Register today for WHSC’s new Globally Harmonized WHMIS training to ensure your workplace moves closer to compliance with Ontario’s changing WHMIS obligations.
 

What	Globally Harmonized WHMIS
What	February, 19, 2016
Where	Communities across Ontario
Cost	$50 (plus HST)
Space is limited so register today!

Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, commonly known as WHMIS, is designed to provide workers with information about hazardous products used, stored, handled or disposed of in the workplace. Changes to federal WHMIS-related law, and supporting provincial and territorial regulation, are altering the way this information is delivered.*

Ontario, and other jurisdictions across Canada, are currently modifying WHMIS regulations to incorporate elements of the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
 
The purpose of GHS WHMIS is to standardize, on a global scale, the hazardous product communication system. Examples of changes include:

• new hazard classification rules and hazard classes,
• safety data sheets (SDSs—16-section format) replacing MSDSs (9-section format),
• new content requirements on labels including standard signal words (warning or danger),
• pictograms and both a hazard and precautionary statement,
• pictograms replacing hazard symbols (and are required on SDSs and labels), and
  new SDS and label updating requirements.

 
With these changes, employers will still be legally required to:

• ensure hazardous materials are properly labelled,
• ensure safety data sheets (SDSs) are current and accessible to workers,
• ensure worker health and safety is protected, and
  provide workers with general and workplace-specific training relating to hazardous materials.

Workplaces in Ontario have begun to transition from original WHMIS to the new GHS WHMIS. During transition, which will be completed by December, 2018, employers must train workers in both original WHMIS and GHS WHMIS when both are in use. 
 
Further to this training obligation, Ontario law requires training results in workers being able to use the information to protect their health and safety [s. 7(3), WHMIS Reg.].
 
WHSC’s new Globally-Harmonized WHMIS training program is an important, cost-effective and timely resource aimed at helping workplaces to meet this obligation. Like all WHSC programs, this two-hour training program applies adult learning principles to ensure learning is achieved.
 
In addition to this training, WHMIS regulation also requires employers to provide workplace-specific training to workers, including product-specific procedures for the safe use, storage, handling and disposal of a hazardous product and what to do in case of an emergency situation.
Register today for WHSC’s Globally-Harmonized WHMIS.
 
Be sure to download WHSC-developed GHS/WHMIS resources as well.

Transitioning to Globally-harmonized WHMIS: An Overview
Globally-harmonized WHMIS wallet card
Globally-harmonized WHMIS poster

Want additional information about Globally Harmonized or Original WHMIS training or want further clarification about the transition to GHS WHMIS?

Call:    1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training service representative
Visit:   www.whsc.on.ca

*Note: The government has not yet changed related laws here in Ontario. The changes and the compliance transition period, however, are expected to follow that established by the federal government.