CCOHS has released information about the new HazCom standard and how its implementation will eventually affect Canadian manufactures, importers, distributors and employers. According to the center, effective dates for enactment are unknown as Health Canada still needs to develop an economic analysis, a revision of the federal legislation and a revision of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations. New WHMIS laws are estimated to be updated by 2013 or later, followed by a transition period. All Canadian manufacturers who export goods to the U.S. will have to comply with the new GHS requirement when they become law. On the other hand, if you are a U.S. company shipping hazardous products into Canada, you will have to continue complying with WHMIS laws until GHS is implemented in Canada. Safety data sheets are accepted but must contain all of the required content as specified in the Controlled Products Regulations (Schedule I, Column III). It is also important to note that the GHS hazard classification may not always be the same as the WHMIS classification because of differences in terminology between the two systems. In addition, CCOHS adds that GHS labels will not be accepted. For more information and increased awareness about potential changes, visit the center’s GHS courses and check out their fact sheets.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers