Written on: February 13, 2015 by SprayTM
According to NexReg, Canada has finally implemented the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals (GHS). On February 11th, 2015, the Government of Canada officially announced that the current WHMIS regulations have been updated to incorporate GHS. The new and improved regulation has been named WHMIS 2015.
The WHMIS 2015 regulations are in force as of February 11th, 2015 and will be introduced using a three phase transition period with completion set for December 1st, 2018. During this transition period, both old and new WHMIS will be present in the work place. However, the phases dictate when Manufacturers and Importers must comply with WHMIS 2015 compared to Distributors and Employers.
| Phases | Timing | Manufacturers and Importers | Distributors | Employers |
| Phase 1 | February 11, 2015 – May 31, 2017 | Both
(one or the other) |
Both
(one or the other) |
Comply with both old and new regulations |
| Phase 2 | June 1, 2017 –
May 31, 2018 |
Must comply with WHMIS 2015 | Both
(one or the other) |
Comply with both old and new regulations |
| Phase 3 | June 1, 2018 – November 30, 2018 | Must comply with WHMIS 2015 | Must comply with WHMIS 2015 | Comply with both old and new regulations |
| Completion | December 1, 2018 | Must comply with WHMIS 2015 | Must comply with WHMIS 2015 | Must comply with WHMIS 2015 |
Click here for the publication of the new WHMIS 2015 regulations.
To learn more about Canada-GHS please visit www.nexreg.com .
If you have any questions relating to Canada-GHS or are unsure what phase applies to you, than please contact Nexreg:info@nexreg.com
