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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION 4

WHAT IS WHMIS? 5

WHMIS 2015 5

Employer and Employee Duties Under WHMIS 2015 5

Supplier Duties Under WHMIS 2015 6

Products Covered Under WHMIS 2015 6

Enforcement and Inspections 7

Transitioning to WHMIS 2015 8

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND PRODUCT CLASSIFICATION 9

Hazard Groups and Classes 9

Hazard Categories and Types 10

LABELS 11

Supplier Labels 11

Format 12

Supplier Label Example 13

Updating Supplier Labels 13

Workplace Labels 14

Updating Workplace Labels 14

When Are Workplace Labels Required? 14

Other Identification and Labelling Systems 15

PICTOGRAMS 16

SAFETY DATA SHEETS 19

SDS Sections and Information Requirements 19

Supplier and Employer Responsibilities 22

Updating SDSs 22

Computerized SDSs 22

MSDSs During The Transition Period 22

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS 23

Employer Responsibilities 23

WHMIS 2015 vs. WHMIS 1988 Training 24

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 25

INTRODUCTION

Those who work with or around hazardous products or materials have an increased risk of serious health problems. To protect these workers, it is imperative that employers, employees and suppliers understand and follow the requirements of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

WHMIS provides employers and their employees with health and safety information about hazardous products in the workplace. Employers must utilize this information, as well as information specific to their workplace, in order to educate and train workers to work safely with and near hazardous products. However, the details of WHMIS legislation are extensive and can be overwhelming.

The following guide will provide you with all of the information you will need in order to comprehend WHMIS and implement it into your workplace successfully. Throughout this guide, we will make references to WHMIS in different contexts as follows:

0. WHMIS 1988: Refers to old legislation, which was revised in 2015. While the system is updated, a transition period is in effect until 2018, where manufacturers, distributors and employers may come across WHMIS 1988 labels, classifications, etc.

0. WHMIS 2015: Refers to the new legislation and rules, which were enacted in February of 2015.

0. WHMIS: Refers to the system in general and typically applies to both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015.

Thor Insurance & Registries Ltd is committed to the safety and well-being of your employees. Please contact us for additional health and safety resources.

WHAT IS WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS is a comprehensive system for providing health and safety information about hazardous products used in Canadian workplaces. Under WHMIS, workers have the right to receive information about each hazardous product they use, including, but not limited to, the identity of the product, its hazards and appropriate safety precautions. The goal of WHMIS is to limit workplace injuries and diseases by communicating specific health and safety information about hazardous products to workers.

WHMIS 2015

WHMIS first came into force in 1988 through a series of corresponding federal, provincial, and territorial laws and regulations. In February of 2015, WHMIS was aligned with the United Nations’ Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

The updates to WHMIS included more comprehensive hazard classification criteria, new classes of hazards, physical hazard criteria consistent with Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, new requirements for supplier labels and standardized, 16-section Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

For the sake of clarity, the original WHMIS is now referred to as WHMIS 1988, while the updated version is referred to as WHMIS 2015.

The decision to adopt many GHS standards was made so that Canada’s hazardous products system was more similar to the standards used by many countries around the world. In doing so, a number of benefits are expected, including:

0. A globally consistent hazard information system

0. A system that is easier to understand and comply with

0. Reduced regulation and enforcement costs

Employer and Employee Duties Under WHMIS 2015

Under WHMIS 2015, whenever a hazardous product is used in the workplace, employers are required to take the following steps:

0. Educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of products

0. Ensure that hazardous products are properly labelled

0. Prepare workplace labels when required

0. Prepare SDSs as needed

0. Provide workers with access to up-to-date SDSs

0. Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers

For their part, employees must participate in WHIMIS education and training programs, take necessary steps to protect themselves and their co-workers, and participate in identifying and controlling hazards.

Supplier Duties Under WHMIS 2015

Suppliers are organizations that, in the course of business, sell or import hazardous products and must ensure the appropriate classification of hazardous products. Classifications are determined based on comparisons of all available hazard data for the ingredients or mixture to WHMIS requirements.

Additionally, when a supplier produces a hazardous product, they must label the product or container and provide an SDS to their customers.

Products Covered Under WHMIS 2015

The federal Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) came into effect in February 2015 and replaced the Controlled Products Regulations. The HPR establishes criteria for classifying hazards. If a product covered by the Hazardous Products Act meets the criteria to be included in a hazard class or category, it is considered a hazardous product under WHMIS 2015.

