INTERORGANIZATION PROGRAMME ON	IOMC/HCS/95

SOUND MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS	14 January 1996

COORDINATING GROUP FOR THE HARMONIZATION

CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS

REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE AND WORK PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION

1.	The production and use of chemicals are fundamental factors in the economic development of all countries, whether they are industrialized or developing. In one way or another, chemicals affect directly or indirectly the lives of all humans and are essential, among other areas, to their feeding, their health or their well being. This omnipresence of chemicals in all economic sectors has traditionally resulted at the national level in the elaboration of sector-specific regulations (transport, industry, environment, health, agriculture, commerce, consumer products, labour). The increasing recognition of the potentially catastrophic dimension of an unsafe use of chemicals, regardless of economic sector boundaries, is leading to a global approach to the management of risks related to the use of chemicals, i.e. the establishment of control mechanisms covering the full life cycle of chemicals.

2.	The first and most essential step leading to safe use of chemicals is that knowledge related to their identity, their health and physical hazards and the means to control them, is readily available at a reasonable cost, preferably before they are put on the market. Furthermore, this inherently complex knowledge must be organized in such a way that the essential information on the hazards from chemicals and the corresponding protective mea sures can be identified and conveyed to users in a form that is easy to understand, particularly to non specialists. In the context of chemical safety, the hazard classification and labelling process, including provisions for the dissemination of specific safety and health information is the essential tool for the establishing an effective information transfer interface between hazard assessment and risk assessment and management of chemicals. The degree of hazard each chemical represents for humankind and the environment can then be recognized easily and unequivocally, the correct preventive actions be taken, and safe use achieved.

3.	Only a small number of classification and labelling systems with established use experience, each addressing specific use patterns and groups of chemicals, exist already at the national, regional and international levels. International harmonization of classification and labelling systems for chemicals, including pure substances and mixtures will increase the health and safety awareness of chemical users, facilitate international trade in chemicals, and reduce duplicative animal testing and other work related to classification. By adopting within the past three years a number of important resolutions, international agreements and recommendations, member States have confirmed the importance of harmonizing at the international level the classification and labelling of chemicals.

BASIS FOR ACTION

4.	The present Terms of Reference provide guiding principles, procedures and workplans for undertaking the technical work for harmonizing existing systems of classification and labelling of chemicals. They are based on the finding of the 1992 ILO Report on the Size of the Task of Harmonizing Existing Systems of Classification and Labelling for Hazardous Chemicals. In January 1992, the Intersecretariat Committee of the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS), endorsed the establishment of a Coordinating Group for the Harmonization of Chemical Classification Systems (CG/HCCS) to promote and oversee this work.

5.	The following international instruments, Conference resolutions and intergovernmental and inter-
organizational decisions are the basis for action toward achieving a globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals:

(a)	the 1989 ILO Resolution concerning harmonization of systems of classification and labelling for the use of hazardous chemicals at work;

(b)	the ILO Chemicals Convention (No. 170), 1990 and its accompagnying Recommendation (No. 177);

(c)	the 1992 UNCED Recommendations in Agenda 21, Chapter 19 on environmentally sound management of chemicals, programme area B, concerning harmonization of classification and labelling of toxic chemicals;

(d)	the Resolution on priorities for action, Programme area B, adopted by the 1994 International Conference on Chemical Safety after being constituted as the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety;

(e)	the decision by the Inter-Organization Coordinating Committee(IOCC) of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) to have the CG/HCCS report to the IOMC instead of the IPCS;

(f)	the UN Economic and Social Council Resolution 1995/6 on the Role of the Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods in the development of a harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals for the implementation of Chapter 19 of Agenda 21.

Additional background information is provided in Annexes 1 and 2.

PURPOSE OF HARMONIZATION

6.	In Chapter 19 of Agenda 21, UNCED defines the objective of harmonization as "a globally harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000". An internationally harmonized chemical classification and labelling system will:

(a)	enhance the protection of mankind and the environment by providing an internationally comprehensible system for hazard communication;

(b)	provide a recognized framework for those countries without an existing system;

(c)	reduce the need for testing and evaluation of chemicals.

