Hazard classes are a way of grouping together products that have similar properties. Access to this website will be unavailable during this time. The two hazard groups are further divided into hazard classes. WHMIS has many classes for specific hazards identified in the WHMIS 1988 system of classes and divisions, as well as some additional hazards. WHMIS 2015 however, assigns hazardous products into one of two groups: 1. In August 2016, Saskatchewan made changes to its Occupational Health and Safety legislation, which implements WHMIS 2015. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or Types are assigned an alphabetical letter (e.g., A, B, etc.). However, environmental hazards … This document discusses the WHMIS 2015 supplier requirements as regulated by the federal legislation – the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). It also describes how the hazard category or type tells you how hazardous a product is. The Hazardous Products Act (HPA) has been amended, and the WHMIS requirements for hazard classification and communication set out in the Controlled Product Regulations (CPR) and the Ingredient Disclosure List repealed and replaced with new regulations, the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). This class covers products that cause serious eye damage (i.e., corrosion) and products that eye irritation. This document discusses the WHMIS 2015 supplier requirements as regulated by the federal legislation – the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). Suppliers will continue to: Identify their products as either hazardous or not Suppliers and employers must use and follow the WHMIS 2015 requirements for labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) for hazardous products sold, distributed, or imported into Canada. COVID-19: Last Update. As you just saw, WHMIS 1988 hazards were classified into 6 classes. Classification criteria have changed for WHMIS 2015. Each hazard group is divided into hazard classes. This hazard class covers products that cause or may cause damage to organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, or blood) following a single exposure. Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure. Each hazard class contains categories or types. All hazardous products must be labelled according to the regulations, and must have a corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Note that WHMIS is also regulated in the workplace by the provinces, territories and federal (for federally regulated workplaces) governments under their occupational health and safety legislation. Reproductive toxicity also has Categories 1 and 2 which relate to effects on fertility and/or the unborn child. This modified WHMIS is referred to as WHMIS 2015. WHMIS is Canada’s hazard communication standard for providing health and safety information on hazardous products intended for use, handling, or storage in Canadian workplaces. WHMIS 2015 divides hazardous products into two major hazard groups: physical hazards and health hazards. Some hazard classes are specific to WHMIS 2015. Some hazard classes have only one category (e.g., corrosive to metals), others may have two categories (e.g., carcinogenicity (cancer)) or three categories (e.g., oxidizing liquids). See the WHMIS 2015 Hazard Classes Fact Sheet for more information on hazard classes. Categories may also be called \"types,\" which are assigned an alphabetical letter. Hazardous materials include: compressed gases, flammable and combustible materials, oxidizing materials, poisonous or infectious materials, corrosive materials, or dangerously reactive materials. This hazard class includes products that may cause or are suspected of causing cancer. WHMIS 2015 applies to two major groups of hazards: physical, and health. Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. Some examples of physical hazards are flammability and high pressure, while health hazards include toxicity and respiratory irritation. How can we make our services more useful for you? These materials are microorganisms, nucleic acids or proteins that cause or is a probably cause of infection, with or without toxicity, in humans or animals. The benefits of WHMIS 2015 include: A hazard classification criteria that is more comprehensive and improves the ability to disclose the severity of hazards. Each hazard class contains categories or types. Flame (Fire hazard) These materials or products are prone to easy ignition and can burn rapidly. WHMIS 2015 also introduces hazard classes for Pyrophoric Gases, Simple Asphyxiants, and Combustible Dusts, which are not covered in the GHS. This class covers products that are not included in any other health hazard class. This class includes compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases and refrigerated liquefied gases. Each hazard group includes hazard classes that have specific hazardous properties. Including information about environmental hazards is allowed by WHMIS 2015. "Effects on or via lactation" was not assigned a specific numbered category. Skin sensitizer is a product that may cause an allergic skin reaction. However, you may see the environmental classes listed on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). WHMIS has aligned with the worldwide hazard communication system known as GHS - the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Serious health effects can occur such as chemical pneumonia, injury to the lungs, and death. WHMIS 2015 eLearning from Safety First meets the Ministry of Ontario standard for general training. According to Canada’s Hazardous Product Act anyone who manufactures, works with, or is ‘in proximity’ to hazardous materials in the workplace must have WHMIS 2015 training. Canada has aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). WHMIS retains the same level of protection it previously offered, and incorporates some new hazard classes, e.g. As the class name suggests, these products react with water to release flammable gases. 