Wednesday Morning: All SCHB Sessions are at the Washington Plaza Hotel, Jefferson Room. The hotel is located at 10 Thomas Circle N.W, (see map).Global Harmonization of Safety Challenges Facing the Chemical Industry
Co-sponsored by BMGT, CHAS, PROF, and GLOBAL
J. E. Sabol, L. M. Stroud, and J. L. Bryant, Organizers
8:30 — Introductory Remarks.
8:40 —19. The SAFETY Act and its impact on the chemical community.
Bruce Davidson, Deputy Director, Department of Homeland Security, S&T/SAFETY Act, Washington, DC
Abstract: The goal of the SAFETY Act is to encourage the development and deployment of new and innovative anti-terrorism products by providing important legal liability protections for producers of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technologies - whether they are products or services. Developers or producers of chemical related technologies intended to deter acts of terrorism may not know that they may be eligible to receive SAFETY Act protections. Such protections could save millions of dollars by limiting exposure to "claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism" where their qualified anti-terrorism technologies have been deployed. In a few words, the aim of the SAFETY Act is to protect those who protect us. OSAI reaches out to ACS attendees to help them understand this incredibly important and relevant Act of Congress. The SAFETY Act, the application process, and discussion focus on relevant information to the chemical community will be presented.
9:25 —20. GHS and OSHA's current communications standard.
Maureen Ruskin, Ruskin, Directorate of Standards and Guidance, OSHA, U.S. DOL, Director, Office of Chemical Hazards - Metals, Washington, DC
Abstract: The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) is a global initiative addressing the increasingly interdependent worldwide economy. The GHS addresses the need for a common international set of standard criteria for classifying chemicals for their potential health, physical and environmental hazards, as well as, specifying what information should be included on labels and safety data sheets of these chemicals. GHS's primary objective is to promote better protection of health and the environment by providing the necessary information in a common worldwide vocabulary to insure the safe handling, management and transport of chemicals. GHS safety data sheets and labels elements are the foundation programs to ensure the safe use of chemicals. The system is intended for use by all users of chemicals from researchers, manufacturers, general industry workers to emergency responders and consumers.
9:55 — Intermission.
10:05 —21. U.S. DOT addresses GHS implementation changes within hazardous materials regulations.
Shane C. Kelley, Office Of Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S Department of Transportation, Washington, DC
Abstract: The presentation will provide an update on GHS implementation within the U.S. Hazardous Materials Regulations, including a focus on efforts to address marine pollutants via recent rule making action under docket HM-215J. U.S. DOT ensures the safe transportation of hazardous materials by air, highway, rail or water. This system is used by federal, state and local governmental agencies responsible for the safety of hazardous materials transportation. Data from this system are also used by industry, news media and the general public. Small businesses and chemistry laboratories will need to understand how GHS implementation will affect their compliance and activities.
10:35 —22. EPA activities and programs that would be affected by implementation of GHS.
Mary Frances Lowe, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. EPA, Arlington, VA
Abstract: EPA activities and programs will be affected by implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS, formally endorsed by the UN Economic and Social Council in 2003, provides a common, internationally comprehensible approach to classifying chemicals according to their hazards and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. GHS includes classification criteria for physical hazards, health hazards, and aquatic toxicity and addresses how labels and safety data sheets convey information about these hazards to protect people and the environment. GHS goals include all chemicals, consistent with the U.S. regulatory framework, to: (1) improve public health and environmental protection and promote safer transport, handling and use of chemicals; (2) facilitate compliance and international trade by promoting greater consistency in regulatory requirements; (3) reduce the need for testing and evaluation; and (4) assist countries in developing strategies for the sound management of chemicals.
11:05 —23. Challenges and opportunities for laboratory safety in implementing the Global Harmonization System.
Robert H Hill Jr., Atlanta Analytical Services, Battelle Memorial Institute, Atlanta, GA
Abstract: Scientists across the world work in laboratories where they handle collectively thousands of chemicals in relatively small quantities in their experiments and laboratory operations. A key component of this work is laboratory safety and recognizing hazardous chemicals. Over the years systems have been established for this purpose in the U.S. With GHS implementation, laboratory workers will face new challenges and opportunities including learning the new GHS system, identifying GHS hazard classes of existing inventories, and resolving conflicts and confusion between GHS and existing hazard identification systems, such as the NFPA Diamond. The change in U.S. laboratories with GHS will result in time with a uniform, useful hazard identification system providing wider access to chemical inventories across the world boosting exchanges of chemicals and chemical information. GHS will provide opportunities for business in providing services related to GHS implementation, such as teaching GHS and classifying hazardous chemicals into GHS.
11:35 — Concluding Remarks.