EVERYONE'S
RESPONSIBILITY
Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS)
Guide
2014
Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS)
Guide
Last reviewed/revised: February, 2014
Workplace Safety and Health
Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................2
Starting a WHMIS program..................................................................3
What is WHMIS........................................................................................... 3
WHMIS legislation....................................................................................... 4
Federal WHMIS legislation.......................................................................... 4
What is a controlled product........................................................................ 5
WHMIS hazard symbols.............................................................................. 5
Supplier label............................................................................................... 7
Supplier MSDS............................................................................................ 8
Information items on an MSDS.................................................................... 9
Exemption from federal WHMIS requirement............................................ 13
Federal WHMIS legislation........................................................................ 13
Confidential business information – federal............................................... 14
Provincial WHMIS regulation..................................................................... 14
Enforcement of Manitoba’s WHMIS legislation.......................................... 15
Requirement for worker training................................................................ 15
Labelling requirements.............................................................................. 16
Labelling bulk shipment............................................................................. 17
Controlled products produced in the workplace........................................ 17
Labelling decanted products and exemption for portable containers........ 17
Controlled product in piping system or vessel........................................... 18
Labels for laboratory chemicals................................................................. 18
Summary of labelling requirements........................................................... 19
Provincial requirement for MSDS for employers....................................... 19
Confidential business information, employer confidentiality...................... 20
Manitoba WHMIS and hazardous wastes................................................. 20
WHMIS Guide
1
Workplace Safety and Health
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide information on hazardous substances
(also called controlled products) that will allow workers and employers to work
together and create safer, healthier workplaces. A safe workplace is one where
safety and health hazards are eliminated, reduced and/or controlled.
Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Requirements
Under Part 35 of The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006,
the employer is responsible for educating and training workers who are using,
producing, storing or handling hazardous products in the workplace so that the
workplace remains free of safety and health hazards, occupational illness and
disease.
To conduct effective worker training, the employer must first understand the
information presented on the supplier label and in the material safety data sheets
(MSDS). The employer must also provide the necessary engineering controls
and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from exposure to
hazardous chemicals.
This guide briefly describes the step-by-step WHMIS process and provides
information to help start a WHMIS program in the workplace. Federal and
provincial WHMIS requirements are described in this guide.
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2
Workplace Safety and Health
STARTING A WHMIS PROGRAM
• Consult with the workplace safety and health committee or representative
to appoint a co-ordinator responsible for developing a WHMIS program and
putting it in operation.
• Determine what controlled products are used in the workplace and check for
hazardous products with exemptions under WHMIS.
• Obtain the current MSDS for controlled products from the supplier or
manufacturer. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
(CCOHS) may also be contacted for information on MSDS.
• Create a master file of the MSDS. Make a copy of the file available to all
workers.
• Designate an area where MSDS will be kept. All MSDS must be kept for 30
years from the date they were received or produced.
• Ensure containers of controlled products feature a proper supplier label.
Replace damaged supplier labels with new supplier labels or appropriate
workplace labels.
• Check regulations for process vessel, pipe, laboratory and other
requirements.
• Develop safe work procedures.
• Consult with the workplace safety and health committee or representative to
develop a workplace specific WHMIS training program for workers. Evaluate
and revise the program annually. If a new controlled product is introduced in
the workplace, train workers to use, handle and store it.
• Make sure workers know how to read labels, WHMIS symbols and MSDS,
and if required, how to use PPE.
• Train workers to handle, use and store existing workplace chemicals safely.
• Evaluate worker training needs annually.
What is WHMIS?
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a Canada-wide
system designed to provide employers and workers with information about the
hazardous materials (also called controlled products) used in the workplace. The
intent of this regulation is to inform employers of the safety and health hazards
associated with the hazardous products used in their facility. Employers can use
this information to control hazards and train workers to recognize them.
WHMIS Guide
3
Workplace Safety and Health
Workers must be informed of and understand the hazards associated with
handling, storing, processing or working with hazardous materials in a safe and
healthy manner.