Not all products are covered by WHMIS 2015. The exclusions under WHMIS 2015 are:

0. Explosives, as defined in the Explosives Act

0. A cosmetic, device, drug or food, as defined in the Food and Drugs Act

0. Pest control products, as defined in the Pest Control Products Act

0. Consumer products, as defined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act

0. Wood or products made of wood

0. Nuclear substances within the meaning of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act that are radioactive

0. Hazardous waste that is sold for recycling or recovery and is intended for disposal

0. Tobacco and tobacco products, as defined in the Tobacco Act

0. Manufactured articles

It should be noted that, while a product may be exempt from the requirement to have a WHMIS label and SDS, employers must still provide education and training on health effects, safe use and storage.

Enforcement and Inspections

WHMIS 2015 is enforced by the provincial or territorial government departments or agencies responsible for health and safety, or through the Labour Program for federally regulated workplaces.

Governmental departments and agencies have the authority to inspect workplaces to confirm compliance with WHMIS 2015. Accordingly, employers should be prepared to do the following:

0. Demonstrate that a WHMIS program is in place

0. Show where the SDSs are for the hazardous products used in the workplace

0. Show that hazardous products in use have appropriate labels

0. Show education and training records for employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products

Inspectors may interview workers to confirm that education and training have occurred. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends that workers be able to answer the following questions for every hazardous product they work with:

0. What are the hazards of the product?

0. How do I protect myself from those hazards?

0. What do I do in case of an emergency?

0. Where can I get further information?

Transitioning to WHMIS 2015

While the adoption of GHS standards was announced in February of 2015, there’s a multiyear transition period where both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015 are in use simultaneously. In relation to the transition, the major responsibilities and considerations you should be aware of include the following:

0. Employers: During the initial phases of the transition, employers may come across both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015 labels. Because of this, it’s important that employees are trained on both systems.

0. Suppliers: Until May 31, 2017, suppliers (manufacturers and importers) can use WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to classify and communicate the hazards of their products. In other words, a supplier must choose which classification, label and SDS to follow.

Full Transition Plan: Key Dates*

| |SUPPLIERS | |

|PHASE |

|Health Hazard |Flame |

|[pic] |[pic] |

|Indicates products that can cause serious health effects |Denotes fire hazards |

|Gas Cylinder |Corrosion |

|[pic] |[pic] |

|Describes products with gases under pressure |Indicates products that can corrode metal as well as skin and eyes. |

|Flame Over Circle |Environment |

|[pic] |[pic] |

|Indicates oxidizing hazards |Indicates products that may cause damage to aquatic environments |

|Exclamation Mark |Exploding Bomb |

|[pic] |[pic] |

|These products may cause less severe health effects or damage the ozone |Indicates products with explosion or reactivity hazards |

|layer | |

|Skull & Crossbones |Biohazardous Infectious Materials |

|[pic] | |

|Indicates products that can cause death or toxicity with short exposure or | |

|in small amounts | |

| | |

| | |

| | |

| |Indicates products that contain organisms or toxins that can cause diseases |

| |in people or animals (not part of GHS) |

Pictograms are also associated with classes and categories. As such, an employee should be able to determine the types of hazards associated with a product and their severity simply by reading the product’s pictogram.

It should be noted that not all hazards require a pictogram. Those WHMIS 2015 classes and categories are as follows:

0. Flammable gases – Category 2

0. Flammable liquids – Category 4

0. Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type G

0. Organic peroxides – Type G

0. Combustible dusts – Category 1

0. Simple asphyxiants – Category 1

0. Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Eye irritation – Category 2B

0. Reproductive toxicity – Effects on or via lactation

For more information about pictograms, review the WHMIS 2015 Pictograms Fact Sheet.

SAFETY DATA SHEETS

SDSs are summary documents meant to provide an in-depth look at safety precautions associated with hazardous products. SDSs outline hazards, handling information and what to do in the event of an emergency. Employees must be aware of where to find all of this information when using SDSs.

SDSs are usually produced by the manufacturer or supplier of the hazardous product. However, in some circumstances, most typically when a hazardous product is produced and used exclusively in a workplace, an employer may be required to prepare an SDS.

