WORKPLACE
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS)
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· GENERAL
· WORKER TRAINING AND
EDUCATION
· LABELS
· RECORDS
WHMIS applies to any workplace that has one or more controlled product (more commonly called hazardous products). WHMIS does not apply to a hazardous material that is covered under another piece of legislation such as the Food and Drugs Act or Consumer Products Act, or to manufactured articles or products covered under the Pest Control Products Act. (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 2)
The employer must provide general education to workers about WHMIS and ensure that workers have access to all hazard information received about a controlled product. Workers must be instructed in label content and its significance, MSDS content and its significance, procedures for safe use, handling, storage, disposal, procedures for fugitive emissions, and emergency procedures.
The training program must be developed and implemented in consultation with the JHSC or representative (whichever is applicable).
The employer must ensure that each trained worker is able to apply the information learned in the training.
The training program must be reviewed at least once/year in consultation with the JHSC or representative (whichever is applicable). (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 5)
Maintain training records for at least 30 yrs. (Health Hazard Regulation 53/88, 34)
Workers must be informed of all hazard information that the employer is aware of related to use/storage/handling of controlled product. (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 4)
WHMIS requires all containers of controlled products to be labeled. There are two types of labels: supplier labels and workplace labels.
Containers of controlled product must be labeled with a supplier label when the containers are received. The employer is responsible for ensuring that containers are received with a supplier label attached. If the supplier label becomes illegible, it must be replaced with a workplace label. (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 6)
A workplace label must be applied to any container of controlled product that does not have a supplier label. For example, a workplace label must be applied to any tank containing a product made in the workplace (e.g., combine parts A and B to make a new chemical) and to any container into which a hazardous product has been decanted.
A label is not required if a decanted product is used within the shift by the worker who decanted it, remains in his/her exclusive control and clearly identifies the contents of the container.
Where controlled products are in process vessels, piping or other containers, employers must ensure the safe use/handling /storage or the product via worker education, labels, color codes, placards or other information.
(Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 7 - 9)
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDSs)
The employer must obtain an MSDS for each controlled product used in the facility. The MSDS must be less than three years old to be acceptable. If an MSDS less than three years old is not available, the existing MSDS can be updated with any new hazard information available. The MSDS provided to employees may be in a format different from the one provided by the supplier provided that the supplier MSDS is available to workers and the new MSDS contains all the information from the supplier MSDS.
MSDSs for controlled products must be available to workers, and to members of the joint health and safety committee. The MSDSs may be available on a computer provided that employees are trained on how to access the MSDSs, the computer system is maintained and the original MSDS is available on request. (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Regulation 52/88, 14)
In consultation with the JHSC, the employer must prepare a written inventory of all controlled products. A notice of change must be prepared within 15 days when a new product is introduced into the workplace and within 60 days when use of a controlled product is discontinued. Revise the inventory annually if there are any changes.
The inventory and all notices of change must be posted and a copy provided to the JHSC. (Health Hazard Regulation 53/88, 17)
A record of the inventory must be retained for 30 years. (Health Hazard Regulation 53/88, 34)
The employer must maintain the following records for 30 years at a place in Manitoba:
· An MSDS for each controlled product required by the regulations
· Each worker education program required by the regulations
· Each inventory required by the regulations
(Health Hazard Regulation 53/88, 34)
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