Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
What are hazardous materials?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulates the standards and procedures for working with hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials may put lives in danger. They must be handled carefully and correctly according to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations.
The purpose of WHMIS is to:
- reduce accidents
- reduce disease
- encourage workplace education on health and safety.
WHMIS is based on three approaches:
Container labeling
MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet
Workplace education and training
All businesses and workplaces are legally required to conform to WHMIS regulations.
Employees must:
- understand the dangers in the workplace
- be familiar with WHMIS
- be able to explain dangers and safety rules to others
- have the right to refuse to do a job or work in an environment that they consider unsafe
More information can be found in the guide to WHMIS legislation in Ontario