The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada’s national hazard communication standard. The key elements of the system are hazard classification, cautionary labelling of containers, the provision of (material) safety data sheets ((M)SDSs) and worker education and training programs.

ANAC developed specific guidance for the Canadian feed industry on WHMIS 2015 to assist facilities in complying with the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) published in 2015.

These regulations, combined with amendments to the Hazardous Products Act (HPA), modified the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 1988 to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals in Canada. The GHS is an internationally consistent approach to classifying chemicals according to their physical, health and environmental hazards, and to communicating hazard information through labels and safety data sheets. This updated version of WHMIS is referred to as WHMIS 2015.

The following resources may also be useful for companies:

• Canada’s National WHMIS portal: This site, administered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, is for all WHMIS stakeholders, including suppliers, employers, workers and trainers. It also houses specific WHMIS requirements for any jurisdiction.

• Health Canada’s WHMIS and GHS website: Health Canada is responsible for the regulations related to GHS. Specific questions related to WHMIS should be directed to: WHMIS_SIMDUT@hc-sc.gc.ca

• The Workplace Hazardous Materials Bureau’s “Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the HPA and the HPR – WHMIS 2015 Supplier Requirements”