WHMIS 2015 Transition - AQA PDF

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 1 ( Discuss the WHMIS system. UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS) AND THE TRANSITION In Canada, various types of materials are used in the workplace. The purpose of WHMIS is to provide a comprehensive...

Unit A-4 • Introduction to Plant and Fire Safety OBJECTIVE 1 ( Discuss the WHMIS system. UNDERSTANDING WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS) AND THE TRANSITION In Canada, various types of materials are used in the workplace. The purpose of WHMIS is to provide a comprehensive system to communicate and inform workers on the safe use of hazardous materials. WHMIS was developed by a group of representatives from Canadian government, employers, and workers. This program was in response to the Canadian workers' right to know about the safety and health hazards of the materials and chemicals that they deal with at the worksite. In October 31, 1988, WHMIS became law in Canada across all Canadian jurisdictions. WHMIS in Transition The world has become more connected, and with it are more opportunities for global trading. However, countries have different ways of classifying chemicals and identifying hazardous products. This situation creates confusion for the trading countries. As a result, risks and hazards to workers increase. To address this situation, the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) was developed by an international team of hazard communication experts. GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products. It communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets. The goal is to adopt and use the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) around the world. Effective February 11, 2015, Canada incorporated GHS for Canadian workplaces and amended WHMIS 1988; the modified system is now WHMIS 2015. To allow suppliers, employers, and workers time to adjust to the new system, a 3-stage transition plan is in place to align with the implementation process across all Canadian jurisdictions. Following are the important timelines for the transition period between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015. Suppliers Phase 1 Timeline From February 11, 2015 to May 31, 2017 Employers Manufactures and Importers Distributors WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 Consult local jurisdictional legislative requirements WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 2 From June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 orWHMIS 2015 3 From June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 orWHMIS 2015 December 1, 2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 Completion Please consult the local jurisdictional WHMIS regulations or the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for further information and details on the WHMIS 1988 system, and the new WHMIS 2015 system. 3-4 <(-------------------------------4-t_h_C_Ias_s_E_d_iu_o_n 3•_P _a _r_l_A (