WHMIS training is Canada's national hazard communication standard. This system ensures that hazardous products and containers are labeled correctly, provides safety data about certain materials or resources, and trains and educates people who work with these materials. WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and is managed and controlled by Canada's Department of Health.
History
WHMIS became part of Canadian law on Oct. 31, 1988. Before WHMIS, the country operated under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act and the Hazardous Products Act. WHMIS looked to incorporate the regulations of both of these acts and provide consistency for the federal, provincial and territorial legislation. The first act of WHMIS was the development and implementation of the Controlled Products Regulations in congruence with the Hazardous Products Acts, both of which are still being used today.
Facts
Requirements for correct labeling of materials are spelled out in the following two government regulations: Hazardous Products Act and the Controlled Products Regulations. These two acts introduced the new national standard for classify hazardous materials. The main purpose of the regulations was to outline the criteria for chemical hazards, including biohazards, acute hazards, and chronic health hazards, such as respiratory tract disease, carcinogenicity, and skin sensitization, that can be caused from improper use of hazardous materials.
Significance
WHMIS protects important, confidential business information regarding hazardous resources used in the business process while still giving employees the necessary information, training and warnings they need to know about. It also provides guidelines and mechanisms for solving claims and appeals that may arise.
Benefits
WHMIS attempts to ensure businesses do not misuse hazardous and controlled materials in the workplace, thereby protecting the health of Canadian workers. WHMIS is one of the largest providers of information and data regarding the adverse effects of hazardous materials.
Considerations
WHMIS strives to be aware of all stakeholders' interests and focused on reaching a consensus agreement involving industry, the work force, and government agencies. Preserving the environment and promoting safe workplaces is seen as a shared responsibility between all parties involved; this idea was formalized with the introduction of the National WHMIS Compliance Policy. The policy outlines the principles of fair and consistent government enforcement, establishes the roles and responsibilities of the government, organizations, and employees, and requires support and buy-in from all parties involved.
