1 September 2018 marks the Canadian WHMIS 2015 deadline for distributors. This means that manufacturers, importers, and distributors of hazardous chemical products in Canada must now comply with the requirements of the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). During the transition phase, distributors were able to comply with the requirements of either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015. The final deadline for implementation of WHMIS 2015 is 1 December 2018, when employers must also comply with the HPR.
To implement WHMIS 2015, Safety Data Sheets and labelling for hazardous chemical products used in the workplace must be updated. The new system implements the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) which outlines specific hazard classification rules and requirements for label elements including signal words (“Danger” or “Warning”), pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements.
If your products fall under the scope of WHMIS 2015 and you are not yet up to date, contact Nexreg for information about our SDS and label authoring services.