UNEP co-operated with ADPC, SAICM of Sri Lanka, CEA of Sri Lanka, Department of Industrial-Work of Thailand and Mahidol University of Thailand to organize the Introductory Training Course on Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness for Sri Lankan and Thai delegates from May 7-10, 2013 at Amari Atrium Hotel, Bangkok

There were 14 Sri Lankans adn 4 Thais participated this course and shared each experience related to the course topic.

Background
The project “Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness Programme for Sri Lanka (CAPP-SL) builds on the work started by UNEP in 2007, when UNEP established an expert working group for the development of a Flexible Framework for addressing Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness aimed at developing countries. The Expert Working Group is coordinated by UNEP, and had representatives of ILO, UNIDO, WHO, UNECE, the European Commission, the European Commission (EC)-Major Accident Hazards Bureau (MAHB), the OECD, and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), amongst others, and is part of UNEP’s work pursuant to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

The CAPP-SL Project is being implemented by the Central Environment Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka. The project is funded by SAICM’s Quick Start Programme Trust Fund.UNEP is the Executing Agency and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center is serving as the Technical Support Partner. The Project’s Inception Workshop was held on 16-17 January 2013 in Colombo, Sri Lanka with a wide representation of all key stakeholders in chemical accident prevention and preparedness in the country.

Based on the 1st Task Force Meeting (28 February 2013) and the expectations of the CAPP-SL Project, it was decided that an introductory training session will be provided to build the capacity of the National Task Force members in building a national programme in chemical accident prevention and preparedness (CAPP).

Purpose for Training
The aim of the training for the Task Force (TF) is to enhance their knowledge on chemical accident prevention and preparedness, and to build and strengthen their capacity to develop an effective CAPP Programme that meets the needs of Sri Lanka. After the end of the CAPP-SL Project, the Task Force is expected to continue playing a major role in working towards implementing the CAPP programme for Sri Lanka, anchored in policy and in built institutional capacity. In order to learn from the experience and lessons learned by other countries in the region in the implementation of chemical accident prevention and preparedness and promote regional cooperation on CAPP, the first training activity is being organized in Bangkok, Thailand.

Objectives of Training
At the end of the training, the participants should be able t

Explain the elements of the CAPP programme and understand their value
Discuss technical and organisational concepts and terminology related to CAPP
Discuss the role and responsibilities of competent authorities for CAPP
Understand requirements of industries forCAPP
Exchange experiences on Thai chemical industry’s best practices for CAPP
Target Audience

National Task Force Members on Chemical Accident Prevention and Preparedness Programme for Sri Lanka:
Central Environmental Authority (CEA)
Department of Import and Export Control
Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Department of Labour, Industrial Safety Division
Ministry of Agriculture
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Ministry of Defence & Urban Development, Explosive Controller Department
Disaster Management Center
Ministry of Health
Board of Investment Sri Lanka
Task Force Advisory Support Group:
National Cleaner Production Center
University of Moratuwa, Department of Chemical Engineering
Sri Lankan National Consultant
Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre Consultant
Main Speakers

UNEP
ADPC
International Experts
University of Mahidol, Thailand
Department of Industrial Works in Thailand
Other CAPP relevant representatives of Thai government agencies involved in CAPP
Thai Industrial Estate representative