SDSs are more condensed than product labels and are required for all hazardous products as classified under WHIMIS 2015.

SDS Sections and Information Requirements

Because they are written for multiple audiences, SDSs can be complex and hard to understand. As part of WHMIS 2015, SDSs are broken up into 16 standard sections as follows:

|SECTION |INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS (PARTIAL LIST) |

|Identification |This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended |

| |uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. |

|Hazard identification |This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and |

| |the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. |

|Composition/information on ingredients |This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated |

| |on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section also|

| |includes information on substances, mixtures and all chemicals where a trade |

| |secret is claimed. |

|First-aid measures |This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained |

| |responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. |

|Fire-fighting measures |This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the |

| |chemical. |

|Accidental release measures |This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, |

| |leaks or releases, including containment and clean-up practices to prevent or|

| |minimize exposure to people, properties or the environment. |

|Handling and storage |This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions |

| |for safe storage of chemicals. |

|Exposure controls/personal protection |This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls and personal|

| |protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. |

|Physical and chemical properties |This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the |

| |substance or mixture. |

|Stability and reactivity |This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the |

| |chemical stability information. |

|Toxicological information |This section identifies toxicological and health effect information or |

| |indicates that such data is not available. |

|Ecological information |This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the|

| |chemical(s) if it were released into the environment. |

|Disposal considerations |This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or |

| |reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices.|

| |To minimize exposure, this section should also refer the reader to Section 8 |

| |(Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS. |

|Transport information |This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and|

| |transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail or sea. |

|Regulatory information |This section identifies any safety, health and environmental regulations |

| |specific to the product that are not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. |

|Other information |This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known |

| |revision was made. The SDS may also state where the changes have been made to|

| |the previous version. |

Sample SDS – Front Page Only

[pic]

Source: WorkSafeBC

Supplier and Employer Responsibilities

Requirements related to SDSs will differ slightly for suppliers and employers. Suppliers, for instance, must abide by all WHMIS 2015 standards by providing the following:

0. Accurate, up-to-date and complete SDSs for all hazardous products that they sell or import

0. SDSs in English and French to purchasers of hazardous products on or before the date of purchase

0. Information that does not conflict with supplier labels or other official documentation

In contrast, for employers, responsibilities for SDSs relate to employee training and education. Employees should know how to read SDSs and where to locate important safety information. In addition, employers should not allow hazardous products in the workplace unless they follow WHMIS 2015 guidelines.

Updating SDSs

At the time of sale or import, all SDSs must be up to date and accurate. In addition, like labels, SDSs will need to be updated when a supplier becomes aware of any significant new information related to a specific hazardous product. Suppliers must update SDSs within 90 days of becoming aware of the new information. If an employer purchases a hazardous product from a supplier within this 90-day time period, the supplier must inform the employer of the significant new data and the date on which it became available in writing.

Every SDS must provide a date of last revision in Section 16 (Other information). You will know if an SDS has been updated by checking this date and comparing it to the one on any previous SDS you have.

Computerized SDSs

As previously stated, SDSs must be readily available to employees. In some instances, employers may consider computerizing SDSs. This can only be done if:

0. All employees have access to and are trained on how to use the computer or device

0. The computers/devices are kept in working order

0. The employer makes a hard copy of the SDSs available to the employee or health and safety committee/representative upon request

MSDSs During The Transition Period

During the transition to WHMIS 2015, both Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and SDSs must comply with either the repealed Controlled Products Regulations (WHMIS 1988) or the Hazardous Products Regulations (WHMIS 2015). The supplier will choose which regulation to follow in full.

This means that hazardous products in the workplace during the transition may follow WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 requirements. Employees should be able to read and understand both systems.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

In simple terms, if a workplace uses hazardous products, a WHMIS education and training program must be in place. Before we outline education and training requirements, it’s important to define these terms as they relate to WHMIS 2015:

0. Education refers to general or portable information such as how WHMIS works, the dangers of hazardous products, employer and employee responsibilities, and the content requirements for SDSs and labels. WHMIS places the obligation for education and training on the employer. As such, education and training may be provided by the employer, or by a qualified outside source.

0. Training refers to site- and job-specific information that covers workplace procedures for storage, handling, use, disposal, emergencies spills and what to do in unusual situations.