(d)	facilitate international trade in chemicals whose hazards have been properly assessed and identified on an international basis.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

7.	The work of harmonization of classification and labelling of chemicals should be directed by the following principles and definitions:

(a)	the level of protection offered to workers, consumers, the general public and the environment should not be reduced as a result of harmonizing the classification and labelling systems;

(b)	the hazard classification process refers only to the hazards arising from the intrinsic properties of chemical elements and compounds, and mixtures thereof, whether natural or synthetic;

(c)	harmonization means establishing a common and coherent basis for chemical hazard classification and communication, from which the appropriate elements relevant to means of transport, consumer, worker and environment protection can be selected;

(d)	the scope of harmonization includes both hazard classification criteria and hazard communication tools, e.g. labelling and chemical safety data sheets, taking into account especially the four existing systems identified in the ILO report;

(e)	changes in all these systems will be required to achieve a single globally harmonized system; transitional measures should be included in the process of moving to the new system.

(f)	the involvement of concerned international organizations of employers, workers, consumers, and other relevant organizations in the process of harmonization should be ensured;

(g)	the comprehension of chemical hazard information, by the target audience, e.g. workers, consumers and the general public should be addressed;

(h)	validated data already generated for the classification of chemicals under the existing systems, should be accepted when reclassifying these chemicals under the harmonized system;

(i)	a new harmonized classification system may require adaptation of existing methods for testing of chemicals;

(j)	in relation to chemical hazard communication, the safety and health of workers, consumers and the public in general, as well as the protection of the environment, should be ensured while protecting confidential business information, as prescribed by the competent authorities.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COORDINATING GROUP

8.	Through a consensual process, the CG/HCCS catalyses the development of a globally harmonized classification and hazard communication system for chemicals, according to an established workplan. This implies a role of effective coordination and overseeing of activities undertaken by international, regional and national bodies, including the input of international employer, supplier, worker, consumer and environmental organizations who express an interest in working on specific aspects of harmonization. The functions of the Coordinating Group are to:

(a)	plan and undertake, or delegate, coordinate and oversee the work of various national and international bodies on the tasks required to achieve the UNCED target for the harmonization of chemical classification and labelling systems;

(b)	gain agreement of the concerned bodies on priorities, schedules and workplans for such tasks;

(c)	establish, promote or operate mechanisms for consultation, negotiation and mediation among those bodies having a direct interest; and

(d)	plan for and make arrangements for decisions to be taken on viable harmonization options where no agreement can be reached through negotiation.

(e)	ensure that the harmonization process delivers benefits for human health and environmental protection;

(f)	ensure that harmonization proposals are cost-effective;

(g)	ensure that all interested parties are consulted;

(h)	promote the benefits of a harmonized system;

(i)	consider and elaborate options for translating the technical work of harmonization into an instrument or recommendations applicable at the national level.

STRUCTURE OF THE COORDINATING GROUP

9.	The CG HCCS includes representatives of Member States with established classification and labelling systems, intergovernmental organizations and programmes having an interest in this area or administering specific international or regional systems, interested international non governmental organizations of suppliers, employers, workers and consumers, and international non governmental organizations concerned with the protection of the environment. Annex 3 provides the current list of participating bodies. The CG/HCCS is led by a Chairman and a Vice Chairman elected for a two-year term from among the government representatives of Member States in the Group. The ILO provides the secretariat of the Coordinating Group. The CG/HCCS reports to the Inter- Organization Coordinating Committee (IOCC) of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC).

PROCEDURES

10.	The CG/HCCS meets on a semi-annual basis. It may invite experts to its policy meetings and establish working parties, as necessary.

