WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is a comprehensive system for providing health and safety information on hazardous products intended for use, handling, or storage in Canadian workplaces.

WHMIS has aligned with the worldwide hazard communication system known as GHS – the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Aligning with GHS provides many benefits, including:

• Hazard classification criteria are more comprehensive which improves ability to indicate severity of hazards.
• New hazard classes are included.
• Physical hazard criteria are consistent with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG regulations).
• Standardized language (hazard and precautionary statements).
• Standardized SDS format and more comprehensive requirements.

To align with the GHS, the Hazardous Products Regulations were published in Canada Gazette, Part II on February 11, 2015. Updates to the Hazardous Products Act and regulations came into force on December 15, 2022. Suppliers are granted a 3-year transition period (to December 15, 2025) to bring product classifications, safety data sheets and labels into compliance with the amendments.

Suppliers, employers, and workers each have requirements under WHMIS.

Stay current about WHMIS requirements in each jurisdiction, and access useful resources, by checking the WHMIS.org portal regularly.

WHMIS.org is provided through the collaboration of Health Canada, the regulatory jurisdictions across Canada, and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).