When Are Businesses Required to Update SDS Under WHMIS 2015?

Under the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, businesses in Canada are responsible for ensuring the safety of their workers by providing accurate and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Knowing when to update SDS is crucial for maintaining compliance with WHMIS regulations and protecting employee health and safety.

Before delving into the specific circumstances that require updating Safety Data Sheets (SDS) under WHMIS 2015, it’s essential to recognize the critical role SDS play in safeguarding workers’ health and safety.

SDS provide vital information about chemical product hazards and offer guidance on safe handling, storage, and disposal. As such, ensuring the accuracy and currency of SDS is paramount for protecting employees from potential harm and mitigating the risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the workplace. With this understanding, let’s explore the situations that mandate updates to SDS under WHMIS 2015.

When Are Businesses Required to Update SDS Under WHMIS 2015?

1. Introduction of New Hazardous Products:

• When a business introduces a new hazardous product into the workplace, it must create an SDS before the product is used.
• The SDS must be updated if the product’s composition, hazard classification, or safety information changes.

2. Changes in Chemical Composition:

• If there are changes in the chemical composition of a product, such as reformulations or additions of new ingredients, the SDS must be updated to reflect these changes.
• This includes changes that may affect the product’s hazards or safe handling procedures.

3. New Hazard Information:

• If new hazard information becomes available for a chemical product, such as updated toxicity data or newly identified health hazards, the SDS must be revised accordingly.
• Businesses are responsible for staying informed about changes to hazard information and updating SDS as necessary.

4. Regulatory Updates:

• Changes to regulatory standards or requirements may also necessitate updates to SDS. For example, if there are revisions to hazard classification criteria or labeling requirements, SDS must be updated to comply with the new regulations.

Conclusion

Businesses in Canada must be vigilant in ensuring that SDS for hazardous chemicals are kept accurate and up to date to comply with WHMIS 2015 regulations.

By understanding the circumstances that require SDS updates and staying informed about changes to hazard information and regulatory standards, businesses can fulfill their obligations and prioritize worker safety.

Remember, Global Hazmat is here to provide expert guidance and support for SDS management and WHMIS compliance.