EHS Global Alert - Sample - South America
17 February 2005
ISSN 1546-9026
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Import quota of ozone depleting substances further regulated
National Prevention Program on occupational accident and illness aimed at Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) adopted
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) enacted in Argentina
Proposal for a National Health and Safety Policy under discussion
National policy on integrated waste management approved
Proposal for a law on sexual harassment
Regulation on sludge treatment approved
National center for control of pharmaceuticals established
Proposal for a Regulation on environmental management, risk management and emergency response in San Jose
Regulation for road transit based on load and dimensions of cargo vehicles amended
Regulation on fire protection and its manual on technical provisions
Notice for parties interested in becoming certification units for certain electric products
Official Mexican Norm on phytosanitary treatment and labeling of wood packaging for the international trade of goods and loads
Official Mexican Norm on procedures for safety with chemical substances
Procedure to submit the Annual Operation Certificate
Publication of the manual for organization of the Mexican Labor Ministry
Regulation of the framework law for environmental management
Resolution establishing a technical norm on safety signs
There is no activity to report this month.
SELECT COUNTRY ABSTRACTS
Argentina
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Import quota of ozone depleting substances further regulated [7954]
Environment - Air/Climate/Odor
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 14-January-2005
On 14 January 2005, the Secretary of the Environment and Sustainable Development adopted Resolution 17/2005 in order to identify the maximum import quota of controlled ozone depleting substances that have been granted to certain companies, pursuant to article 25 of Resolution 953/2004. Decree 1609/2004 was adopted by the National Executive in order to regulate the import and export of ozone depleting substances and established the licensing system for this purpose and the National Registry for
importers and exporters of ozone depleting substances. It applies to ozone depleting substances as established in article 1 of Law 24.040 and modifications including recovered, recycled and regenerated substances (e.g. CFC 11, CFC 12, CFC 113, CFC 114, CFC 115, Halon 1211, Halon 1301 y Halon 2402).
Resolución 17/2005 sobre cuotas de importación de sustancias controladas para el periodo 2005, a determinadas empresas y establécese cantidades máximas para importadores nuevos o eventuales + Decreto 1609/2004 + Resolución 953/2004 que establece medidas a fin de regular la importación y exportación de sustancias que agotan la capa de ozono // Resolution 17/2005 on import quotas of controlled substances for the period 2005, for certain companies, establishing maximum quotas for new and existing importers + Decree 1609/2004 + Resolution 953/2004 establishing measures to regulate the importing and exporting operations of ozone depleting subtances
Back to Table of Contents—Argentina
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National Prevention Program on occupational accident and illness aimed at Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) adopted [8358]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 04-January-2005
On 4 January 2005, the Superintendence of Occupational Risks (SRT) adopted Resolution 1/2005 to establish a National Prevention Program concerning occupational accidents and illnesses at Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) operating in Argentina. It aims at improving safety conditions at the workplace by reducing the number of occupational accidents and illnesses at SMEs by 10 per cent.
Resolución 1/2005 por la que se crea el Programa para la Prevención de Accidentes de Trabajo y Enfermedades Profesionales en PYMES // Resolution 1/2005 on the Prevention Program concerning occupational accidents and illnesses at SMEs
Back to Table of Contents—Argentina
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The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) enacted in Argentina [8348]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Environment - Waste
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 16-December-2004
On 16 December 2004 the National Congress of Argentina adopted Law 26.011 for the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). It establishes restrictions regarding the production, use and trade of certain chemicals listed under the Annexes of the Convention, mainly polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), dioxins, furans, and nine highly dangerous pesticides. The Convention entered into force on 17 May 2004, after the 50th instrument of ratification, acceptance,
approval or accession was registered in accordance to article 26.1 of the Convention.
