22 Aug 2018
Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) regulations in Canada have been updated to ensure the safety of workers at workplaces. It is the right of workers to know about the hazards in handling chemicals at their workplace, the amended regulation was published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette on 09 May 2018.
The new amendments in the regulation will enhance chemical safety amongst workers and help identify potentially harmful chemicals in all organizations. The transition to new WHMIS 2015 happens in 4 phases, the table below outlines applicable regulations through the transition period.
Phase | Timing | Suppliers | Employers | |
Manufacturers and Importers | Distributors | |||
Phase 1 | From Feb 11, 2015 to May 31, 2018 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 | Consult F/P/T regulator |
Phase 2 | From June 1, 2018 to Aug 31, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
Phase 3 | From Sept 1, 2018 to Nov 30, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
Completion | December 1, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 |
Most prominent WHIMIS 2015 changes:
In order to smoothen the transition process to comply with WHMIS, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has laid out some suggestions:
Download the CCOHS FAQs sheet for more details.
Do you want to learn more on collecting SDS from your suppliers and complete transition to WHMIS 2015 before the deadline? Talk to our compliance experts at ComplianceXL.