Chemicals Management Plan: Risk management process (infographic)

• Organization: Health Canada
• Type: Infographic
• Date published: 2026-07-08

Under the Chemicals Management Plan, if a chemical is found to be toxic through risk assessment, action must be taken to protect people and the environment.

To manage risk, we follow these steps:

1. We propose the goals of the risk management (RM). These are based on the findings in the risk assessment. For example, is there a need to reduce exposures to people in Canada or the environment?
2. We use the sources of exposure identified in the risk assessment to target and develop RM options.
3. We publish an RM scope, with the draft risk assessment, to outline the proposed RM objectives and the potential things we can do to reach them. The RM scope is published for a public comment period.
4. We draft the RM approach document which outlines, in more detail, our plan for RM. The approach, which replaces the scope, considers comments received on the scope and is published at the same time as the final assessment report. It is open for a public comment period.
5. We develop and publish the proposed RM instruments. These instruments are what will be used to prevent or control the identified risks. These can include regulations, guidelines, codes of practice or pollution prevention plan notices. The proposed instruments consider comments received on the approach and are also open for a public comment period.
6. We publish the final RM instruments. They outline the rules (compliance) and consequences (enforcement) to help ensure that the instruments are effective. The final instruments consider comments received on the proposed instruments.
7. We keep track of how well the RM instruments are meeting the intended goals and adjust as needed. We then publish results on the performance of the RM instruments to share how effectively these measures are protecting human health and the environment.

Did you know? Canada also works with other countries to help manage chemical substances in a responsible way.