PRACTICAL GUIDANCE FOR LOGISTICS SERVICE PROVIDERS TO MEET HIGH HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS
A common misconception in our industry is that many logistics service providers don’t care about health and safety since they don’t have the same resources as large oil and chemical companies.
The relationship between logistics service providers and their clients is critical in managing health & safety in the supply chain. It is not only the user or client who selects the logistics service provider, but the latter also has a say in selecting customers. The logistics service provider may look at loyalty versus the cost of maintaining a customer to identify switchers, underperforming relationships, and most valuable clients and partners. Those logistics service providers that pick an opportunity that generates quick cash or take advantage of a rare opportunity in the short term are often running businesses in survival mode. On the other hand, you have those companies that are in growth mode and choose customers that help build capabilities.
Investment in relationships that can build safety capabilities can help you to save money and increase business volume. We have seen several service providers, such as trucking companies, warehouses, ship owners, and tank terminals, thrive in Asia, attracting more global customers once their safety standards improved.
Numerous oil and chemical companies have developed extensive internal safety management systems and rely on comprehensive preventive measures for occupational and process safety, health and environmental protection, and emergency response. They know minimizing risk along the entire supply chain is crucial to surviving. To guarantee safe loading and unloading operations, transportation, and storage, these oil and chemical majors focus on selecting reliable logistics partners using high standards. External logistics service providers are carefully selected and regularly evaluated against high quality and safety standards.
With the new trends in responsible care and sustainability, the major oil and chemical companies expect logistics service providers to take initiatives to improve safety and meet the high requirements to be selected by the shippers. That is often challenging for these service providers since oil and chemical companies do not always guide how to improve or what actions to take.
Four reasons for a potential lack of safety commitment are writing unclear health and safety objectives, possessing a lack of safety commitment, seeing safety as a cost, and ignoring safety incidents. However, on top of these four reasons, often a lack of health and safety expertise is an issue. Important to say is that logistics service providers can easily develop their safety expertise when they get the correct guidance.
Cultural differences can also play a vital role in the success or failure of a supply chain. Imagine the impact of potential differences in safety culture and approach to the safety case. Two people mastering the same language could face difficulties understanding each other due to cultural and behavior differences, for example. This is something that needs to be addressed and managed.
I believe that all logistics service providers and industry players care about health and safety but need practical guidance on how to develop their safety culture, implement safety management systems, mount a successful crisis response, use effective crisis communication, and establish contingency plans.
Author- Rudi Stalmans
Managing Director, ener8
Emergency response articles
India: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has come out with new guidelines to enhance safety in transportation of dangerous, hazardous goods posing threat to public safety, properties and environment
London: International Salvage Union (ISU) pollution prevention survey shows the environmental benefits of the salvage industry in 2022 as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) becomes more important to shipping.
Australia: The National Bulk Tanker Association (NBTA) has this week launched an education program for those involved in the bulk road transport of dangerous goods.
Thailand: Suradej Trongsirivibool, the customs chief at Laem Chabang deep-sea port, said that the 126 tonnes of sulfuric, worth 12.6 million baht and which were in transit, have been impounded because the importer could not produce the required documentation concerning the transit of dangerous goods.
Hong Kong, China: A chemical spill during a class at the Lok Sin Tong Leung Chik Wai Memorial School in Tsing Yi left 11 students with minor injuries.
It is understood that the students, six boys, and five girls, were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, with most of them suffering injuries to their hands. The spill also left a strong odor at the scene.
KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia: Firefighters rushed to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) here after a chemical spill was reported inside a cargo aircraft.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/03/01/bomba-called-in-after-chemical-spill-at-kk-airport
Regulatory Update
Source:
Australia
Australia Announces 2 POPs Ineligible for Introductions at Low Volumes (Updated on Feb 17, 2023)
Feb 17, 2023
The Industrial Chemicals (General) Amendment (Introductions of 10 kg or Less) Rules 2022 was adopted and came into force on November 25, 2022.
Australia SWA Implements GHS Revision 7 from January 2023
Feb 17, 2023
From January 1, 2023, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and users of hazardous chemicals in Australia should use UN GHS Rev. 7 to classify and label hazardous chemicals.
Australia to Provide Additional Classification Information for Dangerous Goods Transport
Feb 23, 2023
Australia’s National Transport Commission (NTC) is consulting on the changes in classification information for dangerous goods under the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road & Rail (ADG Code). Comments are welcome before March 17, 2023.
Australia and New Zealand Consult on New National PFAS Management Plan
Mar 08, 2023
To provide new guidance on the environmental management of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Australia and New Zealand, the Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0 for public consultation in September 2022. The period for comments ended on February 28, 2023.
Australia Restricts Introduction or Use of PeCB and HCB
Mar 13, 2023
In February 2023, PeCB and HCB were removed from the AIIC and announced ineligible for the reported category type called ‘introduction of 10 kg or less’ under the AICIS.
