WHMIS 2015
WHMIS 1988 is Changing Due to Incorporation of the Global Harmonization System.
The new program is called WHMIS 2015 and enforced by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Learn more about the changes in WHMIS 2015.
WHMIS Resources:
- University of Windsor WHMIS Program Manual (.pdf)
- WHMIS 2015 Training
- How will WHMIS 2015 changes affect Researchers (.pdf)
- More frequently asked questions regarding WHMIS
- WorkSafeBC Booklet on the Basics of WHMIS 2015
Background:
- All workers in Canada have a legal right to know how the materials they work with can affect their health or safety.
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) became law as of October 13, 1988 and was created to assist in reducing injuries, illnesses, deaths and medical costs resulting from exposure to hazardous materials. In 2015, WHMIS was updated in order to conform with the Global Harmonized System.
- Employers are required to establish education and training programs. Workers are required to participate in the training programs and apply the safety practices they have learned.
- In Ontario the Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS Regulations apply to suppliers employers and workers.
WHMIS 2015 Labels
Chemical labels must be updated if they don't comply with WHMIS 2015. For more information regarding WHMIS2015 labelling requirements and University of Windsor workplace labels visit our Laboratory Safety Bulletin; LSB – Labels must be used on all containers of hazardous products at the University of Windsor.
Changes from WHMIS 1998 (Courtesy of OHS-Bulletin-CH009, Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Government of Alberta)
WHMIS 2015 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
SDS's must be updated if they don't comply with WHMIS 2015. Every material that is controlled by WHIMIS2015 must have an accompanying Safety Data Sheet SDS – formally Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). SDS’s must be easy accessible by all employees and students that work with, or near the hazardous product. For more information and how to obtain SDS visit LSB - WHMIS 2015 Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (.docx).