Chemical hazards are a daily reality in industries like manufacturing, construction, mining, healthcare, and oil & gas. Whether it’s solvents on a production floor or disinfectants in a hospital, hazardous substances pose risks that must be managed systematically.
For safety professionals and facility managers, effective chemical hazard management starts long before an exposure occurs—it begins with knowing what chemicals are on-site, how they’re used, and ensuring compliance with Canadian regulations.
Why Chemical Hazard Management Matters
In Canada, the scale of workplace chemical exposure is significant:
- Over 42% of Canadian workers report potential exposure to at least one hazardous substance at work (Statistics Canada, 2020).
- Exposure to chemical agents is linked to approximately 3,000 new cases of occupational cancers annually in Canada (CAREX Canada).
- Inadequate hazard control can lead to acute incidents—fires, spills, or toxic exposures—and long-term health effects like respiratory disease, skin disorders, or cancer.
These numbers highlight why organizations must move beyond compliance toward proactive hazard management.
Step 1: Build and Maintain a Chemical Inventory
A chemical inventory is the foundation of hazard control. Employers in Canada are required to:
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous products on-site.
- Ensure every product has a current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available to workers (as per the Hazardous Products Regulations under WHMIS 2015).
- Track storage locations, quantities, and expiry dates.
A centralized, digital inventory system can make it easier to keep records accurate, accessible, and inspection-ready.
Step 2: Labeling and Worker Awareness
Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) requires standardized labelling on all hazardous products. This includes supplier labels, workplace labels (if a product is transferred), and clear pictograms for quick identification.
Beyond compliance, worker awareness is crucial. Employers should provide training that goes beyond “what the label means” and addresses:
- Safe handling and storage practices.
- Emergency procedures in case of spills or exposure.
- Understanding routes of exposure (inhalation, skin contact, ingestion).
Step 3: Conduct Exposure Assessments
An inventory tells you what’s there. An exposure assessment tells you how it’s affecting workers.
Canadian OHS regulations set out clear requirements:
- Employers must assess worker exposure against occupational exposure limits (OELs) established by provinces (e.g., Alberta OHS Code, Ontario Regulation 833, BC OHS Regulation).
- Where provincial limits do not exist, many regulators reference the ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®).
- Assessments may include air monitoring, surface sampling, or biological monitoring, depending on the chemical.
Exposure assessments should be repeated when processes, chemicals, or equipment change, and whenever new health data emerges.
Step 4: Implement Controls Using the Hierarchy
Once risks are identified, apply the hierarchy of controls:
- Elimination/Substitution – Replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives.
- Engineering Controls – Install ventilation, fume hoods, or closed systems.
- Administrative Controls – Rotate shifts, establish safe work procedures, and provide training.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Respirators, gloves, goggles, and protective clothing as the last line of defense.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Program Review
Chemical hazard management is not a “one and done” task. Facility managers should:
- Schedule routine audits of inventories, storage areas, and exposure controls.
- Review SDS updates for any new hazards or regulatory changes.
- Conduct refresher training annually, or more often in high-risk workplaces.
Final Thoughts
Managing chemical hazards in Canadian workplaces requires a systematic, proactive approach: maintaining inventories, ensuring WHMIS compliance, assessing exposures, and implementing effective controls.
By aligning with Canadian regulations and industry best practices, organizations not only reduce liability but also safeguard the health of their workforce—preventing both immediate incidents and long-term health effects.
A strong chemical hazard management program builds safer, healthier workplaces while ensuring compliance with OHS requirements across Canada.
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