Singapore's Approach To Implementing The GHS of Classification & Labelling of Chemicals by Dr Lee Hock Siang

A Great Workforce A Great Workplace

Singapore’s Approach to implementing
the Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
Dr Lee Hock Siang
Director (OSH Specialists)
Occupational Safety and Health Division


© 2010 Government of Singapore 1


Scope
• Hazardous Chemicals

• Globally Harmonized System

• Singapore’s Approach

• Key Success Factors

• Challenges

• Summary



• Two men were injured
when a chemical spill
occurred in a cargo lift
• 7 July 2011

Source ST


Worker accidentally mixed
sodium hypochlorite into
hydrochloric acid tank


Hazard Communication is a Key Element in the
Safe Use and Handling of Chemicals

Labeling

Safety Data
Sheets (SDS)



Hazard communication 1. Policy & strategy
2. Procurement & procurement
is an integral part of
3. Register and Safety DataSheet
Management of 4. Labelling and Warning Signs
Hazardous Chemical 5. Storage and Transportation
Programme 6. Risk assessments and control

WSH guidelines on Management of 7. Safe work procedures and Personal
Hazardous Chemicals Programme , Protective Equipment
2011
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


Life cycle of a Chemical



Key Stakeholders

Chemical Manufacturers
Chemical Suppliers
Singapore Chemical
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 (Singapore Civil Defence Force)
regulates petroleum & flammable substances

• SPF (Singapore Police Force)
regulates explosives

• MPA (Maritime & Port Authority)
controls dangerous goods in ports



Introduction to GHS

What is the GHS ?
A common and coherent approach
• To define and classify hazards
• To communicate information on labels
and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Objective of GHS
To enhance the protection of human
health and the environment.



Benefits of GHS

• Enhances protection of humans and the environment
around the world.

• Facilitates international trade in chemicals,
whose hazards have been properly assessed and
identified on an international basis



What is harmonised?

• Hazard classification

• Labels

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)



What is Hazard Classification?

• Assignment to a chemical of both:
– Hazard Class (nature of hazard); and
– Hazard Category (degree of hazard).

– Based on hazards: intrinsic properties.
– Does not require additional testing



Physical Hazards

1. Explosives 9. Pyrophoric liquids
2. Flammable gases 10. Pyrophoric solids
3. Flammable aerosols 11. Self-heating substances
4. Oxidizing gases 12. Substances which, in contact with
5. Gases under pressure water, emit flammable gases
6. Flammable liquids 13. Oxidizing Liquids
7. Flammable solids
14. Oxidizing Solids
8. Self-reactive substances
15. Organic peroxides
16. Corrosive to metals



Health Hazards
1. Acute toxicity
2. Skin irritation / corrosion
3. Eye irritation / serious eye damage
4. Respiratory / skin sensitisation
5. Germ cell mutagenicity
6. Carcinogenicity
7. Reproductive toxicity
8. Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT)- single exposure
9. STOT -multiple exposure
10. Aspiration hazard

Environmental Hazard
• Hazardous to the aquatic environment



GHS (9) Pictograms

Flammable substance Oxidizing substance
Explosives
Self-reactive substance
Self-reactive substance
Pyrophoric and self-
Organic peroxide
heating substance
Organic peroxides

Corrosive to metal Environmental
Compressed gas
Skin corrosion hazard
Serious eye damage

Acute toxicity Sensitization (Respiratory)
Acute toxicity Mutagenicity
Skin irritation
Eye irritation Carcinogenicity
Sensitization (Dermal) Reproductive toxicity
Target organ toxicity Target organ toxicity
Aspiration hazard


Container Package Labelling

For more information, please refer to SDS



Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
~ the main hazard communication tool between the chemical suppliers
and the end users.

