dr lee hock siang - ministry of manpower singapore

A Great Workforce A Great WorkplaceA Great Workforce A Great Workplace

Dr Lee Hock Siang

Director (OSH Specialists)

Occupational Safety and Health Division

Singapore’s Approach to implementing

the Globally Harmonized System of

Classification and Labeling of Chemicals

© 2010 Government of Singapore 1



Scope

• Hazardous Chemicals

• Globally Harmonized System

• Singapore’s Approach


• Singapore’s Approach

• Key Success Factors

• Challenges

• Summary


• Two men were injured when a chemical spill occurred in a cargo lift

• 7 July 2011

© 2010 Government of Singapore 3Source ST

• 7 July 2011



Worker accidentally mixed

sodium hypochlorite into

hydrochloric acid tank

A Great Workforce A Great WorkplaceA Great Workforce A Great WorkplaceHazard Communication is a Key Element in the

Safe Use and Handling of Chemicals

Labeling


Safety DataSheets (SDS)


1. Policy & strategy

2. Procurement & procurement

3. Register and Safety DataSheet

4. Labelling and Warning Signs

5. Storage and Transportation

6. Risk assessments and control

7. Safe work procedures and Personal

1. Policy & strategy

2. Procurement & procurement

3. Register and Safety DataSheet

4. Labelling and Warning Signs

5. Storage and Transportation

6. Risk assessments and control

7. Safe work procedures and Personal WSH guidelines on Management of

Hazard communication

is an integral part of

Management of

Hazardous Chemical

Programme


Protective Equipment

8. Workplace Monitoring and

Surveillance

9. Information and Training

10. Emergency planning & first-aid

11. Waste disposal

12. Contract work (where applicable)

13. Programme review & audit

Protective Equipment

8. Workplace Monitoring and

Surveillance

9. Information and Training

10. Emergency planning & first-aid

11. Waste disposal

12. Contract work (where applicable)

13. Programme review & audit

WSH guidelines on Management of

Hazardous Chemicals Programme ,

2011


Life cycle of a Chemical



Key Stakeholders

Chemical Manufacturers

Chemical Suppliers

Singapore Chemical

Industrial Council


Industrial Council

Trade Associations

Chemical users

Service providers

Others


Main Competent Authorities

• MOM (Ministry of Manpower)

safety & health aspects of hazardous chemicals at work

• NEA (National Environment Agency)

regulates prescribed hazardous substances of environmental concerns

SCDF


• SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force)

regulates petroleum & flammable substances

• SPF (Singapore Police Force)

regulates explosives

• MPA (Maritime & Port Authority)

controls dangerous goods in ports


What is the GHS ?

� A common and coherent approach

• To define and classify hazards

• To communicate information on labels

Introduction to GHS


• To communicate information on labels

and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Objective of GHS

� To enhance the protection of human

health and the environment.


• Enhances protection of humans and the environment

around the world.

• Facilitates international trade in chemicals,

Benefits of GHS


• Facilitates international trade in chemicals,

whose hazards have been properly assessed and

identified on an international basis


• Hazard classification

• Labels

What is harmonised?


• Labels

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)


• Assignment to a chemical of both:

– Hazard Class (nature of hazard); and

– Hazard Category (degree of hazard).

What is Hazard Classification?


– Based on hazards: intrinsic properties.

– Does not require additional testing


1. Explosives

2. Flammable gases

3. Flammable aerosols

4. Oxidizing gases

5. Gases under pressure

9. Pyrophoric liquids

10. Pyrophoric solids

11. Self-heating substances

12. Substances which, in contact with

water, emit flammable gases

Physical Hazards



6. Flammable liquids

7. Flammable solids

8. Self-reactive substances

water, emit flammable gases

13. Oxidizing Liquids

14. Oxidizing Solids

15. Organic peroxides

16. Corrosive to metals


1. Acute toxicity2. Skin irritation / corrosion3. Eye irritation / serious eye damage 4. Respiratory / skin sensitisation5. Germ cell mutagenicity6. Carcinogenicity7. Reproductive toxicity8. Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT)- single exposure

