The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a regulatory agency in Canada that sets the national hazard communication standards to ensure that all products are labeled correctly, and that adequate worker education and training is provided. This organization is managed by the federal, provincial and territorial boards in Canada, and it operates through the Health Canada organization.
Significance
The National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System serves as the national secretariat for federal, provincial and territorial government partnership system in Canada. The WHMIS oversees the administration and implementation of occupational hazard and employee training policies throughout Canada, and sets forth various requirements and standards for each jurisdiction.
Function
The WHMIS creates a number of policies and requirements for employers throughout Canada to ensure that all employees have received adequate training when handling and using controlled products in the workplace, and that all hazardous materials and controlled products are properly labeled.
The organization has set forth certain legal requirements for the appropriate labeling and classification of products with its Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and Controlled Products Regulations (CPR). The WHMIS also regulates the activities of Canadian suppliers that sell or import products, so all products and containers must clearly identify any hazardous materials.
History
The WHMIS became part of Canadian law on October 31, 1988. WHMIS legislation was designed to incorporate both the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act so that more specific regulations could be created and implemented at the federal, provincial and territorial levels. This resulted in the development of the Controlled Products Regulations; Ingredient Disclosure List; Hazardous Materials Information Review Act Appeal Board Procedures Regulations; and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations that continue to serve the country today.
Key Policies and Acts
In addition to the HPA and CPR, the WHMIS has established a National Compliance Policy to ensure all regulatory agencies are promoting and facilitating compliance at all levels, and that all employers are making appropriate attempts to protect their workers. The WHMIS is also responsible and developing the following: the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act; Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations; Hazardous Waste Profile Sheet; Acute Oral Toxicity Procedures; Classifications of Controlled Products; Supplier Label Templates; and Education and Training Requirements.
WHMIS has created definitions for the following materials: Corrosive Materials; Dangerously Reactive Materials; Flammable Gases; Compressed Gases; Carcinogens, Mutagens, Teratogens and Reproductive Toxins; Flammable and Combstible Liquids; Oxidizing Materials; Very Toxic and Toxic Materials; and Sensitizers.
Benefits
Having an established regulatory agency in charge of occupational health and safety rules and requirements provides protection for Canadian workers and ensures that companies are not misusing hazardous materials or controlled products in the workplace environment. The WHMIS provides training and education for all employers and workers in Canada, along with free tools, data sheets and publications that can be posted in the workplace for easy reference.
