WHMIS Introduction and Overview | 2023 Update

Summary

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) was created in 1988 to ensure Canadian workers know about the hazards of products they handle. It was updated in 2015 to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and revised again in 2022. The latest changes include new hazard categories like chemicals under pressure and flammable gases. WHMIS promotes safety by informing workers of health risks, guiding emergency responses, and requiring legal training. Some products, like consumer goods and explosives, are exempt but still require caution. WHMIS is crucial for a safe, compliant workplace.

Takeaways

• 📅 WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) was first introduced on October 31st, 1988, to inform Canadian workers about health and safety hazards in the workplace.
• 🌐 In February 2015, Canada aligned WHMIS with the globally harmonized system (GHS) to standardize chemical hazard classification and communication globally.
• 🔄 WHMIS was updated again in December 2022 to align with newer revisions of the GHS, introducing new hazard classes such as chemicals under pressure and non-flammable aerosols.
• ⚠️ WHMIS is crucial for workplace safety as it provides knowledge on how to handle hazardous products safely, reducing the risk of incidents and injuries.
• 🧪 WHMIS informs workers about potential health effects from hazardous materials, such as skin irritation, breathing issues, and more severe health problems.
• 🚨 WHMIS training helps workers respond effectively to emergencies involving hazardous products, minimizing harm and damage.
• 📜 WHMIS is mandatory by law in Canada, and employers are required to provide WHMIS training to employees who are exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace.
• 🔎 WHMIS is more than just a labeling system; it is a comprehensive safety protocol for handling and responding to hazardous materials.
• 🏛 Provincial WHMIS regulations emphasize employer responsibilities for ensuring proper handling, storage, and training related to hazardous materials.
• ❌ Certain products, like consumer goods and explosives, are excluded from WHMIS but are regulated under different safety rules.

Q & A

What is WHMIS and why was it created?

WHMIS, or the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, was created to inform Canadian workers about the health and safety hazards associated with hazardous products they may encounter in the workplace. It was established to ensure workers' rights to know about these hazards.

When did WHMIS first come into effect?

WHMIS first came into effect on October 31st, 1988.

What significant change occurred to WHMIS in February 2015?

In February 2015, Canada aligned WHMIS with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), which brought global standardization to chemical hazard classification and communication.

Why was the term 'WHMIS 2015' used after the 2015 update?

The term 'WHMIS 2015' was used for several years after 2015 to reflect the updates made in that year, particularly the alignment with the GHS.

What was the latest update to WHMIS in December 2022?

In December 2022, WHMIS was updated to align with newer revisions of the GHS, introducing new hazard classifications such as chemicals under pressure, non-flammable aerosols, and new subcategories for flammable gases.

Why is understanding and recognizing hazardous materials important in the workplace?

Understanding and recognizing hazardous materials is crucial for workplace safety, as it helps workers handle products safely, reducing the risk of incidents, injuries, and exposure to health hazards like skin irritation or respiratory problems.

What role does WHMIS play in emergency response in the workplace?

WHMIS promotes a more effective response to workplace emergencies by equipping workers with knowledge about hazardous products, allowing them to respond swiftly and accurately to incidents, thus minimizing harm and damage.

Is WHMIS training legally required in Canadian workplaces?

Yes, Canadian workplaces are legally required to provide WHMIS training to employees who are exposed, or likely to be exposed, to hazardous products at work.

What products are exempt from WHMIS, and how are they regulated?

Some products are exempt from WHMIS, such as consumer products for personal or household use, explosives, cosmetics, drugs, food, pest control products, nuclear substances, and tobacco. These products are regulated under separate legislation, like the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.

Does the exclusion of a product from WHMIS mean it is safe?

No, just because a product is excluded from WHMIS does not mean it is safe. It means the product is regulated by different rules, and employers are still responsible for educating and training employees on safe handling, storage, and potential health effects of these products.