Did you know that every product that is classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have an SDS?
Chemicals can be in many of the common products we may have around our place of business. Hazardous substances are found in all types of business sectors. Some examples would be – all areas of manufacturing, paint shops, hospitals, kitchens, laundries, offices, restaurants and many other workplaces. Hazardous substances would also include unusual new substances used in high-tech industries and common materials like chlorine bleach, cleaning agents and solvents.
It is your responsibility as an employer to make sure that the requirements of WHMIS are met. This law is enforced by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
Also, an employer will be required to make sure that all hazardous products (as defined by the Hazardous Products Regulations) have an up-to-date SDS when it arrives at the workplace. The SDSs must be readily available to the workers who may be exposed to the hazardous product, and to the health and safety committee or representative.
Another concern will be to make sure the SDS be updated when there is new information that changes how the hazardous product is classified, or when there are changes made in the way you will handle, store or protect yourself from the hazards of the product.
Implementing and continuous monitoring of SDS’s can be a daunting task. There are several regulations set in place that your business will need to have. Reach out to us, and we will help you set up and teach you how to maintain proper SDS protocols that are compliant with the Health And Safety Regulations. Call us at 613-558-5385, or you can email us at info@auspicesafety.com.