Over the past two years, Canada along with many countries has been working to adapt its current hazard communication system to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals. GHS is an internationally consistent classification and hazard information system that uses labels and safety data sheets.
The goal of GHS is to have a universal standard for classifying chemicals according to their physical, health and environmental hazards. Recently it was announced that established WHMIS requirements will be amended to incorporate the new GHS harmonized criteria for hazard classification and requirements for safety data sheets and labels.
Canada and the United States are currently working to align their GHS implementation dates as much as possible. In 2011, the two countries established the Canada-U.S. Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC), which is designed to “align and synchronize implementation of common classification and labelling requirements for workplace hazardous chemicals within the mandate of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US-OSHA) and Health Canada.”
Under revised GHS regulations, employers will continue to train workers on the hazards and safe use of products in the workplace, ensure that hazardous materials are properly labelled, and prepare workplace labels and safety data sheets. Employees must still also participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs and follow the necessary protection and safety protocols in identifying and controlling hazards.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has created a free online course to help workplaces prepare for the implementation of the GHS, which is available at http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_ghs_intro/
From the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries.
www.cari-acir.org.
