On March 6th, the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) published on its website the Department Order No. 136-14 “Guidelines for the Implementation of Global Harmonized System (GHS) in Chemical Safety Program in the Workplace”.
The Order applies to all workplaces engaged in the manufacture, use and storage of industrial chemicals (see Note 1), aiming at protecting workers and properties from hazards resulting from the chemicals in the workplace.
The Order requires GHS classification of industrial chemicals used in the workplace, as well as corresponding GHS labels, SDSs. The Order states that “the establishment shall always adopt the latest version of GHS” while the provided guidelines were drafted in accordance with the 3rd revised edition of the UN GHS. This may cause confusion in the industry.
Additionally, the Order emphasized that an integrated management system of work safety on chemicals should be established and maintained, with roles and responsibilities of employers, employees and the Safety & Health Committee (see Note 2) elucidated respectively. All concerned parties should take active part in the Chemical Safety Programs (see Note 3) launched by the establishment.
All establishments in Philippines using industrial chemicals are required to comply with the Department Order within one year upon its effective date, which is yet to be decided pending the final review. (CL follow-up report: Clarifying Philippines GHS Implementation Timeline)
GHS implementation in Philippines features a stepwise transition timeframe, following the principles established in the Joint Administrative Order No.1 of 2009 “Adoption and Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals”. In addition to industrial chemicals, the Philippines Department of Health proposed in 2013 to implement GHS for consumer products. (See Chemlinked news) However, no updated information has been heard since then.
Note 1: Industrial chemicals mean chemical in any of the following conditions: (Defined in Order No. 136-14)
Chemical manipulations are carried out even in small scale;
Multiple chemical procedures and/or chemicals are used in the manufacturing or production process;
The storage process and handling are also included; or
Chemical wastes collection and disposal.
Note 2: A Safety and Health Committee is organized within an establishment to plan, develop, and implement worksite programs on occupational safety and health (OSH) approved by the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC-DOLE). A periodic change in the membership is required to provide an opportunity for other workers to become members and participate in safety program planning.
Note 3: A Chemical Safety Program consists of the following essential elements: (Section 6, Order 134-14 provides more detailed information)
Facilities;
Control measure: Engineering controls, Administrative controls;
Workers’ right to know;
Storage requirements and (periodic) inventory
Waste management;
Information and training;
Personal Protective equipment;
Work environmental monitoring;
Occupational health and medical surveillance;
Emergency preparedness and response.
