Wednesday, March 22nd 2017

GHS Label Update

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. GHS defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets. The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world.

Important Dates:

  • 1st June 2017: From this date onwards you will notice some products will have the updated labels with WHIMIS 2015, and will also have SDS’s available on our website. You may still receive products with the old labels and MSDS’s during this time.
  • 1st June 2018: As of this date, all products you receive from us will have new labels with WHIMIS 2015. SDS’s will be available online for all products. We will also have MSDS’s available online should you have any products with the old labels.
  • 1st December 2018: As of this date, employers are required to ensure that all hazardous products in the workplace comply with WHIMIS 2015.

What are the 2 major elements in GHS?

  1. Classification of the hazards of chemicals according to the GHS rules.
  2. Communication of the hazards and precautionary information using:
    • Safety Data Sheets: These will have 16 sections in a set order. These will be available on our website. We will also keep MSDS’s available on our website until the end of 2018.
    • Labels: Standardized hazard statements, precautionary statements, signal words and symbols will appear on the label according to the classification of that chemical or mixture.

What is the role of the customer?

  1. Educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of products.
  2. Ensure that hazardous materials are properly labelled.
  3. Have SDS’s readily available to workers exposed to hazardous products, and the health and safety committee. These may be computerized as long as workers have access and are trained appropriately on how to access the SDS.
  4. Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers.

Workers must still:

  1. Participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs.
  2. Take necessary steps to protect themselves and their coworkers.
  3. Participate in identifying and controlling hazards.