WHMIS information helps employers and workers prevent or reduce the
likelihood of disease or injury in the workplace. WHMIS was developed by labour
and industry with help from federal, provincial and territorial regulatory agencies.
This regulation became effective on October 31, 1988.
WHMIS Legislation
WHMIS is governed by combined federal and provincial legislation. The main
purpose of federal WHMIS legislation is to require suppliers and importers of
hazardous materials to provide health and safety information about their products
as a condition of sale. The main purpose of provincial WHMIS legislation is
to require employers to obtain health and safety information about hazardous
materials in the workplace and educate workers accordingly.
Under WHMIS, there are three ways to provide information on hazardous
materials:
1. supplier’s labels on the containers of hazardous materials
2. material safety data sheets to supplement the supplier’s label with detailed
hazard and precautionary information
3. worker training programs
Federal WHMIS Legislation
Three areas of federal legislation implement WHMIS:
1. The Hazardous Product Act (HPA) requires suppliers who sell or import
a hazardous product for use in a workplace in Canada, responsible for
providing labels and material safety data sheets to their customers.
2. The Controlled Products Regulation (CPR), under the authority of HPA,
defines what a controlled product is and identifies the information the
supplier is required to put on a label and in a MSDS.
3. The Ingredient Disclosure List, issued under the HPA, contains the
names of the chemicals which must be identified on a MSDS if they are
ingredients of a controlled product, and found at a concentration greater
than specified.
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Workplace Safety and Health
What is a Controlled Product?
A controlled product is any product that can be included in any of the following six
classes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E
Class F
compressed gas
flammable and combustible material
oxidizing material
poisonous and infectious material
corrosive material
dangerously reactive material
Classes B and D are further subdivided as follows:
• Class B
• Division 1
• Division 2
• Division 3
• Division 4
• Division 5
• Division 6
flammable and combustible material
flammable gases
flammable liquids (flash point < 38°C)
combustible liquids (flash point > 38°C but < 93°C)
flammable solids
flammable aerosols
reactive flammable materials (ex: materials that are
dangerous when wet)
• Class D
poisonous and infectious material
• Division 1 materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects
- Subdivision A
very toxic material
- Subdivision B
toxic material
• Division 2 materials causing other toxic effects
• - Subdivision A
very toxic material
- Subdivision B
toxic material
• Division 3
biohazardous infectious material
Specific criteria have been developed for each of these categories. If a property
of a product meets any of these criteria, the product is then referred to as a
controlled product. These specific criteria can be found in the Controlled Products
Regulation.
WHMIS Hazard Symbols
There are eight WHMIS hazard symbols. Each class of controlled product has its own
symbol, except for Class D, which has different symbols for class D1, D2 and D3.
Employers must train workers to recognize these symbols and know what they mean.
WHMIS Guide
5
Workplace
Safety
Health Division
Workplace
Safety
andand
Health
CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS
This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases and
gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.
CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
This class includes solids, liquids and gases capable of catching
fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working
conditions.
CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL
These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact
with flammable or combustible materials.
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic
Effects
These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a
person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide,
hydrogen sulphide
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term
health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in
a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts.
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material
These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been
classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World
Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of
Canada.
CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL
This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the
skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide,
Workplace Safety and Health Division
hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL
WHMIS Guideline
These products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may
explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to
increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when
exposed to water.
6
Supplier Label
WHMIS Guide
Federal WHMIS legislation requires suppliers to put a supplier label on
containers of controlled products sold for use in Canadian workplaces. The label,
6
Workplace Safety and Health
Supplier Label
Federal WHMIS legislation requires suppliers to put a supplier label on
containers of controlled products sold for use in Canadian workplaces. The
label, together with worker education should convey the same information as the
workplace label specified above.