Australia Adds 5 Chemicals to AIIC (Updated on March 23, 2023)
Mar 24, 2023
Chemical substances that are listed in the AIIC can be introduced by any registered introducers (importers or manufacturers).
China
China Revises Measures for Storage of Dangerous Goods by Air Transport
Jan 10, 2023
On December 20, 2022, the Civil Aviation Administration of China issued Measures for the Administration of Temporary Storage of Dangerous Goods by Air Transport (AC-276-TR-2022-01R1) to revise the existing Measures for the Administration of Storage of Dangerous Goods by Air Transport (AC-276-TR-2018-01). It is set to take effect on March 1, 2023 and replace the old version.
China Issues 2023 Catalogue of Dual-use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export Licensing
Jan 10, 2023
On December 30, 2022, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs issued the 2023 Catalogue of Dual-Use Items and Technologies Subject to Import and Export Licensing, which took effect on January 1, 2023. The 2022 version was repealed at the same time.
China Updates Catalogues for Goods Subject to Import and Export Licensing
Jan 11, 2023
For listed goods, the corresponding license requires to be applied for to go through customs clearance and release procedures.
Shanghai Issues Work Plan for New Pollutants Treatment (Updated on Jan 13, 2023)
Jan 13, 2023
To push forward the management of new pollutants, Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment drafted and made public on November 1 the Work Plan for New Pollutants Treatment in Shanghai (Draft) for public comments. Comments are welcome before November 7, 2022.
Meet the Press: China MEE Explains Regulation of New Pollutants for Priority Management
Jan 19, 2023
After issuing the List of New Pollutants for Priority Management on January 13, 2023, China MEE was asked about the background for formulating such a list, its contents and implementation issues. The answers are compiled in a Q&A format on the MEE website on January 13, 2023.
An Overview of New Food Related Products Application in 2022
Jan 23, 2023
In 2022, 37 new FCMs were granted administrative approval, including 10 new varieties of FCM additives, 13 new varieties of resins, 1 new FCM materials, 12 FCM additives with expanded scope, and 1 resin with expanded scope.
Shanghai Customs to Fully Implement New Inspection Mode for Imported Hazardous Chemicals from February 2023
Jan 31, 2023
From February 1, 2023, the new inspection mode for imported hazardous chemicals will be carried out by all the customs (codes of involved customs districts: 2201 ~ 2249) under the jurisdiction of Shanghai Customs.
China Issues GB Standard for Lithium Battery Used in Portable Electronic Equipment
Feb 01, 2023
On December 29,2022, the SAC (Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic) released a new national standard GB 31241-2022 Lithium Ion Cells and Batteries Used in Portable Electronic Equipment—Safety technical specification. It is set to take effect on January 1, 2024 and will replace GB 31241-2014.
China Revises GB Standard for Hazardous Chemicals Warehouse Storage
Feb 01, 2023
On December 29, 2022, China officially released GB 15603-2022 General Rules for the Hazardous Chemicals Warehouse Storage to replace GB 15603-1995 Rules for Storage of Chemicals Dangers. It will come into force on July 1, 2023.
Provinces and Cities in China Release Local Work Plans for New Pollutants Treatment (Updated in Feb 2023)
Feb 07, 2023
Many provincial administrative regions of China, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Sichuan, etc., have released their own work plans for new pollutants treatment. For other administrative regions, the corresponding documents may be made public soon, or later.
China Consults on Revision of RoHS Industry Standard
Feb 08, 2023
On December 30, 2022, China Electronics Standardization Institute started a 15-day public consultation on the draft revision of SJ/T 11364-2014 Marking for the Restriction of the Use of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Product. Four types of phthalates including DIBP, DBP, BBP and DEHP are proposed to be added as restricted substances.
Shanghai to Regulate Microplastics and BPA as Key New Pollutants from March 2023
Feb 08, 2023
On February 3, 2023, the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment released Shanghai’s list of new pollutants subject to priority management, which will come into force on March 1, 2023.
China MEE Consults on Adding 4 Chemicals to IECSC
Feb 13, 2023
On February 13, 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published a notice to solicit comments on the addition of 4 substances to the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances in China (IECSC). Comments are welcome before February 24, 2023.
China NHC to Amend GB 9685-2016 Standard for the Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles
Feb 16, 2023
On February 13, 2023, China National Health Commission (NHC) released the draft of No.1 Amendment Sheet to GB 9685-2016 Standard for the Use of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles, along with other 37 GB food standard drafts. This draft amends three annexes of GB 9685-2016, including Annex A, B and D.
China Reinforces New Chemical Management to Push Forward New Pollutants Treatment
Mar 02, 2023
On February 24, 2023, China’s Solid Waste and Chemical Management Center (SCC) under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) held an online training course on the environmental management of new chemical substances.
