Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 | Your ACSA Safety Training

Summary

The video script discusses the transition to the globally harmonized system (GHS) for classifying and labeling hazardous products, specifically focusing on Canada's adoption through WHMIS 2015. It explains the new classification rules, hazard classes, pictograms, and the updated safety data sheet (SDS) format. The script includes a meeting where workers are informed about the changes, with examples like the 'bug juice' label. It emphasizes ongoing training, the importance of understanding new symbols, and the shift from MSDS to SDS. The goal is to ensure worker safety and compliance with the new standards.

Takeaways

• 📅 2015 marked the beginning of a three-year transition for Canada to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classifying and labeling hazardous products.
• 🇨🇦 Canada's adaptation of GHS is called WHMIS 2015, which aims to create a safer and more consistent system for hazard communication.
• 🔄 WHMIS 2015 does not replace the previous system but rather aligns it with GHS, introducing new classification rules, hazard classes, and pictograms.
• 📚 The Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), has been updated with a new format and additional sections for better clarity.
• 🚨 New hazard pictograms are introduced, and existing ones are modified to be more descriptive and recognizable, with a red diamond-shaped border.
• 🛑 Labels on hazardous products have been updated to reflect the changes in WHMIS 2015, with signal words like 'Danger' indicating high hazards.
• 📝 The SDS now contains 16 sections, up from the previous nine, with new sections for ecological information, transport information, and regulatory information.
• 👷‍♂️ Workers are required to undergo training to understand the new system and to be aware of the changes in hazard classification and communication.
• 🔄 During the transition period, both old and new labels and SDS formats will be in use, but the old ones will be phased out as new products are introduced.
• ♻️ The new system emphasizes the importance of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous products, with specific sections in the SDS dedicated to these topics.

Q & A

What is the significance of the year 2015 in the context of WHMIS and GHS?

2015 marked the beginning of a three-year transition period for Canada to align its Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), which is aimed at creating a safer and more consistent system for classifying and labeling hazardous products worldwide.

What does 'WHMIS 2015' refer to in Canada?

WHMIS 2015 is Canada's version of the alignment with GHS, which includes new classification rules, hazard classes, pictograms, supplier labels, and a new format for the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

How does GHS affect the safety data sheet previously known as MSDS?

GHS does not replace WHMIS but aligns the two systems. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is now simply called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and it has been updated with new sections and information to make it easier to understand and find relevant information.

What are the three hazard groups under WHMIS 2015?

The three hazard groups under WHMIS 2015 are physical, health, and environmental. These groups contain all the hazard classes.

How has the classification of 'gases under pressure' changed with WHMIS 2015?

Under WHMIS 2015, 'gases under pressure' falls into the physical hazard class. The pictogram for this class, which is a gas cylinder, looks the same but now has a red diamond-shaped border, and it only falls into one class.

What is the new pictogram for health hazards under WHMIS 2015?

The new pictogram for health hazards under WHMIS 2015 could represent a variety of classes and categories, including a new hazard class for specific target organ toxicity single exposure.

What are the key changes observed in the labels of hazardous products under WHMIS 2015?

Key changes in labels under WHMIS 2015 include the removal of risk phrases from supplier labels and the absence of a reference to the safety data sheet on the label. The labels now feature signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.

What does the absence of a skull and crossbones and a flame on a product label indicate?

The absence of a skull and crossbones and a flame on a product label indicates that the product is not toxic or flammable, suggesting it is safer in terms of ingestion or proximity to fire.

How has the structure of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) changed with the implementation of WHMIS 2015?

The structure of the SDS has changed from nine sections in the old MSDS to sixteen sections in the new SDS. Information on ingredients, first aid measures, handling and storage, and personal protective equipment are now found in different sections, making the information easier to locate.

What should workers do during the three-year transition period of WHMIS 2015?

During the three-year transition period, workers should continue their training, be aware of the hazards, and familiarize themselves with the new labels and SDS formats as they are updated.

Where can more information on WHMIS 2015 be found?

More information on WHMIS 2015 can be found online by visiting the website of the Alberta Construction Association (ACA), which provides details on these changes and offers courses.