Health Canada is seeking comments on a proposal to repeal and replace its Controlled Products Regulations with new Hazardous Products Regulations to conform with the international Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.
These new regulations would implement the GHS hazard classification criteria and hazard communication elements – labels and safety data sheets – as per the third revision of the GHS published by the United Nations in 2009 and, to the maximum extent possible, in alignment with the United States Occupational Safety and health Administration Hazard Communication Standard as amended on March 26, 2012 (HCS 2012), Health Canada stated. Interested parties have until Sept. 15 to submit comments on the proposed regulatory amendments.
Canadas proposed Hazardous Products Regulations would implement changes in five broad areas: the manner of establishing classification of hazardous products, classification of physical hazards, classification of health hazards, hazard communication and other requirements, and exemptions.
According to Health Canada, to harmonize with the GHS and HCS 2012, two key elements would differ from the current Controlled Products Regulations requirements followed in Canada. The safety data sheet would be required to provide classification of the hazardous product as well as information about any reaction product produced as a result of having followed instructions for use provided with the product. In addition, the supplier and product identifiers appearing on the safety data sheet would be required to be the same as on the label.
For more details about the Hazardous Products Regulations, view Health Canadas description of the proposed amendments. For information on submitting comments, visit Health Canadas request for comments – proposal to implement the GHS in Canada.