Seven items of information must be included within the distinctive hatched
border:
1. product identifier: chemical name of the product or the trade name, common
name or code number
2. hazard symbol: one or more of the eight WHMIS symbols indicating the
hazard classes of the controlled product
3. risk phrases: phrases that alert workers to specific hazard(s) of the product
4. precautionary statements: statements that describe essential precautions to
be taken and specific personal protective clothing and equipment to be worn
when handling the product
5. first aid measures: statements that describe immediate first aid measures
required
6. supplier identification: the name, address and the telephone number of the
supplier (manufacturer or distributor)
7. reference to MSDS: a statement indicating that an MSDS is available
Written information in a supplier label must be shown in both English and French.
Federal WHMIS legislation requires that the supplier label should not be
removed, defaced, modified or altered. If the supplier label becomes damaged
or illegible during shipment or in the workplace, it must be replaced with a new
supplier label or appropriate workplace label. A controlled product may be
received at a workplace without a supplier label only if the employer agrees to
fasten a supplier label to the package on the supplier’s behalf.
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Workplace Safety and Health
Example of a WHMIS Supplier
Supplier Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Federal WHMIS requires suppliers and manufacturers of controlled products to
provide a current or unexpired (less than three years old) MSDS at the point of
sale. A MSDS is a technical bulletin that provides specific hazard information,
safe handling information and emergency procedures for a controlled product.
Since the MSDS contains detailed safety and health information specific to each
controlled product, it should be used as a key source of information for
developing training programs and safe work procedures. It is also a valuable
reference source of safety and health information for workers, safety and health
WHMIS Guide
8
Workplace Safety
Safety and
and Health
Health Division
Workplace
committees and
be easily
easily
committees
and emergency
emergency service
service personnel.
personnel. MSDS
MSDS should
should be
accessible
to
all
workers
in
the
workplace.
accessible to all workers in the workplace.
WHMIS legislation
legislation lists
lists general
WHMIS
general guidelines
guidelines and
and the
the minimum
minimum content
content
requirements
for
an
MSDS.
WHMIS
requires
54
items
of
information
requirements for an MSDS. WHMIS requires 54 items of information in
in nine
nine
sections.
sections.
The following are the nine recommended section headings and the types of
information to be provided in each section.
Material
Information items on an
MSDSSafety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Item
Description
Section 1: Product Information
product identifier
The name of the product as it appears on the label. This is often the
chemical name of a product but can also be the trade name,
common name or code number.
product use
The product use(s) intended by the manufacturer or supplier.
manufacturer’s name,
address and emergency
phone number
The manufacturer of the product. An emergency phone number
must be listed if one is available.
supplier’s name, address
and emergency phone
number
The seller or distributor (which may be the same as the
manufacturer).
Section 2: Hazardous Ingredients
hazardous ingredients
Each hazardous ingredient must be listed by its specific chemical
name (not its generic name).
percentages
The percentages or range of percentages for each hazardous
ingredient.
CAS registry number
The unique number assigned to each hazardous ingredient by the
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry.
current LD50 for each
hazardous ingredient
A measure of the short-term poisoning potential of a hazardous
ingredient, LD50 is the lethal single dose at which 50 per cent of a
specified test population dies. Note: LD50 can be determined for
many routes of entry, but oral (given by mouth) and dermal (applied
to skin) LD50s are used for WHMIS classification.
Section 3: Physical Data
physical state
WHMIS Guideline
Guide
WHMIS
The physical state of the product (gas, liquid, solid, paste, powder,
or gel) at room temperature.
