Preview of Emerging Asia Pacific HSE News as of 6 October 2007

Just 2 sub-headings out of 10 of the emerging Health, Safety and Environmental news around Asia Pacific. Members are encouraged to log into the Table of Contents to find out more details of the 10 Emerging HSE News.

China

1) Seven Recommended National Occupational Heath Standards
Issued on 27th August 2007 and will become effective on 1st February 2008.

• Specifications for Occupational Health Management of Asbestos Work (GBZ/T 193-2007)
• Specifications for Engineering Controls Against Occupational Poisoning in the Workplace (GBZ/T 194-2007)
• Specifications for PPE Usage in Organic Solvent Workplaces (GBZ/T 1952007)
• Technical Guidelines of Occupational Disease Pre-assessment for Construction Projects (GBZ/T 196-2007)
• Technical Guidelines of Occupational Disease Effectiveness Assessment for Construction Projects (GBZ/T 197-2007)
• Specifications for Occupational Disease Prevention of Using Man-made Mineral Fiber Adiabatic Cotton (GBZ/T 198-2007)
• Specifications for Occupational Health Management of Laundry Industry (GBZ/T 199-2007)

(http://www.moh.gov.cn/newshtml/19945.htm)

Australia – Commonwealth, Victoria and NSW
1) Environmental Risk Assessment Guidance Manuals released for public consultation
Released on 17 August 2007, for public comments for both industrial and agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals.

• to provide an outline of the considerations that an assessor needs to take into account; and to enhance stakeholder understanding of the environmental risk assessment process.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 23 November 2007.