Health Hazards


8. Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT)- single exposure9. STOT -multiple exposure10. Aspiration hazard

Environmental Hazard

• Hazardous to the aquatic environment


Explosives

Self-reactive substance

Organic peroxide

Flammable substance

Self-reactive substance

Pyrophoric and self-

heating substance

Organic peroxides

Oxidizing substance

GHS (9) Pictograms


Compressed gas Corrosive to metal

Skin corrosion

Serious eye damage

Environmental

hazard

Acute toxicity Acute toxicity

Skin irritation

Eye irritation

Sensitization (Dermal)

Target organ toxicity

Sensitization (Respiratory)

Mutagenicity

Carcinogenicity

Reproductive toxicity

Target organ toxicity

Aspiration hazard


Container Package Labelling


For more information, please refer to SDS


1) Identity of the substance

2) Safety and health information

pertaining to the substance

3) Composition of and ingredients

8) Exposure controls and

personal protection needed

9) Physical and chemical

properties

~ the main hazard communication tool between the chemical suppliers

and the end users.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)


3) Composition of and ingredients

used in the substance

4) First aid measures

5) Fire fighting measures

6) Accidental release measures

7) Precautions to be taken for safe

handling

properties

10) Stability and reactivity of

the substance

11) Toxicological information

12) Ecological information

13) Disposal considerations

14) Transport information

15) Regulatory information

16) Other information


Summary of Spore’s GHS JourneySummary of Spore’s GHS Journey

2002 2005 2006 2007 2008

AlignAlign--

ment of ment of

Law Law

Launch Launch ofof

SS 586 SS 586

Endorsement Endorsement

by APECby APEC

2009 2010

GHS GHS Poster Poster

Transfer of Transfer of

custody of custody of

GHS TF to GHS TF to

MOMMOM

GHS GHS

WebpageWebpage

2011

ACOP of ACOP of

SS SS 586586


Formation of Formation of

GHS GHS

TaskForceTaskForce by by

MTIMTI GHS GHS

GuidebookGuidebook

GHS Road GHS Road

mapmap

GHS GHS

LeafletsLeaflets

GHS GHS Poster Poster

& Post card& Post cardLaunched Launched

MHCP MHCP

(GHS as an (GHS as an

element)element)

GHS Awareness Seminars


Endorsement of GHS

….Ministers encouraged APEC members to work towards implementing the globally harmonized system (GHS) on hazard classification and

APEC Chemical Dialogue

© 2010 Government of Singapore 20® All Rights Reserved

system (GHS) on hazard classification and labelling of chemicals and safety data sheets by 2006, including through capacity building….

14th APEC Ministerial Meeting, 2002


1. Inter-agency Collaboration

Multi-agency government-industry collaboration in

a taskforce on GHS implementation

Multi-agency government-industry collaboration in

a taskforce on GHS implementation

Lead by

© 2010 Government of Singapore 21® All Rights Reserved

Lead by Co-chaired by

Initially 2005, Ministry of Trade & Industry

(MTI)

Now (Sep 2010) Ministry of Manpower

(MOM) Singapore Chemistry

Industry Council (SCIC)


Ministry of Trade and Industry [MIT]

National Environment Agency [NEA]

Singapore Civil Defence Force [SCDF]

Ministry of Manpower [MOM]

Singapore Chemistry Industry Council [SCIC]

National GHS Implementation Task Force


Singapore Civil Defence Force [SCDF]

Singapore Police Force [SPF]

Maritime and Port Authority [MPA]

Standards Productivity and Innovation Board [SPRING]

Health Science Authority [H S A]

Workplace Safety and Health Council [WSHC]

Singapore Institution of Safety Officers [SISO]


• Oversee the adoption of GHS developed by the United Nations.

• Develop strategies and action plan(s), and coordinate the implementation of GHS through capability building, engagement, promotional activities, and compliance assistance.

Functions of Task Force


capability building, engagement, promotional activities, and compliance assistance.

• Provide advice to the Competent Authorities to align relevant legislation with GHS.

