Have you got a WHMIS card yet? If not, your job site might get closed down

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS 2015) arrived in Canada on June 1, 2015.

Its implementation is coordinated by federal, provincial and territorial legislation. It is in line with a “globally harmonized” system of classification and labeling of chemicals in the workplace.

Construction workers face hazardous material dangers on even the most harmless-looking residential jobsite. This is because dangerous chemicals can be found in so many materials that most of us consider safe.

Such as drywall, for example.

Did you know that gypsum contains a poison called boric acid? Boric acid is a good thing, insofar as it improves fire resistance. But boric acid is known to cause, in sufficient quantities over a long enough time period, kidney damage.

Boric acid is also called hydrogen borate, boracic acid, orthoboric acid and acidum boricum.

Everyone on construction, Canada-wide, needs to have taken WHMIS training – and be able to produce their WHMIS card whenever a Ministry of Labour inspector requests it.

Also, you will have to get it updated annually.

If you don’t have a WHMIS card and work on construction (even residential renovations), you are non-compliant. Luckily, getting a WHMIS card for most construction in the renovation and home building sectors takes only a few hours.

Call us tpll free 1 866 366 2930 to book your training. Or email alec@carahs.org.