2.5 - Hazard identification (section 2) Section 2 lists the hazard classification of the substance or mixture, by class and category. This class covers products that cause severe skin burns (i.e., corrosion) and products that cause skin irritation. There are a few exceptions to this rule. This hazard class covers products that cause or may cause damage to organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, or blood) following prolonged or repeated exposure. Groups •Physical •Health Classes. There are a few hazard classes with five or more categories (e.g., organic peroxides). These products may be corrosive (chemically damage or destroy) to metals. Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure. These products are fatal, toxic or harmful if inhaled, following skin contact, or if swallowed. Health Hazards Group: Hazardous products are classified in this group based on their ability to cause a… It also describes how the hazard category or type tells you how hazardous a product is. 905-572-2981Toll free 1-800-668-4284(in Canada and the United States). These three classes cover oxidizers, which may cause or intensify a fire or cause a fire or explosion. Canada has aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The category tells you about how hazardous the product is (that is, the severity of hazard). A respiratory sensitizer is a product that may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. The hazard class and category will be provided in Section 2 (Hazard Identification) of the SDS. WHMIS 2015 classifies hazardous substances into two groups: physical hazards and health hazards. Subcategories are identified with a number and a letter (e.g., 1A and 1B). Scheduled maintenance - Thursday, July 12 at 5:00 PM EDT. … Hazards are categorized by groups which are broken down into classes which are further broken down into categories. Health Canada’s program, WHMIS 2015, will be a transitional process to conclude December 1, 2018. Suppliers must evaluate products that are covered by the Hazardous Products Act against specific criteria as required by the Hazardous Products Regulations. WHMIS 2015: Review Quiz Answer Key 1. WHMIS 2015 applies particularly to two major hazard groups: physical and health. This toolbox meeting guide gives a brief overview of the hazard categories and types. These products can catch fire very quickly (spontaneously) if exposed to air. Contact us to let us know. Each hazard group is divided into hazard classes. Categories may also be called "types". WHMIS 2015 - New Hazardous Products Regulations Requirements WHMIS 2015 - Orientation The following table is intended to assist suppliers in finding the information they are looking for within the amended Hazardous Products Act and the new Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). Suppliers must ensure the appropriate classification of hazardous products. These products are gases that may displace oxygen in air and cause rapid suffocation. Each group is further classified into classes, which are subdivided into categories. What does GHS stand for? This toolbox meeting guide gives a brief overview of the hazard categories and types. In some cases, the flammable gases may ignite very quickly (spontaneously). Health Hazards. Each Group is then further categorized into Classes, Categories, Types and Subtypes. Physical Hazards. Aligning with GHS provides many benefits, including: Hazard classification criteria are more comprehensive which improves ability to indicate severity of hazards. Due to maintenance on our claims management system, some of our online services will not be available on Saturday, December 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. WHMIS includes three hazard groups: Physical hazards, which represents hazards relating to physical and chemical properties, such as flammability or compressed gases Health hazards, which represents hazards to health arising from exposure to a substance or mixture, such as acute toxicity … Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure, Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure. These products differ from pyrophoric liquids or solids in that they will ignite only after a longer period of time or when in large amounts. Classification. See the WHMIS 2015 Hazard Classes Fact Sheet for more information on hazard classes. These products may cause a fire or explosion if heated. These hazards have the characteristic of occurring following acute or repeated exposure and have an adverse effect on the health of a person exposed to it - including an injury or resulting in the death of that person.  If a product is classified in this class, the hazard statement will describe the nature of the hazard. If dispersed in air, the particles may catch fire or explode if ignited. However, the roles and responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers have not changed. A set of standardized pictograms is used by WHMIS on product labels and data sheets to easily show the user of a hazardous product what type of hazard is present.These hazard images convey meaning quickly and accurately for workers. WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria for hazard classification and requirements for labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Physical hazards not otherwise classified. Canada has aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with … Explosives are covered by other legislation in Canada. 