

A SDS should be supplied: 

• Free of charge 

• On paper or electronically (new) 

• In the official language where the substance or 

mixture is placed on the market (national/local 

provisions may apply) 

SDS should be updated if: 

• new data becomes available on hazards or data which 

may affect risk management measures 

• a restriction or other legal condition is imposed. 

It is good practice for updated SDS to be provided to 

all recipients of the SDS during the preceeding 12 

months

CONTENT 

SDS should contain: 

- a clear description of the data used to identify the 

hazard(s) 

SDS - Overview 

The SDS 

• Required content 

• - 

minimum information where applicable (to the specific 

product) and available (to the entity preparing the 

SDS) 

• Obligations for writers 

• - 

• - 

no blanks - if specific information is not applicable or 

available the SDS should clearly state this 

additional information may be required 

• local amendments such as national classifications 

• national or regional related information 

• Exposure reduction 

• Supply for non-skilled workers 

Obligations for Writers of SDS 

Function of the SDS 

No qualification required (national law may 

Obligations for writers 

apply) but 

Need to be ‘competent’ to classify 

Must be prepared to answer questions 

Must be able to communicate 

[personal comment: good advice available from UK 

CHCS www.chcs.org.uk] 

Communication of hazard 

Advice for safe handling 

Advice for remedial action 

Legal requirement 

Risk management 

= Responsible care 

Risk management (i.e. risk reduction) 

Good Safety Data Sheets….. 

Inform users of a hazard being present 

Help identify what the hazard is 

Advice on reduction of exposure 

Advise on remedial action in case of 

exposure e.g. workplace, spill, transport 

FORMAT 

SDS: 

• should be written in a clear and concise manner 

• should be prepared by a competent person 

• information should be presented in a consistent and 

complete form 

• language should be simple, clear and precise 

• date of issue and version number should be stated 

• page numbers and an indication of the end of SDS 

should be included

Tips for Good SDS 

Communication - SDS 

Words to avoid when writing… 

‘Suitable’ [protective clothing] 

- Specify (e.g. butyl rubber gloves) 

‘Appropriate’ [disposal method] 

- Specify (dispose by incineration) 

‘Toxic’, ‘Irritant’, ‘Corrosive’ 

- unless product is classified that way 

Headings 

FORMAT (2) 

1. Identification of the 

substance/preparation and of 

the company/undertaking 

2. Hazards identification 

3. Composition / information 

on ingredients 

4. First-aid measures 

5. Fire-fighting measures 

6. Accidental release measures 

7. Handling and storage 

8. Exposure controls / personal 

protection 

9. Physical and chemical 

properties 

10. Stability and reactivity 

11. Toxicological information 

12. Ecological information 

13. Disposal considerations 

14. Transport information 

15. Regulatory information 

16. Other information 

SAFETY DATA SHEETS – SECTION 1 


Identification 

Hazard identification 

Identification of the substance or mixture 

GHS product identifier (as in the label) 

Other unique identifiers 

Recommended use of the chemical 

Restrictions on use 

Supplier’s details 

in Section 15 of SDS 

only supplier and manufacturer 

exist in GHS, not importer 

Classification of the substance or mixture 

Hazard class 

Category 

GHS label elements 

Signal words 


Precautionary statement 

C&L information 

is in Section 15 

. 

– Name, full address and phone number 

– Emergency phone number 

. 

Pictograms 

Other hazards which do not result in classification 

Section 2: Hazard identification 


Physical (flammability, explosivity) 

Composition/information on ingredients 

Substances 

Chemical (oxidising, reactive) 

Chemical identity (CAS, IUPAC name) 

Acute toxicity (irritation, corrosivity) 

Common name, synonym of the substance 

Identification number (CAS number, (EC number)) 

Systemic toxicity (organ damage) 

Chronic toxicity (long-term damage) 

Classified impurities and stabilizing additives 

Mixtures for all hazardous ingredients present above their 

cut-off level 

Chemical identity 

Acute environmental effects 

Identification number 

Concentration range or exact percentage 

Accumulative environmental effects


First aid measures 

Description of measures subdivided by route of 

exposure 

Most important symptoms/effects, acute and 

delayed 

If needed, indication of 

Immediate medical attention 


Fire fighting measures 

• Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media 

• Specific hazards arising from the chemical (e.g. 

combustion products) 

