Importance of SAICM Implementation to Industry’s Environmental,

Safety, and Health Programs

Presented by:

June C. BolstridgeGAIA Corporation

8630 Fenton Street, Suite 226 Silver Spring, MD 20910-3813 USA

(001) 301-608-9469 gaiaco@earthlink.net

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Industry’s Responsibilities Under National SAICM

Implementation

Develop information (e.g., PRTRs, GHS) Stay informed about scope of requirements Train employees to meet requirements Track on-site chemical hazards and amounts Assemble data and submit

Apply information Modify processes or use substitute materials Train employees (e.g., procedures,

equipment)

Revise approach to meet ongoing changes

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Industry’s Lessons Learned in Chemical & Waste Management

Local community is businesses’ neighborhood Managers and their families are affected

Improving environmental performance translates to more profitable business Reduce waste = reduce raw material cost Sellable byproducts = reduce disposal cost Less hazardous chemical = less hazard

onsite Healthier community = more able workforce

Public data on chemicals requires context Explain your own data or someone else will

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Considerations for Industry’s Participation in SAICM

Implementation Trade organizations – best for

outreach and addressing industry-specific concerns

Competition can improve outreach Large companies will assist in

developing guidance to assure SMEs also comply

Competing industry sectors will be sure others are notified

SAICM data will be applied for competitive advantage

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Capacity Constraints for Effective Implementation of

SAICM Locally-available training is essential to

SMEs – but more expensive to provide

Industry-specific instructions should be developed with industry or trade group input

Phased-in programs allow learning time– but constant changes will destroy the: Comparability of data between years Credibility of initial successes Willingness of industry to commit resources

Data submission via Internet minimizes costs

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Recommendations: SAICM Implementation &

Industry Compliance and data quality rely on

readily available training and instructional materials

Phasing-in SAICM programs requires care

Business value of chemical and waste knowledge should be emphasized

Management’s attention will be raised if a signature is required on data submissions

Public access to data must be within a context if value of SAICM is to be realized