Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS): A Guide to the Legislation

Reprinted: February 2001 [Issued: May 1989]
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Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Overview of WHMIS
   1. What is WHMIS?
   2. Why was WHMIS developed?
   3. Who developed WHMIS?
   4. To what workplaces does WHMIS apply?
   5. To what hazardous materials does WHMIS apply?
   6. How is WHMIS put into effect across Canada?
   7. Who enforces the WHMIS legislation?
2. The WHMIS Legislation
   1. The Federal WHMIS Legislation
   2. Ontario's WHMIS Legislation
3. WHMIS and the Supplier
   1. General Information
   2. Classification
   3. The Supplier Label
   4. The Supplier Material Safety Data Sheet
   5. Imported Controlled Products
   6. Exemptions
4. WHMIS and the Employer
   1. General Information
   2. Labelling and Identification
      1. The Supplier Label
      2. The Workplace Label
      3. Decanted Controlled Products
      4. Outer and Inner Containers
      5. Imported Controlled Products
      6. Bulk Shipments
      7. Controlled Products Produced in the Workplace
      8. Controlled Products in Piping Systems
      9. Placard Identifiers
      10. Summary of Labelling Requirements
   3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
      1. The Supplier MSDS
      2. The Employer MSDS
      3. Availability of MSDSs
   4. Worker Education
   5. Exemptions
5. WHMIS and the Worker
   1. Worker Rights
   2. Worker Responsibilities
6. Special Applications of WHMIS
   1. Laboratories
   2. Construction Projects
7. Confidential Business Information
   1. Claims for Exemptions
   2. Appeals
   3. Fees
8. WHMIS and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods: A Comparison
   1. WHMIS Exemption for Products Covered by TDG
   2. Controlled Products Not Covered by TDG
   3. WHMIS and TDG Classification Systems
   4. Colour Restrictions for WHMIS Hazard Symbols
9. WHMIS and the Ontario Ministry of Labour
   1. Enforcement of Ontario's WHMIS Legislation
   2. Enforcement of the Federal WHMIS Legislation
10. WHMIS–Frequently Asked Questions
11. Appendices:
    1. WHMIS Classes and Hazard Symbols
    2. WHMIS Supplier Label
    3. WHMIS MSDS
    4. Employer Compliance Checklist
    5. Ministry of Labour Regional Offices
    6. Regulations made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act