Ley 26.011 de 16 de diciembre de 2004 por la que se aprueba el Convenio de Estocolmo sobre Contaminantes Persistentes Orgánicos, adoptado en Estocolmo, Reino de Suecia, el 22 de mayo de 2001 // Law 26.011 of 16 December 2004 approving the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, adopted in Stockholm, Kingdom of Sweden, on 22 May 2001. (Official Bulletin of 17-Jan-05)
Back to Table of Contents—Argentina
Brazil
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Proposal for a National Health and Safety Policy under discussion [8306]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Proposal -
Since November 2004, a proposal for the establishment of a National Health and Safety Policy (Política Nacional de Segurança e Saúde do Trabalhador - PNSST) has been under discussion by the Ministries of Labour (Ministério do Trabalho), Social Security (Ministério da Previdência Social) and Health (Ministério da Saúde) to ensure that all aspects of occupational health and safety are integrated. Each of the Ministries already prepared proposed issues to be integrated in a future National Health
and Safety Policy.
Back to Table of Contents—Brazil
Chile
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National policy on integrated waste management approved [7503]
Environment - Public Policy
Environment - Waste
Action: Policy - Date of Adoption: 17-January-2005
On 17 January 2005, the National Environmental Commission (CONAMA) approved the Integrated Solid Waste Management Policy. The Policy shall be viewed under the National Environmental Policy for Sustainable Development launched on January 1998. This Policy, features the implantation of a strategy and action plan for a short (2004-2005) and medium term (2006- 2010). Key priorities to be assessed include filling the regulatory gap, improving efficiency in local management, strengthening waste
management institutions and enforcement mechanisms, and starting the clean up of sites which have not been properly managed. Concerning new regulations within the next two years, this Policy intends to address sanitary landfills, hospital waste, and waste water treatment sludge.
Política de gestión integral de residuos sólidos (aprobada el 17 de enero de 2005) // Integrated solid waste management policy (approved on 17 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Chile
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Proposal for a law on sexual harassment [8391]
Health and Safety - Persons
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Proposal - Date of Adoption: 19-January-2005
On 19 January 2005 the Chamber of Deputies accepted the final comments, after ten years of discussion, on the Proposal for a Law for Sexual Harassment, as a prior step to the promulgation by the President of the Republic. If approved, the Law will modify important norms such as the Labor Code and the Administrative Statute. The Law will define sexual harassment, establish the procedures to report sexual harassment, establish the mechanisms for defense from false accusations of sexual
harassment, and establish the sanctions for false reports. In addition, the Law will establish the possibility for employees to terminate a contract due to sexual harassment.
Proyecto de Ley sobre Acoso Sexual (presentada el 24 de octubre de 1994) // Proposal for a Law on Sexual Harassment (first draft on 24 October 2004)
Back to Table of Contents—Chile
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Regulation on sludge treatment approved [7990]
Environment - Water
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 17-January-2005
On 17 January 2005 the Committee of Ministers of the National Commission for the Environment (CONAMA) approved the Regulation for treatment of sludge (discussed since 2000). The Regulation establishes a new framework for the use, management and disposal of sludge, resulting from wastewater treatment (70% of the used waters in Chile), and to determine the applications for sludge. Currently, sludge handling is regulated through the Environmental Impact Assessment performed for every wastewater
treatment plant. Among others, the Regulation requires facilities treating non-hazardous sludge to submit a Management Plan for Non-Hazardous Sludge before CONAMA.
Reglamento para el Manejo de Lodos no peligrosos generados en Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas (aprobado el 17 de enero de 2005) // Regulation on Non-Hazardous Sludge generated in Wastewater Treatment Plants (approved on 17 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Chile
Colombia
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Technical Regulation on the use and maintenance of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and tanks adopted [8328]
Health and Safety - Equipment
Products - Safety
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 29-December-2004
On 29 December 2004 the Ministry of Mines and Energy adopted Resolution 18-1788 of 2004 which approved the Technical Regulation on the use and maintenance of stationary tanks and cylinders aimed at the public supply service of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). It applies to all cylinders and stationary tanks manufactured or imported into Colombia for this purpose. This Resolution has a validity date until the 29 December 2005, after which it shall be subject to further review.