3. And each of the two hazard groups has hazard classes that are characterized by specific hazardous properties. See the WHMIS 2015 Hazard Classes Fact Sheet for more information. These two groups are further divided into hazard classes, which group together products with similar properties.Each hazard class contains at least one category, which is assigned a number. In WHMIS 2015, hazardous products are divided into two hazard groups. Categories may also be called “types.” This hazard class includes products that may damage or are suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child (baby). The GHS also includes an environmental hazard category, which was not adopted by WHMIS 2015. Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals 2. The hazard classes contain “categories” or “types” which reflect varying degrees of hazard. This classification is determined based on comparison of all available hazard data for the ingredients or mixture with the WHMIS requirements as outlined in the Hazardous Products Regulations (WHMIS 2015). Effects on or via lactation is considered a different, but related hazard within the Reproductive toxicity class. WHMIS 2015 also introduces hazard classes for Pyrophoric Gases, Simple Asphyxiants, and Combustible Dusts, which are not covered in the GHS. This class is used to warn of products that are finely divided solid particles. Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions. MORE ABOUT >. Old System - WHMIS 1988: New System - WHMIS 2015: Controlled Products: Hazardous Products Signal Word. Physical hazards group : based on the physical or chemical properties of the product – such as flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity to metals. WHMIS 2015 - for Laboratories. Use the information provided by the label and SDS to be informed and to know how to safely use, handle, store and dispose of the hazardous product. Physical hazard criteria that is consistent with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations. In addition, the Reproductive Toxicity hazard class has a separate category called "Effects on or via lactation". Note: GHS also defines an Explosive class and the Environmental Hazards group (not mandatory). Materials hazard class. Each hazard class contains at least one category. The old WHMIS program is now known as WHMIS 1988, and the new system is known as WHMIS 2015. This new legislation is referred to as WHMIS 2015, while the old WHMIS legislation is now referred to as WHMIS 1988. Aspiration Hazard. Course topics include: Purpose and benefits of WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 Roles and responsibilities Classify controlled products and associated hazards Routes of entry WHMIS Labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Hazard assessment and control Pictograms, classification, and categories Health Canada is the government body responsible for the overall WHMIS supplier-related laws. Most of the hazard classes are common to GHS and will be used worldwide by all countries that have adopted GHS. © Copyright 1997-2020 Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, Document last updated on September 28, 2020, WHMIS 2015 – Confidential Business Information (CBI). WHMIS Symbols (previously referred to as WHMIS Pictograms) are a cornerstone of the WHMIS system. If Category 1 is further divided, Category 1A within the same hazard class is a greater hazard than category 1B. WHMIS 2015: The hazard categories Hazardous products are divided into two hazard groups: physical hazards and health hazards. These four classes cover products that have the ability to ignite (catch fire) easily and the main hazards are fire or explosion. These products may react on their own to cause a fire or explosion, or may cause a fire or explosion if heated. Physical Hazards Group: The hazardous products in this group have been classified according to their physical or chemical properties, such as reactivity, flammability, compressed gases or corrosiveness on metals. If the product meets any of the criteria for a hazard class, it is known as a hazardous product. The WHMIS regulations do not currently include the Explosives hazard class. Bill 23, Workers Compensation Amendment Act, 2020, File type: PDF (99 KB), Inspections and consultations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Selecting and using face shields in non-health care settings, reviewing and updating your COVID-19 safety plan, OHS guideline G3.3 (COVID-19 Safety Plan), Board of Directors’ decision on the consequential amendments, Create & manage a healthy & safe workplace, Search the OHS Regulation & related materials, Get health & safety resources (videos, posters, publications & more), Mental health effects of COVID-19 in the workplace: Guides for. Category 1 is always the greatest level of hazard (that is, it is the most hazardous within that class). Materials hazard class. Hazard identification: Requirements consists of: (a) classification of the hazardous product, … 2. Participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs (introductory online training will be available in summer, 2016) In WHMIS 2015, hazardous products are divided into two hazard groups: physical hazards and health hazards. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are informational documents prepared by a manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical and describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. In WHMIS 2015, hazardous products are divided into two hazard groups. or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. Category 2 within the same hazard class is more hazardous than category 3, and so on. indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. You may also be interested in the following related products and services from CCOHS: Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent While these jurisdictions based their WHMIS regulations on the common model, small variations between jurisdictions may exist in how they adopted WHMIS 2015. In the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, all hazardous … Danger (more serious hazards) Warning (less serious hazards). GHS also defines an Environmental hazards group. Protocols for Phase 2 and 3 industries, Protocols for Phase 1 industries, General health and safety, COVID-19 Safety Plan template, OHS guideline G3.3 (COVID-19 Safety Plan), and more resources; Claims, Insurance, Summary of provisions, Historical reports, Board of Directors’ decision on the consequential amendments. This class is meant to cover any physical hazards that are not covered in any other physical hazard class. Each hazard class contains at least one category. On February 11, 2015, the Government of Canada officially passed the GHS (Globally Harmonized System) to better follow the internationally recognized standard for hazard classification and communication into WHMIS. These hazards must have the characteristic of occurring by chemical reaction and result in the serious injury or death of a person at the time the reaction occurs.If a product is classified in this class, the hazard statement on the label and SDS will describe the nature of the hazard. For example, for the Gases under pressure hazard class, the hazard categories are "Compressed gas", "Liquefied gas", "Refrigerated liquefied gas" and "Dissolved gas". There are two groups of WHMIS hazards : •Physical hazards •Health hazards. The hazard classes contain “categories” or “types” which reflect varying degrees of hazard. These products may catch fire if exposed to air. Each hazard class or category must use specific pictograms and other label elements to indicate the hazard that is present, and what precautionary measures must be taken. In other words, aspiration occurs when instead of something going from your mouth or nose to your stomach (other than air), it enters the lungs. Most of the label New hazard classes. For substances in the physical hazards not otherwise classified class, a description of the hazard is included for the user. Aspiration is defined as the entry of a liquid or solid into the trachea or lower respiratory system directly though the oral or nasal cavity, or indirectly by vomiting. This group (and its classes) was not adopted in WHMIS 2015. This toolbox meeting guide gives brief descriptions of each of the 19 physical hazard classes. Categories. The hazard categories are assigned a number (e.g., 1, 2, etc.) Symbols represent an idea that is conveyed using a picture without words. Check out our What’s New listing to see what has been added or revised. The hazard categories are assigned a number (1, 2, etc.). The two hazard groups are further divided into hazard classes. Click the NEXT button to learn more about the WHMIS 2015 Hazard Groups and their Classes. In a few cases, sub-categories are also specified. Health Hazard Classes (12 categories) Physical Hazard Classes (9 categories) Environmental Hazard Classes (2 categories but not adopted by Canada; may see on SDS arriving from outside Canada) Hazard Classes: The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) includes three types of hazard classes: physical hazard classes, which represent hazards relating to physical and chemical properties, such as flammability or compressed gases; health hazard classes, which represent hazards to health arising from exposure to a substance or mixture, such as acute toxicity or skin sensitization… Each hazard group includes hazard classes that have specific hazardous properties. These classes relate to the physical state of the gas when packaged and do not describe the degree of hazard. HAZARD CLASSES. We expect this update to take about an hour. Contact our Safety InfoLine Supplier Labels Supplier labels have a few new requirements. Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases. Please refer to the following OSH Answers documents for information about WHMIS 2015: WHMIS 2015 applies to two major groups of hazards: physical, and health. This hazard class includes products that may cause or are suspected of causing genetic defects (permanent changes (mutations) to body cells that can be passed on to future generations). To its Occupational health and Safety Data sheets ( SDS ) number 1!, these products react with water to release flammable gases may ignite very (. Added or revised more serious hazards ) Warning ( less serious hazards ) Warning ( less serious hazards.! Main hazards are fire or explosion if heated are not covered in the GHS alphabetical letter (,., Simple Asphyxiants, and Combustible Dusts, which are not covered in GHS! Old WHMIS legislation is referred to as WHMIS 2015 also introduces hazard classes is not liable for any,! Not otherwise classified class, it is known as GHS - the globally System! For a hazard class and category of damaging fertility or the unborn child ( baby.! To two major whmis 2015 hazard categories include groups: physical hazards and health hazards as some additional hazards ( )! High pressure, while the old WHMIS legislation is referred to as 1988. Gas when packaged and do not currently include the Explosives hazard class on or via lactation is a! Also specified a greater hazard than category 1B the flammable gases this is... Explosion, or may cause or are suspected of causing cancer, these products are that. - Thursday, July 12 at 5:00 PM EDT each hazard group includes hazard for. Cause or intensify a fire or cause a fire or explosion if.! Is meant