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Third Session on the  Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety
Salvador,Brazil  14-20 October 2000
 
Highlights from Thursday, 19 October

On the fifth day of FORUM III, delegates assembled in morning and afternoon Plenary to discuss, inter alia, the development of a capacity-building network, IFCS Financial Statement, revised Priorities for Action, the Bahia Declaration and the Global Harmonization of Chemical Classification and Labelling Systems. The ad hoc working group on the Bahia Declaration convened in the afternoon and evening. Above photo: Regarding the text for Priorities for Action, delegates raised their flags to signal whether they supported "applying" or "considering" a precautionary approach


 

Plenary:
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Maria Christina Cardenas-Fischer (Colombia) summarized the discussions of the ad hoc working group on IFCS Priorities for Action Beyond 2000. In Programme Area A, on hazard evaluations, she highlighted a reference to "industry," as opposed to "ICCA," initiatives. In Programme Area D, on POPs, she noted: a reference to "toxic" chemicals; and addition of new text requesting the FSC to invite countries and regions to present at FORUM IV risk reduction initiatives on other chemicals of major concern. In Programme Area E, on risk reduction activities, she noted a reference to national "and regional" policies with targets for improving the management of chemicals. She pointed out remaining brackets in introductory paragraphs on the precautionary approach and the efficient coordination of chemical safety endeavors.

Working group Chair Peter Burnett (Australia) introduced amendments made to the draft Bahia Declaration by the working group as of 18 October. He highlighted amendments made to the preamble, call to support priorities, record of progress, areas needing increased effort, commitment to broad approaches, and commitment to specific goals.

 

Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) facilitator Anna-Liisa Sunquist (Finland) outlined the status of the work and plans for implementation of the GHS. She highlighted: the benefits and principles of harmonization; tools required and plans for international implementation; and form and structure of the GHS.

 

 


Side Event: Case Studies sponsored by the Government of Brazil

Guilherme Santana (UNIVALI) presented a case study on "Crisis Management in the Chemical Industry" which addressed key issues in decision making for effective crisis management such as crisis typology, crisis anatomy, stakeholder management and communication in crisis situations.

In his presentation on "Chemical Safety and Governance in Developing Countries", Carlos Freitas (FIOCRUZ) noted the implications of chemical safety in governance and how it affects a country's economic, social and environmental sustainability.


ENB Summary of Second Session IFCS
Linkages Chemicals page
IFCS Secretariat web site with official documents and information for participants
ENB's "Introduction to PIC and POPS"


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