Employer Responsibilities

The education and training of employees is the responsibility of employers. In general, education and training is required for hazardous products that workers work with or may be exposed to while performing their job duties—particularly for workers who do the following:

0. Are exposed to hazardous products regularly

0. Use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous products

0. Supervise or manage workers who may be exposed to, or use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous products

0. Are involved in emergency response

A strong WHMIS training and education program covers the following topics:

0. What the information on supplier and workplace labels means and how to read it

0. Where to find SDSs and how to glean the proper information from them

0. General instruction around hazardous products—safety procedures, handling, disposal, etc.

0. Details on what to do if a hazardous product is stored in a particular vessel, like a pipe or tank car

0. What to do in the event that an employee is exposed to a hazardous product by air or other means

0. What procedures must be followed in the event of an emergency that involves a hazardous product

Employers should work with suppliers and a health and safety committee when implementing a WHMIS education and training program. Employers will also need to evaluate employees regularly and provide refresher courses as needed. Refresher education and training is generally required:

0. As needed, to protect workers’ health and safety

0. If conditions in the workplace have changed

0. If new products are introduced

0. If the products have changed and now have different hazards

0. When new hazard information becomes available

0. If there is new information about safe use, handing, storage or disposal

Programs should be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date.

WHMIS 2015 vs. WHMIS 1988 Training

Employers should begin training on the WHMIS 2015 system as soon as possible. Workers should be familiar with any new pictograms, labels and information found on SDSs. However, during the transition to WHMIS 2015, it’s possible that employers may receive products that follow WHMIS 1988 requirements. As such, it’s important that new employees are trained on both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015.

Again, to ensure a smooth transition to WHMIS 2015, the CCOHS suggests that you update your inventory, dispose of any hazardous products that you no longer need and identify products that comply with the old and new WHMIS systems. In addition, it’s important to review the new SDSs to determine whether any hazard and control information has changed.

As an employer, it is your responsibility to educate workers, ensure products are properly labelled, provide access to up-to-date SDSs, and, above all, protect the health and safety of your workers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

This section of the guide provides resources meant to simplify the process of training and educating your workers on WHMIS 2015. In addition, you can use the WHMIS 2015 implementation checklist included in this section to successfully integrate WHMIS into your workplace.

CHECKLISTS

• WHMIS 2015 Implementation Checklist

• WHMIS 2015 Education and Training Checklist

Training Resources

• Safety Matters - WHMIS 2015 Overview

• Safety Matters - WHMIS 2015 Labels

• Safety Matters - WHMIS 2015 Pictograms

• Safety Matters - WHMIS 2015 Safety Data Sheets

• WHMIS 2015 Supplier Label Matching Quiz

• WHMIS 2015 Pictograms Quiz

With the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is now known as WHMIS 2015. As such, employers should begin to move away from the old WHMIS system—WHMIS 1988—in favor of the updated hazard classification rules. Using the checklist below, businesses should find the transition to the new system simple and stress-free.

|TASK | |COMMENTS |

|Rollout |

|Assign an individual or team to oversee the transition to WHMIS 2015 | |      |

|Inventory |

|Catalogue any products that are classified as hazardous under WHMIS 2015 | |      |

|Labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) |

|Ensure that labels and SDSs are in place for any hazardous products produced in | |      |

|the workplace | | |

|Obtain SDSs for all hazardous products in the workplace | |      |

|Enforce rules for requesting and receiving SDSs | |      |

|Display and store SDSs so that they are readily available to employees | |      |

|Develop a process to update SDSs and labels as needed—no SDS should be more than| |      |

|three years old | | |

|Hazard Identification and Workplace Controls |

|Identify the dangers of the hazardous product in the workplace | |      |

|Substitute less-hazardous products wherever possible | |      |

|Install proper ventilation where applicable | |      |

|Provide personal protective equipment and comprehensive hazard training to | |      |

|employees | | |

|Ensure that workplace controls for WHMIS align with an overall health and safety| |      |

|program | | |

|TASK | |COMMENTS |

|Emergency Procedures |

|Review and update first-aid, spill control and fire emergency procedures as | |      |

|necessary | | |

|Notify the local fire department of the types and quantities hazardous materials| |      |

|in the workplace | | |

|Training and Education |

|Ensure that all employees are properly trained on WHMIS 2015 | |      |

|Program Evaluation |

|Review WHMIS program annually, updating it whenever new hazards arise or as | |      |

|needed | | |

|Ensure all applicable items have complete SDSs and labels that are in good | |      |

|condition | | |

|Review WHMIS 2015 requirements annually to ensure compliance | |      |

With the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is now known as WHMIS 2015. Employee education and training is a key requirement of WHMIS 2015, and businesses can use the checklist below to aid in the development and maintenance of an effective program.