11.	The CG/HCCS, through appropriate consultations, sets-up priorities and identifies focal points responsible for specific activities as defined in the workplans. As appropriate, it assists the focal points in establishing working parties which may be composed of several national agencies, research institutions, members of the private sector and other interested bodies. Each working party is responsible for ensuring the completion of specific task(s) assigned.

12.	The CG/HCCS, through its secretariat, assists the focal points in their tasks. It communicates to the focal points the planned activities, establishes procedures for liaison, coordination and reporting, and initiates actions. When appropriate, the human resources of the secretariat may be strengthened through secondments from industry or governments. The secretariat may also recruit experts to prepare specific studies.

13.	The CG/HCCS activities are further elaborated as follows in relation to the requirements for managing five stages in the harmonization process.

Analysis

14.	The first stage is a factual comparative analysis of the elements of existing classification and labelling systems. This can be accomplished effectively by the preparation of reports or discussion papers followed by a review in writing or by working group discussion with the process managed by a national or international body acting as focal point. The CG/HCCS, ensures that in overseeing the process that it is well planned and that the review is broad, rigorous and, therefore, credible.

Synthesis

15.	The reviews can have three main results:

(a)	Experts believe that there is substantial agreement among the systems analyzed concerning the element or issue under review. A proposal for a harmonized element can be drafted based on the identified common ground. In some cases, this synthesis is combined with the analysis stage.

(b)	Where the analysis shows that there are differences among two or more systems concerning the element under review, options may be prepared for further comment and discussion, along with a rationale or basis for each option.

(c)	In some cases, the element in question, may be treated in vastly different ways in the different systems, because of policy or still unclear scientific basis. More work or discussion is required before the analysis and synthesis can be carried out. The CG/HCCS will assist the focal point in developing plans for such follow-up work.

16.	In developing proposals for harmonization, the focal point should seek and consider the views of interested parties and take into account the costs of alternative proposals. Details of these matters should be included in the presentation of options to the CG/HCCS.

Consultation

17.	The CG/HCCS ensures that the analytical reports and the proposals are factually correct and determines whether a harmonization proposal has broad support. It is accomplished through delegating the responsibility to the national or international body undertaking the work, or by appropriate distribution by the CG/HCCS Secretariat to national authorities and to relevant international bodies and stakeholders seeking formal agreement on a harmonization proposal.

18.	Where there are different possible harmonization proposals, the CG/HCCS Secretariat should survey national authorities and relevant international bodies to determine the level of support for the different proposals for the harmonization of the classification element in question.

Negotiation and mediation

19.	Open technical discussion tends to build consensus around a viable proposal. The CG/HCCS will extend such discussions of the representatives of governments and relevant international bodies to include informal and formal negotiations among them to seek common ground. In some instances the CG/HCCS might use mediation techniques to resolve differences of view and build consensus. Such negotiation and mediation efforts could take place as an extension of the regular meetings of the CG/HCCS.

Decision-making process

20.	Where and when the negotiations or mediation do not result in agreement on a harmonization proposal, a mechanism is needed for taking decisions on the various issues in question and for ensuring that such decisions are binding on the countries and international bodies which administer the classification systems affected by the decisions.

21.	The CG/HCCS should frame the issues to be addressed in the decision-making mode. Questions to be addressed include: whether or not harmonization of a specific issued should be forced by a vote; and if so, by whom, when and how (e.g. by majority vote). However, to decide those issues, as well as the ultimate decision on the options, would likely require a high-level Meeting or Conference.

PLAN OF ACTION

22.	UNCED Agenda 21, Chapter 19 calls for harmonization of classification and labelling systems by the year 2000. The initial focus of the CG/HCCS activity is on the criteria and related test methods for each of the hazard categories. The target for completion of the harmonization of criteria is late 1996 so that the criteria package can be considered by the IFCS meeting in early 1997 and by the CSD meeting in mid 1997.

23.	This work will be followed by, or overlapped by work on the harmonization of the names of the various hazard sub-categories defined by the criteria, and work on the corresponding symbols or pictogramme.

