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.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to WHMIS 2015

The script introduces the transition to WHMIS 2015, Canada's adaptation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classifying and labeling hazardous products. The aim is to create a safer and more consistent system worldwide. The meeting discusses the new safety data sheet (SDS) for windshield washer fluid, highlighting changes in hazard classes, pictograms, and the absence of risk phrases on supplier labels. The importance of ongoing training and compliance with the new standards is emphasized, with a focus on understanding the new label elements such as signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.

05:00

🔍 Detailed Changes in WHMIS 2015

This section delves into the specific changes brought by WHMIS 2015, including modifications to hazard classes and symbols, now called pictograms. It explains the three hazard groups and their categories, providing examples of physical, health, and environmental hazards. The script clarifies the new format of the SDS, which now contains 16 sections instead of the previous nine, with updated titles and additional information on ecological, transport, regulatory aspects, and preparation. The conversation confirms that roles and responsibilities remain consistent, with a commitment to ongoing training and awareness of hazards. The script concludes with a reminder to check for updated labels and SDSs and directs to the ACA's website for more information.

Keywords

💡GHS

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. It is a system aimed at standardizing the classification and labeling of chemicals to ensure a coherent approach to their handling and safety worldwide. In the video, the transition to GHS is discussed as a significant change that will affect how hazardous products are classified and labeled, which is crucial for worker safety and compliance.

💡WHMIS 2015

WHMIS 2015 refers to the Canadian version of the Globally Harmonized System, which is an update to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. The update aligns with GHS and includes new classification rules, hazard classes, and pictograms. The video script mentions WHMIS 2015 as the framework within which the company is operating, indicating a move towards a more standardized and safer system for handling hazardous materials.

💡Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A Safety Data Sheet, formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a document that provides information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity, and environmental) and how to handle, store, and dispose of chemicals safely. In the video, the new format for SDS is discussed, highlighting the changes in sections and the inclusion of more detailed and accessible information, which is essential for understanding the risks associated with hazardous products.

💡Hazard Classes

Hazard Classes are categories that group chemicals based on their physical, health, or environmental hazards. The video script explains that under WHMIS 2015, these classes are now more descriptive, helping to clearly communicate the nature of the hazard. This is important for workers to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions.

💡Pictograms

Pictograms are graphical symbols on safety labels that convey specific hazard information at a glance. The video script mentions that under WHMIS 2015, the hazard symbols have been updated to pictograms, which are now part of a standardized system. These pictograms are designed to be universally recognized, aiding in the quick identification of hazards.

💡Signal Word

A Signal Word is a word used on labels to indicate the level of severity of a hazard. In the video, 'Danger' is mentioned as a signal word, which indicates a high level of hazard. The use of signal words is crucial for quickly communicating the potential risks associated with a product.

💡Hazard Statement

A Hazard Statement is a phrase on a label that describes the nature and severity of the hazard(s) of a chemical. The video script refers to the Hazard Statement as part of the new label information, which is essential for understanding the specific risks of a product.

💡Precautionary Statements

Precautionary Statements provide recommendations on how to safely handle and dispose of chemicals, as well as how to respond in case of accidents. In the video, these statements are part of the new label requirements and are highlighted as providing preventative measures to protect workers when storing or handling hazardous products.

💡Ecological Information

Ecological Information pertains to the potential environmental impact of a chemical. The video script mentions a new section in the SDS dedicated to ecological information, which is a significant addition to the safety data, ensuring that users are aware of the environmental hazards and can take steps to mitigate them.

💡Disposal Considerations

Disposal Considerations are guidelines on how to safely dispose of a chemical to prevent harm to human health and the environment. The video script indicates that this information is now found in a separate section of the SDS, which is important for ensuring that chemicals are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

💡Ongoing Training

Ongoing Training refers to the continuous education and updates provided to workers to ensure they are aware of changes in safety regulations and practices. The video script emphasizes the importance of ongoing training to keep workers informed about the new WHMIS 2015 standards and to maintain a safe workplace.

Highlights

2015 marks the beginning of a three-year transition to align WHMIS with GHS.

Canada's version of GHS is WHMIS 2015.

GHS aims to create a safer and more consistent system for classifying and labeling hazardous products worldwide.

WHMIS 2015 introduces new classification rules, hazard classes, and pictograms.

Supplier labels and the format of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are updated.

Education and training on WHMIS will continue, with ongoing changes over the next three years.

Labels will display new information, but detailed data remains in the SDS.

WHMIS 1988 hazard classes and symbols have been modified for WHMIS 2015.

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is now simply called a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).

There are three hazard groups: physical, health, and environmental.

The severity of hazards is indicated by categories, with one being the most severe.

Examples of new pictograms include gases under pressure and corrosive materials.

The 'bug juice' label serves as an example of the new labeling system.

The signal word 'Danger' indicates a high hazard level.

Preventative measures and storage instructions are detailed in the SDS.

The SDS now has 16 sections, with changes to the layout and content.

New sections include ecological information, transport information, and regulatory information.

The roles of supervisors and workers remain the same, with a commitment to ongoing training.

During the transition period, both 1988 and 2015 labels and SDSs will be present.