This checklist is meant to provide best practices for WHMIS 2015 training and is not meant to replace a formal program. For specifics on WHMIS 2015 training and education requirements, please review the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s fact sheet on WHMIS 2015 Education and Training.

|TASK | |COMMENTS |

|Development and Preparation |

|Consult occupational health and safety committees when developing or | |      |

|implementing the program. | | |

|Assess and identify all hazardous products in the workplace. | |      |

|Identify internal or external WHMIS instructors, evaluating their | |      |

|qualifications. | | |

|Identify all employees who require training —under WHMIS 2015, this is any | |      |

|employee who works with or near hazardous products. | | |

|Establish an onboarding process that identifies any new employees or contractors| |      |

|who may require education and training. | | |

|Evaluate labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that will be used in worker | |      |

|training, ensuring that they are clear and accurate. | | |

|Evaluate safety and emergency procedures. | |      |

|Evaluate the need for specialized training for any workers with specific | |      |

|language or education requirements. | | |

|Education and Training |

|Provide a general overview of WHMIS 2015, detailing its goals as well as | |      |

|supplier, employer and employee responsibilities. | | |

|Instruct employees on how to identify hazards. | |      |

|Detail control, emergency and safe work procedures. | |      |

|Train workers on how to read and access information on hazardous products. | |      |

|TASK | |COMMENTS |

|Education and Training (Continued) |

|Train workers on new products or as new hazard information becomes available. | |      |

|Follow Up |

|Use written tests and other means to evaluate worker comprehension of WHMIS 2015| |      |

|rules and responsibilities. | | |

|Review the education and training program at least once a year. | |      |

WHMIS 2015 Overview

Across Canada, materials that pose health and safety risks are collectively referred to as “hazardous products,” and legislation exists to regulate their creation, transport and use in the workplace.

In February 2015, Canada aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), thereby creating WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 2015 classifies health, physical and environmental hazards of products found in the workplace, specifies product label components and sets forth standards for product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Classification System

Hazard classification criteria under WHMIS 2015 are now more comprehensive, and products are assigned to one of two hazard groups:

1. Physical hazards: Products fall under this category depending on their physical or chemical properties. Specifically, a product would be considered a physical hazard depending on its flammability, reactivity or corrosiveness.

2. Health hazards: Products fall under this category depending on their ability to cause adverse health effects, such as eye irritation, respiratory problems or cancer.

From there, hazards are divided into hazard classes, which further define risks and provide more context.

Once a product has been assigned a group and hazard class, it is then given a hazard category, sometimes referred to as a type. In a few cases, subcategories are also specified. Each hazard class generally contains at least one category, which helps determine the severity of the hazard.

Labels

Under WHMIS 2015, hazardous products used in the workplace must be properly labelled. These labels provide information about workplace hazards using key visual notations to alert readers.

WHMIS 2015 specifies two main types of labels:

1. Workplace labels – These types of labels can appear on hazardous products in a number of situations. Specifically, workplace labels are necessary when a hazardous product is made in the workplace, transferred into another container or the original supplier label is illegible.

2. Supplier labels – These labels are attached to hazardous products by suppliers and should appear on all hazardous products in workplaces across Canada.

Under WHMIS 2015, various information is required on a supplier label. In order to remain compliant, supplier labels must include the following:

• Product identifiers – Product name and list of ingredients

• Supplier identification – The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the substance

• Hazard statement – Category-specific; examples include “harmful if swallowed” and “highly flammable liquid and vapour”

• Precautionary statement(s) – Phrase(s) to recommend measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure or improper handling

• Pictogram – Symbol denoting the hazard class. There are nine pictograms. Each has a red border and diamond shape

• Signal word - A word that indicates the relative severity of the hazard of the category. “Warning” is used for less severe hazard categories and “Danger” for more severe hazard categories

Safety Data Sheets

SDSs are summary documents meant to provide an in-depth look at safety precautions associated with hazardous products. Specifically, SDSs outline hazards, handling information and what to do in the event of an emergency. Employees must be aware of where to find all of this information when using SDSs.