Resolución 18-1788 de 29 de diciembre de 2004 por la cual se expide el Reglamento Técnico pra cilindros y tanques estacionarios utilizados en la prestación del servicio público domiciliario de Gas Licuado del Petróleo, GLP, y sus procesos de mantenimiento // Resolution 18-1788 of 29 December 2004 on the Technical Regulation concerning the use of stationary tanks and cylinders to be used during the public supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, and their maintenance (Official Bulletin 45.782 of 29-Dec-04)
Back to Table of Contents—Colombia
Costa Rica
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National center for control of pharmaceuticals established [8364]
Environment - Public Policy
Products - Safety
Action: Policy - Date of Adoption: 25-January-2005
On 25 January 2005 the President of the Republic and the Ministry of Health published Decree No. 32187 establishing the National Center for Control of Pharmaceuticals (Centro Nacional de Farmacovigilancia). The Center intends to control pharmaceutical products commercialized and sold in Costa Rica, through the reports of operations with these products provided by distributors or physicians prescribing them.
Decreto Presidencial No. 32187 que crea el Centro Nacional de Farmacovigilancia en la Dirección de Vigilancia de la Salud del Ministerio de Salud (publicado el 25 de enero de 2005) // Presidential Decree No. 32187 establishing the National Center for Control of Pharmaceuticals within the Directorate of Health Surveillance of the Ministry of Health (published on 25 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Costa Rica
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Proposal for a Regulation on environmental management, risk management and emergency response in San Jose [8371]
Environment - Operations
Action: Proposal - Date of Adoption: 10-January-2005
On 10 January 2005 the Municipality of San Jose published the Proposal for a Regulation on environmental management, risk management, and response to emergencies and disasters. The Proposal aims at establishing a legal framework for the Municipality of San Jose, concerning its competences and responsibilities for various environmental issues, including: granting the Municipal Certificate of Environmental Management, prevention and control of atmospheric pollution, noise pollution, water
pollution, visual pollution, soil contamination and management of risk, emergencies and disasters.
Proyecto de Reglamento para la gestión ambiental, gestión de riesgo, atención de emergencias y desastres en la Municipalidad de San José (publicado el 10 de enero de 2005) // Proposal for a Regulation on environmental management, risk management, response to emergencies and disasters at the Municipality of San Jose (published on 10 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Costa Rica
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Regulation for road transit based on load and dimensions of cargo vehicles amended [6158]
Environment - Dangerous Substances
Environment - Waste
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 19-January-2005
On 19 January 2005 the President of the Republic and the Ministry of Public Works and Transports published Decree No. 32191 amending Regulation for road transit based on loads and dimensions of the cargo vehicles. The amendment introduces minor changes to provisions governing transporters of hazardous goods and insurance for foreign transporters. On 2 June 2003 the Ministry of Public Works and Transports issued Decree No. 31363-MOPT, introducing Regulation for road transit based on load and
dimensions of the cargo vehicles. The Regulation establishes requirements applicable to cargo transport, based on the maximum allowed limits of weight and dimensions of vehicles carrying out this activity. The Regulation includes a section to relocate exceeding hazardous materials (in dimension or weight) at control points.
Decreto No. 31363-MOPT que establece el Reglamento de circulación por carretera con base en el peso y las dimensiones de los vehículos de carga+Decreto Presidencial No. 32191 que reforma Reglamento de circulación por carretera con base en el peso y las dimensiones de los vehículos de carga (publicado el 19 de enero de 2004) // Decree No. 31363-MOPT establishing Regulation for road transit based on load and dimensions of the cargo vehicles+Presidential Decree No. 32191 amending Regulation for road transit based on load and dimensions of the cargo vehicles (published on 19 January 2004)
Back to Table of Contents—Costa Rica
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Regulation on fire protection and its manual on technical provisions [8351]
Health and Safety - Fire Protection
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 10-January-2005
On 17 January 2005 the National Insurance Institute (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) published simultaneously the Regulation for human safety and fire protection, and the Manual on general technical provisions for the Regulation for human safety and fire protection (Law 8228). The Regulation provides that the National Insurance Institute is the body in charge of issuing the technical norms regulating human safety and fire protection in public places. The Manual establishes general construction
requirements concerning construction projects, existing building or any other place intended for temporary or permanent human occupation. The Manual classifies the types of fire and constructions, and establishes fire-fighting requirements depending on this classification.
