HAMILTON, ON (Oct 17, 2006) - A new e-course, WHMIS: Understanding MSDSs, from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides guidance on how to understand and use material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

Anyone working with paints, cleaning solutions or any other potentially harmful substances should understand the hazards as well as how to work safely with the material, and what to do in case of an emergency. Under Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), employers are legally required to provide chemical safety information to all workers through MSDSs and labels on chemical products, as well as provide appropriate training. An MSDS contains information about the hazards of the product, on how to safely handle the product and is an important part of a workplace chemical safety program.

WHMIS: Understanding MSDSs teaches workers, supervisors, health and safety committees and anyone who uses MSDSs about the 16 different sections of an MSDS. These cover product identification, hazard identification and control, emergency preparedness and response, and more. Learners will gain an understanding of the purpose of WHMIS labels and MSDSs as well as the significance of the information in the different sections of an MSDS. The course explains how to identify hazards and precautions from a product label and MSDS. A glossary of chemical terminology and information on where to get additional information is also included.

Educating people how to use and understand the information on MSDSs is an important step in keeping workers safe and healthy at work.

This intermediate level course from CCOHS helps meet the requirements of provincial and federal regulations in Canada for MSDS training.

Courses from CCOHS are reviewed by expert representatives from labour, employers and government to ensure the content and approach are unbiased and credible. Learners can contact CCOHS subject specialists to ask specific questions that may arise. There are quizzes throughout and a certificate of completion is issued upon passing the exam.

Pricing and registration details are available on the CCOHS website.