ICSC database
ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) are data sheets intended to provide essential safety and health information on chemicals in a clear and concise way. The primary aim of the Cards is to promote the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. The main target users are workers and those responsible for occupational safety and health. The ICSCs project is a common undertaking between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with the cooperation of the European Commission.
ICSCs database
To date, more than 1,700 Cards are available and hosted in the ICSCs database. The database is available in:ICSCs are prepared and peer-reviewed in English by a consortium of scientists from specialized scientific institutions concerned with occupational safety and health in different countries. Subsequently, national institutions translate the Cards into different languages.
The international peer-review process followed in the preparation of the ICSCs ensures the authoritative nature of the information provided. Existing ICSCs are updated periodically to take account of the latest scientific developments. New Cards are proposed by countries or stakeholder groups.
Information provided in the ICSCs
1. Identity of the chemical2. Fire and explosion hazards
3. Fire fighting
4. Acute health hazards and prevention
5. Preventive measures
6. First aid
7. Spillage disposal, storage and packaging
8. Classification and labelling
9. Physical and chemical properties and dangers
10. Short-term and long-term health effects
11. Regulatory information and occupational exposure limits
12. Environmental data.
The information provided in the Cards is in line with:
- ILO Chemicals Convention, 1990 (No. 170)
- ILO Chemicals Recommendation, 1990 (No. 177)
- European Union Council Directive 98/24/EC
- United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals