What is the difference between msds and whmis

Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show you what type of hazard a hazardous product represents. They have a red, diamond-shaped border; inside the border is a symbol that represents the hazard e.

Pictograms are assigned to specific hazard classes or categories. Laboratory Hazard Door Signage plaques provide emergency responders with a comprehensive view of the hazard classes contained within a laboratory space to determine an appropriate and effective response to emergency situations. To see what each sign symbolizes, refer to the Laboratory Hazard Signage Document. SDSs provide more information about products than labels do and are important resources.

They have a standard format containing 16 sections that have to appear in a specified order. An SDS provides information on the following:. A supplier must provide the SDS, in English and French, to the purchaser of the hazardous product either in hard copy or by electronic means. The supervisor is required to make sure that all hazardous products have an up-to-date SDS when it enters the workplace.

The SDSs must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the hazardous product. As part of the on-site orientation for new employees the location of the SDSs files must be specified. If you are not sure or you do not remember where SDSs are stored at your workplace, ask your supervisor! Storing of SDSs in the workplace can be done in various ways. Printed SDSs can be cataloged alphabetically and placed in binders.

Storing of SDSs in electronic format must comply with the following requirements:. Any restrictions on the use of that number must be stated e. If the language spoken at the telephone number is neither English nor French, this should be indicated on the SDS as part of the restrictions on the use of the number.

A supplier will provide the SDS, in English and French, to the purchaser of the hazardous product either in hard copy e. Acceptable electronic delivery methods include an e-mail from the supplier to the purchaser with the SDS attached, or a USB or disc on which the SDS is saved and given to the purchaser.

In the case where the English and French portions of the SDS are two separate parts, both the English and French parts must be attached in the same email, or saved on the same USB stick or disc. SDSs are required to be accurate at the time of sale. An SDS will be required to be updated when the supplier becomes aware of any "significant new data". The definition of "significant new data" is:.

This definition means that an SDS must be updated when there is new information that changes how the hazardous product is classified, or when there are changes to the way you will handle or store or protect yourself from the hazards of the product. SDSs will be required to be updated within 90 days of the supplier being aware of the new information.

If you purchase a product within this 90 day time period, the supplier must inform you of the significant new data and the date on which it became available in writing.

Note: The requirement to update a material safety data sheet every three years, as was the case under WHMIS , no longer applies. Suppliers have an ongoing responsibility to make sure SDSs and labels are accurate and compliant. Note: The requirement to maintain updated SDSs are also regulated by your local provincial or territorial jurisdictions, and they may have different requirements. Check with your local jurisdiction for more information.

You will know if an SDS has been updated by checking this date, and comparing it to the one on any previous SDS you have. Note that there is no requirement for the supplier to provide an updated SDS to past purchasers of a hazardous product. However, it continues to be good practice to provide this information to purchasers who may still be using the product.

Employers 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 enters the workplace. The SDSs must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the hazardous product, and to the health and safety committee or representative.

As mentioned, in some circumstances, an employer may be required to prepare an SDS e. SDSs have many different audiences including occupational hygienists and safety professionals, employers, supervisors, nurses, doctors, emergency responders, and workers. To ensure that SDS users can quickly find the information that they need, information directed toward these various users will be listed in specific sections. Having a set format will make it easier to find the information you need on every SDS.

Not necessarily. A lot of health hazard information, for example, is written in general terms. In addition, SDSs are often written for many different uses or applications of the product, and the handling and safety precautions may not be specific to your workplace. Your health and safety committee or representative, health and safety specialist, occupational health nurse or family doctor, supervisor, employer, or supplier should be able to help you find more information if needed.

With the exception of Sections , the supplier is required to provide information on each specific information element required on the SDS. While there are a number of similarities between the two kinds of sheets, the section SDSs contain different information and presents the safety data in a different format to that of the 9-section MSDSs. WHMIS Safety Data Sheets have a more comprehensive hazard classification criteria, include new classes of hazards, make physical hazard criteria more consistent with TDG Transport of Dangerous Goods regulations, employ a more standardized language, and utilize a new standardized format.

While the MSDSs were updated after every three years, the SDSs must be updated within 90 days after any significant information that changes the class of the hazardous product or impacts on protective measures against the product becomes available.

During the transition period, I mporters, Manufacturers, and Suppliers of hazardous products should learn and understand the GHS criteria and:. WHMIS Safety Data Sheets are comprehensive summary documents containing crucial information about the hazards of various products, safe handling and storage, and useful emergency measures. Replacing the 9-section Material Safety Data Sheets, the new section SDS forms enable Canadian suppliers, manufacturers, employers, and workers to enjoy the benefits of the internationally agreed-upon GHS hazard classification and handling criteria.

While Safety Data Sheets are written in general terms and do not contain all health hazard information, they are a fundamental step towards reducing workplace injuries and fatalities and improving the safety of users of hazardous or controlled products.

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