P-606 WHMIS

Issued By: SAFETY (D. Meldrum)
Approved By: D. Trussler, Chief Director
Date of Issue: 1997/04/24
Revision Date: 2012/03/01

PURPOSE: 

To define the responsibilities members and supervisors have to protect our people from hazardous materials in the workplace.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the health and safety of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) members. 

SCOPE:

This policy applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE.

DEFINITIONS:

•    “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)” the nationwide system to provide information on hazardous materials used in the workplace.

•    “WHMIS Regulations” the regulations made under Nova Scotia Occupational Health & Safety Act that apply to employers and employees in respect of controlled products used, stored or handled at a workplace.


POLICY: 

All members of HRFE shall comply with the WHMIS Regulations and the HRM corporate WHMIS policy (Corporate Safety Manual, chapter 13). Supervisors shall ensure that:

•    workplace or supplier labels are present on all hazardous materials in the workplace,
•    Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are available for all hazardous materials in the workplace,
•    all workers have completed general training on the WHMIS system, and
•    all workers have received specific training on the hazards and safe handling of all hazardous materials present in their workplace. 

Workers shall ensure that:

•    they have completed WHMIS training,
•    they read the MSDS before handling any hazardous material,
•    they observe all safety precautions, protective equipment , product disposal and emergency instructions listed on the MSDS,
•    they do not use unlabeled containers for hazardous materials,
•    they attach proper workplace labels to any decanted hazardous materials, and
•    they do not bring hazardous materials into the workplace except via the Logistics Division.

Logistics Division shall ensure that:

•    Valid MSDSs are obtained for all hazardous materials brought into the workplace,
•    MSDSs are available for viewing & printing on the internal internet site, and
•    MSDSs are reviewed and updated at least every 3 years.

Training Division shall ensure that:

•    All new members complete general training on the WHMIS system as part of their initial training, and
•    Refresher training is available to members as required.

RELATED POLICIES/OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    P-611
•    OG-2002
•    OG-4002
•    OG-4021
•    OG-4022
•    OG-4023
•    OG-4033
•    OG-7004
•    OG-7006

POLICY REVIEW:

This policy shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to WHMIS guidelines and regulations.