99
Workplace Safety and Health Division
odour and appearance
Odour describes the quality of the odour of the product (for
example, fruity, sharp, almond-like). Appearance describes colour
and texture for most products and includes particle size for solids.
odour threshold
The lowest airborne concentration that can be detected by the
human sense of smell.
specific gravity
The ratio of the weight of a substance compared with water.
vapour density
A ratio of the molecular weight of a gas or vapour compared with
the equivalent weight of air.
vapour pressure
A measure of the ability of a substance to form vapours—the higher
the vapour pressure, the more quickly a substance evaporates.
evaporation rate
The ratio of how fast a substance evaporates relative to a known
reference standard (usually n-butyl acetate = 1).
boiling point
The temperature at which a liquid changes to a gas (at normal room
pressure).
freezing point (melting
point)
The temperature at which a liquid changes to a solid or a solid to a
liquid (at normal room pressure).
pH
A value that indicates the acidity or alkalinity of a product (usually
liquid)—pH values between 0 and 7 are considered acidic and pH
values between 7 and 14 are considered alkaline (7 is neutral).
coefficient of water/oil
distribution
A number that indicates how easily a product may be absorbed into
the body. A value greater than one means a substance may enter
the body through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and
lungs. A value less than one means the substance may be
absorbed by the fatty tissue below the skin.
Section 4: Fire and Explosion Hazard
flammability
Whether a product is classified as flammable or combustible under
WHMIS.
means of extinction
Fire extinguishers or the extinguishing material suitable for use on
the burning product or fire.
flash point and test
method used
The lowest temperature at which the product will catch fire (or
explode) when there is a nearby source of ignition such as a spark
or open flame—a flash point is determined either by a closed cup
(cc) or open cup (oc) method.
upper flammable limit
These are the highest and lowest concentrations at which a gas or
vapour in air (expressed as percentage) will catch fire or explode if
near an ignition source such as a spark or open flame. These are
also referred to as explosive limits. These concentrations, and all
concentrations in between, form the flammable range.
lower flammable limit
WHMIS Guideline
Guide
1010
Workplace Safety and Health Division
auto-ignition temperature
The temperature above which the substance (usually the vapour)
may self-ignite without an external flame or spark—auto-ignition
temperatures are available only for flammable liquids or gases.
hazardous combustion
products
Hazardous products produced when the substance burns or is
exposed to extreme heat.
sensitivity to mechanical
impact
Whether the product may explode due to physical impact (for
example, being dropped, bumped, or knocked over).
sensitivity to static
discharge
Whether the product may explode or catch fire if there is a nearby
spark from static electricity.
Section 5: Reactivity Data
chemical stability
Whether the product is chemically stable when exposed to normal
intended use or when placed in extended storage.
incompatible substances
Other chemicals or chemical groups (for example, acids and
caustics) that will cause violent reactions when the two products
contact each other.
conditions of reactivity
When hazardous reactions (for example, vigorous polymerization)
may occur.
hazardous decomposition
products
Hazardous substances produced or released due to aging or
reaction with air or moisture—these do not include thermal
decomposition products from burning or excess heating.
Section 6: Toxicological Properties
routes of entry
How the product enters the body during normal use: skin contact,
skin absorption, eye contact, inhalation or ingestion.
effects of acute exposure
Adverse health effects resulting from short-term exposure to the
substance, either as a single exposure or as multiple exposures
occurring within a short time, usually 24 hours or less.
effects of chronic
exposure
Adverse health effects resulting from repeated exposure over a
relatively long period of time, anywhere from several days to years.
exposure limits
The exposure limit for the product, usually the eight-hour timeweighted average and the name of the regulatory agency. The
legal exposure limits may be different may be different from
those listed on the MSDS.
irritancy of product
Whether the product may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or any
other part of the body that it contacts to produce tearing, reddening,
swelling, itching or pain. Irritancy is often described as mild,
moderate or severe.
sensitization
Whether the product may cause sensitization—a sensitizer may
cause severe allergic reactions with repeated exposure.
WHMIS Guideline
Guide
1111
Workplace Safety and Health Division
Workplace Safety and Health
carcinogenicity
Whether the product is classified as a human carcinogen by the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or by the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists
(ACGIH).
