Friday, November 12, 2010

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is in place to provide information needed to ensure the safe use of hazardous chemicals in workplaces. WHMIS has four main components: hazard identification and product classification, labeling of the chemicals/products, Material Safety Data Sheets, and worker training and education. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is legislated by both provincial and federal jurisdictions, guaranteeing uniformity across all of the provinces and territories.

The system is a Canada-wide structure and includes regulations that affect suppliers, employers, and the labourers who will be exposed to the hazardous materials. Suppliers are required to label and prepare Material Safety Data Sheets for any products that meet the hazardous criteria lined out in the Controlled Products Regulations under the Hazardous Products Act. Employers must make certain that MSDSs are available and set up worker education sessions that teach workers the significance of labels and safety sheets and how to correctly read them. Finally, labourers must follow the safety guidelines in the MSDS sheets to provide the safest workplace possible.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System was created for workers who have the right to know what hazards may be associated with the materials they are exposed to. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to serious safety issues such as fires, and negative health effects on many bodily organs. Knowing the hazards that may arise and the proper procedures to decrease these dangers can create a much safer working environment. WHMIS can help bring to an end the illnesses, injuries, deaths and property damage caused by hazardous materials.

1 comment:

  1. Having the right WHMIS certification can definitely boost up you resume when applying for a job. A lot of companies and organization are prioritizing searching for those people as they tend to be more productive at work as they are educated about the hazards at work.

    ReplyDelete