W H M I S W orkplace H azardous M aterials I nformation S ystem

At the end of this workshop, the participant will: 1.Understand the three basic elements of the WHMIS system 2.Recognize the eight hazard symbols representing the six hazard classes 3.Be familiar with the nine sections of the MSDS 4.Discuss employer and employee responsibilities 5.Know how to work with controlled substances in a safe manner

 Introduction  The WHMIS System Labels Material Safety Data Sheets Worker Education  WHMIS Legislation  Summary

WHMIS is Canada-wide legislation, dealing with controlled products in the workplace. * A controlled product is ‘any product, material or substance included in any one of the classes listed in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).’

Class A: Compressed Gas Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material Class C: Oxidizing Material Class D: Poisonous and Infectious Material Class E: Corrosive Material Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material

 Unlabelled materials in the workplace  Inadequate or contradictory information being given to employers/workers regarding identification, hazardous properties and precautions to be taken with hazardous materials used in the workplace

Labels on hazardous materials or their containers 2. MSDS or material safety data sheets which are technical bulletins providing more detailed information than the label 3. Worker education, providing instruction on hazards and safe work procedures

Producer Supplier Importer Supplier label MSDS EmployerJHSCinput Worker Training Informed worker

Two Types: 1. Supplier labels (developed and provided by the supplier) 1. Workplace labels (developed and used in the workplace)

 Content layout: not legislated  Border: specific  Colour: not legislated  Legibility: distinct; good contrast  Durability: able to withstand normal use  Application: imprinted; stenciled; attached  Language: English and French 1 of 3

of 3 1. Product Identifier 2. Hazard Symbols 3. Risk Phrases 4. Precautions 5. First Aid 6. Supplier Information 7. Reference to MSDS

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HAZARD SYMBOLS!

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of 2 Compressed Gas (Class A):  Poses an explosion danger because the gas is under pressure  Container may explode if heated in a fire, or dropped

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of 2 Combustible and Flammable Material (Class B):  Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazard  May burn at relatively low temperatures; flammable materials catch fire at lower temperatures than combustible materials  May burst into flame spontaneously in air, or release a flammable gas on contact with water  May cause a fire when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, or as a result of friction

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of 2 Oxidizing Material (Class C):  Poses a fire and/or explosion risk in the presence of flammable or combustible material  May react violently when it comes into contact with combustible materials such as fuels or wood  May burn skin and eyes upon contact

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of 2 Poisonous and Infectious Material (Class D, Division 1):  Is a potentially fatal poisonous substance  May be fatal or cause permanent damage if it is inhaled or swallowed or if it enters the body through skin contact  May burn eyes or skin upon contact

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Poisonous and Infectious Material: Other Toxic Effects (Class D, Division 2):  Not immediately dangerous to health  May cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over time  May be a sensitizer, which produces an allergy  May cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility 2 of 2

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of 2  May cause a serious disease resulting in illness (AIDS, Hepatitis) or death  Can also include tetanus protection Poisonous and Infectious Material: Biohazardous, infectious material (Class D, Division 3):

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of 2 Corrosive Material (Class E):  Causes severe eye and skin irritation upon contact  Causes severe tissue damage with prolonged contact  Often produces vapor or fumes that may be harmful if inhaled

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of 2 Dangerously Reactive Material (Class F):  Is very unstable  May react with water to release a toxic or flammable gas  May explode as a result of shock, friction or an increase in temperature  May explode if heated when in a closed container  Undergoes vigorous polymerization

 Product Identifier  Information on safe handling of the product  Reference to MSDS Methanol Avoid inhaling vapours, handle with care Flammable Avoid eye and skin contact See MSDS for more information 1 of 2

of 2  Must be displayed to give clear warning to employees  May be a label, tag, sign or other  Is not required to be bilingual; can be in the language of the workplace

Labeled products, MSDS’s and worker education can help lower the risk of accidents. 2. WHMIS is a hazard class driven system. (name the classes) 3. A WHMIS supplier label can be identified by its solid red border. 4. A supplier label must list precautions and first aid instructions. 5. All workplace labels present in New Brunswick workplaces must be in both English and French

The MSDS is: 1.A technical information reference for worker education and control measures 2.A document which can be distributed 1 of 3

of 3 The MSDS is NOT: 1.All the information needed for the safe use of a product in every possible situation 2.A document only to be read and filed

of 3 1. Product Identifier 2. Ingredients 3. Physical Data 4. Fire and Explosion Hazards 5. Reactivity Data 6. Toxicological Properties 7. Preventive Measures 8. First Aid Measures 9. Preparation Information

 The intent of this section is for product identification, supplier identification, and a description of the product use.  It is of particular use in organizing data sheets for quick retrieval  It includes the emergency telephone number.

