What is the timeline for GHS implementation in Canada?
The target date for implementation in Canada is 2008. The formal decision by the Canadian government to adopt GHS is expected in late 2006. What does adoption of GHS into WHMIS mean for your organization? Each country is free to determine which parts of the GHS system will be used in the different sectors (workplace, transportation, consumers) of their system and Canada is in the process of doing just that. If GHS is adopted for certain hazard classes and categories then the corresponding rules for classification, and labeling information must also be used. There is no direct translation from WHMIS hazard classifications to the GHS hazard classifications. There are more hazard classes under GHS than currently under WHMIS. Chemical producers will have to classify their products using the new GHS rules for the classes and categories that are being used in Canada. You will need to find and interpret data according to the new classification rules. Your MSDSs will need to be reviewed and mo
