What is WHMIS – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

WHMIS is a short form for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is a comprehensive plan for providing information on the safe use of hazardous materials used in Canadian workplaces. Information is provided by means of product labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and worker education programs.

Is WHMIS a law?

Yes. WHMIS became law through a series of complementary federal, provincial and territorial legislation that became effective October 31, 1988.

The majority of the “information” requirements (and exemptions) of WHMIS legislation were incorporated into the HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS ACT and the HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION REVIEW ACT. These apply to all of Canada. Regulations made under these acts include:

• Controlled Products Regulations,
• Ingredient Disclosure List,
• Hazardous Materials Information Review Act Appeal Board Procedures Regulations,
• Hazardous Materials Information Review RegulationsThe occupational health and safety components of WHMIS that apply to federal employees and others covered by the Canada Labour Code (CLC) are specified in the CLC and the Canadian Occupational Safety and Health Regulations (Part X).The following acts and regulations apply to workers and employers covered by the provincial jurisdictions:
  

  British Columbia	Workers’ Compensation Act Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Part 5
  Alberta	Occupational Health and Safety Code Part 29 Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Sections 395 to 414
  Saskatchewan	Occupational Health and Safety Act Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XXII
  Manitoba	Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Man. Reg. 217/2006 Part 35, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems Application
  Ontario	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulation
  Quebec	Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Respecting Information on Controlled Products
  New Brunswick	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulation
  Nova Scotia	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations
  Prince Edward Island	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations
  Newfoundland	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations
  Yukon Territories	Occupational Health and Safety Act Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations
  Northwest Territories & Nunavut	Safety Act Work Site Hazardous Materials Information System Regulations

Who enforces WHMIS?

WHMIS is enforced by the Labour Branch of Human Resources Development Canada for federal workplaces and by the provincial or territorial Goverment agencies responsible for occupational health and safety for most other workplaces.

Click here for the latest WHMIS ACT from the Government