The Swiss Ambassador in Amman, Mr. Paul Widmer, and the president of RSS, Prof. Saad Hijazi, signed on April 29 an agreement concerning the granting of a contribution by the Swiss government to the Project Hazardous Substances Information Management System for the period from 01.04.2004 to 31.12.2006. The Swiss Government has indeed pledged to pay an amount up to 650,000 CHF.

The main objective of the project is to create an automated system, the Jordan Integrated Hazardous Substances Information Management and Control System (JI-HSIMCS), that will serve as a tool for managing and controlling hazardous substances. This system will also serve as the source of information about hazardous substances to all concerned ministries and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. The system shall enhance the capacity to manage hazardous substances (HS) among different organizations as well as improve the documentation of procedures for permitting, transporting, handling and controlling hazardous substances. The system should also provide up-to-date statistical information to decision makers, giving them a clear view about the type, use and location of hazardous substances that exist within the border of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The study team comprises environmental and information technology specialists of RSS, the team will work in close cooperation with the concerned organizations in executing the tasks.

The technical work will include the following: updating and integrating the chemicals lists and systems, status review of concerned organizations, undertaking training and awareness workshops about the planned system and other relevant issues like risk assessment, and developing a database for hazardous chemicals and implementing a comprehensive IT solution.

The main purpose of the proposed solution is to allow staff at the involved Ministries (and later other privileged users) and through a network (internet/intranet) to manage data related to hazardous substances and print reports. This System will be integrated into the daily procedures of the concerned Ministries, and will enhance the process by reducing paper work and providing up-to date information in optimal time.