Reproductive toxicity
Whether the product may cause reproductive problems.
teratogenicity
Whether the product may cause birth defects in a fetus at
exposures that do not cause damage or injury to the mother.
mutagenicity
Whether the product may cause change to the genetic material
(DNA) of living cells.
synergistic products
These products, when combined with exposure to the controlled
product, may cause a toxic effect greater than the sum of the
effects of the individual materials. For example, product A increases
the chance for getting cancer by two times, but when product A and
B are used together, cancer risk is increased by 50 times.
Section 7: Preventive Measures
personal protective
equipment
Specific personal protective equipment, required to prevent
exposure to the product.
specific engineering
controls
Recommended engineering controls, such as ventilation and
process equipment design, to be used with the product.
leak and spill procedures
Safe procedures to clean up spills, leaks and other accidental
releases of the product.
waste disposal
Information such as proper waste container design, safe
procedures for handling waste and agencies to contact regarding
disposal requirements.
handling procedures and
equipment
Particular procedures and equipment required to handle the product
safely.
storage requirements
Specific safe storage information such as separation from other
incompatibles, shelf life, testing for peroxide formation and
sensitivity to light, temperature or moisture.
special shipping
information
Safe shipping information such as:
• sensitivity to shock and temperature
• product identification number (PIN) or United Nations number
(UN number)
Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) information (for
example, classification, proper shipping name and packaging
group) may also be included.
Section 8: First Aid Measures
specific first aid
Specific first aid measures in the event of:
Workplacemeasures
Safety and Health Division • inhalation
• ingestion
• skin contact
• eye contact
WHMIS
Guideline
Section 9: Preparation Data
WHMIS Guide
date of original
preparation and date of
12
12
The date that the MSDS was first prepared and when it was last
reviewed. It should be within three years of the current date,
Workplace Safety and Health Division
Workplace Safety and Health
•
eye contact
Section 9: Preparation Data
date of original
preparation and date of
last review
The date that the MSDS was first prepared and when it was last
reviewed. It should be within three years of the current date,
providing the date that the MSDS was printed is not acceptable.
name and phone number
of preparer
Gives the name and phone number of the person or group who
prepared the MSDS.
Exemption from Federal WHMIS Requirement
Somefrom
controlled
products
are
either partially exempt or completely exempt from
Exemption
Federal
WHMIS
Requirement
federal WHMIS requirements. The exemption applies to the supplier requirement
Some
controlled
products
are either
partially
or completely
exempt
from
and does
not relieve
the employer
from
dutiesexempt
imposed
under WHMIS
for the
federal
WHMIS
management
of requirements.
these products in the workplace.
Partially exempt products
Products covered by other federal legislation and exempt from federal WHMIS
requirements for supplier labels and MSDS include:
1.
explosives within
within the
the meaning
meaning of
of the
the Explosives
1. explosives
Explosives Act
Act
2.
cosmetics, drugs,
within the
2. cosmetics,
drugs, food
food and
and devices
devices within
the meaning
meaning of
of the
the Food
Food and
and
Drug
Act
Drug Act
3.
3.
4.
4.
pest control
within the
the meaning
meaning of
of the
the Pest
Products Act
pest
control products
products within
Pest Control
Control Products
Act
prescribed substances
the meaning
meaning of
of the
prescribed
substances within
within the
the Nuclear
Nuclear Safety
Safety and
and
Control Act
Control Act
5. product, material or substance included in Part II of Schedule 1 of
5. consumer
products
packaged
in accordance
the Consumer
the Hazardous
Products
Act and
packaged aswith
a consumer
product in
Chemicals
and
Containers
Regulations,
2001.
quantities normally used by a member of the general public. These
products may have labels and other information provided that meet the
Completely exempt products
applied legislation rather than WHMIS. When these products are used in
workplace,
it is theare
employer’s
dutywhen
to train
andproducts
educate are
workers
their
WHMISa labels
and MSDS
not required
these
sold. in
If these
safe
use,
storage
and
handling.
products are used in a workplace, it is the employer’s duty to train and educate
workers
in their
safeproducts
use, storage and handling. Products that are completely
Completely
exempt
exempt include:
WHMIS labels and MSDS are not required when these products are sold. If these
1. wood
made ofitwood
products
are and
usedproducts
in a workplace,
is the employer’s duty to train and educate
workers in their safe use, storage and handling. Products that are completely
2. manufactured
articles such as appliances, car batteries, etc.
exempt
include:
3. tobacco
and
products
made
tobacco
1.
wood and
products
made
of of
wood
4. goods
handledarticles
and transported
under the Transportation
of Dangerous
2.
manufactured
such as appliances,
car batteries, etc.
