The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

WHMIS is implemented through coordinated and interlocking federal, provincial and territorial legislation. The Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR), require Canadian suppliers (including importers and distributors) to provide supplier labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for controlled products that are sold or imported for use in Canadian workplaces.

Eligibility Criteria

WHMIS applies to all workplaces in Canada. 

Summary

The HPA and CPR are administered by Health Canada in partnership with provincial, federal and territorial agencies responsible for occupational health and safety (OHS). Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Labour Program, is the WHMIS regulatory authority for federally-regulated workplaces.

The national WHMIS Web site provides a consistent means of disseminating all national policies/information related to this program in Canada. The national site is developed and maintained by Health Canada's WHMIS Division, on behalf of the Government of Canada, in consultation with and on behalf of all federal, provincial and territorial government WHMIS regulatory authorities.

Each of the thirteen provincial, territorial and federal agencies responsible for occupational health and safety has established employer WHMIS requirements within their respective jurisdiction. These requirements place an onus on employers to ensure that controlled products used, stored, handled or disposed of in the workplace are properly labelled, MSDSs are made available to workers, and workers receive education and training to ensure the safe storage, handling and use of controlled products in the workplace.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
See National Contact.

---

National Contact(s):
Mr. David A. Bideshi
Chief, WHMIS Division
Health Canada
A.L. 3505B1, 5th Floor, MacDonald Building
123 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0K9
Telephone: (613) 957-2342
Fax: (613) 952-3039
Toll-free (information): 1-866-225-0709
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-267-1245
E-mail: Lucie_Malette@hc-sc.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html