WHMIS with GHS

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) has been updated to include GHS (Globally Harmonized System). It was amended in 2015. You may hear the term WHMIS, WHMIS with GHS, or simply WHMIS 2015 all interchangeably, but they all refer to the new and improved, updated WHMIS program in Canada.

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, or GHS for short is the new system for classifying and labeling hazardous workplace chemicals (controlled products) in the workplace, and has recently been incorporated as an amendment to the existing WHMIS legislation. This new system will provide an international standard for the classification and communication of information on hazardous products.

GHS was implemented in order to streamline hazard communication globally. This is beneficial for organizations because it ensures that we’re all speaking the same language when it comes to communicating the potential for harm. It also helps companies that operate globally streamline their WHMIS programs. Over 65 countries have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, GHS.

The change from the previous WHMIS system to the WHMIS with GHS was to be completed by December 2018. All Canadian organizations are expected to have fully transitioned to the WHMIS with GHS system of hazard classification and communication.

• “Controlled Products” will now be called “Hazardous Products”
• There are 9 different classes & Different classification criteria
• New supplier labels & New pictograms
• New 16-section product safety data sheets (SDSs)
• No requirement to update SDSs every three years

In order to make others aware of hazardous and potentially harmful materials in the workplace goods, a system of symbols, labels, and training has been implemented. eWorkplace Training’s WHMIS with GHS course will introduce you to WHMIS with GHS, relevant hazard communication legislation, rights and responsibilities of workplace parties, and how to interpret WHMIS labels, symbols, and SDSs (Safety Data Sheets).

WHMIS with GHS became law through the amended regulations on February 11th 2015. All federal, provincial, territorial occupational health and safety WHMIS regulations must be updated and all employees must be retrained.