Chemical hazards’ classification and communication systems are key elements of the sound management of chemicals. To harmonise these systems worldwide, the United Nations adopted, in 2003, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS is an important tool for countries to develop or modify national programmes and to facilitate trade.

Conducting risk analysis during strategic planning exercises a) expands humanitarian focus from acute and urgent needs to chronic vulnerabilities and exposure to future risks, stress, and shocks, and b) helps integrate reduction of extreme vulnerability into planning to facilitate recovery, and therefore aims at preventing new and reducing existing risk, all of which contributes decrease future

Over the past 20 years, disasters have affected billions of people, caused USD$ trillions of damage, and killed millions of people. Disasters have affected people living in developing countries and, in particular, the most vulnerable communities within these countries.