Introduction & Instructions

[Virtual Presenter] Welcome to your comprehensive W-H-M-I-S training course. Before we dive into the material, let me walk you through how this course is structured and what you can expect..

[Audio] This course is divided into five distinct units, each designed to build your understanding of workplace hazardous materials safety. After each unit, you'll complete a knowledge check to ensure you've grasped the key concepts. Don't worry if you don't get it right the first time – you can review the material and try again until you're confident with the content. At the end of the course, you'll take a final quiz consisting of eight questions. To successfully complete the training, you'll need to achieve a score of 80% or higher. If you don't reach this threshold, you'll have the opportunity to retake the quiz. After two attempts, we'll give you a five-minute break to review the material before trying again. Please read carefully this slide before continuing..

[Audio] Now, before we begin, there's something important you should know. While this training program covers industry standards and general W-H-M-I-S principles, your workplace may have unique hazards and specific procedures. That's why employers are legally required to provide additional training tailored to your specific work environment and tasks..

[Audio] In this training we will cover: WHMIS – What is it? The Right to Know Globally Harmonized System Hazardous Product Act and Regulations – Amendments Ontario W-H-M-I-S Legislation Training and Education Hazard Classification, Symbols, Signal Words, etc Labels Supplier Workplace Safety Data Sheets (S-D-S--) Special Situations and Exemptions.

[Audio] Let's talk about WHMIS – the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. This isn't just another acronym to memorize; it's Canada's national standard for communicating about hazardous materials in the workplace. Think of it as your right to know about the potential dangers you might encounter at work. WHMIS stands on three fundamental pillars: First, specific labeling requirements that help you identify hazards at a glance. Second, Safety Data Sheets, or S-D-S--, which provide detailed information about hazardous materials. And third, comprehensive worker education – which is exactly what we're doing right now..

[Audio] Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. W-H-M-I-S was established to ensure that workers have the right to know about the hazards they might encounter in their workplace. Education is a key component of WHMIS, making sure everyone is informed and safe. WHMIS plays a crucial role in identifying hazards. It provides a consistent framework across Canada, and aligns with the Globally Harmonized System for hazard communication. This consistency covers several important aspects: The type and amount of information that must be provided. A standardized way to display this information. Identifying the agency or individuals responsible for the product. Ensuring that the information is regularly updated and revised. By following these guidelines, W-H-M-I-S helps create a safer working environment for everyone..

[Audio] You might hear people talking about GHS – the Globally Harmonized System. This is an international approach to classifying and labeling chemicals, ensuring that whether you're working in Vancouver or Vienna, hazard communication remains consistent. This system follows the United Nations' "Purple Book," which gets updated every two years to stay current with the latest safety standards..

[Audio] In 2015, there was a significant update to WHMIS. This update introduced Canadian workers and suppliers to the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling, or G-H-S--. This system helps to ensure that hazard classifications and labels are consistent and clear, not just in Canada, but globally. On February 11, 2015, the Government of Canada published the Hazardous Products Regulations (H-P-R--) in the Canada Gazette, Part II. This was a major step forward in improving hazard communication. As part of this update, the Controlled Products Regulations (C-P-R--) and the Ingredient Disclosure List were repealed. This means that the old regulations were replaced with new, more effective ones that align with the G-H-S-..

[Audio] Remember. WHMIS Legislation and Jurisdictions.

[Audio] Now, let's move on to the Hazardous Products Act and Regulations Amendments. On January 4, 2023, there were important amendments made to the Hazardous Products Regulations and the Hazardous Products Act. These changes impact W-H-M-I-S requirements for Canadian Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and industrial workplace labels. The goal of these amendments is to align Canadian regulations with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System (G-H-S--) Purple Book, specifically edition 7 and certain parts of edition 8. This alignment ensures that hazard communication is consistent and up-to-date with international standards. Manufacturers and distributors have been given a 3-year transition period to update their S-D-Ss and labels to comply with these new regulations. This means that by December 15, 2025, all documents must adhere to the updated requirements. For more detailed information, you can refer to the resource download titled "Changes to the Hazardous Product Act and Regulations.".