Reglamento técnico general sobre seguridad humana y protección conra incendios (publicado el 17 de enero de 2005) + Manual de disposiciones técnicas generales al reglamento sobre seguridad humana y protección contra incendios - Ley 8228 (publicado el 17 de enero de 2005) // General technical Regulation on human safety and fire protection (published on 17 January 2005) + Manual for general technical provisions to the Regulation for human safety and fire protection - Law 8228 (published on 17 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Costa Rica
Mexico
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Notice for parties interested in becoming certification units for certain electric products [8293]
Products - Design
Products - Safety
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption: 21-January-2005
On 21 January 2005, the Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) published the Notice for parties interested in becoming registered and approved certification units of compliance with safety requirements of certain Official Mexican Norms on electric products. The Notice concerns verification of compliance with certain norms issued by the Ministry of Economy (former Ministry of Trade and Industrial Promotion), and establishes specific requirements for registration (acreditación) and approval
(aprobación) of the units intended to carry out such tasks.
Convocatoria para la acreditación y aprobación de organismos de certificación de producto, para evaluar la conformidad de las normas oficiales NOM-001-SCFI-1993, NOM-003-SCFI-2000, NOM-016-SCFI-1993, NOM-019-SCFI-1998 y NOM-058-SCFI-1999 (publicada el 21 de enero de 2005) // Notice for parties interested in becoming registered and approved product certification unit with Official Mexican Norms NOM-001-SCFI-1993, NOM-003-SCFI-2000, NOM-016-SCFI-1993, NOM-019-SCFI-1998 and NOM-058-SCFI-1999 (published on 21 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
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Official Mexican Norm on phytosanitary treatment and labeling of wood packaging for the international trade of goods and loads [6540]
Environment - Product
Products - Label
Products - Safety
Products - Standards
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 18-January-2005
On 18 January 2005 the Ministry for Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) published Official Mexican Norm NOM-144-SEMARNAT-2004 regarding the prevention of phytosanitary risks derived from wooden packaging of internationally traded goods and loads. The Norm is mainly applicable to every person intending to use wood in packaging of internationally traded goods. It establishes labeling requirements for wood intended for packaging traded goods, and aims at preventing the spread of wood
diseases due to international trade.
Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-144-SEMARNAT-2004, que establece las medidas fitosanitarias reconocidas internacionalmente para el embalaje de madera que se utiliza en el comercio internacional de bienes y mercancías (publicada el 18 de enero de 2005) + Acuerdo del 12 de diciembre 2003 mediante el cual se da a conocer el procedimiento y requisitos para autorizar el uso de la marca que atestigua la aplicación de medidas fitosanitarias en los embalajes de madera utilizados en el comercio internacional // Official Mexican Norm NOM-144-SEMARNAT-2004, establishing the international phytosanitary measures aimed at wood packaging of internationally traded goods and loads + Agreement of 12 December 2003 establishing the procedure and requirements to authorize the use of the international wood label, which certifies the application of phytosanitary measures in wood packages to be used in international trade.