Goods Act
3. tobacco and products made of tobacco
4. goods handled and transported under the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Act
WHMIS Guideline
13
WHMIS Guide
13
Workplace Safety and Health
Federal legislation pertaining to WHMIS is available from:
Hazardous Products Act:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/H-3/62898.html
Controlled Products Regulations:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/H-3/SOR-88-66/132214.html
postal address: Supply and Services Canada
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0S9
telephone: 1-819-997-2560
Confidential Business Information—Federal
Supplier Confidentiality
WHMIS legislation attempts to balance the workers’ right to know about
hazardous materials in the workplace with manufacturers’ and suppliers’ rights to
protect the confidentiality of certain information from their business competitors.
WHMIS regulations allow the supplier to withhold specified information only if
they comply with certain procedures. If a supplier wishes to limit the release of
information, that supplier must file a claim for exemption with the commission
established under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA).
A supplier claim for exemption on a label and MSDS can be made for:
• the chemical identity, chemical name, common name, generic name, trade
name or brand name of a controlled product or the concentration of any
ingredient of a controlled product
• the name of a toxicological study that identifies an ingredient of a
controlled product
• information about the supplier
When the claim is determined to be valid, the above information can be withheld
for a period of three years following the date of ruling by HMRIC.
In an emergency, the supplier must disclose the information withheld as
confidential business information to a safety and health officer or a medical
professional for the purpose of diagnosing or treating a person. Persons
receiving this information must keep it confidential.
(For more information, visit the Hazardous Materials Information Review
Commission website at http://www.hmirc-ccrmd.ca.)
WHMIS Guide
14
Workplace Safety and Health
Provincial WHMIS Requirements
Provincial WHMIS legislation, previously referred to as MR 52/88, became
effective October 31, 1988 along with the federal WHMIS legislation. Amended
in 2006, the provincial WHMIS legislation is now referred to as Part 35 of the
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006.
In Manitoba, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Division of Manitoba
Labour and Immigration is responsible for enforcement of both federal and
provincial WHMIS legislation. This is the result of an agreement between
the federal and provincial governments that only the latter would enforce the
legislation so that employers and suppliers would not be subjected to inspections
by both federal and provincial inspectors.
This means, while enforcing WHMIS, safety and health officers of the Workplace
Safety and Health Branch have the duty to monitor compliance with the federal
HPA, CPR, and Part 35 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation.
The above is true only for workplaces under provincial jurisdiction. For federally
regulated workplaces such as banks, post offices and airports, inspectors from
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) enforce WHMIS
legislation.
Enforcement of Manitoba’s WHMIS Legislation
To enforce provincial WHMIS legislation, safety and health officers of the
Workplace Safety and Health Branch primarily check on the following:
• controlled products are properly labelled or identified.
• MSDS are present in the workplace and are current (no more than 3 years
old). All MSDS must be kept for 30 years from the date they were received
or produced.
• worker training programs have been carried out.
Under Manitoba WHMIS legislation, the employer has an obligation to verify
that all controlled products are labelled, labels are not damaged and workers
have access to current MSDS. Manitoba WHMIS legislation adopts the same
exemption as the federal legislation. This means that some hazardous materials
will be labelled according to other legislation (ex: Food and Drug Act or Pest
Controlled Products Act) and will not display the WHMIS supplier label.
If a controlled product has been shipped to a workplace without an MSDS,
the employer may receive and store that product in the workplace only if the
employer is actively seeking to obtain a MSDS. Until the MSDS is obtained, the
product may not be used in the workplace.
