Week 2: WHMIS 2015 also referred to as GHS

WHMIS is a

• a comprehensive system for providing health and safety information on hazardous products intended for use, handling, or storage in Canadian workplaces

• has aligned with the worldwide hazard communication system known as GHS – the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

• GHS

• the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

• developed by a United Nations (UN) international team of hazard communication experts. 

• WHMIS has changed to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (or GHS) for workplace chemicals. 

Aligning with GHS provides many benefits, including:

• Hazard classification criteria are more comprehensive which improves ability to indicate severity of hazards.

• New hazard classes are included. 

• Physical hazard criteria are consistent with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG regulations).

• Standardized language (hazard and precautionary statements). 

• Standardized SDS format and more comprehensive requirements.

The main components of WHMIS are the following: 

1. Hazard identification and product classification

2. Labelling and safety data sheets 

3. Worker education and training

The Hazardous Products Regulations set out

specific hazard classification criteria

• If a product covered by the Hazardous Products Act meets the criteria to be included in a hazard class or category, it is considered to be a “hazardous product”.

• All hazardous products used in the workplace are covered by the WHMIS regulations, and a WHMIS program, including education and training, must be in place.

Management Responsibilities

• Have health and safety policies in place

• Orient and train workers to ensure awareness and competence in safe work practice-right to know

• Keep records, evaluate the program and take corrective actions 

• Demonstrate of enforcement of rules 

• Accountability 

• Conduct accident investigations 

• Identify hazards and advice employee accordingly 

• Participate in program development and implementation

Employee Responsibilities

• Report hazards

• Report accidents

• Follow rules

• Undergo training

• Participate in program development and implementation

Provincial Legislation includes

• WHMIS 2015

• Occupational health and safety laws and regulations 

• Worker’s compensation legislation 

• Environmental legislations 

• Sanitation and waste disposal regulations 

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations (highways) 

Federal Legislation includes: 

• WHMIS- 2015 

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods regulations (rail and seaway) 

• Canada Labour code part 2 

• Canadian Nuclear Safety Act 

• Canadian Criminal code (Bill C-45- in 2004) 

• Organizations and supervisors are liable for the acts of their representative Individuals 

Municipal Legislation includes: 

• Fire Codes( based on NFPA codes) 

• Building codes 

• Sanitation and waste disposal codes 

Laboratory guidelines:

• Routine Practices: Routine Practices are a set of strategies developed to prevent of transmission of blood borne pathogens. The focus of universal precautions is on blood and selected body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, and amniotic fluid. 

• Blood and Body substance precautions: urine, vomitus, feces, or sputum are not controlled under universal precautions, and are instead usually covered under a set of guidelines called body substance isolation. These terms were used earlier now not used. 

• Standard precautions is a term widely adopted in the United States and convey the same set of principles as routine practices. This is a combination of Universal precautions and body substance precautions. 

• You will also come across the term ROUTINE PRACTICE: This term is used in Canada and it is a combination of universal precautions and body substance isolation 

• Routine practices are a set of infection control strategies and standards designed to protect workers from exposure to potential sources infectious diseases.

WHMIS Labels

WHMIS legislation requires that products used in the workplace that meet the criteria to be classified as hazardous products be labelled.

supplier labels are 

• Required Pieces of Information on a Supplier Label 

• Each controlled product received from a supplier must have a complete WHMIS label.

• If the label is damaged or incomplete the product cannot be used

• Controlled products fit into one of the 6 WHMIS classes. Suppliers’ labels must be written in both English and French.

Supplier Labels parts

1. Product Identifier: Should match the product identifier on the Safety Data Sheet

2. Signal Word:

3. Hazard Statements: A phrase assigned to a hazard class that describes the nature of the product's hazards

4. Precautionary Statements: Describes recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure

5. Supplier Identification: manufacturer or supplier address

6. Pictograms: graphical symbols intended to convey specific hazard information visually.

Workplace Labels

• All hazardous material containers in the workplace must be labeled.

• This is the responsibility of the employer.

workplace parts are 

• Product name (matching the SDS product name). 

• Safe handling precautions may include pictograms or other supplier label information. 

• A reference to the SDS (if available).

Workplace labels are used when

• hazardous materials are produced in the workplace 

• the suppliers label is missing or illegible 

• when hazardous materials are poured from one container to the next

Workplace labels are not needed when

• poured into a container and it is going to be used immediately, or 

• under the control of the person who decanted it..

For example, when the person who poured the product into another container will be the only person who will use it, and the product will be used during one shift, a full workplace label may not be required. However, the container must still be identified with the product identifier (name).

Exploding bomb

for explosion or reactivity hazards

Flame

For fire hazards

Flame over circle

For oxidizing hazard

Corrosion 

For corrosive damage to metals, as well as skin, eyes

Skull and Crossbones

Can cause death or toxicity with short exposure to small amounts

Health Hazard

May cause or suspected of causing health effects

Exclamation Mark

May cause less serious health effects or damage to the ozone layer*

*The GNS system defines an Environmental hazards group. This group (and its classes) was not adopted in WHMIS 2015). However, you may use the environmental classes listed on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Including information about environmental hazards is allowed by WHMIS 2015.

Environment

May cause damage to the aquatic environment

Biohazardous Infectious Materials

for organisms or toxins that can cause diseases in people or animals

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

• are summary documents that provide information about the hazards of a product and advice about safety precautions

• usually written by the manufacturer or supplier of the product

• In some circumstances, an employer may be required to prepare an SDS (e.g., when the product is produced and used exclusively in that workplace).

• provide more detailed hazard information about the product than the label

• identify the hazards of the products you use and to protect yourself from those hazards, including safe handling and emergency measures.

• The supplier that must be identified on an SDS is the initial supplier identifier

When is the SDS Updated?

• An SDS will be required to be updated when the supplier becomes aware of any "significant new data". (New data regarding the hazard)

• will be required to be updated within 90 days of the supplier being aware of the new information 

• Every SDS must provide a date of last revision in Section 16