When is the SDS updated under WHMIS?

Under Canada's Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), SDSs are required to be accurate at the time of sale. An SDS must be updated when the supplier becomes aware of any “significant new data.” Under WHMIS, the definition of “significant new data” is:

“New data regarding the hazard presented by a hazardous product that change its classification in a category or subcategory of a hazard class, or result in its classification in another hazard class, or change the ways to protect against the hazard presented by the hazardous product.” (Source: Canada Gazette, Part II, Hazardous Products Regulations, Section 5.12 (1))

This definition means that an SDS must be updated when there is new information that changes how the hazardous product is classified, or when there are changes to the way you will handle or store or protect yourself from the hazards of the product. SDSs must be updated within 90 days of the supplier being aware of the new information. If you purchase a product within this 90-day time period, the supplier must inform you of the significant new data and the date on which it became available in writing.