Developing tools to support OPCW Member States in Chemical Safety and Security Management (CSSM).
This programme promotes and disseminates best practices and guidance in CSSM with an aim to support OPCW Member States in reducing fatal accidents and prevent misuse of toxic chemicals. The programme supports chemistry practitioners, policymakers, National Authorities and chemical industry associations, enhancing the implementation of CSSM practices.
This programme, launched in 2019, develops indicative guidelines on the basis of the assessed priority needs of States Parties.
Objectives
- Enhance the capacities of States Parties to mitigate the risks arising from chemical accidents and from the potential misuse of toxic chemicals, including the threat of terrorism.
- Develop frameworks to strengthen national capacities in dealing with chemical safety and security and foster the implementation of the Convention.
- Address the needs of States Parties whose economies are developing or in transition in order to promote a CSSM culture.
Timeline
- 2011: To implement Article XI of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the Technical Secretariat was tasked with conducting a needs assessment on tools and guidance beneficial for promoting CSSM.
- 2016: The Technical Secretariat started conducting annual surveys on needs assessment and best practices in CSSM.
- 2019: The Technical Secretariat launched the CSSM Tools Development Programme to enhance the capacities of States Parties by providing supportive guidelines and tools.
- 2021: The Indicative Guidelines for Chemical Safety and Security in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Foster the Peaceful Uses of Chemistry were launched on the basis of the assessed priority needs of States Parties.
- 2024: The Indicative Guidelines for Safe and Secure Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals by Road were prepared, aiming at ensuring the safe and secure transportation of hazardous chemicals.
Guidelines
- Indicative Guidelines for Chemical Safety and Security in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to Foster the Peaceful Uses of Chemistry: These indicative guidelines address the needs of SMEs in States Parties whose economies are either developing or in transition and seek to promote CSSM to foster the peaceful uses of chemistry.
- Indicative Guidelines for Safe and Secure Transportation of Hazardous Chemicals by Road: These indicative guidelines provide practical safety and security guidance in regard to the transportation of chemicals for all stakeholders involved in the ground transport of hazardous chemicals – senders, logistics providers, and drivers.