30 April 2023: Deadline for 2022 Annual Reporting on New Chemicals in China
Mar 06, 2023
Enterprises that are obliged to submit an annual report shall complete the submission as soon as possible before 30 April 2023, ensuring the chemical activities in China are legal and compliant.
China to Update List of Dangerous Goods
Mar 13, 2023
On March 1, 2023, draft revisions to two national mandatory standards - GB 6944 and GB 12268 were issued for public consultation until May 8, 2023. They help standardize the system for dangerous goods transportation, storage, distribution, and other related activities in China. Once adopted, the revised standards are expected to take effect 12 months after publication and replace their 2012 versions.
Shanghai Customs Extends Pilot Period of New Inspection Mode for Imported Hazardous Chemicals (Updated on Mar 13, 2023)
Mar 15, 2023
On November 25, 2022, Shanghai Customs issued a notice to announce the pilot reform of the inspection mode of imported hazardous chemicals.
China New Chemical Post-registration Obligations
Mar 15, 2023
Enterprises handling new chemicals assume primary responsibilities for the follow-up management of registered new chemicals. They are obligated to fulfill certain post-registration obligations in accordance with MEE Order No. 12 and the Transitional Arrangements for Environmental Registration of New Chemical Substances. Here are the insights into each type of post-registration obligations.
China Imposes Ban on Five POPs
Mar 21, 2023
Prohibitions for HCBD, PCP and its salts and esters, DecaBDE, SCCPs have been in force from March 1, 2023 in China.
India
India Proposes to Revise Standard for Acetylene
Jan 19, 2023
India released a draft revision on Acetylene - Code of Safety for public comments. The standard was originally published in 2000. With a view to update the standard based on the experience of last two decades and on the currently available data, the authority felt a need to revise the standard. The comment period will end on February 28, 2023.IndiaChemical management
India Further Delays Implementation of Quality Control Orders for Ten Substances (Updated on Feb 2, 2023)
Feb 21, 2023
On March 11, 2022, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) published a circular to delay the implementation of mandatory quality control orders (QCOs) for six substances.
India to Revise Standards for Caustic Soda and Hydrochloric Acid
Mar 03, 2023
In February 2023, the Bureau of Indian Standards published two draft standards for public consultation. They are Caustic Soda — Code of Safety (First Revision) and Hydrochloric Acid — Code of Safety (First Revision). Both standards were published around five decades ago and need to be updated based on the past experience and currently available data.
India Updates Exemption Lists under RoHS Rules
Mar 13, 2023
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a notification on January 30, 2023, announcing to amend the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022. The amendment, namely E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2023, shall come into force from April 1, 2023.
India Delays Implementation of Six Quality Control Orders
Mar 20, 2023
Recently, India's Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) announced to delay the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs) for six substances used as plastic materials.
Japan
Japan to Ban PFHxS and Its Salts
Feb 22, 2023
Japan is consulting on a ban on the manufacture and import of PFHxS and its salts and the import of some product types containing them via a partial revision to the Enforcement Ordinance of the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL). Comments are welcome before March 19, 2023.
Japan to Subject 1,469 Substances for Mandatory SDS and Labeling Requirements under ISHL
Mar 13, 2023
Two batches of 1,469 hazardous substances are proposed to mandate SDS and labelling requirements under Japan ISHL.
Japan to Designate NPE as Class II Specified Chemical Substance
Mar 22, 2023
Japan is planning to designate poly(oxyethylene) nonylphenyl ether (NPE) as Class II Specified Chemical Substance.
Malaysia
Malaysia Consults on Revision of Guidelines for OSH Regulation
Feb 21, 2023
On February 10, 2023, Malaysia's Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) initiated an online public consultation to revise the Guidelines for the Preparation of A Chemical Register. Comments are welcome until March 10.
New Zealand
New Zealand Releases Three-year Reassessment Plan for Fifteen Approved Hazardous Substances
Feb 23, 2023
On February 17, 2023, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced a three-year work plan for reassessments of fifteen approved hazardous substances (HS).
New Zealand Proposes to Update Rules on Storage and Disposal of POPs
Feb 28, 2023
On February 20, 2023, New Zealand issued a proposed new EPA notice on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)—the Hazardous Substances (Storage and Disposal of Persistent Organic Pollutants) Notice 2023. Comments are welcome until April 5, 2023.
New Zealand Consults on Eliminating PFHxS and its Salts
Feb 28, 2023
On February 20, 2023, New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) opened up a public consultation on banning perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and related compounds under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act). Comments are welcome until April 5, 2023.
Australia and New Zealand Consult on New National PFAS Management Plan
Mar 08, 2023
To provide new guidance on the environmental management of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Australia and New Zealand, the Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0 for public consultation in September 2022. The period for comments ended on February 28, 2023.