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
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Official Mexican Norm on procedures for safety with chemical substances [6133]
Health and Safety - Exposure
Health and Safety - Management
Health and Safety - Safe Operating Procedures
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 14-January-2005
On 14 January 2005, the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social - STPS) published NOM-028-STPS-2004, on procedures for safety with chemical substances, in order to prevent and protect workers and premises from injuries and damages in work places. The Norm is applicable to every work place where operations involving chemical substances take place, in quantities equal to or exceeding the limits established in Appendix A of the same Norm. The Norm excludes
from its application economic activities involving Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-028-STPS-2004, Organización del Trabajo-Seguridad en los procesos de sustancias químicas // Official Mexican Norm NOM-028-STPS-2004, Organization of Work-Safety on chemical substances procedures
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
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Procedure to submit the Annual Operation Certificate [8397]
Environment - Air/Climate/Odor
Environment - Operations
Environment - Public Policy
Environment - Waste
Environment - Water
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 28-January-2005
On 28 January 2005 the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) published the Agreement establishing the instructions and form to submit the Annual Operation Certificate (Cédula de Operación Annual). The Agreement provides detailed instructions and the formularies for sources falling within federal jurisdiction, to submit the aforementioned Certificate. The Agreement is published in order to fulfill the reporting obligations established by Articles 9, 10 and 11 of the
Regulation of the Register for emissions and transfer of pollutants.
Acuerdo por el que se da a conocer el instructivo y formato de la Cédula de Operación Anual para el Reporte Anual del Registro de Emisiones y Transferencia de Contaminantes (publicado el 28 de enero de 2005) // Agreement establishing the instructions and formulary to submit the Annual Operation Certificate for the purposes of the Annual Report to the Register for emissions and transfer of pollutants (published on 28 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
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Publication of the manual for organization of the Mexican Labor Ministry [8294]
Health and Safety - Public Policy
Action: Guidance - Date of Adoption: 19-January-2005
On 19 January 2005 the Ministry of Labor and Social Security published the Manual for General Organization of this Ministry. The Manual contains the basic structure, responsibilities, administrative bodies and independent offices, of this Ministry. The Manual is published pursuant to the goals established in the National Plan for Development 2001-2006 for this Ministry.
Manual de Organización General de la Secretaría del Trabajo y Previsión Social (publicado el 19 de enero de 2005) // Manual for General Organization of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (published on 19 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Mexico
Peru
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Regulation of the framework law for environmental management [8295]
Environment - Operations
Environment - Public Policy
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 28-January-2005
On 28 January 2005 the President of the Council of Ministers published the Supreme Decree No. 008-2005 approving the Regulation of the Framework Law for the National System for Environmental Management (Law No. 28245). The Regulation establishes the competences, functions and responsibilities of CONAMA, as the National Environmental Authority, but also includes the competences of the Regional and Municipal Environmental Authorities. The Regulation describes the instruments for environmental
management (e.g. environmental quality norms), for environmental evaluation (e.g. National System for Environmental Impact), mechanisms for participation of citizens, and provisions concerning control and sanctions. It also establishes provisions concerning end of activities, rules for decontamination and treatment of affected places.
Decreto Supremo No. 008-2005-PCM que aprueba el Reglamento de la Ley No. 28245, Ley Marco del Sistema Nacional de Gestión Ambiental (publicado el 28 de enero de 2005) // Supreme Decree No. 008-2005-PCM approving the Regulation of Law No. 28245, Framework Law for the National System for Environmental Management (published on 28 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Peru
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Resolution establishing a technical norm on safety signs [8296]
Health and Safety - Management
Action: Legislation - Date of Adoption: 13-January-2005
On 13 January 2005 the Commission of Technical and Commercial Regulations issued Resolution No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI approving Peruvian Technical Norm NTP 399.010-1:2004. The approved Norm establishes guidelines for design of safety signs, including colors, symbols, forms and dimensions. The Resolution cancels NTP 399.010:1974 which established requirements for design of safety signs.
Resolución No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI de la Comisión de Reglamentos Técnicos y Comerciales, que aprueba la Norma Técnica Peruana NTP 399.010:2004 sobre diseño de señales de seguridad (publicada el 13 de enero de 2005) // Resolution No. 0131-2004/CRT-INDECOPI of the Commission for Technical and Commercial Regulations, approving the Peruvian Technical Norm NTP 399.010:2004 on design of safety signs (published on 13 January 2005)
Back to Table of Contents—Peru
Venezuela
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There is no activity to report this month.
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