• Special protective equipment and precautions for 

fire-fighters 

Special treatment 


Accidental release measures 

Personal precautions, protective equipment and 

emergency procedures 

Environmental precautions 


Handling and storage 

Precautions for safe handling 

Conditions for safe storage, including 

incompatibilities and specific storage requirements 

Methods and materials for containment and 

cleaning up 


Exposure controls/personal protection 

Control parameters 

Occupational exposure limits (if relevant) 

Biological limit values (if relevant) 

Appropriate engineering controls 

Individual protection measures including personal protective 

equipment (PPE) 

Deliberate contact (e.g. use) 

Accidental contact (e.g. spills) 

Secondary contact (e.g. via the environment) 

Reduce exposure = reduce risk 



Physical and chemical properties 

Appearance 

Odour 

Odour threshold 

pH 

Melting point/freezing point 

Initial boiling point and 

boiling range 

Flash point 

Evaporation rate 

Flammability (solid, gas) 

Upper/lower flammability or 

explosive limits 

Vapour pressure 

Vapour density 

Relative density 

Solubility (ies) 

Partition coefficient: n-octanol / 

water 

Auto-ignition temperature 

Decomposition temperature 

Viscosity 

And any other physical or chemical parameter


Stability and reactivity 

Reactivity 

Specific data for substance or mixture if 

available 

General data for class of chemical 

Chemical stability (under normal ambient 

conditions, storage and handling) 

Possibility of hazardous reactions (conditions) 

Conditions to avoid (e.g. heat, pressure, shock, 

vibration) 

Incompatible materials 

Hazard decomposition products 

Section 11 - Toxicity 

Section 11 - toxicity 

Record toxicological hazards resulting in 

classification (or no classification), including 

decisions not to classify as CMR 

Estimate missing data only if it can be justified 

For mixtures, calculate effects 

Add other information to help a skilled reader 

(e.g. doctor) to make an informed judgement 

Avoid general statements (eg non-toxic) 



Toxicological information 

Provides data for all the health hazards covered by the GHS 

• Acute toxicity 

• Skin corrosion /irritation 

• Serious eye damage / irritation 

• Respiratory or skin sensitization 

• Germ cell mutagenicity 

• Carcinogenicity 

• Reproductive toxicity 

• TOST-single exposure 

• TOST-repeated exposure 

• Aspiration hazard 

. 

SAFETY DATA SHEETS – SECTION 11 (CONT) 

Information on the likely routes of exposure 

inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact 

Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological 

characteristics 

Delayed and immediate effects and chronic effects 

from short or long term exposure 

Numerical measures of toxicity 

such as dose, concentration, condition of exposure 

Interactive effects 

Information on substance or mixtures as used 

Where specific chemical data are not available, data on 

chemical class may be used 

Ingredients information if data on mixture not available 

Section 12 - Ecotoxicity 


Record hazards resulting in classification (or no 

classification) 

Estimate missing data only if it can be justified 

For mixtures, calculate effects 

Careful of terminology for biodegradation 

For mixtures, consider accumulation potential 

of components 

Ecological information 

Provides information to evaluate the environmental 

impact of the substance or mixture if it were released 

• Toxicity (aquatic and terrestrial if available) 

• Persistence and degradability 

• Bioaccumulative potential 

• Mobility in soil 

• Other adverse effects 

e.g. environmental fate, ozone depletion potential, 

etc.


Disposal considerations 

Information for proper disposal of 

substance or mixture and its contaminated 

containers 

Preferred waste management options 


Transport information 

Transport by road, rail, sea and air 

UN Number 

UN Proper Shipping Name 

Transport hazard classes 

Packing group, if applicable 

Environmental hazards (marine pollutant) 

Special precautions for user 


Regulatory information 

Regulatory information not provided elsewhere in 

the SDS 

Safety, health and environmental regulations 

specific for the chemical in question 

e.g. prohibitions, restrictions, in Countries 

or Regions 

Country specific legal requirements 

C&L information in this section of ‘old’ SDS 

has moved to section 2 although worth repeating here 

Section 16 - Information 

Date of preparation of the latest version of the SDS 

Clear indication of the changes made to the previous 

Section 16 revision - information 

Key/legend to abbreviations and acronyms used in the SDS 

Key literature references and sources for data used to compile 

the SDS 

Full text of phrases used in sections 2 and 3 

Uses advised against 

Training needs 

Plus: Your chance to add information you think will help the 

reader

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