Errata, Clarification and Amendments -Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) - WHMIS 2015 Supplier Requirements
March 2020
The following errata, clarification and amendments are being published to correct errors, provide clarification, or address amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations, in the Technical Guidance document.
1. Amendment to the Hazardous Products Regulations to permit prescribed concentration ranges
An amendment to the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) came into force on April 4, 2018, permitting the use of prescribed concentration ranges for hazardous ingredients on safety data sheets (SDSs) if the actual concentration or actual concentration range of these ingredients are withheld as a trade secret. Pursuant to this amendment, certain subparts under "Part 4 Safety Data Sheet" of the Technical Guidance are no longer up-to-date.
Before amendment
A discussion of the former section 4.5 of the HPR is found on page 134, with further guidance in Appendix 3 - Guidance on the Disclosure of Ingredient Concentrations and Concentration Ranges on Safety Data Sheets on pages 148 to 154 and Appendix 4 - Comparison of Ingredient Concentration Disclosure and CBI Protection Requirements on page 155.
Page 88 reads "Further information with regard to concentration ranges can be found in Appendix 3 of Part 4 of the Technical Guidance."
There is a reference to "Appendix 3 to this chapter" on pages 121, 133, 134 (section 4.4) and 140.
Page 133 reads "If the concentration or the actual concentration range of an ingredient…The term 'actual concentration range' is used in section 4.5 of the HPR"
Page 140 reads "Section 4.5 of the HPR sets out a provision whereby, under specified circumstances, the SDS must disclose the actual concentration range of an ingredient in a mixture."
Page 183 reads "See Appendix 3 for more information on concentration disclosure requirements and CBI."
Page 502 reads "(see items 3(2)(d) of Schedule 1 and section 4.5 of the HPR)."
After amendment
The Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations is available. This document replaces the discussion of section 4.5 of the HPR and Appendix 3 and 4 of Part 4. The reference to Appendix 3 and 4 of Part 4 in the Table of Contents is no longer applicable.
Section 4.5 of the Technical Guidance is replaced by the discussions of subsections 4.4.1(1), 4.4.1(2), 4.4.1(3), 4.4.1(4), 4.5(1), 4.5(2), 4.5(3), and 4.5(4) of the Hazardous Products Regulations of the Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations. Appendix 3 and 4 of the Technical Guidance are replaced by Appendix 1 and 2, respectively, of the Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations.
Page 88 reads "Further information with regard to concentration ranges can be found in Appendix 1 of the Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations."
The reference to "Appendix 3 to this chapter" on pages 121, 133, 134 (section 4.4) and 140 is replaced with a reference to "Appendix 1 of the Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations".
Page 133 reads "If the actual concentration or the actual concentration range of an ingredient…The term 'actual concentration' and 'actual concentration range' is used in section 4.4.1 and 4.5 of the HPR, respectively,"
Page 140 reads "Sections 4.4.1 and 4.5 of the HPR set out provisions whereby, under specified circumstances, the SDS must disclose the actual concentration or actual concentration range of an ingredient in a mixture, respectively."
Page 183 reads "See Appendix 1 of the Guidance on the Use of Concentration Ranges Pursuant to the Hazardous Products Regulations for more information on disclosure requirements and CBI."
Page 502 reads "(see items 3(2)(d) of Schedule 1 and section 4.4.1 or section 4.5 of the HPR)."
2. Clarification on classifying substances that have been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) with regards to carcinogenicity
Page 429 of English version
Before amendment
Substances evaluated by IARC, NTP or ACGIH
If a substance has been evaluated and determined to be carcinogenic by one or more of the following organizations, the substance must be considered carcinogenic under the HPR.
- IARC "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans" (latest editions at http://monographs.iarc.fr/)
- National Toxicology Program (NTP) "Report on Carcinogens" (latest edition at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/)
After amendment
Substances evaluated by IARC, NTP or ACGIH
Health Canada considers the determinations of IARC and NTP as sufficient evidence in establishing the classification of a carcinogen. If the classifier uses the determinations of IARC or NTP then they do not have to conduct their own evaluation with regards to carcinogenicity based on established scientific principles. However, if the classifier does perform their own hazard evaluation and their determination differs from that of IARC and/or NTP, they would need to substantiate with sufficient evidence based on established scientific principles why their classification result differs from that of IARC and/or NTP. Note, in this scenario, the classifier cannot simply cast doubt on some of the evidence used by IARC and/or NTP, rather the classifier would need sufficient quantity and quality of evidence to justify a lower classification. Health Canada may request access, at any time, to that evidence to validate, as required.
