What information does WHMIS MSDSs contain to make the workplace safer?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and is the Canadian wide regulation regarding how to classify chemicals and label them for the workplace. WHMIS also regulates what information must be included on material safety data sheets (MSDS) in all industrial and institutional settings in Canada.

The purpose of a WHMIS MSDS is to educate workers on the hazards of the chemicals they are exposed to in order to make the workplace a safer environment for everyone involved. There are many statements that must be in place on a WHMIS MSDS that can help lead to a safer organization.

One section on every WHMIS MSDS lists first aid measures in cases of skin contact, eye contact, inhalation and ingestion. In an accident situation, this information can help lessen the injury a person suffers. There is also a section on firefighting measures listing the products flammability, explosion data and other information that may help firefighters a great deal in an emergency situation. Handling and storage requirements are listed under another section which, if followed properly, will create a safe environment where the chemical is stored and used. Accidental release measures, personal protective equipment that is required, the stability and reactivity of the chemical and toxicological information are other statements that can ensure a worker’s safety if they are familiar with this data.

The most important aspect of WHMIS MSDSs is employee training. Even if a WHMIS MSDS is available, it will not be of much help if the workers using the chemical in question are not familiar with the data sheet or understand what they are reading.

Where can I get MSDSs?

Any controlled product that is used in the workplace is required to have an accompanied material safety data sheet (MSDS) that outlines all the hazards of the chemicals and any precautionary measures to ensure a safer environment. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that these MSDSs are provided.

There are a few places where you can gain access to the MSDS for a certain product. One option is to get the MSDS directly from the manufacturer or supplier. Typically, these parties would have an MSDS in place at their facility and can provide a copy to you if needed.

The internet is another place where you can get the MSDSs you require for your business. There are many online databases with MSDSs for various products. In addition, the company where you purchase the product from may have a MSDS available online.

Finally, you can get a MSDS for your product from a professional regulatory consulting agency. Many regulatory companies offer MSDS authoring and can create the safety data sheet for you. Generally, they also offer technical translations and can prepare your MSDS in whichever languages you require. Having a professional author your MSDS will ensure that it conforms to the required regulations in your jurisdiction. Material safety data sheets from the internet or supplier are fine, but they may not be compliant with the specific regulations in your area; for example, it may be an OSHA MSDS and you require a WHMIS MSDS because your company is located in Canada.

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What Are The Differences Between A GHS SDS And A MSDS?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has developed a standard for the creation of safety data sheets (SDS) to be used once the GHS system is adopted globally. Currently, there are many systems in place to guide the authoring of material safety data sheets (MSDS) including ISO, ANSI, OSHA and MSDS for different jurisdictions. GHS plans to merge all of these different regulations into one international system to create a safer environment for chemical use.

One difference between the GHS SDS and another form of a MSDS is that GHS SDSs require you to use their product identifier, hazard statements and pictograms to demonstrate the hazards, where another MSDS will use the symbols and statements from their regulations.

Another difference is that GHS SDSs will follow a strict 16-section layout. Currently, most MSDSs can range from nine sections to sixteen depending on the authoring party.

Because an MSDS does not have as strict of a format as the GHS SDS, authors are free to use the same format as the GHS SDS, so they may appear alike. WHMIS MSDSs, for example, also use a 16-section format. Each section has the same data so a WHMIS MSDS may look very similar to a GHS SDS, however, the symbols and product identifier will still vary between the two.

OSHA Hazard Labels

The purpose of an OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) hazard label is to provide an immediate visual reminder of the hazards of the chemical. Every OSHA label requires three items to be considered compliant. The complete chemical name is required as well as the full company contact information. Finally, OSHA labels must include a short warning to potential users pertaining to the hazards the chemical poses. In addition, any well substantiated chronic health hazards, such as carcinogenicity or developmental toxicity, as well as target organ effects must be stated on the label.

There are no specific requirements as to what text must be used, as long as the appropriate warnings are included in the label. OSHA permits the use of graphics on labels to convey the physical or health hazards that the product may pose, as long as they are appropriate and apply to the hazard being demonstrated. OSHA refers to the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) Standard Z129.1 to provide guidelines on what statements and signal words to include on an OSHA label. The most common signal words are Caution, Warning, and Danger, in order of increasing severity. However, even though OSHA cites the ANSI Z129.1 standard, it is only for guidance and adherence is not required by law.

How Is The GHS To Be Applied?

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is organized in a pyramid structure to eventually promote the safe use of chemicals in all settings. The first step of the pyramid is GHS Classification. This step is in place to ensure the safe use of chemicals by being able to identify the hazards that pertain to them. The second tier of the pyramid would apply to GHS communication. This step involves GHS safety data sheets and labels. This pertains to step one by communicating the information on each chemical to the audience who requires it, such as workers and consumers. The next step is geared towards existing national programs such as risk management systems to lead to an overall program on a secure management of chemicals. The basic goal of these systems is to minimize chemical exposure, therefore reducing the risk of injury or accidents. The end result, after each of these steps has been put into place, will hopefully be safer use of chemicals.

The (GHS covers all hazardous chemicals, which includes substances, products, mixtures, and all other terms that may be used in existing systems to apply to chemicals.