What is WHMIS?

WHMIS, which stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, is a comprehensive system designed to ensure the safe handling, use, and storage of hazardous materials in Canadian workplaces. It provides essential health and safety information about hazardous products through standardized labeling, safety data sheets (SDSs), and worker education and training.

Key Components of WHMIS:

• Hazard Classification: WHMIS categorizes hazardous materials based on their chemical and physical properties, as well as their potential health and safety hazards.
• Labeling Requirements: Hazardous products must be labeled with standardized WHMIS symbols, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary measures to alert workers to potential risks.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): SDSs provide detailed information about the hazards, safe handling procedures, first aid measures, and regulatory compliance requirements for hazardous products.
• Education and Training: Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers receive adequate training on WHMIS, including how to recognize hazards, interpret labels and SDSs, and safely handle hazardous materials.

Alignment with GHS:

WHMIS has been harmonized with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), a worldwide standard for hazard communication. This alignment enhances hazard classification criteria, introduces new hazard classes, and standardizes language and formats for labels and SDSs, making it easier for workers to understand and respond to hazards.

Roles and Responsibilities under WHMIS:

• Supplier: Any person who sells or imports hazardous products into Canada is considered a supplier under WHMIS.
• Manufacturer: Suppliers who produce, process, package, or label hazardous products in Canada are classified as manufacturers.
• Importer: Suppliers who bring hazardous products into Canada but do not sell them are categorized as importers.
• Distributor: Canadian suppliers who resell hazardous products without modifying them are considered distributors.

Employers’ Duties under WHMIS:

• Educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of hazardous products.
• Ensure that hazardous products are properly labeled with WHMIS symbols and information.
• Prepare workplace labels and safety data sheets, as necessary.
• Provide access to up-to-date safety data sheets for all hazardous products used in the workplace.
• Implement appropriate control measures to protect the health and safety of workers when handling hazardous materials.

In summary, WHMIS is a critical component of occupational health and safety in Canada, ensuring that workers have the information and training necessary to handle hazardous materials safely in the workplace