WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a comprehensive plan for providing information on the safe use of hazardous materials used in Canadian workplaces. The success of WHMIS hinges on the cooperative responsibilities shared among Suppliers, Employers, and Employees (Workers).
This hierarchy ensures that critical information flows from those who create the products to those who use them, maintaining a safe environment.
Manufacturers, importers, and distributors of hazardous products.
Determine which products fall under the criteria of WHMIS and must be managed as hazardous.
Design and affix mandatory labels that provide warning information in both French and English.
Create extensive SDS documents, providing the comprehensive details needed for safe product management.
Ensure that every shipment (or sale) of a product includes the current SDS for that material.
SDS Updates: Suppliers must update the SDS within 90 days of becoming aware of new significant data about the product's hazards.
Label Updates: Suppliers must update labels within 180 days of new significant data.
Business owners, managers, and supervisors who control the workplace environment.
Develop a comprehensive training program. Ensure all workers attend mandatory sessions covering:
- WHMIS legislation.
- Hazard identification.
- Proper handling, storage, use, and disposal.
- Emergency procedures (first aid, spill response).
Ensure all hazardous products have either a legible supplier label or a clear workplace label. Monitor labels regularly to ensure they remain intact and legible.
Obtain and maintain up-to-date SDSs for all hazardous products present. Ensure these sheets are readily accessible to employees at all times.
Produce and keep current a list (an inventory) of every hazardous product present in the workplace.
Put into action the safety measures necessary, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements and engineering controls (like ventilation), to protect workers.
Anyone who works with or may be exposed to hazardous products during their employment.
Attend and actively engage in all mandatory WHMIS education and training sessions provided by the employer.
Adhere to all safe work practices, handling, storage, and disposal procedures learned during training.
Properly and consistently use all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specified for the task.
Read and ensure you understand both the product label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to identify hazards before you use the material.
- Notify a supervisor immediately about broken or missing labels.
- Inform management if you find missing SDSs for a product.
- Report any dangerous situation involving a hazardous material.
Actively help the employer to identify and control the hazardous materials present in the workplace.