Canadian GHS Hazard Communication for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals

The Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) adopts the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and replaces the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) which previously outlined the requirements for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). The new Regulations change hazard classification criteria, labels and safety data sheets (SDSs – formerly called material safety data sheets or MSDSs). Classification under the GHS approach is more structured than in the CPR and requires a systematic approach incorporating a thorough review of any data available on a mixture or its ingredients. Depending on the characteristics of the product, this approach may require complex toxicology/phys-chem calculations.

The February 11, 2015 coming into force date for the Regulations allows manufacturers and importers to immediately begin offering products into Canada under these new requirements. It also provides time for companies to transition to the new Hazcom documentation before it becomes mandatory on June 1, 2015 in the United States, under US OSHA HCS 2012 and the EU, under CLP.

Important for companies needing time to adopt the new requirements, the HPR include transition periods that addresses the needs/complications across the supply chain, from manufacturers/importers through distributors and finally to the employers.

Canadian GHS Services:

Intertek understands the challenges companies face in understanding and implementing new regulations within their workplace.  Given the short turn-around time manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers are presented with, it is vitally important for companies to act now.  Intertek offers the following services to help you meet these deadlines effectively and efficiently:

• Interpretation of Hazard-Communication Legislation from both a scientific and regulatory perspective;
• Conducting Literature Searches to obtain relevant data relating to acute and chronic toxicity, and physical and chemical properties, a critical aspect of the new hazard classification requirements;
• Classification of Substances and/or Products to determine the need for, and nature of, labeling and documentation required;
• Modification of EU CLP and OSHA HCS 2012 classifications to meet the proposed Canadian GHS requirements; 
• Authoring, Maintenance, and/or Review of SDS and Labels (in both English and French) to meet the new requirements;
• Canadian Trade-Secret Support for Confidentiality Claims under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA), including pre- and post-submission consultation with the government;
• Negotiating with Foreign Suppliers to prepare or obtain compliant SDS, labels and compositional disclosure, as required; and
• Design, Implementation, and Stewardship of Testing Programs, if required, including the development of test protocols, and placement and monitoring of studies within qualified contract laboratories to support hazard-communication initiatives;
• Developing and Auditing product safety systems and practices;
• Classification and SDS/Label Preparation Workshops.

Related Services

Hazard Communication (HazCom) Services
Chemical Classification and Labelling Services for Consumer Products
Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals Services