NEWSWATCH
HAZARD COMMUNICATION
Canada Adopts GHS
In February, the Canadian government passed the final regulation to adopt the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in its national hazard communication standard, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). The updated regulation, WHMIS 2015, takes a similar approach to phasing in the new system as OSHA did when it released its revised Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with GHS, in March 2012.
The implementation of GHS in Canada will take place over a three-stage transition period to allow provinces and territories to adapt their own regulations and to allow employers, workers, and suppliers time to adjust to the new system. Implementation is expected to be complete by Dec. 1, 2018.
“GHS strengthens the level of protection already in place for workers in Canada, facilitates trade with the United States and other international partners, and enhances the competitiveness of Canadian suppliers of workplace chemicals,” according to the Canadian news release.
For more information on the implementation of GHS in Canada, visit the Health Canada website. Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health.
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