24.	Parallel activities on a number of other hazard communication items such as labels, standard phrases, etc. will be planned and undertaken so that all items could be linked or integrated in 1998-1999.

25.	Once completed, the set of harmonized proposals will be taken through one of the international instruments to be proposed by the CG/HCCS and selected by the IFCS .

AREAS FOR HARMONIZATION ACTIVITIES

26.	Based on the ILO Report on the Size of the Task of Harmonizing Existing Systems of Classification and Labelling for Hazardous Chemicals and results of discussions in the ensuing meetings, the following elements have been identified for prioritization and action.

HEALTH HAZARDS

(a)	Acute health hazards criteria, including irritants; corrosive to biological tissues; acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation);

(b)	Long term health hazards criteria, including chronic toxicity (including target organ effects); sensitization; carcinogens; effects on reproduction/development; mutagens.

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

(c)	Flammable materials : solids, liquids, aerosols, gases;

(d)	Reactive materials : explosive materials, oxidizing substances including peroxides; reactive substances; substances corrosive to metals.

(e)	Compressed gases

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

(f)	aquatic environment (fresh water, marine environment)

(g)	soil and terrestrial environment,

(h)	atmospheric environment.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION:

(i)	Labelling: minimum data element requirements; graphic hazard symbols (pictograms, colours, frames); comprehensibility of written and graphic hazard warnings; method for the selection of proper hazard symbols and risk and safety phrases.

(j)	Chemical safety data sheets: format; data elements; harmonization of phraseology; phraseology comprehensibility; means of dissemination on a worldwide basis.

(k)	Training in hazard communication: (transport, consumers and workplace). Includes principles for the elaboration of training packages for compilers and users.

SPECIAL HAZARDS

(l)	radioactive materials,

(m)	hazardous wastes.

CLASSIFICATION METHODS FOR PREPARATIONS (MIXTURES):

(n)	preparation of appropriate harmonized methods.

Annex 1

BACKGROUND

1.	The involvement of international organizations in the field of classification and labelling of chemicals started in the early fifties. In 1952, the International Labour Organization (ILO) called on its Chemical Industries Committee to study the classification and labelling of dangerous substances. In 1953, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) created within the Economic Council for Europe, the UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN CETDG). This Committee elaborated the first internationally recognized classification and labelling system for the purpose of transporting dangerous goods. It was first published in 1956 as the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN RTDG). UN organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as other international and regional bodies covering all transport modes use the RTDG as a basis for classification and labelling of chemicals for the purpose of transport. The RTDG are now included in the transport legislation of most of the UN member States and are also used for labelling chemicals in the workplace in a large number of developing countries. A number of classification and labelling systems for chemicals have been elaborated by regional organizations such as the European Communities and by individual member States such as Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA, to cover consumers, workers and the environment.

2.	The ILO adopted in 1989 a Resolution concerning the harmonization of systems of classification and labelling for the use of hazardous chemicals at work, and in 1990, a Convention (No.170) and a Recommendation (No.177) concerning safety in the use of chemicals at work. In response to the Resolution, the ILO evaluated the size of the task of harmonizing classification systems and issued a report which was further reviewed at a consultation of experts (Geneva, 14-15 November 1991) and presented to the Director General of the ILO in December 1992 after appropriate updating to reflect recent developments.

3.	The Joint Meeting of the Chemicals Group and Management Committee of the OECD endorsed on 20 November 1991 the participation of the OECD in international ongoing and future harmonization activities, particularly those initiated within the IPCS. A Clearinghouse led by the CEC, Sweden and the USA was established to undertake harmonization of classification criteria for acute oral toxicity and hazard to the environment.

