Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 6:HOW TO RATIFY & USE ILO CONVENTION NO. 184ON SAFETY & HEALTH IN AGRICULTUREIUF Comment on Article 12Article 12 represents a step forward for many countries in improving chemicals managementat the national level. Article 12 (a) prescribes measures to be taken before chemicals aresold. Importantly, Article 12 (b) places duties on chemical producers, importers, providers,sellers, and those who transfer, store or dispose of chemicals to conform with recognisedsafety and health standards. Article 12 (c) refers to the need to protect the generalenvironment in respect of disposal of empty containers and wastes.Article 13WHAT THE CONVENTIONSAYS1. National laws andregulations or thecompetent authority shallensure that there arepreventive and protectivemeasures for the use ofchemicals and handling ofchemical waste at the levelof the undertaking.WHAT YOUR LAWSSAYAMENDMENTS NEEDEDTO YOUR NATIONAL LAW2. These measures shallcover, amongst otherthings:(a) the preparation,handling, application,storage andtransportation ofchemicals;(b) agriculturalactivities leading tothe dispersion ofchemicals;302 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers