How is GHS
implemented in Canada?

Canada has a national system for providing information on the safe use of hazardous chemical products used at work, called Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).Thus, WHMIS adapts the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, commonly known as GHS, in Canada, with the aim of protecting workers by ensuring they have the knowledge to handle hazardous materials safely.

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS is the adaptation of GHS Revision 7 and part of Revision 8 in Canada. It is included in the Hazardous Products Regulations or HPR (SOR/2015-17), modified by SOR/2020-38 and in the SOR/2022-272 and in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).

WHMIS was initially adopted in 2015, with a transition period of three years until its official implementation on December 1st, 2018.

The main official body responsible for the GHS adaptation is the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

WHMIS 2015 applies to susbstances listed in the Domestic Substances List (DSL)  and the Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL), both under the  Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). . Other products, such as biocides and cosmetics, are covered by other legislations.

What are the most relevant points of WHMIS?

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be written in English and French.
• SDS must follow the 16-section structure of the GHS.
• SDS must be updated every 3 years..
• SDS must indicate the name and contact information of the Canadian manufacturer or importer.
• There are only 3 types of hazards for classification and labelling: physical hazards and health hazards.
• The following hazards are not included: all categories of explosives including desensitized explosives; acute toxicity category 5; skin corrosion/irritation category 3; aspiration hazard category 2; environmental hazards; and ozone layer hazard category 1.
  • Importantly, combustible dusts, simple asphyxiants, biohazardous infectious materials, and hazard not otherwise classified (HNOC) are considered under WHMIS.
• Labelling of hazardous products requires including the product identifier, manufacturer or importer identifiers, hazard pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements, and additional information based on the substance classification.
• Labels must be in English and French.
• When there is new information or evidence supporting a new use for the substance, the label must be updated within 180 days.

What other chemical regulatory requirements apply in Canada?

• All chemicals not listed in DSL or NDSL are considered "new chemicals" and must meet notification requirements including risk assessments before they can be marketed and used in Canada.
  • Notification for new chemicals is subject to the rules established by SOR/2005-247. To make a new notification, an official CEPA notification form must be completed.
• In Canada, biocides are regulated by SOR/2024-110.
• All cosmetic products marketed in Canada must comply with the Cosmetic Regulations (CRC 869) and the Food and Drugs Act (RSC 1985, F-27).
• An important law that applies to detergents is SOR/89-501, regarding the concentration of phosphorus in certain cleaning products.

To ensure compliance with legislation it is important to have an effective tool.

SIAM offers Chemeter, an intuitive and user-friendly software software that automatically generates safety data sheets (SDS), e-FDS, ADR documentation, PCN dossiers and sector-specific documentation in accordance with the requirements of each country. So you can keep your documents up to date and comply with current regulations easily and effectively.

Experience Chemeter in action. Request your free demo and see how it simplifies compliance for your business.