4.	Proposals for the establishment, within the IPCS, of a Coordinating Group for the Harmonization of Chemical Classification Systems (CG/HCCS), were recommended at the ILO Consultation of Experts (Geneva, 14-15 November 1991) and elaborated between the ILO, the WHO, UNEP, the Secretariat of the UN Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN CETDG) and the OECD in the course of two meetings in Geneva (29 November 1991) and London (19 December 1991). The establishment of the Coordinating Group was endorsed by the IPCS Intersecretariat Coordinating Committee at its 29 January 1992 meeting in Geneva. At its second meeting (Geneva, 23 March 1992), the secretariat (ILO) of the Coordinating Group was asked to draft a Workplan for achieving harmonization within a reasonable period of time and to include in this workplan a set of general principles, the elements of the classification and hazard communication process for the purpose of prioritization and, where possible, an assignment of priorities and tasks.

5.	In its adopted Agenda 21, more particularly in Chapter 19 regarding the environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) (3-13 June 1992, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), has identified harmonization of classification and labelling of chemicals by the year 2000 as being one of the six action programmes (see Annex 1), and has recommended that "...the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) should be the nucleus for international cooperation on environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals.

6.	In April 1994, the International Conference on Chemical Safety (ICCS), held in Stockholm, Sweden, established an Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) which adopted a resolution defining priorities for action to achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals worldwide. The priorities relevant to harmonization of chemical classification and labelling included recommended completion deadlines of 1997 for classification criteria and 2000 for completion of hazard communication elements. Another key priority was the consideration of an international framework to translate the technical work of harmonization into an instrument or recommendations applicable legally at the national level.

7.	In November 1994, six intergovernmental organizations, namely the WHO, ILO, UNEP, FAO, UNIDO and the OECD have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding establishing an Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC). The Memorandum came into force in March 1995 after its signature by the six participating organization. This umbrella programme will coordinate the chemical safety activities of the six partners through an Inter-Organization Coordinating Committee (IOCC). The existing IPCS will remain as a joint technical programme of WHO, ILO and UNEP within the framework of the IOMC. At its first official meeting of the IOCC in Rome (June 1995) it was decided that the CG/HCCS would report to the IOCC rather than to the IPCS. Both the Secretariats of the Forum and the IOCC are located in WHO, Geneva.

8.	The central role of the CG/HCCS in coordinating and overseeing the work of harmonizing existing systems of classification and labelling of chemicals was acknowledged by the UNCED, further reaffirmed by the ICCS in 1994. The Intersessional Group of the Forum, at its March 1995 1st meeting in Bruges, Belgium, requested the Group to elaborate a plan of action to translate the technical work of harmonization into an instrument or recommendation applicable at the national level.

ANNEX 2

UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

EXCERPTS FROM CHAPTER 19 OF AGENDA 21

RELATED TO HARMONIZATION OF CLASSIFICATION

AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS

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Excerpt 1:

ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND MANAGEMENT OF TOXIC CHEMICALS

INCLUDING PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

IN TOXIC AND DANGEROUS PRODUCTS

CHAPTER 19

INTRODUCTION

19.1.	A substantial use of chemicals is essential to meet the social and economic goals of the world community and today's best practice demonstrates that they can be used widely in a cost-effective manner and with a high degree of safety. However, a great deal remains to be done to ensure the environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals, within the principles of sustainable development and improved quality of life for humankind. Two of the major problems, particularly in developing countries, are (a) lack of sufficient scientific information for the assessment of risks entailed by the use of a great number of chemicals, and (b) lack of resources for assessment of chemicals for which data are at hand.

19.2.	Gross chemical contamination, with grave damage to human health, genetic structures and reproductive outcomes, and the environment, has in recent times been continuing within some of the world's most important industrial areas. Restoration will require major investments and development of new techniques. The long-range effects of pollution, extending even to the fundamental chemical and physical processes of the Earth's atmosphere and climate, are becoming understood only recently and the importance of those effects is becoming recognized only recently as well.

19.3.	A considerable number of international bodies are involved in work on chemical safety. In many countries work programmes for the promotion of chemical safety are in place. Such work has international implications, as chemical risks do not respect national boundaries. However, a significant strengthening of both national and international efforts is needed to achieve an environmentally sound management of chemicals.

