Safety in the Use of ChemicalsChapter 9Legislation for Chemical Safety |
Realising the implications of the use of chemicals, every government has framed laws which aim at eliminating and minimizing the dangers in the use of chemicals. Laws relating to chemical safety are usually found under different pieces of legislation. Different countries may have different patterns of legislation. Different authorities and agencies have been made responsible for the implementation of these laws. It is important to know which laws govern a particular aspect of chemical safety. These laws deal mainly with the following areas:
- Safety and health at work
- Agricultural chemicals, mainly pesticides
- Food and drugs
- Environmental protection
- Local councils and bodies
- Control of explosive substances
- Forestry and wildlife protection
- Waterways protection
- Maritime legislation
It would be best if most countries could agree on a uniform pattern of legislation, but because of different economies and national laws, there are different kinds of laws in different countries. In fact, the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, provide very useful background principles on which countries can frame their own laws according to local procedures. The aim of this organization is to help provide good working conditions and social justice for workers all over the world. It works in close co-operation with governments, workers' and employers' representatives.
The conventions of the ILO are the result of long discussions and debate between different interest groups and in general reflect the consensus of opinion among different parties. The provisions of ILO Convention 170 on "Safety in the use of Chemicals at Work" can be adopted in any of the laws relating to the use of chemicals including production, handling, storage, transport, disposal and other activities in which workers are likely to come in contact with chemicals.
Classification of chemicals
As we have seen, different chemicals pose different types of hazards. Some can cause cancer, others can result in fires and explosions. Some may affect the lungs, still others can harm the kidneys or the blood. Many of them are virtually harmless. It becomes much easier to protect ourselves once we know the type of hazard a certain chemical is likely to pose. Therefore it is important to establish some kind of guidelines for classifying chemicals according to their hazardous properties. In fact, this should be the first step in any chemical safety programme or legislation.
Labelling and identifying chemicals
The first source of information and warning about possible risks of a chemical is the label on the container. It is essential that all chemicals should bear appropriate labels and identification marks. In most cases chemicals come disguised as mixtures, bearing fancy names. The label should contain information about the contents, safe use of the chemical, the possible hazards it can pose and the protective measures to be adopted during handling and use.
In addition the actions to be taken in case of exposure should be listed on the label. The labels should be easily understandable. The laws should contain guidelines about the format and contents of the labels.
Chemical safety data sheets
The chemical safety data sheets are more detailed than labels and are an instant source of information about the safety and health hazards of the chemical and the protective measures to be adopted. A safety data sheet must accompany all hazardous chemicals and national laws should set standards and format for the safety date sheets.
A safety data sheet must contain information about the chemical or the ingredients (in case of a mixture), the different names by which the chemical is known, the name and address of the manufacturer and supplier, the hazards the product is likely to cause, safe handling techniques, first aid and other actions in case of emergencies, and the impact on the environment and the disposal measures. It should also have information about the relevant legislation, safety in transportation and storage and any other information which might be helpful in avoiding safety and health problems from the use of the product. (Some sample safety sheets for commonly used chemicals in different formats are given in the end of this text). Suppliers must ensure that all the hazardous chemicals they supply carry adequate labels and that safety data sheets accompany them.
What employers should do
It is the primary duty of employer to run their operations in safe manner. They should strive to provide a hazard-free working environment and minimize or eliminate the risks to the surrounding populations and the environment. They should adopt all necessary measures, such as engineering and administrative controls, to minimize hazards from use of chemicals.
Employers should ensure that chemicals are being used in the required manner. They should train and inform their workers on working safely, avoiding dangers, and see that they are prepared for emergencies. Here the role of government agencies becomes crucial. Governments should set the standards for safety in the use of chemicals and ensure that these standards are being met.
The role of workers
Workers should co-operate with employers in the safe running of enterprises. Their representatives should discuss any problems of safety and health with the employers and keep the workers informed of new developments in the area of safety in the use of chemicals.
Exercise
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