What is New in Canada WHMIS 2015?

On 11 Feb 2015, Canada finally published its long-awaited Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) which modified its Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) for workplace chemicals.

Manufacturers or importers will be required to classify and label hazardous chemicals in accordance with the new GHS-based hazard communication system (called WHMIS 2015) from 1 June 2017. In this article, we have analyzed chemical classification, labelling and SDS requirements in WHIMS 2015 and compared it with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standards (HCS 2012) in the United States.

Transitional Periods of WHMIS 2015/Canada GHS

GHS will be implemented in Canada in three phases. Different deadlines apply to manufacturers/importers, distributors and employers. The picture below summarizes the transitional period for the implementation of WHMIS 2015.

 If you are new to GHS, please also read the following basic GHS topics:

Introduction to GHS

GHS Hazard Class and Hazard Category

GHS Signal Word

GHS Pictogram

GHS Hazard Statement

GHS Precautionary Statement

GHS Label Element

GHS Safety Data Sheet

UN GHS Purple Book

Canada Domestic Substance List (DSL) and Non-Domestic Substance List (NDSL)

Domestic Substances List (DSL) and the Non-Domestic Substances List (NDSL) are created in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) by Environment Canada. Substances that are not on the DSL may require notification and assessment before they can be manufactured or imported into Canada. Substances on the NDSL have different notification requirements.
DSL and NDSL can be accessed here.

Canada Finally Releases WHMIS 2015 Adopting GHS

13 Feb 2015, We have prepared a comprehensive summary of labelling and SDS requirements in Canada WHMIS 2015 for you. 

The DSL

The DSL includes substances that were, between January 1, 1984, and December 31, 1986, in Canadian commerce, used for manufacturing purposes, or manufactured in or imported into Canada in a quantity of 100 kg or more in any calendar year. The purpose of the List was to define what was 'New to Canada' and it has been amended from time to time following assessment under the New Substances Notification Regulations and currently contains approximately 23,000 substances. If a substance appears on the DSL and has no other restrictions imposed, it is approved for importation and intended use in all product applications.

The NDSL

The Non-Domestic Substance List (NDSL) is a list of substances believed to be in International commerce. It is basically the 1-year-old USA TSCA Inventory minus DSL substances. The substances on this list still require notification, but the trigger limits are higher and the amount of information to submit is less than if the substance is not on the NDSL.


Canada Domestic Substance List (DSL) and Non-Domestic Substance List (NDSL)
http://www.chemsafetypro.com/Topics/Canada/Canada_DSL_Domestic_Substance_List_NDSL.html