SDSs are generally produced by the manufacturer or supplier of the hazardous product. However, when a hazardous product is produced and used exclusively in a workplace, an employer may be required to prepare an SDS.

As part of WHMIS 2015, SDSs are broken up into 16 standard sections as follows:

• Identification

• Hazard identification

• Composition/information on ingredients

• First-aid measures

• Firefighting measures

• Accidental release measures

• Handling and storage

• Exposure controls/personal protection

• Physical and chemical properties

• Stability and reactivity

• Toxicological information

• Ecological information

• Disposal considerations

• Transport information

• Regulatory information

• Other information

Employee Responsibilities

Under the requirements of WHMIS 2015, employees have a duty to participate in WHMIS-related education and training programs, take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their co-workers from hazardous products and participate in identifying and controlling hazards. The education and training of employees is the responsibility of employers. In general, WHMIS 2015 education and training is required for workers that work with or may be exposed to hazardous products while performing their job duties—particularly for workers who do the following:

• Engage in activities that might regularly expose them to hazardous products

• Use, store, handle, or dispose of a hazardous products

• Supervise or manage workers who may use, store, handle or dispose of hazardous products

• Participate in emergency response

For more information on WHMIS 2015, please contact your supervisor or health and safety representative.

WHMIS 2015 Labels

Legislation for Hazardous Products

Across Canada, materials that pose health and safety risks are collectively referred to as “hazardous products.” Legislation exists to regulate the creation, transport and use of these hazardous products.

In February 2015, Canada aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), thereby creating WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 2015 classifies health, physical and environmental hazards of products, specifies product label components, and sets forth standards for product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Labels

It is important for employees to learn everything there is to know about the WHMIS 2015 labelling system, not just for ease of use but also for safety. The new hazard system is a significant change, but it will bring about a better understanding of hazardous products and their dangers and make transporting and handling these products much safer. will make sure you have the training you need to read and understand the new labels.

WHMIS 2015 specifies two main types of labels:

1. Supplier labels – These labels are attached to hazardous products by suppliers and should appear on all hazardous products in workplaces across Canada. If a hazardous product is always used in its original container with a supplier label, no other label is required. Labels must be available in both English and French, either as one label with both languages or as two separate labels—one in English and one in French.

2. Workplace labels – These types of labels can appear on hazardous products in a number of situations. Specifically, workplace labels are necessary when a hazardous product is created in the workplace and transferred into another container, or when the original supplier label is illegible. Workplace labels should be written in all languages commonly used in the workplace.

Additionally, WHMIS 2015 uses groups, classes and categories to denote the severity of the hazard(s) associated with a hazardous product. Each group is comprised of classes, and each class is comprised of one or more categories.

Based on the group, class and category of a product, the following information should be included on the supplier label:

• Product identifier – The brand name, chemical name, common name, generic name or trade name of the hazardous product

• Initial supplier identification – The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier of the substance

• Hazard statement – Standardized phrases which describe the nature of the hazard posed by the hazardous product

• Precautionary statement(s) – Standardized phrases that describe measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product or resulting from improper handling or storage of a hazardous product

• Pictogram – Symbol denoting the hazard class. There are 10 pictograms. Each has a red border and diamond shape, except the biohazardous symbol.

• Signal word – A word used to alert the reader to a potential hazard and to indicate the severity of the hazard.

• Supplemental label information – This information may be used to provide further detail as long as that information does not contradict the validity of the standardized hazard information.

Workplace labels are less standardized and should provide the following required information:

• A product identifier identical to the one found on the hazardous product’s SDS

• Safe handling information for the hazardous product

• A reference to the availability of an SDS (if applicable)

Workplace labels may include pictograms or other supplier label information.

Sample Supplier Label

[pic]

Sample Workplace Label

[pic]

WHMIS 2015 Pictograms

Legislation for Hazardous Products

Across Canada, materials that pose health and safety risks are collectively referred to as “hazardous products.” Legislation exists to regulate the creation, transportation and use of these hazardous products.

