National GHS implementation in Belarus: preparatory stage

1. National GHS implementation in Belarus: preparatory stage Dr. Irina Zastenskaya, Republican Scientific Practical Center of Hygiene, Belarus

2. Implementation of GHS • Present situation • Main reasons for GHS implementation • Challenges for GHS implementation

3. HAZARD ASSESSMENT SCHEME (implemented according to normative documents) HAZARD ASSESSMENT Acute toxicological effects evaluation Sub-chronic/chronic effects evaluation Evaluation of remote effects genotoxicity mutagenicity embryotoxicity embryothrophic teratogenicity neurotoxicity … Acute toxicity irritation sensibilization skin resorption Effects on endocrine system Metabolic effect Patho-morphological immunological gonadothrophic … Act of toxicological and hygienic expertise Classification, permission for use

4. Current approach for classification and labeling • Classification: Based on toxicity chemicals and wastes are divided into 4 classes: 1 – extremely dangerous; 2 – highly dangerous; 3 – dangerous; 4 – slightly dangerous. Based on specific effects, the chemicals are divided into: allergenic; irritating; carcinogenic; fibrogenic. • Labeling of chemicals, pesticides and waste provides mainly information needed for their transportation and is regulated by national standards (according to European Agreement on International Road Transportation of Dangerous Goods). The labeling system that is used in Belarus does not meet modern requirements of informing about hazards posed by chemicals, pesticides and waste.

5. National system of labeling and classification and GHS

6. Reasons for GHS implementation in Belarus Because there are lacks and problems with classification and labeling such as: • lack in risk communication • acute and chronic poisonings at working place • 250 thousand workers are in contact with toxic chemicals • chemical industryinclude 15% of the total industrial production • high level of export of chemicals (25% of the national export ) • legislation as to dissemination of information about risks of chemicals for workers does exist but tools and mechanisms to do so are not available • Belarus has agreements with neighboring states about the acceptance of chemicals risk characterization from Belarus and in Belarus from these states GHS could provide the tools to fill in the gaps and solve problems

7. Challenges for implementation of GHS in BelarusLegislation adaptation and change

8. Academia (science sector) Ministries and agencies: health, environment, agriculture, labor, emergency, custom, economy, industry, trade,etc. Inspectorates: sanitary, environment, emergency, labor Industry associations (concerns) Trade Unions Students Employers Workers Consumers Challenges for implementation of GHS in BelarusEducation and awareness raising

9. Challenges for implementation of GHS in BelarusAdaptation of infrastructure, cooperation of stakeholders • Improvement of intersectorial cooperation (interministerial commission, target working groups, including all stakeholders) • Evaluation of technical infrastructure potentialities: capability for testing, data collecting and handling

10. Challenges for the implementation of GFS in BelarusSocial and economic impact • Social rights of workers: will GHS implementation call changes or not? compensations for work with chemicals (shorter working week, longer vacation, additional payments, etc.) • Economic: industry, business and trade development resources (financial, human and other) for GHS implementation

11. Thanks For your attention