The Difference Between WHMIS 1988 MSDS & WHMIS 2015

WHMIS was created in 1988 and is Canada’s national hazard communication standard. It remained relatively unchanged until 2015, when it was updated to align with the 5th edition of the GHS. Since then, WHMIS has been known as WHMIS 2015. As further updates are expected over time, WHMIS 2015 will now be referred to simply as WHMIS.
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In December 2022, WHMIS was amended to align with the 7th revised edition of GHS and certain provisions of the 8th revised edition.

What are the 4 fundamental questions answered on an SDS?

WHMIS is aligned with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) which provides a more standardized approach to hazard communication around the world. This also enables Canadian workplaces to communicate hazards more effectively with other countries that have adopted GHS. In December 2022, Canada amended its Hazardous Product Regulations (HPR) to align with the 7th revised edition and certain provisions of the 8th edition of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

What changed in the December 2022 updates?

The workplaces, the most noticeable changes are the adoption of a new Physical Hazard Class (Chemicals Under Pressure), and the adoption of a new non-flammable aerosol hazard category, and a new subcategory for flammable gases. Manufacturers will have to update their SDS and Label as necessary, then employers will need to explain the new class and category and communicate these product updates to workers.

What do I need to do as an employer?

Employers need to update their WHMIS training programs to help workers learn the new WHMIS updates; especially the updated Hazard Classes and Categories.

What do I need to do as a supplier?

f you manufacture hazardous products your Safety Data Sheets may need to be updated. Products with these classifications may have classification changes Flammable Gases, Aerosols, and Gases Under Pressure.
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Slight revisions also have been made to the information elements required on SDSs, primarily modifications to the required elements in the physical and chemical properties in Section 9.
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Specific elements have been introduced, including physical state, colour, particle characteristics, kinematic viscosity, and relative vapour density. Elements such as odour threshold and evaporation rate were removed. A SDS can still list these elements as additional information, but it cannot be false or misleading.
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Another change specifies that all hazardous ingredients that are present in a mixture at concentrations above the relevant cutoff levels must be disclosed, regardless of whether the hazardous ingredient contributes to the classification of the mixture as a hazardous product or not.

Transition Period

Suppliers have until December 14, 2025, to bring their SDSs and labels into compliance with the amended regulations.
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During this three-year transition period, suppliers can choose to comply with either the former HPR or the amended HPR, but not both. It’s important to note that the hazard classification, SDS, and label of a hazardous product must be fully compliant with the version of the regulation chosen.
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This requirement means that for a product to be compliant with the amended WHMIS, both the SDS and the label must meet the requirements of the amended WHMIS.

Consult Your Local Authority

Employer obligations for hazardous products are set out in federal, provincial, and territorial occupational health and safety legislation. More information can be found at WHMIS.org.

Is the Personal Protective Equipment Recommended on the SDS Enough?

CHAMP

SDS Management

SDS Authoring

Exposure Control Plans

Product Stewardship Consulting

Regulatory Compliance Management

Chemical Storage Compatability

Chemical Risk Assessments

Chemical Approvals

Chemical Subsitutions

Oil & Gas

Chemicals

Manufacturing

Mining

Transportation

Construction

Municipalities

SDS Fundamentals

SDS Authoring Resources

WHMIS Resources

HazCom Resources

Chemical Management Essentials

Health and Safety Meeting Content

The Difference Between WHMIS 1988 MSDS & WHMIS 2015

What are the 4 fundamental questions answered on an SDS?

What changed in the December 2022 updates?

What do I need to do as an employer?

What do I need to do as a supplier?

Transition Period

Consult Your Local Authority

Need Help with WHMIS Compliance?

Is the Personal Protective Equipment Recommended on the SDS Enough?

CHAMP

SDS Management

SDS Authoring

Exposure Control Plans

Product Stewardship Consulting

Regulatory Compliance Management

Chemical Storage Compatability

Chemical Risk Assessments

Chemical Approvals

Chemical Subsitutions

Oil & Gas

Chemicals

Manufacturing

Mining

Transportation

Construction

Municipalities

SDS Fundamentals

SDS Authoring Resources

WHMIS Resources

HazCom Resources

Chemical Management Essentials

Health and Safety Meeting Content

The Difference Between WHMIS 1988 MSDS & WHMIS 2015

What are the 4 fundamental questions answered on an SDS?

What changed in the December 2022 updates?

What do I need to do as an employer?

What do I need to do as a supplier?

Transition Period

Consult Your Local Authority

Need Help with WHMIS Compliance?

The Difference Between WHMIS 1988 MSDS & WHMIS 2015