The General Conference of the International Labour Organisation,
Having been convened at Geneva by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office,
and having met in its 77th Session on 6 June 1990, and
Noting the relevant international labour Conventions and Recommendations and, in particular,
the Benzene Convention and Recommendation, 1971, the Occupational Cancer Convention
and Recommendation, 1974, the Working Environment (Air Pollution, Noise and Vibration) Convention and Recommendation,
1977, the Occupational Safety and Health Convention and Recommendation, 1981, the Occupational
Health Services Convention and Recommendation, 1985, the Asbestos Convention and Recommendation, 1986, and the list of occupational diseases, as amended in 1980, appended to the Employment Injury Benefits Convention, 1964, and
Noting that the protection of workers from the harmful effects of chemicals also enhances
the protection of the general public and the invironment, and
Noting that workers have a need for, and right to, information about the chemicals
they use at work, and
Considering that it is essential to prevent or reduce the incidence of chemically
induced illnesses and injuries at work by:
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a) ensuring that all chemicals are evaluated to determine their hazards,
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b) providing employers with a mechanism to obtain from suppliers information about the
chemicals used at work so that they can implement effective programmes to protect
workers from chemical hazards,
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c) providing workers with information about the chemicals at their workplaces, and about
appropriate preventive measures so that they can effectively participate in protective
programmes,
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d) establishing principles for such programmes to ensure that chemicals are used safely,
and
Having regard to the need for co-operation within the International Programme on Chemical
Safety between the International Labour Organization, the United Nations Environment
Programme and the World Health organization as well as with the Food and Agriculture
Organisation of the United Nations and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation,
and noting the relevant instruments, codes and guide-lines promulgated by these organisations,
and
Having decided upon the adoption of certain proposals with regard to safety in the
use of chemicals at work, which is the fifth item on the agenda of the session, and
Having determined that these proposals shall take the form of an international convention;