- IARC "Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans" (latest editions at http://monographs.iarc.fr/)
- National Toxicology Program (NTP) "Report on Carcinogens" (latest edition at http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/)
3. Clarification on the use of the generic chemical name with respect to laboratory sample exemptions under Part 5 of the Hazardous Products Regulations.
Before clarification
The Technical Guidance indicates that the generic chemical name (GCN) can only be used when a claim for confidential business information (CBI) was filed or granted under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA). This implies a claim would need to be filed to use the GCN with respect to a laboratory sample exempted by subsection 5(5) or 5(6) of the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR).
Pages 160-161 read "Since subsection 5(5) of the HPR deals with laboratory samples that are classified only in the BIM hazard class, the requirement to provide the "chemical name or generic chemical name" on the label must be met by providing the name of the infectious material, that is, the scientific name of the infectious microorganism, nucleic acid or protein. The generic chemical name may be used only when a claim for CBI was filed or granted under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA)."
Page 161 reads "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name, whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol) is used to preserve a trade secret (CBI); it provides information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity."
Page 162 reads "The generic chemical name will be used only when a claim for CBI was filed or granted under the HMIRA."
Page 162 reads "The generic chemical name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol) is used to preserve a trade secret (CBI); it provides information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity."
Pages 173 and 175 read "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol) is used to preserve a trade secret (CBI); it provides information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity. A generic chemical name may be used only when a claim for CBI was filed and/or granted under the HMIRA."
Page 182 reads "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the GCN (e.g., primary alcohol), as explained above, is used to preserve a trade secret (CBI); it provides information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity."
Page 525 (Appendix A-1: Developing a Generic Chemical Name (GCN)) reads:
"1.0 Purpose
The intent of this document is to provide suppliers with guidance on developing a generic chemical name (GCN) for the purpose of ingredient disclosure on safety data sheets (SDSs), for use under the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) and Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA). A GCN may also be used for a non-hazardous ingredient (not required for disclosure on an SDS) so long as the SDS makes clear that the ingredient is not hazardous, or not controlled under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).
2.0 Background
A supplier or employer may seek an exemption from the requirement to disclose the name of a confidential ingredient on an SDS under the HPR by filing a claim for exemption with Health Canada under the HMIRA. In such cases, the claimant must disclose a GCN on the SDS in lieu of the chemical name (HPR 5.7 (5)). The GCN also must be submitted to Health Canada as part of the claim for exemption filed under the HMIRA.
The subject of developing a GCN has produced many questions by claimants seeking to apply for an exemption."
After clarification
The Technical Guidance indicates that the GCN may only be used with respect to a laboratory sample exemption outlined under Part 5 of the HPR or when a claim for CBI was filed or granted under the HMIRA. This clarifies there is no need to file a claim for the use of the GCN with respect to the laboratory sample exemptions outlined in subsections 5(5) and 5(6) of the HPR.
Pages 160-161 read "Since subsection 5(5) of the HPR deals with laboratory samples that are classified only in the BIM hazard class, the requirement to provide the "chemical name or generic chemical name" on the label must be met by providing the name of the infectious material, that is, the scientific name of the infectious microorganism, nucleic acid or protein, or a generic chemical name if the exact identity of the microorganism, nucleic acid or protein is unknown. The generic chemical name may be used for laboratory samples exempted under subsection 5(5) of the HPR without filing a claim for CBI under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA)."
Page 161 reads "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name, whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol), within the context of subsection 5(5) of the HPR, is used when the exact chemical identity is not known."
Page 162 reads "The generic chemical name may be used for laboratory samples exempted under subsection 5(6) of the HPR without filing a claim for CBI under the HMIRA".
Page 162 reads "The generic chemical name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol), within the context of subsection 5(6) of the HPR, is used when the exact chemical identity is not known or to provide information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity."
