While it’s well-known that work-related hearing loss usually is caused by noise, what isn’t nearly as widely-recognized is that ongoing exposure to some widely used chemicals increases the risk of hearing loss, particularly in noisy workplaces.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is working towards adopting the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has created a new guide to introduce Canadians to GHS and to help prepare workplaces for potential changes.

The goal of GHS is to have the same set of rules for classifying hazards and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) adopted and used around the world. WHMIS After GHS: Preparing for Change will help guide organizations through the anticipated changes, assist in the understanding of the new requirements and facilitate a successful transition to “WHMIS After GIS”.

While exact details of the revised legislation will not be known when it is published in the Canada Gazette II, sufficient information is known to encourage workplaces to begin preparing for changes. This overview covers the basics of classification, safety data sheets, symbols and pictograms, labels, hazard statements and precautionary statements.

 CCOHS publications are unique in that they are developed by experts in the field and reviewed by representatives from labour, employers and government to ensure the content and approach are unbiased and credible.

A single copy of the guide is available for $15 (CAN). For more information about WHMIS After GHS: Preparing for Change, please visit www.ccohs.ca/products/publications/WHMISGHS.html.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) in partnership with Health Canada’s National Office of WHMIS, has developed two e-courses to make Canadians aware of how the future implementation of Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) may impact WHMIS requirements.

WHMIS After GHS: An Introduction provides a basic introduction on the expected changes to WHMIS after GHS and the impacts of these changes for chemical suppliers and employers.

WHMIS After GHS: How Suppliers Can Prepare explains in more detail how GHS is likely to impact and change WHMIS requirements for chemical suppliers, including hazard classification, preparing (Material) Safety Data Sheets and labels.

The two free e-courses will be updated in the future as regulatory changes become known. Registered users will be contacted regarding any new updates. 

All e-courses by CCOHS are available in English and French. CCOHS and Health Canada's National Office of WHMIS worked closely with specialists in the field to develop the content of these courses.  In addition, the courses were reviewed by representatives from labour, suppliers, employers and governments to ensure the content is unbiased and credible.

More information about the courses and how to register is available on the CCOHS website.