Ask Amanda: question 2

When is the WHMIS 2015 Deadline?

​QUESTION: I know there is WHMIS deadline coming up, can you tell what this means?
​Our staff took online WHMIS training two years ago, is there anything else I need to do?  ~ Bill

ANSWER: The WHMIS deadline is coming up on December 1, 2018.

This deadline refers to the Globally Harmonized System or GHS which will modify the Canadian WHMIS program. Though the new criteria will include hazard classification and requirements for labels and Safety Data Sheets, the roles and responsibilities for all parties (suppliers, employers and workers) will not change.

It is being referred to as WHMIS 2015 as it was first initiated in 2015.  There has been a three year transition period for manufacturers/importers, suppliers/distributors and employers to transition from the Canadian WHMIS or WHMIS 1988 to GHS. By December 1, 2018 the transition will be complete.  This means all employers will need to train their staff in the new system only.  Employers will also need to check their inventory to ensure it meets the new labelling and SDS requirements.

MSDS or SDS

MSDS, or Material Safety Data Sheets, experience a name change under the new WHMIS 2015. They are now known simply as
​SDS
or Safety Data Sheets.

In terms of training, like WHMIS 1988 your employees need a review at least annually.  When I say ‘at least annually’ this means that as new or newly labelled products come into the workplace, employers must ensure that employees are trained on the intended use, first aid measures, personal protective equipment, exposure limits and handling/storage of each product.  This could be going over the Safety Data Sheet and the label as a safety talk and take the review course annually.

If your staff have only taken the WHMIS on-line course two years ago, they will need to take the WHMIS 2015 course and a review of all the hazardous products that are present at their workplace. The depth of the review of the hazardous products will depend on whether the staff handle the products or are just in close proximity to the products.  An understanding of what your staff work with or near is paramount in protecting them from injury or illness.