19.4.	Six programmes are proposed:

(a)	Expanding and accelerating international assessment of chemical risks;

(b)	Harmonization of classification and labelling of chemicals;

(c)	Information exchange on toxic chemicals and chemical risks;

(d)	Establishment of risk reduction programmes;

(e)	Strengthening of national capabilities and capacities for management of chemicals;

(f)	Prevention of illegal international traffic in toxic and dangerous products;

In addition, the short final subsection G deals with the enhancement of cooperation related to several programme areas.

19.5.	The six programmes areas are together dependent for their successful implementation on intensive international work and improved coordination of current international activities, as well as on the identification and application of technical, scientific, educational and financial means, in particular for developing countries. To varying degrees, the programmes areas involve hazard assessment (based on the intrinsic properties of chemicals), risk assessment (including assessment of exposure), risk acceptability and risk management.

19.6.	Collaboration on chemical safety between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS) should be the nucleus for international cooperation on environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals. All efforts should be made to strengthen this programme. Cooperation with other programmes, such as those of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the European Communities (EC) and other regional and governmental chemical programmes, should be promoted.

19.7.	Increased coordination of United Nations bodies and other international organizations involved in chemicals assessment and management should be further promoted. Within the framework of IPCS, an intergovernmental meeting, convened by the Executive Director of UNEP, was held in London in December 1991 to further explore this matter (see paras. 19.75 and 19.76).

19.8.	The broadest possible awareness of chemical risks is a prerequisite for achieving chemical safety. The principle of the right of the community and of workers to know those risks should be recognized. However, the right to know the identity of hazardous ingredients should be balanced with industry's right to protect confidential business information. (Industry, as referred to in this chapter, shall be taken to include large industrial enterprises and transnational corporations as well as domestic industries.) The industry initiative on responsible care and product stewardship should be developed and promoted. Industry should apply adequate standards of operation in all countries in order not to damage human health and the environment.

19.9.	There is international concern that part of the international movement of toxic and dangerous products is being carried out in contravention of existing national legislation and international instruments, to the detriment of the environment and public health of all countries, particularly developing countries.

19.10.	In resolution 44/226 of 22 December 1989, the General Assembly requested each regional commission, within existing resources, to contribute to the prevention of the illegal traffic in toxic and dangerous products and wastes by monitoring and making regional assessments of that illegal traffic and its environmental and health implications. The Assembly also requested the regional commissions to interact among themselves and to cooperate with the United Nations Environment Programme, with a view to maintaining efficient and coordinated monitoring and assessment of the illegal traffic in toxic and dangerous products and wastes.

PROGRAMME AREAS

Excerpt 2:

B. Harmonization of classification and labelling of chemicals

Basis for action

19.24.	Adequate labelling of chemicals and the dissemination of safety data sheets such as ICSCs (International Chemical Safety Cards) and similarly written materials, based on assessed hazards to health and environment, are the simplest and most efficient way of indicating how to handle and use chemicals safely.

19.25.	For the safe transport of dangerous goods, including chemicals, a comprehensive scheme elaborated within the United Nations system is in current use. This scheme mainly takes into account the acute hazards of chemicals.

19.26.	Globally harmonized hazard classification and labelling systems are not yet available to promote the safe use of chemicals, inter alia, at the workplace or in the home. Classification of chemicals can be made for different purposes and is a particularly important tool in establishing labelling systems. There is a need to develop harmonized hazard classification and labelling systems, building on ongoing work.

Objectives

19.27.	A globally harmonized hazard classification and compatible labelling system, including material safety data sheets and easily understandable symbols, should be available, if feasible, by the year 2000.

