The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System or WHMIS is the name given to the legislation covering hazardous materials used in Canadian workplaces.
WHMIS legislation requires that as a condition of sale, every supplier of hazardous materials will have to label the material in a proper manner and have it accompanied by a material safety data sheet (MSDS). The MSDS will contain specific types of information as required by the legislation. WHMIS also covers worker education and requires that employers keep all workers informed about WHMIS and how to handle hazardous materials safely.
WHMIS is an information based system that covers the use of hazardous materials in the workplace.
Supplier
Employer
Employees
Controlled Products
The hazardous materials covered in WHMIS are controlled products included in the following six classes:
1. Compressed Gas
2. Flammable and Combustible Material
3. Oxidizing Material
4. Poisonous and Infectious Material
5. Corrosive Material
6. Dangerously Reactive Material
Controlled products in schools include a wide variety of chemicals used by both teaching and custodial/maintenance employees. The manufacturer and supplier have the ultimate responsibility to determine if their product is a controlled product and supply proper labeling and MSDS.
Risk Management
Contact
Contact the MSBA office for more information.