Requirements in the way you handle chemicals are changing this year, warns Jewellers Vigilance Canada (JVC).
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is incorporating the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for chemicals (GHS), bringing itself in line with requirements in the United States and other Canadian trading partners.
The changes will put the onus on employers to ensure controlled or hazardous products used, stored, handled, or disposed of in the workplace are properly labelled, material safety data sheets (MSDS) are made available to workers, and that they receive education and training to ensure the safe storage, handling, and use of these products in the workplace.
“As jewellers and most businesses have such products on the premises of their locations, training is needed,” JVC says.
For more information, see the following websites:
• www.whmis.org ““ Contains useful links and organizes information based on compliance category (e.g. worker, employer, supplier etc.).
• http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/WHMIS/Resources.asp ““ WorkSafe BC resources on WHMIS. This also includes free videos on WHMIS (scroll to the middle of the page) and links to free training provided by Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
• http://www.ccohs.ca/products/courses/whmis_workers/ ““ WHMIS 2015 for Workers by CCOHS. Free one-hour long eLearning (cost is $10/seat if more than one login required). Participants get a certificate after finishing this course.
