The World Assembly,
Praising the work already done to unify safety standards for commercial transport, as well to establish regulations for the cleanup of hazardous spills and leaks,
Aware that inconsistent requirements for the labeling of hazardous material creates legal, technical, and practical obstacles to free trade,
Concerned that the current lack of regulation allows for inadequate markings, markings which vary by nation or even province, and markings which are not internationally understandable,
Conscious that confusion regarding hazardous goods increases the danger and likelihood of an accident during transportation,
Troubled by accidental spills impact on free trade through the full or partial closure of roadways, ports, and other trade routes,
Noting that when accidents occur involving hazardous materials, first responders' optimal actions depend on the precise nature of the hazardous good, particularly with regards to flammability, reactivity, and toxicity, and that improper actions of first responders can increase damage to trade infrastructure, and puts the lives of those in the vicinity of the accident at risk,
Hereby,
Entrusts the International Transport Safety Committee (ITSC) with creating a labeling system to communicate the important risks and dangers of materials in a manner that is both noticeable and as universally recognizable as possible;
Further entrusts the ITSC to establish vessel specific standards as to the optimal size, number, and placement of warning symbols;
Charges the ITSC with the responsibility of periodically reviewing the labeling system for modernization or other improvements, while balancing the benefits of consistency;
Mandates nations adhere to the ITSC's standards when transporting hazardous materials across international borders, except where compliance interferes with national security;
Empowers the ITSC to levy punitive measures on responsible organizations or government bodies for non-compliance, including mandatory training or fines (the proceeds of which shall go to the WA General Fund);
Urges vessels also adhere to the ITSC labeling guidelines for the transportation of hazardous materials in non-mandated situations;
Requires ITSC disseminated training materials be given to relevant professionals and other interested parties;
Suggests the display of ITSC labels in areas used for the long term storage of hazardous goods.
