Safety Data Sheet Compliance Tool

The Hazardous Products Act (HPA) requires suppliers of hazardous products intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada to communicate the hazards associated with their products via labels and safety data sheets (SDSs), as a condition of sale or importation.

This tool provides an overview of common SDS non-compliances and includes tips and best practices to help suppliers prepare a hazardous product SDS. This tool does not provide a comprehensive review of the HPA and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), nor does it replace the Guidance on the WHMIS supplier requirements. This tool should be read in conjunction with the HPA and HPR, and the Guidance document. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict between this tool and the HPA or the HPR, the official versions of the HPA or HPR take precedence. Any reference to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) relates to what is referenced in the version of the HPR currently in force.

SDSs provide more detailed hazard information about the product than the label. In addition to being an important resource for workplaces and workers, the SDS may also be used by first responders, such as firefighters and emergency medical services, and occupational health and safety officers to learn about the product(s), including the hazards, personal protection, and safe handling and emergency measures.

Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that hazardous products that they sell or import are accompanied by an SDS that is in accordance with the HPR.

For an overview of common hazardous product label non-compliances, tips and best practices, refer to the Label Compliance Tool.