WHMIS Guide
15
Workplace Safety and Health
Requirement for Worker Training
Employers in Manitoba must train their workers about the safety and health
hazards associated with the controlled products in their workplaces. The training
program must be developed and put in place after consulting the workplace
safety committee or representative, or workers, depending upon the situation.
The training program must be workplace specific, effective and reviewed at least
annually or more frequently if new chemicals or other changes are introduced in
the workplace.
Training should result in worker understanding of:
• WHMIS labels
• WHMIS symbols
• classification of controlled products
• MSDS
• procedures if there are fugitive emissions
• procedures in the event of an emergency involving a controlled product
• procedures for identifying, storing, using, and handling of the specific
controlled products used at the workplace
Employers must also train workers to protect themselves if they are exposed
to emissions from a process at the workplace and train them how to handle
hazardous waste produced within the workplace. Training should also cover
precautions to be taken in case of an emergency such as a spill or fire.
Labelling Requirements
WHMIS legislation requires that the supplier label not be removed, defaced,
modified or altered. If the supplier label becomes damaged or illegible either
during shipment or in the workplace, it must be replaced with a new supplier label
or appropriate workplace label. Federal legislation identifies specific situations
where a supplier label need not be applied. This most commonly occurs where
smaller containers are encased in a larger shipping container. In these situations,
the purchaser must agree to attach the supplier label before the product is used.
The employer must attach an appropriate workplace label to containers for each
controlled product produced or used on-site, on secondary containers after a
product has been transferred from the original container and on containers where
the supplier label is missing or not readable. Workplace labels provide three
types of information:
• product identifier
• specific safe handling information such as personal protective clothing and
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equipment required
• reference to the MSDS, if it is available in the workplace
The format of a workplace label is fairly flexible, as follows:
• the format can be written directly on the container using a permanent
marker.
• the language(s) can be chosen to fit the specific workplace.
• hazard symbols and hatched borders are optional.
A label can be any mark, sign, device, stamp, seal, sticker, ticket, tag, placard or
wrapper.
Example of a Workplace Label
Acetone
Extremely Flammable
Keep away from all sources of ignition
Wear butyl rubber gloves and chemical
splash goggles
See MSDS
Labelling Bulk Shipment
Bulk shipment means a shipment of a controlled product that is contained
without intermediate packaging in:
• a vessel with a water capacity of more that 454 litres
• a freight container, a road vehicle, a railway vehicle, a portable tank
•
a freight container carrier on a road vehicle, railway vehicle, ship or
aircraft
• a portable tank carried on a road vehicle, railway vehicle, ship or aircraft
• the hold of a ship
• a pipeline
For a controlled product that is received at the workplace as a bulk shipment, the
employer is required to attach a label to the container of the controlled product or
to the controlled product. Depending on the circumstances, the employer can use
either:
• a supplier label
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• a workplace label
Controlled products produced in the workplace
In Manitoba, where an employer produces a controlled product in a workplace,
that product must also be labelled (a workplace label will do for this). For fugitive
emissions containing controlled products produced in a workplace, there is no
requirement for labelling, but the employer must prepare a MSDS for fugitive
emissions.
Labelling transferred or decanted products and exemption for portable containers
When a product is transferred from the supplier’s original container to another
container (decanted), a workplace label must be put on the new container. No
label is required if the product transferred to the new container:
• is for use by the worker who originally placed the product into a container
under his/her own control
• will be completely used during that worker’s shift
• has its contents clearly identified on the container
Controlled product in piping system or vessel
The employer must ensure the safe use, storage and handling of a controlled
product through a combination of worker education and the use of colour coding,
labels, placards or any other mode of identification when a controlled product in a
workplace is contained or transferred by the following or similar conveyances:
• a pipe
• a piping system that involving valves
• a process vessel
• a reaction vessel
• a tank car
• a tank truck
• an ore car
• a conveyor belt
Labels for laboratory chemicals
• Definition: A laboratory sample is a sample of a controlled product (less
than 10 kilograms) intended solely for laboratory analysis, testing or
evaluation. A laboratory sample cannot be used for testing other products,
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Workplace Safety and Health Division
for educational and demonstration purposes or for marketing.