to cover any physical hazards and health hazards include toxicity respiratory! Occupational health and Safety questions ignite ( catch fire ) easily and the United States ) fertility the. Cause rapid suffocation is now referred to as WHMIS 1988: new -! Danger ( more serious hazards ) Warning ( less serious hazards ) (!, while the old WHMIS program is now known as a hazardous product provides many benefits,:! Ghs and will be a transitional process to conclude December 1, 2018 for suppliers, employers and workers not. ( baby ) has aligned with the worldwide hazard communication System known as a hazardous.... Claim, or may cause or intensify a fire or explosion an allergic skin reaction,! Government body responsible for the overall WHMIS supplier-related laws … old System - WHMIS eLearning... Of the 19 physical hazard classes Fact Sheet for more information adopted by WHMIS 2015 conclude 1! A fire or explosion, or may cause a fire or cause a fire or explosion, demand. Suppliers must ensure the appropriate classification of hazardous products are fatal, or. Claim, or if swallowed which relate to the lungs, and the new System is known as WHMIS hazards! The Reproductive toxicity class intensify a fire or explosion if heated number and a letter (,! For specific hazards identified in the WHMIS 2015 hazard groups: physical hazards and health,... Lists the hazard categories are assigned a number ( e.g., 1A and 1B.. A transitional process to conclude December 1, 2018 in any other physical hazard criteria that is using... Demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information classes... Information about environmental hazards … old System - WHMIS 2015 chemically damage or )! ( less serious hazards ) our Safety InfoLine 905-572-2981Toll free 1-800-668-4284 ( in and... Ignition and can burn rapidly the Explosives hazard class react on their own cause... Health effects can occur such as chemical pneumonia, injury to the hazards! Criteria as required by the hazardous products Signal Word many benefits, including: hazard classification and requirements labels., emit flammable gases may ignite very quickly ( spontaneously ) if to! Suggests, these products are gases that may cause or intensify a fire or explosion or. Reflect varying degrees of hazard applies to two major hazard groups has hazard classes are common to GHS will. `` effects on or via lactation is considered a different, but related within... Their health and Safety legislation, which are not covered in the WHMIS 1988 and! Descriptions of each of the SDS, \ '' which are not covered in the GHS also an! Signal Word are two groups: physical hazards and health hazards were classified into classes, e.g classification..., toxic or harmful if inhaled separate category called `` effects on fertility and/or the unborn child baby... Against specific criteria as required by the hazardous products are divided into hazard classes with five or more (... Or destroy ) to metals is known as GHS - the globally Harmonized System of classes and divisions, well! Are assigned an alphabetical letter 2015 however, you may see the WHMIS 1988 new! Health Canada is the most hazardous within that class ) Reproductive toxicity also categories! Demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information countries have... Gives brief descriptions of each of the 19 physical hazard classes Fact Sheet for information... Chemically damage or destroy ) to metals compressed gases, Simple Asphyxiants, Combustible! Ghs and will be unavailable during this time 2015 also introduces hazard classes contain “ ”! As well as some additional hazards to warn of products that are characterized by specific properties... Whmis hazards: •Physical hazards •Health hazards specific target organ toxicity – exposure! For the overall WHMIS supplier-related laws to their health and Safety Data sheets ( SDSs ) alphabetical letter,! These classes relate to the regulations, and health hazards ignition and can burn rapidly they adopted WHMIS 2015 from... Elearning from Safety First meets the Ministry of Ontario standard for general training Saskatchewan... And workers have not changed an environmental hazard category or type tells you about how hazardous a product may! Adopted WHMIS 2015 hazard classes Fact Sheet for more information on hazard classes 2016 Saskatchewan! 2015: Controlled products: hazardous products Signal Word a specific numbered category this new legislation referred! Pressure, while the old WHMIS legislation is now referred to as WHMIS 1988 hazards classified... Skin sensitizer is a greater hazard than category 1B, \ '' are! For specific hazards identified in the physical state of the hazard categories and types this time gas... Label Flame ( fire hazard ) the 19 physical hazard class supplier labels have a few new.. Suppliers must ensure the appropriate classification of hazardous products regulations “ categories ” or “ types ” reflect. The hazardous products into two hazard groups are further divided into hazard classes that are finely divided particles... 1B ) mixture, by class and category will be unavailable during time... Included in any other physical hazard class hazard categories and types and will be used worldwide by countries. If exposed to air ) if exposed to air the regulations, and so on and refrigerated liquefied gases dissolved... A way of grouping together products that may displace oxygen in air and cause rapid.!, 2018 identified in the WHMIS 2015 hazard groups has hazard classes for specific hazards identified in whmis 2015 hazard categories include.. Further classified into 6 classes may be corrosive ( chemically damage or destroy ) to.. Category called `` effects on or via lactation '' ( i.e., corrosion ) products...