GHS: What does it mean for your organization?

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Anastasia Poole
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1 GHS: What does it mean for your organization?

2 Agenda 1. What is the GHS? 2. Classification & Communication Criteria 3. Implementation of GHS in USA 4. Implementation of GHS in Canada 5. WHMIS After GHS 6. Preparation 7. Question and Answer Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

3 1. What is the GHS? Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals GHS comprises Standards for: Classification of chemicals by hazards Symbols for hazards Labelling requirements Safety Data Sheet requirements Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

1. What is the GHS? First version of GHS adopted in 2002 Current 4 th edition of the Purple Book www.unece.

4 1. What is the GHS? First version of GHS adopted in 2002 Current 4 th edition of the Purple Book Quick link to GHS Countries may adopt all or partial elements of GHS Adopted by USA in 2012 into OSHA, HazCom 2012 Not Yet Implemented in Canada Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

5 1. What is the GHS? Proposed Benefits: Promote regulatory efficiency Facilitate trade Ease compliance Provide improved, consistent hazard information Encourage safe transport, handling & use of chemicals Promote better emergency response to chemical incidents Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

6 2. Classification & Communication Criteria Classification of the hazards of chemicals Communication of the hazards Safety Data Sheets Labels Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

7 2. Classification & Communication Criteria Classification System Three major hazard groups: 1. Physical hazards 2. Health hazards 3. Environmental hazards Classes and categories within the hazards groups 3-tiered Principle for classifying chemical mixtures GHS rules for classification and labels must be used Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

statement Precautionary information, i.e. Wear cold insulated gloves/face shield/eye protection Norm Keith, B.

8 2. Classification & Communication Criteria Supplier Labelling requirements: Product identifier Supplier ID Symbols/hazard pictogram Signal words Hazard statement Precautionary information, i.e. Wear cold insulated gloves/face shield/eye protection Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

9 2. Classification & Communication Criteria Safety Data Sheets: A 16-section standardized format SDSs must be updated as new information comes available Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

10 3. Implementation of GHS in USA Mandatory Standard of OSHA HazCom 2012 Based on GHS Purple Book, Rev. 3 Terms updated: Material Safety Data Sheet = Safety Data Sheet Hazard Determination = Hazard Classification Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

11 3. Implementation of GHS in USA Manufacturers, importers and employers are to evaluate chemicals for physical and health hazards, and determine severity of those effects. Classify chemicals into a hazard class and hazard category Need to apply new ingredient concentration cut-offs when classifying a mixture Requirement for written HazCom program unchanged. Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

12 3. Implementation of GHS in USA Container labelling: Product Identifier Signal Word Hazard Statement(s) Pictogram(s) Precautionary Statement Information on Party Responsible for the Product Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

13 3. Implementation of GHS in USA Timelines December 1, 2013 Training new label format and SDS format June 1, 2015 Date for classification of mixtures December 1, 2015 Comply with all modified provisions of this final rule June 1, 2016 Update Alternative workplace labeling and hazard communication program as necessary Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

14 4. Implementation of GHS in Canada Anticipate Canada will adopt the GHS. GHS will change WHMIS-related laws: Hazardous Products Act Controlled Products Regulations Provincial WHMIS Regulations Health Canada, government body responsible for making the changes GHS implementation will also impact the following sectors: transport, consumer products, pest control products. Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

15 4. Implementation of GHS in Canada Tentative Proposal Plan by Health Canada: Spring 2013: Draft regulations Early 2014: Final regulations published June 2015: Updated WHMIS laws in force June 2016: Jurisdictions to complete update of WHMIS Regulations A transition period is expected Until GHS is implemented, must continue to comply with WHMIS Regulations Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

16 5. WHMIS After GHS Duties and responsibilities of workplace parties will not change Employers must continue to: Educate and train workers Ensure that hazardous materials are labeled. Prepare workplace labels and SDSs as necessary Provide access for workers to up-to-date SDSs Ensure control measures in place to protect workers. Continue to maintain up-to-date inventories of all controlled products Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

17 5. WHMIS After GHS Workers must continue to: Participate in WHMIS training programs Take necessary steps to protect themselves and their coworkers Participate in identifying and controlling hazards. Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

18 6. Preparation - Suppliers Obtain a copy of the criteria of classification Understand WHMIS classification of a chemical may not be the same as a GHS classification Identify the relevant hazard data for a product Determine the appropriate hazard classes and categories Document Information Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

19 6. Preparation - Employers Train employees to recognize the GHS labels and pictograms. Labels are still required in French and English Currently in Canada, GHS labels do not meet WHMIS requirements. Employers must continue to comply with WHMIS Regulations with respect to labeling Train employees how to read an SDS and the difference from a MSDS SDS must contain WHMIS content if imported into Canada Need to consider environmental hazards Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

20 Resources CANADA USA Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

21 Questions and Answers Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

22 How Can Gowlings Help? Training. Consulting. Legal. Contact Name Norm Keith, B.A. J.D., LL.M., CRSP Partner ext Anna Abbott, B.A., LL.B. Associate Deanah Shelly, B.A., LL.B. Associate Cathy Chandler, B.A.Sc., CRSP, CHSC OHS Consultant/Paralegal David Marchione, B.A., CRSP, CHSC OHS Consultant/Paralegal Carla Oliver, B.A., MIBM., CRSP OHS Consultant Roshni Vaz, B.A.Sc., CRSP OHS Consultant/Paralegal ext ext ext ext ext ext deanah. Or visit our website at Norm Keith, B.A., J.D., LL.M., CRSP, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP,

WHMIS. Are you ready for 2018? Mike Russo, MHSc, CRSP, ROH Infrastructure Health and Safety Association Dir

WHMIS. Are you ready for 2018? Mike Russo, MHSc, CRSP, ROH Infrastructure Health and Safety Association Dir. 905-301-4418 mrusso@ihsa.ca Disclaimer This presentation is for information purposes only. Participants