The amended Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and new Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) became law in Canada in 2015. The amendments established new requirements for labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) under Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS). The HPA and HPR regulate suppliers (importers, manufacturers, distributors) while the Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I. regulates the requirements of WHMIS in Island workplaces.
The transition phases are coming to an end on Nov. 30. As of Dec. 1, all workplaces are expected to be in compliance with the new WHMIS requirements.
Information to help with the transition to the new requirements is available for suppliers, distributors, employers and workers through WHMIS.org and Wcb.pe.ca/whmis.
Occupational health and safety officers and education consultants are available to visit workplaces and can assist employers and workers, so they can better understand their requirements and responsibilities.
In addition, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and offers an online course on WHMIS 2015 for Workers, as well as other eCourses on WHMIS.
For more information, visit Wcb.pe.ca/whmis.
