Overview
This library is intended to provide guidance for people interested in the latest publicly available resource documents related to the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), and chemical hazard communication more generally.
The library contains around 400 documents. Due to the complexity and the high number of resources available, the library has been organized into three search options to facilitate research:
All documents are included in each possible search option. For convenience, it is possible to return to the top of the page with the links provided after each table.
View by Topic
The View by Topic search option presents the documents sorted by seven different categories. Under each category the documents are presented with the title, organization, date and language of the document (which is the link to download the document itself). Each category groups relevant documents determined by their contents: GHS Documents, International Instruments, Regional Documents, National Documents and Legislation, Capacity Building Projects and Initiatives, Guidance, Awareness Raising and Training Materials, and Meetings and Workshop Reports.
View by Country/Organization
The View by Country/Organisation searchable version is divided into two different parts.
The first part consists of a list of national documents, presented by country. Under each country the documents can be viewed by topic, they are presented with the title, the organization, the date and the language of the document (which is the link to download the document itself).
The second part is a list of different organizations which have produced relevant documents. These documents can be reached in two ways: using the alphabetical quick link on the top of the main page, or with the complete list of organizations on the left. Each document is presented under the name of the corresponding organization, with its title, the country or region, the date and the language of the document (which is the link to the document itself).
View All Documents
The View All Documents section contains all the documents registered in the second Edition of the Capacity Building Library. The information is sorted by Year (24 years from 1967 until 2007) or by Region (Africa, Asia, Europe, International, North America, Oceania, and South America). It is also possible to sort only documents that are directly related to or refer to the GHS.
GHS Documents
This section of the library contains the first revised edition 2005, the GHS itself as reviewed by the United Nations Economic and Social Council's Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Visit the GHS website for corrigenda and updates: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/ghs_rev01/01files_e.html
International Instruments
This section includes the texts of relevant international instruments developed under the auspices of the United Nations or its specialized agencies or in close cooperation with the United Nations, which are useful tools for effective GHS implementation. Although worldwide implementation of these instruments is recommended by the United Nations, careful attention has to be paid to the scope of each of them, notably to their recommendatory or legally-binding character, and to their status. International agreements/conventions are legally binding only in countries which are contracting parties to them. In certain cases, the provisions of certain conventions may become legally binding in countries which are not contracting parties through other legal mechanisms. Some instruments, which are described as recommendations or standards may have acquired legally-binding status through national or regional law. Users of this library are therefore strongly advised to consult the website related to these instruments to obtain more detailed information, or to consult the organization responsible for such instruments directly. It is important to note that most of these instruments are yet fully compliant with the GHS. Updated versions and corrigenda for these instruments should be checked regularly at the web sites of the organizations concerned.
Regional Documents
This section contains a wide range of regional instruments that may be of potential interest as they address classification, labelling and hazard communication. The Regional Documents consist of a compilation of publications from regional organisations, such as European Union, African Union, etc. Updated versions and corrigenda for these documents should be checked at the websites of the organizations concerned.
National Documents and Legislation
National Documents provide samples of frameworks for developing countries, as they reflect the GHS Implementation process in its different stages. They may not, however, fully comply with United Nations policy documents listed above or with the GHS. It is expected, however, that many of them will be amended to reflect the GHS in the near future, thus contributing to the target of worldwide GHS implementation by 2008. Updated versions and corrigenda for these documents should be checked at the websites of the organizations concerned.
Capacity Building Projects and Initiatives
This section contains information and documents about past and existing capacity building projects and initiatives, including the pilot UNITAR/ILO GHS Capacity Building Programme. It should be noted however, that some documents contained here have been prepared during the development phase of the GHS and are not necessarily consistent with the latest GHS document adopted by the United Nations in 2005. They are provided for information purposes only, and in the case of discrepancy with the GHS, the official text of the GHS, as provided in section 1, takes precedence.
Guidance, Awareness Raising and Training Materials
This section contains materials providing guidance and training on GHS-related topics, including the draft UNITAR/ILO guidance documents. It should be noted however, that some documents contained here and in the sections below have been prepared during the development phase of the GHS and are not necessarily consistent with the latest GHS document adopted by the United Nations in 2005. They are provided for information purposes only, and in case of discrepancy with the GHS, the official text of the GHS, as provided in section 1, takes precedence.
Meeting and Workshop Reports
This section contains reports of national, regional and international meetings and workshops regarding GHS implementation and chemical hazard communication initiatives, including the UNITAR/ILO/OECD WSSD Global GHS Partnership. |
