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305-BZF-01-IGOT © 2025, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | WSPS.CA
Q.
What is the requirement for the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) or Health
and Safety Representative (HSR) to be involved in WHMIS training or changes to their
program?
A.
In the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) Section 42, the training must be developed
and implemented by the employer in consultation with the JHSC or HSR. The employer must also
review, in consultation with the JHSC or HSR the training provided to a worker and the worker's
familiarity at least annually.
The review must be held more frequently than annually if the employer, on the advice of the JHSC
or HSR determines that such reviews are necessary, or there is a change in circumstances that may
affect the health or safety of a worker.
Q.
What materials are not regulated by WHMIS?
A.
Section 4 of Ontario Regulation 860 outlines the application of the regulation and what products
are not covered by WHMIS.
Q.
Do I require a SDS for products I can purchase from stores (i.e. consumer products)?
What are the requirements regarding consumer products used in the workplace?
A.
Consumer products are regulated by the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act. Refer to this Act for
more details on the requirements related to consumer products. WHMIS Regulation 860 exempts
consumer products from the requirements of section 8 (supplier labels), section 14 (laboratory
samples) and sections 17 and 18 (safety data sheets). However, worker education will still be required
to ensure workers know the hazards of the product, and how to handle them safely.
Q.
If I manufacture materials, do I have to create an SDS? How do I know what to include
in an SDS? What data is required to be reviewed/drafted? Is the SDS required to be
available in both English and French? Is it also required to be reviewed/drafted?
A.
Suppliers of hazardous products, which include manufacturers, are required by the federal
Hazardous Products Act (HPA) to prepare and provide SDS and supplier labels for their products.
The required information elements on the SDS and supplier labels are prescribed in the Hazardous
Products Regulations.
SDS and supplier labels must always be in English and French.
Health Canada does not review the SDS, it is expected that the supplier does it properly.
Q.
When are SDS and Supplier labels required to be in the majority language of the
workplace?
A.
The only requirement is for the supplier labels and SDS to be in English and French. It is a best
practice, and great idea to offer the information in the majority language if that applies in your
workplace.
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