Pages 173 and 175 read "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the generic chemical name (e.g., primary alcohol) is used when the exact chemical identity is not known or to provide information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity. A generic chemical name must be used only when a claim for CBI was filed or granted under the HMIRA or the hazardous product is a laboratory sample exempted under subsections 5(5) or 5(6) of the HPR."
Page 182 reads "The commonly known generic name refers to a synonym (e.g., turpentine) of a chemical name whereas the GCN (e.g., primary alcohol), within the context of section 5.7 of the HPR, is used to preserve a trade secret (CBI). The GCN provides information about the chemical without revealing its exact identity."
Page 525 (Appendix A-1: Developing a Generic Chemical Name (GCN)) reads:
"1.0 Purpose
The intent of this document is to provide suppliers with guidance on developing a generic chemical name (GCN) for use under the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), and Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA).
2.0 Background
A supplier or employer may seek an exemption from the requirement to disclose the name of a confidential ingredient on an SDS under the HPR by filing a claim for exemption with Health Canada under the HMIRA. In such cases, the claimant must disclose a GCN on the SDS in lieu of the chemical name (subsection 5.7(5) of the HPR). The GCN also must be submitted to Health Canada as part of the claim for exemption filed under the HMIRA. A GCN may also be used for a non-hazardous ingredient (not required for disclosure on an SDS) so long as the SDS makes clear that the ingredient is not hazardous, or not controlled under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).
A GCN may be used on the label for a laboratory sample exempted by subsection 5(5) or 5(6) of the HPR without filing a claim for CBI under the HMIRA. See the discussion of subsections 5(5) and 5(6) of the HPR for more information.
The subject of developing a GCN has produced many questions."
4. Errors found in the Transition Timelines to WHMIS 2015 - Page 8 in English version / Page 9 in French version:
Before correction
Phase 1: From February 11, 2015 until May 31, 2017, suppliers (manufacturers and importers) can use WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to classify and communicate the hazards of their products. Suppliers must use a label and (material) safety data sheet ((M)SDS) for each hazardous product that either fully comply with the requirements of WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015, but not a combination of the two.
Phase 2: Beginning June 1, 2018 and continuing until May 31, 2018, distributors can continue to sell, and suppliers importing for their own use, can continue to import hazardous products with labels and (M)SDSs that are compliant with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015. During this phase, all other suppliers are required to comply with WHMIS 2015 requirements.
After correction
Phase 1: From February 11, 2015 until May 31, 2018, suppliers (manufacturers and importers) can use WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to classify and communicate the hazards of their products. Suppliers must use a label and (material) safety data sheet ((M)SDS) for each hazardous product that either fully comply with the requirements of WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015, but not a combination of the two.
Phase 2: Beginning June 1, 2018 and continuing until August 31, 2018, distributors can continue to sell, and suppliers importing for their own use, can continue to import hazardous products with labels and (M)SDSs that are compliant with WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015. During this phase, all other suppliers are required to comply with WHMIS 2015 requirements.
Before correction
Phase | Timing | Suppliers | EmployerFootnote * | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturers and Importers | Distributors | |||
Phase 1 | From February 11, 2015 to May 31, 2017 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Phase 2 | From June 1, 2017 to May 31, 2018 |
WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Phase 3 | From June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 |
WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Completion | December 1, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
|
After correction
Phase | Timing | Suppliers | EmployerFootnote * | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturers and Importers | Distributors | |||
Phase 1 | From February 11, 2015 to May 31, 2018 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Phase 2 | From June 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 |
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Phase 3 | From June 1, 2018 to November 30, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
Completion | December 1, 2018 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015 | WHMIS 2015Footnote * |
|
5. Error found in the English version of the Technical Guidance
Regarding the Discussion of the Hazardous Products Regulations - Subsection 8.3.11(2) - Table 1 Concentration of ingredients of a mixture classified in Skin Corrosion - Category 1 and/ or Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 or Eye Irritation - Category 2 that triggers classification of the mixture in Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 or Eye Irritation - Category 2 - Page 388 in English version / Page 417 in French version:
Before correction
Sum of ingredients classified in | Concentration triggering classification of a mixture in: | |
---|---|---|
Serious Eye Damage | Eye Irritation | |
Category 1 | Category 2 | |
Skin Corrosion - Category 1 + Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 (see Note below) | ≥3% | ≥ 1% but < 3% |
Eye Irritation - Category 2 | ≥ 10% | |
10 x (Skin Corrosion - Category 1 + Serious Eye Damage - Category 1) (see Note below) + eye Category 2 | ≥ 10% |
Note: If an ingredient is classified in both Skin Corrosion - Category 1 and Serious Eye Damage - Category 1, its concentration is considered only once in the calculation.
