GENERAL

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 wood or a wood product, tobacco or manufactured articles. The MSDS section does not apply to products covered under the Food and Drugs Act, the Pest Control Products Act, or to products intended for domestic use. Products are not subject to the labeling requirement if they are kept in the original container. (Information on Controlled Products Regulation 445-89, 4-7)

WORKER TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Worker training and education must include the following elements: all the hazard information received for each controlled product, the nature and meaning of information on labels and MSDS, safe work procedures for handling, storage, and disposal, procedures for fugitive emissions, and emergency procedures. (Information on Controlled Products Regulation 445-89, 54)

LABELS

WHMIS requires all containers of controlled products to be labeled. There are two types of labels: supplier labels and workplace labels.

Supplier label

The employer must ensure that a controlled product has a supplier label affixed and that the label has the required information. The label must not be removed or altered. The employer must label a bulk shipment with a label provided by the supplier. (Information on Controlled Products Regulation 445-89, 8, 11)

Workplace label

If a supplier label is lost or becomes illegible, the employer must replace it with a label giving the product name, handling precautions, and statement that the MSDS is available. (Information on Controlled Products Regulation 445-89, 15)

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. (Information on Controlled Products Regulation 445-89, 27-28, 31, 48-50)

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