What is WHMIS?
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a nationwide system of delivery that provides information on hazardous materials used in the workplace with the following three key elements: • Labels on hazardous materials and their containers: Labels immediately alert employers and workers to the dangers of products and provide basic safety precautions. • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s): These technical bulletins provide detailed information on the hazards of the product as well as precautionary measures and first aid procedures for immediate response. • Worker Education and Training: These programs provide instruction to workers on hazards and safe work procedures required to work safely around or near hazardous materials.
A. WHMIS is Canada’s national hazard communication system. Its prime objective is to provide relevant safety and health information to Canadian workers so that they can take the necessary precautions to avoid injury, illness and premature death. The key elements of WHMIS are cautionary labelling, MSDSs and worker education and training programs. WHMIS ensures that employers have adequate information about hazardous materials being used in the workplace so that they can meet their legal obligations under F/P/T OSH legislation to provide a safe workplace. WHMIS addresses both the workers’ right-to-know the identity and hazards of workplace chemicals and the need for industry to protect confidential business information.
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS was designed to ensure the safety of employers and employees while at the workplace. In particular, the system was designed to keep workers and employers informed of the dangers and hazards associated with the chemicals and substances that they may come into contact with while on the job.
Related Questions
- My workers have all received WHMIS training. As an employer, how could I be sure my employees understand the hazards to which they might be exposed?
- How often does WHMIS training need to be implemented to all workers in the workplace, and not just reviewed by the JHSC?
- What is WHMIS and why is it important?
