Update on implementation of GHS in Korea and revision of Industrial Safety and Health Act in relation to GHS.
To implement the globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals (GHS) in Korea, an inter-ministerial GHS committee, involving 8 ministries and an expert working group composed of 9 experts from relevant organizations and one private consultant, have made some progress towards implementation by 2008. As such, the first revision of the official Korean translated version of the GHS in accordance with the GHS purple book revision 1 in 2005, including annexes, started in August, 2006, was completed in December, 2006. The Ministry of Labor also finally revised the Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA) relating to the GHS and the detailed notification was announced on Dec 12, 2006 and became effective immediately. The revised ISHA will allow continued use of the existing hazard communication system until Jun 30, 2008. Other revisions of chemical-related regulations will follow soon to facilitate the implementation of the GHS by 2008. Besides, inter-ministerial collaborative efforts on harmonizing regulations and disseminating the GHS in Korea will continue to avoid any confusion or duplication and for the effective use of resources.
Yu
Il Je
IJ
Korea Environment & Merchandise Testing Institute, 7-44 Songd0-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 406-840, Korea.
Kim
Dong Suk
DS
Lim
Cheol Hong
CH
Choi
Jung Yun
JY
Lee
Je Bong
JB
Chung
Ok-Sun
OS
Kwon
Kyungok
K
Yum
Young Na
YN
Kim
Jeongho
J
Kuk
Won-Kwen
WK
Kim
Kyun
K
D006077:Government Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration; D033161:Government Regulation; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007391:International Cooperation; D007723:Korea / Q000453:epidemiology; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011356:Product Labeling / Q000592:standards
D015386:Hazardous Substances