(GHS, 5th revised edition, 2013, Table 3.3.3)
After correction
Sum of ingredients classified in | Concentration triggering classification of a mixture in: | |
---|---|---|
Serious Eye Damage | Eye Irritation | |
Category 1 | Category 2 | |
Skin Corrosion - Category 1 + Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 (see Note below) | ≥3% | ≥ 1% but < 3% |
Eye Irritation - Category 2 | ≥ 10% | |
10 x (Skin Corrosion - Category 1 + Serious Eye Damage - Category 1) (see Note below) + Eye Irritation - Category 2 | ≥ 10% |
Note: If an ingredient is classified in both Skin Corrosion - Category 1 and Serious Eye Damage - Category 1, its concentration is considered only once in the calculation.
(GHS, 5th revised edition, 2013, Table 3.3.3)
6. Error found in the French version of the Technical Guidance
Regarding the Discussion of the Hazardous Products Regulations - Subsection 8.3.11(2) - Table 1 Concentration of ingredients of a mixture classified in Skin Corrosion - Category 1 and/ or Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 or Eye Irritation - Category 2 that triggers classification of the mixture in Serious Eye Damage - Category 1 or Eye Irritation - Category 2 - Page 388 in English version / Page 417 in French version:
Before correction
Somme des concentrations des ingrédients classes dans la catégorie suivante : | Concentration entraînant la classification dans la catégorie suivante : | |
---|---|---|
Lésions oculaires graves | Irritation oculaire | |
Catégorie 1 | Catégorie 2 | |
« Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » + « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 » (voir remarque ci-dessous) | ≥3 % | ≥1 %, mais <3 % |
« Irritation oculaire - catégorie 2 » | ≥10 % | |
10 x (« Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » + « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 ») (voir remarque ci-dessous) | ≥10 % |
Remarque : Si un ingrédient est classé à la fois dans la catégorie « Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » et dans la catégorie « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 », sa concentration n'est comptée qu'une seule fois dans le calcul.
(SGH, 5e édition révisée, 2013, tableau 3.3.3)
After correction
Somme des concentrations des ingrédients classes dans la catégorie suivante : | Concentration entraînant la classification dans la catégorie suivante : | |
---|---|---|
Lésions oculaires graves | Irritation oculaire | |
Catégorie 1 | Catégorie 2 | |
« Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » + « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 » (voir remarque ci-dessous) | ≥3 % | ≥1 %, mais <3 % |
« Irritation oculaire - catégorie 2 » | ≥10 % | |
10 x (« Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » + « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 ») (voir remarque ci-dessous) + « Irritation oculaire - catégorie 2 » | ≥10 % |
Remarque : Si un ingrédient est classé à la fois dans la catégorie « Corrosion cutanée - catégorie 1 » et dans la catégorie « Lésions oculaires graves - catégorie 1 », sa concentration n'est comptée qu'une seule fois dans le calcul.
(SGH, 5e édition révisée, 2013, tableau 3.3.3)
7. Adjustment to the Fees Associated with Claims for Exemption - Page 508 in English version / Page 550 in French version:
Before correction
Payment information
The claim must be presented with the prescribed fee (refer to sections 4, 5 and 7 of the HMIRR):
Claim Type |
Per claim (claims 1-15) |
Volume discount | Small Business (claims 1-15) |
Small Business Volume discount | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
claims 16-25 | >claims 25 | |||||
Claims 16-25 | >claims 25 | |||||
Original | $1,800 each | $400 each | $200 each | $900 each | $200 each | $100 each |
Refile | $1,440 each | $320 each | $160 each | $720 each | $160 each | $80 each |
To be eligible for the small business fee, the claimant must have had a gross annual revenue of not more than three million dollars in the year prior to filing, and employ not more than 100 employees.
After correction
Payment information
Effective April 1, 2019, annual fee adjustment in accordance with the Service Fees Act (SFA) will apply to fees associated with claims for exemption filed under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. For a summary of the annual adjusted fees, please refer to the claim for exemption fee structure.
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