 This section provides information on the identity, concentration, and estimators of acute toxicity for the ingredients of a controlled product  Copyright law permits limiting information in this section however, disclosure is mandatory if a worker is exposed to the product.  Useful information for emergency health care providers

* The lower the lethal dose and lethal concentration numbers, the more dangerous the material is to human beings.

 This section provides a physical description of the product  It describes its response to changes in the physical environment, and has specific applications for ventilation system design and emergency procedures.

 The intent of Section 4 is to provide information to assist with fire and explosion prevention, as well as emergency procedures.  This section is particularly important with flammables, solvents, organic peroxides, explosives, metal dusts and other unstable substances. If the product is not flammable or explosive, information in this section must reflect that fact.

 Information on the stability of the product and its likelihood of dangerous reaction with other chemicals.  Implications for handling procedures and storage arrangements.  May be useful along with Section 4 data for the prevention and control of fires or explosions.

 This section provides information on how a material is likely to enter the body and what short and long-term effects it is likely to have.  Includes signs and symptoms of exposure and pre-existing medical conditions which may be aggravated.  Information in this section is an important determinant of preventive and first aid measures and emergency care.

 Provides clear direction for transportation, storage, use and disposal of the product, as well as emergency procedures related to accidental release.  Information must be as specific as possible. Employers may need to adapt information from data sheets to the specific hazard circumstances of each workplace.

 Information necessary for the safe evacuation and immediate treatment of a person experiencing acute effects of overexposure  Meant for use by workers on site; including first aid personnel.  Usually expands on the first aid instructions described on the supplier label.

 Name and telephone number of those responsible for preparation of MSDS  Date of preparation  WHMIS legislation requires that MSDS be kept current; no older than 3 years

 Identify the chemical and the emergency telephone number  Know the hazards/precautions  Understand safe handling and storage procedures  Emergency procedures (in case of an emergency bring the MSDS with you to the hospital)  Identify the preparation date

An MSDS contains the same information that is present on the supplier label. 2. An MSDS has all the information for every possible situation and workplace. 3. An MSDS can be used to determine safe storage requirements and emergency procedures. 4. An MSDS does not include the emergency telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier. 5. MSDS’s must be stored together and indexed for easy access.

Anyone working with or nearby controlled products must be trained in hazard information and procedures regarding: 1.Safe use 2.Storage 3.Handling 4.Disposal 5.Emergency procedures 1 of 2

Employers must train workers who work with or near hazardous materials. 2. All employees should receive WHMIS training whether or not they are working with controlled substances. 3. Employees do not need to know emergency procedures regarding hazardous materials. 4. Employees need to be given information for products flowing through pipes in the workplace. 5. An employee’s knowledge of the product can affect the amount of damage or injury in an emergency.

Eight classifications exempt from WHMIS labeling and MSDS requirements. Some categories are regulated for worker education, some are not. 1. Explosives5. Consumer products 2. Cosmetics, drugs, food6. Wood products 3. Pesticides7. Tobacco products 4. Radioactive materials8. Manufactured articles

Suppliers, employers and employees each have a role to play in making WHMIS work.

Supplier responsibilities are found under the Hazardous Products Act (Federal Bill C-07) Suppliers Must: I. Label controlled products intended for workplace use II. Supply MSDS with each controlled product

The employer’s WHMIS responsibilities are outlined in Provincial Regulation :  To obtain MSDS from supplier  Ensure appropriate labeling (supplier and workplace)  Provide adequate instruction and training to employees  Sort and file the MSDS in a clearly indicated and easily accessible area

WHMIS legislation does not place any direct responsibility on the workers, however under Section 12 of the OH&S Act, employees must:  Comply with the Act  Conduct themselves to ensure their health and safety  Report hazards  Wear/use protective equipment  Consult/cooperate with the JHSC

The workplace copy of the MSDS needs to be updated every three years, even if there has been no change in the hazard information. 2. The employer shall review their WHMIS system (employee training and MSDS) at least once per year. 3. Pesticides are exempt from MSDS and label requirements, therefore worker training isn’t necessary. 4. Telling workers to read the labels and the MSDS is adequate training. 5. Employees don’t have to watch out for their own safety; it’s the boss’ responsibility.

Step 1:  Assign responsibility  Inventory and list supplier and workplace labels Step 2:  Get current MSDS  Determine storage, handling, training, first aid and disposal Step 3:  Train employees  Implement control measures and MSDS binders

WHMIS has three components : WHMIS is a hazard class driven system 1.Labels 2.MSDS 3.Worker Education 1 of 2  Compressed Gas  Flammable  Oxidizers  Poisons  Corrosives  Reactive

of 2 Employers must train their workers to use the information provided by Training should be reviewed and/or updated  Labels  MSDS Yearly, or as conditions change

WHMIS Good Luck with your WHMIS program!