International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSC)

The cards are data sheets intended to provide essential safety and health information on chemicals in a clear and concise way. The primary aim of the cards is to promote the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. The main target users are workers and those responsible for occupational safety and health. The ICSC project is a common undertaking between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the ILO, with the cooperation of the European Commission.

Type:	Database
Reference:	http://www.ilo.org/dyn/icsc/

Sample safety card: SULPHUR DIOXIDE

To date, more than 1,700 cards are available in English. The cards are prepared by ICSC participating institutions and updated periodically to take into account the latest scientific developments. New cards are proposed by countries or stakeholder groups, while national institutions translate them into different languages.

What information is provided?

Identity of the chemical;
Fire and explosion hazards;
Acute health hazards;
Spillage disposal, storage and packaging;
Preventive measures;
Fire fighting;
First aid;
Classification and labelling;
Physical & chemical properties&dangers;
Short-term and long-term health effects;
Regulatory information;
Environmental data.


The information provided is in line with:
C170 - ILO Chemicals Convention, 1990
R177 - Chemicals Recommendation, 1990
European Union Council Directive 98/24/EC
United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals