What is WHMIS 2015?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS 2015 is Canada’s system for communicating information about hazardous products used in Canadian workplaces.

The system was significantly updated in 2015 to incorporate elements of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), a United Nations system designed to create a more consistent approach to identifying and communicating chemical hazards around the world.

The introduction of WHMIS 2015 aligned Canada’s system more closely with international standards and changed how hazardous products are classified, labelled, and communicated in Canadian workplaces.

WHMIS 2015 establishes requirements for the classification and communication of hazards associated with hazardous products. This includes requirements for supplier and workplace labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and worker education and training.

What are WHMIS symbols?

WHMIS symbols, also called pictograms, are standardized graphic images used on hazardous product labels to communicate specific types of hazards.

The pictogram gives workers a visual indication of the type of hazard associated with a product. Most WHMIS pictograms use a black symbol inside a red diamond-shaped border.

The pictograms used under WHMIS 2015 represent different types of hazards, including:

• Explosive or reactive hazards
• Flammable hazards
• Oxidizing hazards
• Gases under pressure
• Corrosive materials
• Acute toxicity
• Serious health hazards
• Health hazards such as skin or respiratory sensitization
• Environmental hazards in situations where the environmental pictogram is used

The biohazardous infectious materials pictogram is different from the other WHMIS pictograms and is represented by the recognized biohazard symbol.

Understanding WHMIS pictograms allows workers to identify potential hazards quickly before using or handling a product.

What is a WHMIS label?

A WHMIS label provides important information about a hazardous product and is one of the main ways WHMIS communicates hazards to workers.

A supplier label generally identifies the product and communicates information such as the relevant hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. It also identifies the supplier responsible for the product.

Workplace labels may be required when a hazardous product is produced or transferred in a workplace or when the original supplier label is missing or no longer legible.

Workers should always read the label before using a hazardous product and follow the instructions and precautions provided.

What is a WHMIS safety data sheet (SDS)?

A safety data sheet (SDS) is a detailed document that provides information about a hazardous product.

An SDS contains information that can help workers and employers understand the hazards of a product and how it should be used safely. It can include information about the product’s composition, hazards, safe handling and storage, personal protective equipment, first-aid measures, accidental release procedures, and disposal considerations.

Employers must ensure that relevant SDSs are readily accessible to workers who may be exposed to hazardous products in the workplace.

Does WHMIS 2015 require employee training?

Yes. Workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products in the workplace need appropriate WHMIS education and training.

WHMIS training helps employees understand how the system works, how to recognize WHMIS labels and pictograms, how to find and use information on SDSs, and how to work safely with hazardous products in their workplace.

Workplace-specific training is also important because the hazards and procedures associated with particular products can vary between workplaces.

What is the difference between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015?

WHMIS 2015 replaced the original WHMIS system, commonly referred to as WHMIS 1988, with an updated system incorporating elements of the GHS.

The most noticeable changes included new hazard classes, standardized pictograms, updated label requirements, and the replacement of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) with standardized safety data sheets (SDSs).

The term « WHMIS 2015 » is still commonly used to distinguish the current system from the previous WHMIS 1988 requirements.

Resources:

• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 Compliance Policy (on app)
• WHMIS 2015 Training Comprehensive (Immersive)
• WHMIS 2015 Training