Singapore
Singapore to Regulate 12 Chemicals and Precursors as Flammable Materials Requiring P&FM License
Feb 13, 2023
In late 2022, Singapore notified WTO of the Draft Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2022, which proposed to regulate 12 chemicals and precursors as flammable materials under the FS (P&FM) Regs from July 31, 2023.SingaporeChemical management.
Singapore to Regulate 26 Hazardous Substances from August 2023
Feb 21, 2023
On February 17, 2023, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) issued a circular to announce the adoption of the proposed control of 26 chemicals as hazardous substances (HS) under the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) and its supporting regulation - EPM (HS) Regs. It will take effect on August 21, 2023.
Singapore Revises GHS Implementation Rules with Two-year Transitional Period (Updated on March 7, 2023)
Mar 09, 2023
On February 6, 2023, Singapore Standards Council officially released the revised standards of SS 586 Part 2 and Part 3.
Navigating Changes of Singapore GHS
Mar 16, 2023
On February 6, 2023, Singapore Standards Council published the revised GHS implementation Rules, namely SS 586-2 and SS 586-3. The revised standards adopt the requirements set out in GHS Rev.7, with combustible dust elements included from GHS Rev.8. They took effect on February 6, 2023 with a two-year grace period.
South Korea
South Korea to Update Designation of Existing Biocidal Substances Subject to Deferred Approval
Jan 05, 2023
On December 13, 2022, according to MoE Notification No. 2022-501, South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) consulted on the draft amendment to the Designation List of Existing Biocidal Substances Subject to Deferred Approval.
Korean MoEL Publishes New Substances Registered and Assessed in 2022 Q4
Jan 31, 2023
On December 30, 2022, by MoEL Notice No. 2022-566, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor (MoEL) released the list of registered and assessed new substances in 2022 Q4 under K-OSHA.
South Korea Revises K-REACH to Add Rules for Reporting Changes of Priority Management Substances Contained in Products
Feb 01, 2023
On January 3, 2023, by Ordinance No.19172, the amendments to South Korea’s Act on Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemicals (K-REACH) were made public. Rules for reporting changes of substances subject to priority management contained in products have been added to K-REACH, which will take effect on January 4, 2024.
South Korea Extends Comment Period of Eleven Candidate Substances for Authorization to Feb 28 (Updated on Feb 10, 2023)
Feb 17, 2023
On November 23, 2022, South Korea’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) published eleven candidate substances to be included in the K-REACH Authorization List.
South Korea Revises MSDS Standards to Redefine "Manufacture" (Updated on February 15, 2023)
Mar 03, 2023
On January 27, 2023, the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) consulted on draft amendments to the Standards for Classification and Labeling of Chemical Substances and Material Safety Data Sheet (MOEL Public Notice No. 2020-130). Comments are welcome before February 6, 2023.
South Korea Updates Quantity Limits for Toxic Substances that Require Submitting Chemical Accident Prevention Management Plan (Updated on Mar 6, 2023)
Mar 17, 2023
14 toxic substances that were newly designated in December 2022 will be provided with upper and lower handling quantities for submitting a chemical accident prevention management plan.
South Korea Urges Approval of Existing Active Substances under K-BPR
Mar 21, 2023
Enterprises handling Group B existing biocidal active substances are advised to submit dossiers in a timely manner since the corresponding deadline is approaching.
South Korea to Incorporate New Toxic Substance Rules into K-REACH and K-CCA
Mar 29, 2023
South Korea's MoE plans to revise K-REACH, K-CCA and relevant supporting regulations by the end of August 2023 to incorporate new rules for toxic substance designation and management.
Taiwan
Taiwan Lists 15 Substances as Chemicals of Concern (Updated on January 12, 2023)
Jan 13, 2023
Taiwan EPA is consulting on designating 15 chemical substances as “chemical substances of concern”, including 2 new psychoactive substances, 5 chemicals of food safety concerns and 8 precursors for blasting explosives. The 14-day consultation period will end on September 22, 2022.
Taiwan Tightens Control on Organotin Compounds
Feb 24, 2023
On February 20, 2023, Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) published the revised Categories and Management of Handling for Toxic Chemical Substance (hereinafter referred to as the Regulation), which took effect immediately.
Taiwan New and Existing Chemical Registration FAQs - Vol.1-5 Other Considerations
Mar 01, 2023
These FAQs are prepared by Taiwan's Chemical Substances Registration Center and published on the official website.
Thailand
Thailand Imposes Destruction Order on PFOA and Its Related Substances
Mar 29, 2023
On February 28, 2023, Thailand's DIW issued an order in the Royal Gazette regarding the destruction of 8 PFOA-related substances (when they are classified as Type 4 hazardous substances).
OURAY Corner
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