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Chemicals are used in virtually all work activities thus presenting certain risks in workplaces all over the world. Many new chemicals are put on to the market every year It is therefore essential to establish a systematic approach to safety in the use of chemicals at work. This code of practice provides guidance on the implementation of the Chemicals Convention 1990 (No. 170) and Recommendation 1990 (No. 177) for all those engaged in framing provisions: competent authorities, managers of chemical companies and emergency services. It will also be of use to suppliers employers and workers organizations.

The practical recommendations of the code cover all the elements necessary to ensure an efficient flow of information from manufacturers or importers to users of chemicals They will also enable employers to formulate measures to project workers, the public and the environment. The subjects covered include classification systems, labelling and marking, chemical safety data sheets, design and installation,control measures, work systems, personal protection, information and training, medical surveillance, emergency procedures, monitoring and reporting, and confidentiality.

Contents 
 Preface

 1. General provisions
 1.1 Objective
 1.2 Application
 1.3 Definitions

 2. General obligations, responsibilities and duties
 2.1 Role and obligations of the competent authority
 2.2 General responsibilities of employers
 2.3 General duties of workers
 2.4 General responsibilities of suppliers
 2.5 Rights of workers
 2.6 Confidential information
 2.7 Cooperation

 3. Classification systems
 3.1 General
 3.2 Criteria for classification
 3.3 Method of classification

 4. Labelling and marking
 4.1 General
 4.2 Nature and type of marking
 4.3 Nature and type of labeling
 4.4 Transfer of chemicals

 5. Chemical safety data sheets
 5.1 General
 5.2 Provision of information
 5.3. Content

 6. Operational control measures
 6.1 General principles
 6.2 Procedures for assessment
 6.3 Review of assessment
 6.4 Elimination
 6.5 Control measures for chemicals hazardous to health
 6.6 Control measures for flammable, dangerously reactive or explosive chemicals
 6.7 Control measures for the storage of hazardous chemicals
 6.8 Control measures for the transport of chemicals
 6.9 Control measures for the disposal and treatment of chemicals
 6.10 Programme of action

 7. Design and installation
 7.1 General principles
 7.2 Local exhaust ventilation
 7.3 General ventilation
 7.4 Elimination or control of sources of ignition

 8. Work systems and practices
 8.1 General principles
 8.2 Review of work systems and practices

 9. Personal protection
 9.1 Personal protective equipment
 9.2 Respiratory protective equipment
 9.3 Protective clothing
 9.4 Cleaning and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing
 9.5 Welfare facilities and personal hygiene

 10. Information and training
 10.1 General principles
 10.2 Review

 11. Maintenance of engineering control measures
 11.1 General principles
 11.2 Local exhaust ventilation

 12. Monitoring in the workplace
 12.1 General principles
 12.2 Measuring methods
 12.3 Monitoring strategy
 12.4 Record keeping
 12.5 Interpretation and application of monitoring data

 13. Medical and health surveillance
 13.1 General principles
 13.2 Use of results
 13.3 Keeping of medical records

 14. Emergency procedures and first aid
 14.1 Emergency procedures
 14.2 First aid
 14.3 Fire fighting

 15. Investigation and reporting of accidents,
     occupational diseases and other incidents
 15.1 Investigation of accidents and other incidents
 15.2 Reporting of accidents, occupational diseases and other incidents

 Annex: A possible approach to the protection of confidential information