• A laboratory chemical must be obtained from a laboratory supply house
• for
A laboratory
chemical must
a laboratory
supplyishouse
use in a laboratory
only. be
Theobtained
quantityfrom
of laboratory
chemical
less for
use in10a kilograms.
laboratory only. The quantity of laboratory chemical is less than
than
10 kilograms.
There are specific provisions for chemicals used in a laboratory:
There are specific provisions for chemicals used in a laboratory:
• supplier label not required on chemicals intended for use in laboratory
• supplier label not required on chemicals intended for use in laboratory
• workplace label not required if employer develops an internal system to
decanted
products
• identify
workplace
label not
required if employer develops an internal system to
identify decanted products
• Laboratory samples do not require full WHMIS labels but do require a
identifier,
ingredient
disclosure
and a statement
• product
Laboratory
samples
do not require
full WHMIS
labels butindicating
do require
Hazardous
Laboratory
Sample
and
emergency
contact
number.
a product identifier, ingredient disclosure and a statement phone
indicating
Hazardous Laboratory Sample and emergency contact phone number.
Summary of Labelling Requirement
Summary of Labelling Requirement
REQUIREMENTS
Product Identifier
Supplier Identifier
MSDS Statement
Hazard Symbol(s)
Risk Phrase(s)
Precautionary
Measures
First Aid Measures
Safe Handling Info
Ingredients
Hazard Statement
Border
Bilingual
SUPPLIER
LABEL
<100 >100
ml
ml
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WORKPLACE
LABORATORY
PLACARD
LABEL
LABEL
Supply House Sample
<10 kg
<10 kg
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Provincial Requirements for MSDS for Employers
Provincial Requirements for MSDS for Employers
1. Employer must obtain from the supplier the current MSDS of all controlled
the workplace
(no morethe
than
3 years
old).of all controlled
1. products
Employerused
mustinobtain
from the supplier
current
MSDS
products used
the workplace
(noasmore
than when
3 years
old). expire.
2. Employer
mustinupdate
the MSDS
required
MSDS
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2. Employer must update the MSDS as required when MSDS expire.
3. If employer is unable to obtain current MSDS, employer must review and
revise the existing supplier’s MSDS based on the available information and
put a new date (of review) on the MSDS.
4. Employer may provide an MSDS in a format that differs from the supplier
format, provided the supplier MSDS is also available in the workplace, and
the employer MSDS contains at least as much hazard information as the
supplier MSDS.
5. Employer must make both the supplier and employer produced MSDS
available to the workplace safety and health committee and other workers,
upon request.
6. Employer can make deletions in the supplier MSDS as per confidential
business information clause but can not alter the hazard information.
Confidential Business Information, Employer Confidentiality
Similar to a supplier, if an employer wishes to withhold information on employer
MSDS, the employer will also have to follow the federal process established in
the HMIRA.
In an emergency, suppliers and employers may be required to disclose
confidential business information to a safety and health officer or a medical
professional for the purpose of diagnosing or treating a person. Persons
receiving this information must keep it confidential.
Manitoba WHMIS and Hazardous Wastes
Part 35 of the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, M.R. 217/2006, requires
that for the hazardous waste (containing controlled product) generated at a
workplace, the employer must prepare a MSDS or similar waste profile sheet,
and post a label or placard to identify the waste clearly. The MSDS should be
made available to workers handling and disposing this waste. The employer
may not sell hazardous waste to a person unless the proper MSDS and labels/
placards are provided to the buyer. All supplier MSDS and the employer
produced MSDS must be kept for 30 years.
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Prepared by Manitoba Labour and Immigration
Workplace Safety & Health