WHMIS after GHS

The original WHMIS is not being replaced but rather updated to align as closely as possible with the United States and other key trading partners. The new WHMIS will be called "WHMIS 2015".

Transition Period

Manufacturers
& Importers

Distributors

Employers

Phase 1
From coming into force
to June 1, 2017

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Phase 2
From June 1, 2017,
to June 1, 2018

Use HPR requirements

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Phase 3
From June 1, 2018,
to December 1, 2018

Use HPR requirements

Use HPR requirements

Use CPR or HPR requirements

Completion
December 1, 2018

Use HPR requirements

Use HPR requirements

Use HPR requirements

MSDS vs. SDS

The term "Material Safety Data Sheet" (MSDS) is now going to be replaced with "Safety Data Sheet" (SDS).

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS):

  1. Product Identifier (same as label) and manufacturer/supplier contact information
  2. Hazardous ingredients
  3. Physical data
  4. Fire and explosion data
  5. Reactivity data: Information on the chemical stability of a product and the substances it may react with
  6. Toxicological properties: Health effects
  7. Preventative measures
  8. First aid measures
  9. Preparation information: Identify preparer and data MSDS prepared

NOTE: MSDS had to be updated every 3 years regardless if there was a change made or not


See an example of
MSDS for model AA487

Shop SDS Holder/Binders

Safety Data Sheets (SDS):

  1. Identification
  2. Hazard(s) identification
  3. Composition/ingredient information
  4. First aid measures
  5. Fire fighting measures
  6. Accidental release measures
  7. Handling and storage
  8. Exposure control/personal protection
  9. Physical and chemical properties
  10. Stability and chemical properties
  11. Toxicological information
  12. Ecological information*/li>
  13. Disposal consideations*
  14. Transport information*
  15. Regulatory information*
  16. Other information

NOTE: SDS sheets only need to be revised if there is a change made
*Items 12 through 15 are optional


See an example of
SDS for model AA487

Everyone is responsible. What is your responsibility?

While WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria for hazard classification and requirements for labels and safety data sheets, the roles and responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers have not changed. Health Canada and the federal, provincial and territorial occupational health and safety agencies will also retain the same roles and responsibilities.

Employer Responsibility

  • Designate GHS Transition Leader
  • Get educated on GHS
  • Inventory hazardous products (physical inventory)
  • Check inventory against SDS library
  • Acquire missing MSDS
  • Safely dispose of hazardous products that are no longer needed
  • Archive MSDS no longer needed
  • Train employees on GHS hazard classes, label elements and SDS format
  • Prepare for SDS chum: Look for new hazards on incoming safety data sheets
  • Prepare labelling strategy
  • Stay current on GHS

Employee Responsibility

  • Participate in training
  • Use information to protect self and others
Shop Training Products

Pictogram Changes

Health Canada is in the process of aligning WHMIS with the United Nation's Globally Harmonized system (GHS). When the process is complete, WHMIS hazard symbols will be substituted by GHS-styled pictograms on hazardous product labels. Hazardous product classification and categorization determines which pictograms appear on a chemical's label.


Shop pictograms

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