Activities

(a)	Management-related activities

19.28.	Governments, through the cooperation of relevant international organizations and industry, where appropriate, should launch a project with a view to establishing and elaborating a harmonized classification and compatible labelling system for chemicals for use in all United Nations official languages including adequate pictograms. Such a labelling system should not lead to the imposition of unjustified trade barriers. The new system should draw on current systems to the greatest extent possible; it should be developed in steps and should address the subject of compatibility with labels of various applications.

(b)	Data and information

19.29.	International bodies including, inter alia, IPCS (UNEP,ILO,WHO), FAO, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and OECD, in cooperation with regional and national authorities having existing classification and labelling and other information-dissemination systems, should establish a coordinating group to:

(a) Evaluate and, if appropriate, undertake studies of existing hazard classification and information systems to establish general principles for a globally harmonized system;

(b) Develop and implement a work plan for the establishment of a globally harmonized hazard classification system. The plan should include a description of the tasks to be completed, deadline for completion and assignment of tasks to the participants in the coordinating group;

(c) Elaborate a harmonized hazard classification system;

(d) Draft proposals for standardization of hazard communication terminology and symbols in order to enhance risk management of chemicals and facilitate both international trade and translation of information into the end-user's language;

(e) Elaborate a harmonized labelling system.

Means of implementation

(a)	Financial and cost evaluation

19.30.	The Conference secretariat has included the technical assistance costs related to this programme in estimates provided in programme area E. They estimate the average total annual cost (1993-2000) for strengthening international organizations to be about $ 3 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order of magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b)	Human resource development

19.31.	Governments and institutions and non-governmental organizations, with the collaboration of appropriate organizations and programmes of the United Nations, should launch training courses and information campaigns to facilitate the understanding and use of a new harmonized classification and compatible labelling system for chemicals.

(c)	Capacity-building

19.32.	In strengthening national capacities for management of chemicals, including development and implementation of, and adaption to, new classification and labelling systems, the creation of trade barriers should be avoided and the limited capacities and resources of a large number of countries, particularly developing countries, for implementing such systems, should be taken in to full account.

Excerpt 3:

G. Enhancement of international cooperation relating to several of the programme areas

19.75.	A meeting of government-designated experts, held in London in December 1991, made recommendations for increased coordination among United Nations bodies and other international organizations involved in chemical risk assessment and management. The meeting called for the taking of appropriate measures to enhance the role of IPCS and establish an intergovernmental forum on chemical risk assessment and management.

19.76.	To further consider the recommendations of the London meeting and initiate action on them, as appropriate, the Executive Heads of the WHO, ILO, and UNEP are invited to convene an intergovernmental meeting within one year, which could constitute the first meeting of the intergovernmental forum.

Annex 3

CURRENT LIST OF THE BODIES

PARTICIPATING IN THE CG/HCCS

as of October 1995

MEMBER STATE INSTITUTIONS:

AUSTRALIA	Worksafe Australia

CANADA	Human Resources Development Canada - Labour Program

JAPAN	Ministries of Health, Environment, Labour and Industry

USA	Occupational Safety and Health Administration

UK	Health and Safety Executive

SWEDEN	National Chemicals Inspectorate (KEMI)

Note:	The participation of the competent institutions from Brazil, China, India, theRussian Federation and South Africa is being sought.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS/PROGRAMMES

World Health Organization (WHO)

International Labour Office (ILO)

Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

UN ECE Committee of Experts on Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN CETDG)

Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

REGIONAL BODIES

Commission of the European Union (CEU)

NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

International Council of Chemical Associations (Japan, Canada, Usa, Australia, Europe)

International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME)

International Organization of Employers (IOE)

Hazardous Materials Advisory Council (HMAC, USA)

International Federation of Chemical, Energy and General Workers' Union (ICEF)

International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU)

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

International Organization of Consumers Unions (IOCU)

International Social Security Association, (ISSA)

FOCAL POINTS

OECD	Health hazards and danger to the environment

UN CETDG/ILO	Physical hazards (reactive and flammable materials)

ILO	Hazard communication

SECRETARIAT

International Labour Office, Occupational Safety and Health Branch