• Monitor the progress of GHS implementation.


An official body representing the chemical industry of Singapore in the private sector.

Affiliated to the ASEAN Chemical Industries Club (ASEAN-CIC)

Participates actively in WSHC committees

2. Industry – led Approach


Participates actively in WSHC committees

Co-chairs the National GHS Implementation Task Force

Organises seminars and training workshops on GHS

Publications include Guidebook on GHS

Materials, pamphlets, announcements on GHS seminars found on website: www.scic.sg


• Classify chemical products according to GHS

• Prepare GHS safety data sheets (SDSs) for

classified chemical products,

• Prepare GHS labels for classified chemical

products and

Strategic Role of Chemical Manufacturers


products and

• Ensure proper hazard communication of chemical

products down the supply chain


3. National Implementation Strategy

1. Promoting GHS

2. Building capability in GHS

3. Engaging stakeholders

4. Establishing an effective regulatory

framework

1. Promoting GHS

2. Building capability in GHS

3. Engaging stakeholders

4. Establishing an effective regulatory

framework

5 5 StrategiesStrategies


5. Developing strong partnerships locally

and internationally

5. Developing strong partnerships locally

and internationally

Strategic Outcome:

Implementation of GHS for effective hazard

communication through labeling and safety data sheets

Vision: Safe use of chemicals


4. Engagement of Stakeholders

• Information and Promotion

• Capability Building


• Consultation in standard setting and

implementation



www.wshc.sg/ghs

GH

S


GHS LeafletsGHS Leaflets

1. Fact Sheet

2. Classification

3. Labelling of Chemical

Guidance materials for GHS on

Hazard Communication


3. Labelling of Chemical

Containers

4. Safety Datasheet (SDS)

http://www.siso.org.sg/www/

http://www.wshc.sg/ghs

http://www.scic.sg/•• GHS PosterGHS Poster

•• PostcardPostcard


Guidelines and Courses

• GHS Courses: User and

Classifier

• GHS Guidebook


• GHS Guidebook

• Incorporating GHS into

existing training courses


Seminars, Forums and

Workshops

• Licensees of hazardous substances & flammable materials

• GHS Awareness Seminars target audiences


• GHS Awareness Seminars target audiences

- chemical manufacturers & suppliers

- users of chemicals

- others


Phase Deadline Target Industry Requirement

1A Feb 2012 All Chemical

Manufacturers &

Suppliers

Preparation of GHS

SDSs & Labels for

Single Substances

2A End 2012 All Users of Chemicals GHS Labelling of

5. Phased Implementation Plan

(supported by Industry )


2A End 2012 All Users of Chemicals GHS Labelling of

Containers for Single

Substances

1B Mid 2015 All Chemical

Manufacturers &

Suppliers

Preparation of GHS

SDSs & Labels for

Mixtures

2B Mid 2015 All Users of Chemicals GHS Labelling of

Containers for

Mixtures


Section 16 (Duties of manufacturers / Suppliers of

Hazardous Substances)

Provide information about the safe use of hazardous

substances

Singapore’s6. Supported by legislation and standards

Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006


substances

(i) the precautions to be taken;

(ii) the health hazards associated with the substance;

(iii) the information relating to any tests or

examinations of the substances


Meaning of Hazardous Substances is

in line with GHS classification

1. Corrosive substances

2. Flammable substances

3. Explosives

4. Oxidising substances

5. Pyrophoric substances


7. Organic peroxides

8. Self heating substances


8. Self heating substances

9. Self-reactive substances

10. Substances which in contact with water, emit flammable gases

11. Toxic substances

12. Mutagens

13. Carcinogens

14. Teratogens

15. Sensitizers

16 Irritants

17. Substances hazardous to aquatic environment


WSH (General Provisions) Regulations

Regulation 42 (Warning labels)

Factory occupier shall ensure that every container of

hazardous substance is affixed with one or more labels that


(a) are easily understood by all persons at work

(b) warn of the hazards involved with the hazardous substance; &

(c) specify the precautionary measures to be taken when dealing with the hazardous substance


