January 2024 issue: Workplace Hazardous Products Program newsletter
On this page
- Highlight: Publication of new technical decision trees
- New service standards for claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act
- Launch of the Common Online Payment System
- Summary of UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 45th session
- Spring 2024 multi-stakeholder workshop: Final call-out for speakers and topics
- Future newsletter content
- Important WHMIS websites
Highlight: Publication of additional technical decision trees
An additional set of technical decision trees that reflect the amended Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) are now available on WHMIS.org.
These trees help suppliers visualize the potential logic flow for classifying the health hazards of workplace hazardous products in Canada. They cover the classification requirements of each of the health hazard classes outlined in the 12 subparts of Part 8 of the amended HPR. In the event of a discrepancy between the technical decision trees and the regulations, the regulations prevail.
A set of technical decision trees published in March 2023 based on the former HPR will remain available on WHMIS.org until the end of the HPR transition period (December 2025).
New service standards for claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act
The service standards for confidential business information (CBI) claims for exemption under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA) are changing to reflect the new claims review process. The new service standards as specified below will come into effect on April 1, 2024.
| Number of claims filed in an application (original/refiled claims) | Service delivery standard for the issuance of the registry number and communication on claim validity |
|---|---|
| 1 to 15 | 10 business days |
| 16 to 25 | 15 business days |
| 26 and above | 20 business days |
The proposed new service standards were subject to a 30-day comment period from October 11 to November 10, 2023. We thank stakeholders for their valuable feedback.
The following is what we heard during the comment period:
- No significant concerns regarding the proposed new service standards for CBI claims
- Stakeholders acknowledged that the new service standards are necessary to reflect the work needed to review CBI claims under the new claim review process
- One stakeholder recommended a shorter service standard for claims filed under exceptional circumstances
- Note that the service standard begins when a complete application package is submitted and payment has been processed
- The service standard timeframe for processing a claim stops when Health Canada requests additional information from a claimant and resumes when the claimant submits the requested information to Health Canada
- Stakeholders indicated that the current credit card payment process causes delay in completing the fee payment for CBI claims which impedes the review of claims
- Health Canada recognizes that this is an irritant for claimants; please see information about the new Common Online Payment System below
Launch of the Common Online Payment System
Health Canada's Accounts Receivable has recently launched the Common Online Payment System. This new payment system allows users to send fees directly to Health Canada via online credit card payment.
Claimants filing a claim for exemption under the HMIRA may now use this system to pay required claims fees online.
Summary of UN GHS Sub-Committee of Experts 45th session
The 45th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS, collectively UNSCEGHS) took place in Geneva from December 6-8, 2023.
Overall, the recommendations that were put forward by the UNSCEGHS align with Canada's positions and interests, as follows:
- The UNSCEGHS adopted amendments to precautionary statements in relation to acute toxicity and specific target organ toxicity
- Corrections to the 10th revised edition were adopted to the French translation of the hazard statements for Chemicals Under Pressure, categories 1, 2, and 3 as proposed by Canada
- The UNSCEGHS agreed to merge the proposed work of China on Annex 4 and the US on Annex 11, as related to hazard communication for substances and mixtures evolving flammable vapours
- Regarding the scope, the UNSCEGHS agreed that it might be extended to also cover other possible cases where the release of flammable substances might not be covered by classification
Various additional updates included:
- Canada informing the UNSCEGHS of the publication of the Guidance on the WHMIS supplier requirements
- A status update was provided by Canada and the United States as co-chairs of the informal correspondence group on the possible development of a global list of chemicals classified in accordance with the GHS
Further details can be found in the Report of the Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals on its forty-fifth session.
Spring 2024 multi-stakeholder workshop: Final call-out for speakers and topics
As previously communicated, the second annual Workplace Hazardous Products Program multi-stakeholder workshop is planned for Spring 2024. The intent of this forum is to facilitate engagement and dialogue across the WHMIS community to improve participation and the exchange of knowledge.
We invite all interested stakeholder groups to propose discussion items that their organizations could lead as part of the upcoming workshop.
Please send proposed agenda items to whmis-simdut@hc-sc-gc.ca by January 31, 2024, including any relevant contact information for the individual(s) that would lead the discussion topic.
More details, including a save-the-date invitation, will be shared at a later date.
Future newsletter content
Is there a topic that you would like us to include in a future newsletter? We would love to hear from you. Email us at whmis-simdut@hc-sc.gc.ca.