More information on WHMIS 2015 can be found on the ACA's website.

Transcripts

2015 marked the first year in a

three-year transition to align whims

with the globally harmonized system ghs

Canada's version of this is whims 2015

ghs will create a safer more consistent

system of classifying and labeling

hazardous products

worldwide good morning morning ready for

a two box meeting today yeah I'm going

over the women 2015 stuff like you said

okay great I've prepared some notes and

handouts it's a lot of information to

cover but it's important for the workers

and help them get on board with the

changes great well I'm glad we're

ensuring that we're following the

standard and uh we're in compliance yeah

okay morning everybody hey morning there

you go thank you you're welcome all

right so yesterday the supplier sent us

a new copy of the safety data sheet for

the windshield washer fluid or bug juice

there may be some symbols that you guys

aren't familiar with yet yeah they look

kind of the same I'm guessing it's part

of the ghs wom 20 2015 thing people have

been talking about that's right today

we're going to be talking about wiim

2015 Mr Jones and I are here to address

any concerns that you might

[Music]

have in Canada ghs does not replace

whims instead whims 2015 aligns the two

systems this includes new classification

rules and hazard

classes new Hazard

pictograms new supplier

labels and a new format for the safety

data sheet also known as

SDS you going to take one pass it down

sure thank you so some things won't

change uh for example Education and

Training you all have to be trained in

whims some of the changes will be coming

in over the next 3 years so you will see

a mix of the old and the new system

training will be ongoing but that

shouldn't be new to you guys what about

labels labels have changed a little bit

there is some new information but the

detailed information is still in the

safety data sheet

uh if you have any questions you can

always ask me or another supervisor okay

so this sheet breaks down the old and

new hazard classes and then there are

new symbols and more information in the

SDS right I'm a little confused okay

so woms 1988 hazard classes and symbols

have been modified slightly woms 2015

hazard classes are now descriptive while

the hazard symbols are now called

pictograms and the material safety data

sheet MSDS is simply called a safety

data sheet or

SDS so there are three Hazard groups

physical health and environmental and

they contain all the hazard classes

right and then the categories tell you

how severe the hazard is one being the

most severe so let's take a look at some

examples here we

[Music]

have if you look at gases Under Pressure

you can see that this falls into the

physical hazard class the pictogram

which is a gas cylinder looks the same

but now has a red diamond shaped border

it only falls into the one class the

corrosion pictogram is used for three

classes corrosive to Metals skin

corrosion and serious eye damage and is

only used for category 1

corrosives and the new pictogram for

health hazard could represent a variety

of classes and categories including a

new hazard class for specific spe ific

Target organ toxicity single

exposure okay so the bug juice is coming

in and it's the perfect example of a new

label so let's take a look at it looks

like the label has the same information

as it had before pretty much this here

is the signal word danger means really

high Hazard this here is the Hazard

Statement it tells you pretty much well

the hazard this here are the

precautionary statements they give you

the preventative measures like how to

protect yourself when storing or

handling the product are there any

differences a couple for example there's

no longer risk phrases on the supplier

label also there's no longer a reference

to the safety data sheet this one has a

skull and crossbones and a flame that

means Gary shouldn't drink it right or

use it near a fire yep actually if you

read the precautionary statement it does

say do not eat drink or smoke when using

if you look at the SDS it will give you

the more detailed information just in

case Gary does drink it or more likely

spills it and how you should store it

which is information we need when we

unpack it exactly it gives you the

exposure controls so it tells you to

wash your hands after using the product

before eating or drinking keep in mind

that the sections of the MSDS have

changed the old style has nine sections

and the new one has

16 information on the ingredients was

previously included in section two

entitled hazardous ingredients this is

now found in section three of the new

SDS entitled composition and information

on ingredients first eight information

can now be found in section four of the

new SDS which was previously found in

Section 8 of an

MSDS section seven on the MSDS sheet

used to include the following topics PPE

storage and handling and Disposal and

Spills these topics now have their own

sections or are part of other

sections spill information is now found

under Section six accidental release

measures handling and storage is now

found under Section 7 on the new

SDS PPE is now found under Section 8

exposure controls and personal

protection disposal is now found under

Section 13 disposal

considerations new sections include

section 12 ecological

information section 14 transport

information section 15 regulatory

information and section 16 was

introduced and contains all information

on Preparation and revision of the

SDS these changes have made the

information easier to find and to

understand for all

stakeholders awesome so basically what

we do doesn't change we keep up on our

training and continue to be aware of

Hazards pretty much my role and Mr

Jones's role pretty much stay the same

too yeah we're committed to provide you

guys with ongoing train and uh you know

during our twoolbox talks we'll provide

you with information as new products

come in sounds good I'll go make sure

that there's enough room in the back to

store the new product we just have to

make sure the labels are on the product

correctly and the sdss are available yes

during this three-year transition period

you may find both 1988 and 2015 labels

and SS's but we will be replacing the

old ones with the new as they come

in are there any

questions great well thanks so much guys

for coming in have a good day and be

safe thanks

everybody more information on whims 2015

can be found online visit aca's website

for more information on these changes

and

courses