WSH (General Provisions) Regulations

Regulation 43 (Safety Data Sheet)

(1) Where any hazardous substance is used, handled or stored in a factory, the occupier shall:

(a) obtain a SDS of the substance;


(a) obtain a SDS of the substance;

(b) assess the information in the SDS & take precautionary measures to ensure the safe use of the substance;

(c) make available the SDS to all persons at work who

are liable to be exposed to the substance


Regulation 43 (Safety Data Sheet)

(2) Where any hazardous substance is sold to any person for use

in a factory, the seller or any agent of the seller who caused or

procured the sale shall provide the buyer with a SDS for the

WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006


procured the sale shall provide the buyer with a SDS for the

substance, giving accurate & adequate information on the

substance.


SDS information items are in line with GHS SDS

1 Identity

2 Safety and health hazard

3 Composition& ingredient

4 First – aid measures

5 Fire – fighting measures

6 Accidental release measures

7 Precautions for handling and storage


7 Precautions for handling and storage

8 Exposure control & personal protection

9 Physical & chemical properties

10 Stability and reactivity

11 Toxicological information

12 Ecological information

13 Disposal considerations

14 Transport information

15 Regulatory information

16 Other relevant information


Other Requirements under WSHA’s

subsidiary legislation

• Competent person to take charge of hazardous substances

• Proper storage, usage, handling & disposal

• Workers shall be warned of the hazards & precautions

• Warning notices indicating the nature of danger


• Measures to control exposure & to protect workers vs toxic dust,

fumes & other contaminants

• Regular monitoring of workplace where toxic substances are

used, handled or given off.

• Measures to ensure workers are not exposed to toxic substances

exceeding the PEL

• Risk assessment before commencement of work

• Periodic medical examinations for exposure to certain chemicals


Environmental Protection and Management Act

EPM (Hazardous Substances) Regulations

Requirements on 110 prescribed Hazardous Substances

• A licence is required to import, sell or export any hazardous

substance.

• A permit is required to purchase, store or use any hazardous


• A permit is required to purchase, store or use any hazardous

substance controlled under the Regulations.

• A licence is required to transport any hazardous substance

in quantities exceeding those specified in Regulations before

applying for transport approval.

• Containers, tankers and vehicles must be properly labelled

and carry appropriate hazard warning panels.


Fire Safety Act

Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials)

Regulations• A licence is required to import, transport & store petroleum & flammable

materials above the exemption quantity.

• Petroleum (flash point below 61C), diesel & 237 flammable chemicals & their

mixtures are subjected to licensing control.


mixtures are subjected to licensing control.

• Vehicle transporting, container containing & premises storing regulated

petroleum & flammable materials must be labelled in accordance with SS

586 for hazard communication

• SS 586 requires individual container (e.g. drum, package) for transportation &

storage of hazardous chemicals be labeled in accordance with GHS; vehicle

transporting & premises storing hazardous chemicals be provided with

Emergency Information Panel.


Approved Code of Practice on hazard

communication for hazardous chemicals and

dangerous goods


Included in WSH (Singapore Standards

and Code of Practices) Notification,

effective 15 Feb 2011


1. Strong Government and Industry Commitment

2. Good collaboration among competent authorities

3. Lead agency to champion or drive GHS

4. Strong industry support

Key Success Factors


5. A clear GHS implementation strategy and plan

6. Supported by codes of practice and legislation

7. Phased implementation

8. Engagement and consultation of stakeholders


1. Classification of mixtures

2. Implementation particularly by SME

3. Lack of service providers

4. Keeping up with dynamic changes

5. Small bottle and temporary container labelling

Challenges


5. Small bottle and temporary container labelling

6. Consumer products


1. Recognise the key role of good hazard communications

in chemical safety

2. Work as a coordinated team with full industry

participation and consultation

3. Learn from one another particularly from other

Summary


3. Learn from one another particularly from other

countries’ practices as well as international experts

4. Flexibility in adapting to changes, local conditions and

implementation approaches and timelines

5. GHS implementation is a journey together

dr lee hock siang - ministry of manpower singapore

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