QuestionsQuestions (DENR Administrative Order No. 2015- 09)
DAO 2015-09 was issued pursuant to Sections 4(c) and 15 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990), the implementing rules under DENR DAO No. 29 (s. 1992), and the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 01 (s. 2009) on the Adoption and Implementation of the GHS.
DAO 2015-09 aims to (1) develop procedural guidelines for preparation/submission of SDS and labels, (2) strengthen implementation of labeling and re-labeling requirements, and (3) promote awareness and capability for GHS adoption for safe use and management of industrial toxic chemicals.
GHS is a system for harmonizing classification and labeling of chemicals, which (a) defines health, physical, and environmental hazards; (b) uses classification criteria based on available data; and (c) communicates hazard information and protective measures through labels and SDS.
It covers toxic chemical substances and mixtures manufactured, imported, distributed, used, stored, and transported in the Philippines, including those under the Priority Chemical List (PCL), Chemical Control Orders (CCO), high volume toxic chemicals, and dangerous chemicals under IATA and IMDG, including classification, labeling, and SDS requirements.
Single substances/compounds under CCO and PCL: 2016; High Volume Toxic Chemicals: 2017; Toxic chemicals under IATA and IMDG dangerous goods lists: 2018; Mixtures: 2019.
All chemical importers, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors must prepare SDS and labels for covered industrial toxic chemicals and mixtures that meet the harmonized GHS hazard criteria.
SDS and labels must be submitted in GHS format when securing permits/licenses/clearances, transmitted with a notarized letter assuming full accountability, and in accordance with the prescribed SOPs.
Submissions are first screened for GHS compliance by EMB chemical management staff, then reviewed by the GHS Review Committee. Verification by the Committee may be done if necessary, using information from recognized international organizations/principals.
SDS for all toxic chemicals used must be accessible and available to workers at all times. All covered chemicals/mixtures must be labeled/marked visibly, and appropriate pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements must be placed at storage facilities/premises and on transportation/vehicles.
Training must be conducted by a competent person within the company for workers to ensure proper interpretation/identification of labels and correct use of SDS in line with GHS requirements/guidelines.
The product identifier/name/number on the label must be consistent with the composition declared in the SDS, and the label must include the chemical identity of the substances consistent with the SDS composition.
UN number proper shipping must be used on the package if the substance/mixture is covered under the UN RTDG.
Labels must clearly indicate ingredients unless covered by the CBI agreement. CBI claims are limited to the names of chemicals and their concentrations in mixtures, and CBI rules take priority over product identification rules.
Disclosure may be made when CBI protection compromises health and safety of users, or in emergency situations.
The signal words are “Danger” (aDangera) and “Warning” (aWarninga). If “Danger” applies, “Warning” should not appear.
SDS must be presented in English and must be composed of sixteen (16) sections in the GHS order of arrangement and presentation.
An updating of SDS every five (5) years is required, or earlier if there are known changes in product composition that may affect the classification.
Labels and SDS must communicate hazard information through required elements under GHS, including hazard/signal words, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and identification information. SDS must include, among others: hazards identification, composition/ingredients, first-aid measures, firefighting, accidental release measures, handling and storage, exposure controls/personal protection, and transport/shipment information.
The GHS Review Committee is created as a multi-sectoral collegial body (from academe, industry, EMB-Regional Office, chemical management and R&D groups, and concerned government agencies). It reviews and evaluates classification, labeling, and SDS in accordance with the adopted GHS; EMB Director heads it and Chemical Management Section acts as Secretariat.