WHMIS 2015 GHS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (W.H.M.I.S) is Canada's national hazard communication standard with the newly incorporated Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals.

This newly created system is for classifying and identifying workplace chemical hazards in a consistent way. It is designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace. Under WHMIS, there are three ways in which information on hazardous materials must be provided; 

• Labels on the containers of hazardous materials

• Safety data sheets to supplement the label with detailed hazard and precautionary information; and

• Worker education programs.

Compliance:

WHMIS training is required for all workplaces covered by O.H.S.A. Employers are required to conduct an annual review to determine whether worker re-training is required.

Re-training may be required if new materials have been introduced into the workplace, or if workplace conditions have changed or new information on a hazardous material is available.

Ontario:

• The Occupational Health And Safety Act, which places duties on employers in charge of workplaces where hazardous materials are used to obtain labels and safety data sheets from their suppliers and to provide worker education programs.

• The WHMIS Regulation, Ontario Regulation (644/88 (now R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 860), which came into effect on October 31, 1988. This regulation sets out in detail the employer duties respecting labels, material safety data sheets and worker education.

Federal:

There are 5 pieces of federal legislation that implement WHMIS; The Hazardous Products Act, The Controlled Products Regulation, The Ingredient Disclosure List, The Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, The Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations.

Program Content:

• Legal rights and duties applicable under WHMIS

• Identify workplace hazardous material through WHMIS symbols and labels

• Learn to read Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

• Recognize common hazards and harmful effects of hazardous materials

• Identify various controls required to eliminate/reduce/prevent harmful exposures

• Identify appropriate emergency procedures to use in response to exposure and accidental release

Program Includes:

• Classroom program

• Record of training

• Written exam

• Wallet certificates for each participant