::: Latest News of GHS in Taiwan

With regard to the implementation of labelling and hazard communication of hazardous substances in workplace, onsite inspections (preliminary stage) of 2,126 business entities have been conducted up to August 31, 2012, indicated by the Council of Labor Affairs (the CLA).  About 40% of inspection cases failed to fully complied with the Regulation of Labelling and Hazard Communication of Dangerous and Harmful Materials (the Regulation), including the essential requirements of proper labeling and MSDS in Chinese language.  A significant portion of violation cases provided labeling/MSDS only in English or language(s) other than the traditional Chinese, which is not acceptable by the Regulation.

Entities have been requested to rectify immediately or within the pre-scheduled period.  The CLA emphasizes that the compliance of hazard communication is the priority of labor inspections and the CLA will continue to trace the business entities’ rectification and improvement.  If business entity rejects or fail to the rectification regardless of the results of preliminary labor inspection, a fine no less than N.T.D. $30,000 and not exceeding N.T.D. $150,000 shall be imposed.  The CLA reminds the provisions of implementing hazard communication in workplace, particularly the requirements of providing proper labelling and MSDS of hazardous substances in operation.  Besides, the employer should also hold training and provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid the occupational accident and provide the safety working condition for labors.