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Introduction to GHS Comprehensibility Testing

Introduction to GHS Comprehensibility Testing. UNITAR Chemicals and Waste Management Programme Date: Location:. Outline. Important definitions Overview of GHS CT Testing Objectives Activities for conducting CT. Definition: Comprehensibility Testing.

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Introduction to GHS Comprehensibility Testing

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  1. Introduction to GHS Comprehensibility Testing UNITAR Chemicals and Waste Management Programme Date: Location:

  2. Outline • Important definitions • Overview of GHS CT • Testing • Objectives • Activities for conducting CT

  3. Definition: Comprehensibility Testing • Comprehensibility testing is a survey based method for obtaining information on the understanding of GHS hazard communication elements among the public.

  4. Definition: Comprehensibility • Comprehensibility refers to the ability of an individual reading a label, warning, or safety data sheet to understand the information sufficiently to take the appropriate precautionary measures

  5. Definition: Chemical Hazard Communication • Chemical Hazard Communication (CHC) is the process of transmitting hazard information about a chemical with the intention of provoking an intended safety behavior • thisimplies comprehension

  6. Tools for CHC • Labels • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) • 16 sections of information

  7. Hazard information on labels and SDS 1. Pictograms • For example: • Skull and cross bones: ACUTELY TOXIC 2. Signal Words • alert to potential hazards and indicate a level of severity of hazard • For example: “danger” is used for more severe hazards and “warning” for less severe hazardous chemicals

  8. Hazard information on labels and SDS, cont’ 3. Hazard Statements • A short phrase summarizing the nature of the hazard and the degree of the hazard • For example: “may be harmful if inhaled” 4. Precautionary statements • A phrase (and/or pictogram) that recommends measures to take to prevent exposure and indicate proper storage and handling • For example: “Use only in well ventilated areas”

  9. Objectives of GHS CT • CT is a key tool for assessing the effectiveness of chemical hazard communication within a country • CT provides important feedback for developing a chemical hazard communication system and targeted training • CT highlights within sectors and work positions areas of comprehension difficulties in regard to the label & SDSs • CT data informs situation and gap analysis

  10. Objectives of GHS CT, cont’ • Testing results identify: • Label and SDS comprehension problem areas in order that implementation plans can incorporate appropriate training and awareness raising campaigns, • Where capacity building is needed within each sector and capacity building required for successful GHS implementation.

  11. Administration of CT • Interview format: one-on-one questionnaire between an interviewer and subject • Six modules • Targeted sectors: • Industrial workplaces • Agriculture • Transport • Consumers • Up to 200 subjects interviewed (~50 respondents per sector)

  12. Examples of CT testing subjects Industry • garment factories and laundry facilities • chemical industry company • pesticide production company • rubber company • paper company • battery company • glass company • plastics company • Respondents from 3 levels: • Top management • Middle management • Workers

  13. Examples of CT testing subjects Agriculture • vegetable and fruit farmers • plantations • agricultural chemical seller • farm trainer or extension • members of Farmers Associations

  14. Examples of CT testing subjects Transport • cargo companies (land and sea) • dry port (warehouse keepers) • chemical shipping facilities • chemical transporting • customs and goods inspection agencies

  15. Examples of CT testing subjects Consumer • house-keepers • beauty/hair salon owners • chemicals shop owners • workers in informal sector • general consumers

  16. Double benefit of CT • Collects data needed for GHS implementation, capacity building and identifies training needs • “Trains” interviewee through awareness development and access to hazard information

  17. Activities for the CT • Training Workshop • Overview presentation on hazard communication and CT • Questionnaire training and practice • Discussion and question session • Field Testing Practice • Training will continue with pilot testing at a subset of companies, farms, factories and consumer markets,

  18. Activities for the CT, cont’ • Comprehensibility testing The CT team should carry on with the full CT in target sectors • Data analysis and reporting

  19. Thank your very much for your attention!

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