[Audio] Next, let's discuss Ontario W-H-M-I-S Legislation. In Ontario, W-H-M-I-S requirements are outlined in several key pieces of legislation: First, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (O H SA). This act generally requires employers to ensure that hazardous products are properly identified. Employers must obtain safety data sheets (SDSs) and make them available in the workplace. Additionally, they are responsible for providing instruction and training to workers about these hazards. The O H SA also includes provisions for protecting confidential business information, following the procedures set out in the federal Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (H-M-I-R-A) and its regulations. Next, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation (R R O 1990, Regulation 860). This regulation details the employer's duties regarding labels and safety data sheets for hazardous products. It also prescribes the content and delivery of worker education programs. Furthermore, it specifies the types of confidential business information that employers may withhold from a label or safety data sheet. It's important to note that Ontario's W-H-M-I-S legislation applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with the exception of farms..

[Audio] Now, let's answer the question: What Are Hazardous Materials? Hazardous materials are chemicals or physical agents that are regulated under the provisions of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, or WHMIS. These materials are also subject to regulations under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (T-D-G--) legislation. Hazardous materials are dangerous products that can cause a range of health problems. These can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) health issues. Additionally, they can cause damage to the environment. Understanding and properly managing these materials is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy workplace..

[Audio] Let's look at the Key W-H-M-I-S Components. Specific Labelling of Controlled Products: WHMIS requires that controlled products have specific labels. These labels include distinct icons with red diamond borders, which help to quickly identify the type of hazard. This visual cue is crucial for ensuring that workers can easily recognize and understand the risks associated with different products. Safety Data Sheets (S-D-S--): Safety Data Sheets are an essential part of WHMIS. They provide detailed information about each hazardous product, including its properties, health effects, protective measures, and safety precautions. S-D-Ss must be updated to ensure accuracy as new information becomes available. These documents must be easily accessible to all workers, whether in digital format or as hard copies. Worker Education: Education is a cornerstone of WHMIS. Employers are responsible for providing comprehensive training to workers about hazardous products in the workplace. This training includes how to read and understand labels and S-D-S-s-, as well as how to safely handle and store hazardous materials. Effective education helps to prevent accidents and ensures a safer working environment..

[Audio] let's talk about the Roles and Responsibilities within WHMIS. Supplier Duties Suppliers, who are the people or businesses selling or importing hazardous products, have some key responsibilities. They need to: Determine if their products are hazardous. Create labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and provide these to anyone purchasing hazardous products for workplace use. Employer Duties Employers play a vital role in maintaining a safe workplace. Their duties include: Ensuring the workplace is safe. Identifying and fixing safety and health issues. Trying to eliminate or reduce hazards by changing working conditions, rather than just relying on personal protective equipment (P-P-E--). Educating and training workers about the hazards and safe use of hazardous products. Making sure hazardous products are properly labelled. Preparing workplace labels and S-D-Ss when necessary. Implementing control measures to protect workers' health and safety. Worker Rights and Duties Workers also have important rights and responsibilities. They should: Feel free to ask questions about W-H-M-I-S to fully understand the hazards. Refuse to work in unsafe conditions. Be provided with the proper P-P-E when handling hazardous products. Participate in developing safety procedures. Be informed about the hazards they are exposed to. Receive training in W-H-M-I-S to handle hazardous materials safely. Workplace Parties Everyone in the workplace has a role to play. They must: Participate in W-H-M-I-S and chemical safety training programs. Take steps to protect themselves and their co-workers. Help identify and control hazards to keep the workplace safe..

[Audio] Remember, workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you're a supplier, employer, or worker, we all play crucial roles in maintaining a safe work environment. As we continue through this training, you'll learn exactly how to fulfill these responsibilities and protect yourself and others from workplace hazards..