In February 2015, Canada aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), thereby creating WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 2015 classifies health, physical and environmental hazards of products, specifies product label components, and sets forth standards for product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Pictograms

Standardized pictograms are found on all WHMIS 2015-compliant chemical labels, whether products were shipped domestically or internationally. Understandable in any language, pictograms are a universal way to warn of health, physical and environmental hazards.

It is important for you to learn about the new pictograms, not only for ease of use but also for safety. The adoption of the new hazard system is a significant change, but it will bring about better understanding of hazardous products and their dangers as well as make transporting and handling these products much safer.

Most pictograms are denoted by red frames. All red borders printed on the label must contain a pictogram, as red borders without a pictogram could cause concern that information is missing. Images in combination with the red borders on labels provide maximum recognition and impact. For your own safety, familiarize yourself with the potential hazards associated with each pictogram.

[pic]Health Hazard

• Carcinogen

• Mutagenicity

• Reproductive toxicity

• Respiratory sensitizer

• Target organ toxicity

• Aspiration toxicity

[pic]Flame

• Flammables

• Pyrophorics

• Self-heating

• Emits flammable gas

• Self-reactives

• Organic peroxides

[pic]Exclamation Mark

• Irritant (skin and eye)

• Skin sensitizer

• Acute toxicity (harmful)

• Narcotic effects

• Respiratory tract irritant

• Hazardous to ozone layer

[pic]Gas Cylinder

• Gases under pressure

[pic]Corrosion

• Skin corrosion/burns

• Eye damage

• Corrosive to metals

[pic]Exploding Bomb

• Explosives

• Self-reactives

• Organic peroxides

[pic]Flame over Circle

• Oxidizers

[pic]Environment

• Aquatic toxicity

[pic]Skull and Crossbones

• Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

Biohazardous Infectious Materials

• Biohazardous infectious materials

WHMIS 2015 Safety Data Sheets

Legislation for Controlled Products

Across Canada, materials that pose health and safety risks are collectively referred to as “hazardous products.” Legislation exists to regulate the creation, transportation and use of these hazardous products.

In February 2015, Canada aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), thereby creating WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 2015 classifies health, physical and environmental hazards of products, specifies product label components, and sets forth standards for product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Safety Data Sheets

Safety data sheets (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets, are documents where you can find information on hazardous products. SDSs tell users what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, how to recognize symptoms of exposure and what to do if emergencies occur. keeps SDSs on file for the hazardous products we use.

It is important for you to learn about SDSs, not only for ease of use but also for safety. The adoption of the new hazard system is a significant change, but it will bring about a better understanding of hazardous products and their dangers and make transporting and handling these products much safer.

Divided into 16 sections, which are listed below, the SDSs outline product ingredients, hazards, handling procedures and measures to take if exposure occurs.

Section 1: Identification

• Product name and other means of identification 

• Manufacturer or distributor name, address and phone number

• Emergency phone number

• Recommended use and restrictions on use

Section 2: Hazard(s) identification

• Hazard classification of substance or mixture, or a description of the identified hazard for physical or health hazards not otherwise classified

• Required label elements (including precautionary statements, signal words and hazard symbols)

Section 3: Composition/information on ingredients

• When a hazardous product is a material or substance:

o Chemical name

o Common name and synonyms

o Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number and any unique identifiers

o Chemical name of impurities, stabilizing solvents and/or additives

• For each material or substance in a mixture that is classified in a health hazard class:

o Chemical name

o Common name and synonyms

o CAS registry number and any unique identifiers

o Concentration

Section 4: First-aid measures

• Important symptoms or effects (acute or delayed)

• First-aid measures by route of exposure, including inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion

Section 5: Firefighting measures

• Suitable and unsuitable extinguishing techniques

• Special protective equipment and precautions for firefighters

• Specific fire hazards arising from the product 

Section 6: Accidental release measures

• Emergency procedures, protective equipment and personal precautions

• Proper methods of containment and clean-up

Section 7: Handling and storage

• Precautions for safe handling and storage

Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection

• Control parameters, including occupational exposure guidelines or biological exposure limits and the source of those values

• Appropriate engineering controls

• Individual protection measures

Section 9: Physical and chemical properties

• Information on the physical and chemical properties of the product, including but not limited to appearance, odour, pH level, evaporation rate, solubility and viscosity

