What is WHMIS? Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a Canada-wide system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace. It has been implemented by a combination of federal and provincial legislation. The main purpose of the federal
WHMIS legislation is to require suppliers of hazardous materials used in the workplace to provide health and safety information about their products as a condition of sale.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Regulation 860, requires employers to obtain health and safety information about hazardous materials in their workplaces and to pass it on to their workers. There are three ways in which the information is to be provided:
- Labels on the containers of hazardous materials
- Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to supplement the label with detailed hazard and precautionary information, and
- Worker education programs.
The supplier of the hazardous material provides the labels and MSDS to the employer. The employer passes the information on to the worker and provides education programs. The Ministry of Labour has published a WHMIS Guide which is available from ServiceOntario Publications.
Acts & Regulations:
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