Preview of Emerging Asia Pacific HSE News as of 3 July 2007

Just some sub-headings of the emerging Health, Safety and Environmental news around Asia Pacific as of 3 July, 2007. Members are encouraged to log into the Table of Contents to find out more details of the Emerging APHSE News.

China

1) Draft Safety Management Regulation of Radioactive Waste (under consultation)
Issued on April 26th, 2007 for comments.

• Apply to the generation, storage, disposal, and discharge of radioactive waste.
• It also pertains to the shutting down and safe management of facilities utilizing nuclear technology.
• It specifies the permit application process and safety requirements for organizations that treat and store radioactive wastes.

Australia – Commonwealth and NSW
2) NSW: Occupational Health and Safety Amendment (Licensed Asbestos Removal Work) Regulation 2007

On 25 May 2007, amendments are made to Chapter 10 on the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (the OHS Regulation) with regards to asbestos licensing. This will extend the asbestos licensing requirements to cover any work involving over 50 square metres of asbestos-containing material as of 1 July 2007 and then to over 10 square metres as of 1 January 2008.

Taiwan
1) Action Plan of Introducing GHS Endorsed
In the Action Plan, there are separate requirements for 2006, 2007 and 2008. The tasks for 2006 were: regulatory amendment; information system establishment and raising awareness. The tasks for 2007 are education and training; transition period and classification/labeling system establishment. The tasks for 2008 are enforcement and inspection as well as review and improvement.