Section 10: Stability and reactivity

• Chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions

Section 11: Toxicological information

• Concise but complete description of the various toxic health effects and the data used to identify those effects, including:

o Information on the likely routes of exposure

o Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics

o Delayed and immediate effects, and chronic effects from short-term and long-term exposure

o Numerical measures of toxicity

Section 12: Ecological information

• Ecotoxicity

• Persistence and degradability

• Bioaccumulative potential

• Soil mobility

Section 13: Disposal considerations

• Safe handling for disposal and methods of disposal

Section 14: Transport information

• UN number and UN proper shipping name

• Transport hazard class(es)

• Packing group

Section 15: Regulatory information

• Safety, health and environmental regulations pertaining to the product

Section 16: Other information

• The date of preparation or last revision

Using Safety Data Sheets

Employees should always be familiar with the hazards of a product before using it. At a minimum, you should look at an SDS, match the name of the product on the container to the one on the SDS, know the hazards, understand safe handling and storage instructions, as well as understand what to do in an emergency.

It is important that you use hazardous products in the way that the manufacturer intended. If not, the advice provided on the SDS and label may not apply, or the protective measures listed may not be adequate.

 If you have questions regarding the use of hazardous products or SDSs, please contact your supervisor or health and safety representative.

WHMIS 2015 Supplier Label Matching Quiz

| |

|OXI252 |

|(disodiumflammy) |

|CAS #: 111-11-11xx |

|[pic] [pic] |

|Danger |

|May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer |

|Causes severe skin burns and eye damage |

| |

|Keep away from heat. Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials. Take any precaution to avoid mixing |

|with combustibles. Wear protective neoprene gloves, safety goggles and a face shield with chin guard. Wear |

|fire/flame-resistant clothing. Do not breathe in dust or mists. Wash arms, hands and face thoroughly after |

|handling. Store locked up. Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, provincial and federal |

|regulations. |

| |

| |

| |

|Great Chemical Company |

|55 Main Street, Anywhere, OT ABC 123 |

|Telephone (888) 777-8888 |

Match each letter in the sample label above with its corresponding label element below:

1. Hazard statement ______

2. Signal word ______

3. Product identifier ______

4. Pictogram ______

5. Supplier identifier ______

6. Precautionary statement ______

Supplier Label Matching Quiz: Answer Key

1) C

2) E

3) A

4) B

5) F

6) D

WHMIS 2015 Pictograms Quiz

Match each pictogram with the hazard(s) it describes.

Pictograms:

1. [pic] ______

2. [pic] ______

3. [pic] ______

4. [pic] ______

5. [pic] ______

6. [pic] ______

7. [pic] ______

8. [pic] ______

9. [pic] ______

10. [pic] ______

Pictograms Quiz: Answer Key

1) C

2) E

3) G

4) F

5) D

6) A

7) H

8) I

9) B

10) J

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DISCLAIMER

This guide is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. It is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not address all potential compliance issues with federal, provincial or local standards. Consult legal counsel to address possible compliance requirements. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHECKLISTS

TRAINING RESOURCES

WHMIS 2015 classifies the hazards of products found in the workplace, specifies product label components and sets forth standards for product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

WHMIS 2015 classifies physical and health hazards of hazardous products used in the workplace, specifies product label components, and sets forth standards for product SDSs.

Standardized pictograms are required on all chemical labels in order to comply with WHMIS 2015. Understandable in any language, pictograms are a universal way to warn of health, physical and environmental hazards.

Divided into 16 sections, SDSs outline product ingredients, hazards, handling procedures and measures to take if exposure occurs.

A

F

B

E

C

D

A. Indicates products with explosion or reactivity hazards

B. Indicates products that can cause death or toxicity in small amounts

C. Indicates products that can cause serious health effects

D. Indicates products that can corrode metal as well as skin and eyes.

E. Denotes fire hazards

F. Gases under pressure

G. These products may cause less severe health effects

H. Indicates oxidizing hazards

I. Indicates products that may cause damage to aquatic environments

J. Indicates products that contain organisms or toxins that can cause diseases in people or animals

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WHMIS 2015 Implementation

WHMIS 2015

Education and Training

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From your safety partners at Thor Insurance & Registries Ltd

This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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From your safety partners at Thor Insurance & Registries Ltd

This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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From your safety partners at Thor Insurance & Registries Ltd

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From your safety partners at Better Brokers - Canada

This Safety Matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

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From your safety partners at Thor Insurance & Registries Ltd

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