Share with

Deadline
11 Oct 2012
The registration is closed.

Classifying and Labelling Chemicals According to the UN GHS (Elearning)

Type
Course
Location
Web-based
Date
-
Duration
7 Weeks
Programme Area
Chemicals and Waste Management
Price
$800.00
Event Focal Point Email
cwm@unitar.org
Registration
Public – by registration
Mode of Delivery
E-learning
Language(s)
English
Pillar
Planet
Data Protection and Privacy
The personal data of participants applying for, registering for or participating in UNITAR's training courses and other events is governed by the Data Protection and Privacy Policy. By applying for, registering for or participating in this event, the participant acknowledges that he or she is, (or they are) aware of the policy and agree to its terms.

Do you need to understand how to classify chemicals or develop and interpret chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS)? Do you wish to gain a better understanding of the basics of chemical safety and how to define and communicate chemical hazards?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was adopted by the UN ECOSOC in 2003. The GHS is an important tool that countries can draw upon to develop national chemical hazard communication systems by providing a basis for the establishment of comprehensive chemical safety programs. Increasingly being implemented around the world, the GHS represents a key step in harmonizing national chemical hazard communication systems worldwide and has great potential to improve chemical safety across all relevant sectors.

In order to provide interested stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and academia with training on the GHS, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is offering this interactive e-learning course. The course is adapted from the GHS training course materials developed by UNITAR, ILO, and OHP (Orange House Partnership), and peer-reviewed by a technical advisory group of UNITAR/ILO in the context of the UN Subcommittee of Experts on the GHS (UN SCEGHS).

Participants will learn about the purpose, scope, and application of the GHS; classification of hazardous substances and mixtures; and hazard communication (labelling and safety data sheets). After completing the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the international policy framework of the GHS and related international chemicals initiatives.
  • Apply GHS criteria in classifying physical, health, and environmental hazards.
  • Select appropriate hazard communication elements.
  • Develop GHS-based labels and safety data sheets.
  • Develop effective hazard communication strategies adapted to specific contexts.

The course consists of the following modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Hazard Classification, Scientific Principles, and Hazard Communication

Module 2: Classification of Physical Hazards

Module 3:  Classification of Health Hazards

Module 4: Classification of Environmental Hazards

Other Course Features:

  • External links to additional books, articles, documents, and websites related to the modules.
  • Course facilitator(s) who are members or former members of the UN SCEGHS; technical support from UNITAR.
  • The course comprises 4 modules spread over 7 weeks for total of approximately 24 learning hours.
  • Participants will be eligible to receive a certificate after the successful completion of the course.

The course is internet-based, moderated by senior international expert(s), asynchronous, and places emphasis on online discussions and self-paced learning. The course pedagogy is adapted to professionals in full-time work. The participants will be primarily responsible for their own learning over the seven-week span of the course. Through 4 distinct modules, it is planned that the course will include the following components:

  • Compulsory and optional reading material, intended to teach key concepts and principles.
  • Practical exercises, quizzes and case studies.
  • A moderated community discussion board will be available for participants to post questions or comments.

The course targets groups and individuals that are interested in obtaining a better understanding about the classification criteria, principles, and hazard communication components of the GHS. They include:

  • GHS competent authorities
  • Civil servants in national Ministries, provincial departments and local authorities (“regulators”)
  • Safety, health and environmental managers in the private sector
  • Private sector/company employees responsible for hazard assessment/classification and preparing labels and SDS
  • Civil society organizations interested in consumer safety, chemicals management, or right-to-know
  • Faculty, researchers and students
  • Interested citizens.

The course participation fee is 800 USD.

For details please contact the UNITAR Chemicals and Waste Management Programme at:  cwm [at] unitar.org (cwm[at]unitar[dot]org).

Register at:  http://www.unitar.org/event/elearning (registration will open on 23 July 2012).

Registration deadline: 8 October 2012 (or until maximum number of course participants is reached).