Chemical regulations

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Canada - WHMIS

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada’s national system for chemical hazard communication. Its purpose is to ensure that Canadian workers receive consistent and comprehensive information about the hazards of the materials they work with.

 

Since 2015, Canada has aligned WHMIS with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This harmonization facilitates cross-border trade and standardizes how hazards are communicated. The key regulations supporting this system include the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), administered federally by Health Canada.

 

Key Roles and Responsibilities under WHMIS:

Unlike a simple regulation, WHMIS is a comprehensive system based on shared responsibilities:

 

  • Suppliers: Those who sell or import hazardous products for use in Canadian workplaces. Their main responsibility is to classify hazardous products and provide labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to their customers.
  • Employers: Those who purchase or use hazardous products. They must ensure these products are properly labeled, have SDSs available for workers, and provide thorough training on the safe handling of such materials.
  • Workers: Those who handle hazardous products as part of their job. Their responsibility is to participate in WHMIS training, follow safe work procedures, and report any unusual conditions.

What are the mandatory sections of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under WHMIS?

The SDS in Canada must follow a standardized 16-section format, as dictated by the HPR to ensure consistency with the GHS.

 

Key Requirement in Canada: Bilingualism. One of the most significant differences is that SDSs and labels must be available in both of Canada’s official languages: English and French. These can be provided in a single bilingual document or as two separate documents.

 

The 16 required sections are:

 

  1. Identification
  2. Hazard Identification
  3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
  4. First-Aid Measures
  5. Fire-Fighting Measures
  6. Accidental Release Measures
  7. Handling and Storage

  8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

  9. Physical and Chemical Properties
  10. Stability and Reactivity
  11. Toxicological Information
  12. Ecological Information
  13. Disposal Considerations
  14. Transport Information
  15. Regulatory Information
  16. Other Information

 

Section 15: A Canadian Focus

Section 15 of a Canadian SDS is crucial for compliance, as it must reflect the regulatory status of the chemical product in Canada.

 

Substance Inventories (DSL/NDSL): The main regulatory tool in Canada is the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA), managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Under this law, substances are managed through two main inventories:

 

  • Domestic Substances List (DSL): The inventory of substances considered “existing” for commercial purposes in Canada.
  • Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL): Lists substances not on the DSL but that are in commercial use in other countries. Substances on the NDSL have reduced notification requirements compared to completely new substances.


A substance’s status on the DSL or NDSL determines its assessment and notification requirements prior to import or manufacture.

 

How does WHMIS address labeling requirements?

A supplier label under WHMIS must include the following information in both English and French:

 

  • Product identifier: The brand, chemical, or generic name.
  • Hazard pictograms: The same as those defined by the GHS.
  • Signal word: “Danger” or “Warning.”

  • Hazard statements: Standardized phrases describing the hazard.

  • Precautionary statements: Recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects.

  • Supplier identifier: Name, address, and phone number of the Canadian manufacturer or importer.

 

Labeling of Consumer Chemical Products.

 

Chemical products intended for the general public in Canada are not regulated by WHMIS, but by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) and its associated regulations, such as the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR).

 

These regulations require specific hazard labeling for consumer products that may be toxic, corrosive, flammable, or come in hazardous containers. The symbols are different from GHS pictograms and are designed to be easily recognized by the general public.

What are the mandatory training requirements under WHMIS?

Provincial and territorial occupational health and safety legislation requires employers to provide WHMIS training to all workers who may be exposed to hazardous products. This training must be workplace-specific and cover:

 


Employers must regularly review and update their training programs to ensure workers are always protected and well-informed.

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