1) Identity of the substance 8) Exposure controls and
2) Safety and health information personal protection needed
pertaining to the substance 9) Physical and chemical
properties
3) Composition of and ingredients
10) Stability and reactivity of
used in the substance
the substance
4) First aid measures 11) Toxicological information
5) Fire fighting measures 12) Ecological information
6) Accidental release measures 13) Disposal considerations
7) Precautions to be taken for safe 14) Transport information
handling 15) Regulatory information
16) Other information


Summary of Spore’s GHS Journey
2002 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Align-
Align- Transfer of
Launch of GHS
Endorsement
ment of custody of ACOP of
by APEC Webpage
Law SS 586 GHS TF to SS 586
MOM
GHS Poster
Launched
& Post card MHCP
Formation of GHS Road GHS
GHS map Leaflets (GHS as an
TaskForce by element)
MTI GHS
Guidebook

GHS Awareness Seminars



Endorsement of GHS
APEC Chemical Dialogue

….Ministers encouraged APEC members to work
towards implementing the globally harmonized
system (GHS) on hazard classification and
labelling of chemicals and safety data sheets
by 2006, including through capacity
building….

14th APEC Ministerial Meeting, 2002

® All Rights Reserved © 2010 Government of Singapore 20

1. Inter-agency Collaboration
Multi-agency government-industry collaboration in
a taskforce on GHS implementation

Lead by Co-chaired by

Initially 2005, Ministry of Trade & Industry
(MTI)
Now (Sep 2010) Ministry of Manpower
(MOM) Singapore Chemistry
Industry Council (SCIC)

® All Rights Reserved © 2010 Government of Singapore 21


National GHS Implementation Task Force
Ministry of Manpower [MOM]
Singapore Chemistry Industry Council [SCIC]

Ministry of Trade and Industry [MIT]
National Environment Agency [NEA]
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]



Functions of Task Force
• 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.

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

• Monitor the progress of GHS implementation.


2. Industry – led Approach

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
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



Strategic Role of Chemical Manufacturers
• Classify chemical products according to GHS
• Prepare GHS safety data sheets (SDSs) for
classified chemical products,
• Prepare GHS labels for classified chemical
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
5 Strategies
4. Establishing an effective regulatory
framework
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



GH
S

www.wshc.sg/ghs


Guidance materials for GHS on
Hazard Communication
GHS Leaflets
1. Fact Sheet
2. Classification
3. Labelling of Chemical
Containers
4. Safety Datasheet (SDS)

• GHS Poster http://www.scic.sg/
• Postcard http://www.siso.org.sg/www/
http://www.wshc.sg/ghs



Guidelines and Courses

• GHS Courses: User and
Classifier
• GHS Guidebook
• Incorporating GHS into
existing training courses



Seminars, Forums and
Workshops
• Licensees of hazardous substances &
flammable materials

• GHS Awareness Seminars target audiences
- chemical manufacturers & suppliers
- users of chemicals
- others



5. Phased Implementation Plan
(supported by Industry )
Phase Deadline Target Industry Requirement
1A Feb 2012 All Chemical Preparation of GHS
Manufacturers & SDSs & Labels for
Suppliers Single Substances
2A End 2012 All Users of Chemicals GHS Labelling of
Containers for Single
Substances
1B Mid 2015 All Chemical Preparation of GHS
Manufacturers & SDSs & Labels for
Suppliers Mixtures
2B Mid 2015 All Users of Chemicals GHS Labelling of
Containers for
Mixtures


Singapore’s A Great Workforce A Great Workplace

6. Supported by legislation and standards
Workplace Safety and Health Act 2006
Section 16 (Duties of manufacturers / Suppliers of
Hazardous Substances)

Provide information about the safe use of hazardous
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
6. Gases under pressure
7. Organic peroxides
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;
(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



WSH (General Provisions) Regulations 2006
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
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

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
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.

• 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



Key Success Factors
1. Strong Government and Industry Commitment
2. Good collaboration among competent authorities
3. Lead agency to champion or drive GHS
4. Strong industry support
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



Challenges
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
6. Consumer products



Summary
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
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


Singapore's Approach To Implementing The GHS of Classification & Labelling of Chemicals by Dr Lee Hock Siang

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