Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WHMIS Update Safety Is No Accident

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Developed jointly by labour, industry, federal, provincial and territorial governments A Canada-wide system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials in the workplace In effect October 31, 1988 Applies to hazardous materials known as controlled products: (Class A, B, C, D, E and F)

WHMIS Regulation, Ontario Reg. 644/88 Sets out in detail employer duties respecting labels, material safety data sheets and, worker education (all other provinces and territories based their WHMIS on same model to promote consistency across Canada)

Exemptions from WHMIS  The provincial WHMIS legislation does not apply to federal workplaces such as banks, post offices and airports. Canada Labour Code and Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations implement WHMIS in federal workplaces Products under the Federal Acts:  Pest Control Products Act  Food and Drugs Act  Canadian Nuclear Safety Commissions Act  Explosives Act

Other Exemptions  Wood or wood products  Tobacco or tobacco products  A manufactured article  Restricted products when packaged as consumer products  Hazardous wastes transported under TDG Act

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) O.Reg. 860 Purpose  To provide information on hazardous materials used in the workplace  To facilitate the process of hazard identification in the workplace  To ensure consistency of hazard information in all Canadian workplaces

Responsibilities: Hazardous, or Controlled Materials Employer  Workplace inventory (in consultation with JHSC)  Assessment on Designated Substances  Workplace labels  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)  Worker education (in consultation with JHSC)

Responsibilities: Hazardous Materials (cont’d) Worker  Participate in Training  Apply knowledge  Recognize and report hazards to the supervisor

3 Main Components of WHMIS Labeling Requirements  Supplier WHMIS label  Workplace Label MSDS  Material Safety Data Sheets Training  Employer  Worker

Symbols Class A Compressed Gas  Any material which is a gas at normal temperature (20 degrees) and pressure, but is packaged as pressurized gas, dissolved gas or gas liquified by compression or refrigeration. E.g. oxygen, chlorine, acetylene, etc

Symbols Class B Flammable & Combustible Material  Will ignite and continued to burn in air if exposed to a source of ignition.  Gas, aerosol, liquid, solid  E.g. methane, acetone, etc.

Symbols Class C Oxidizing Material  May or may not burn but will release oxygen contributing to the combustion of other material  E.g. ozone, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide, etc.

Symbols Class D Poisonous & Infectious Material  Materials Causing Immediate Serious Toxic Effects  E.g. styrene, hydrogen cyanide  Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects (carcinogen, irritant, sensitizer) E.g. ammonia, asbestos  Bio-hazardous Infectious Material a biohazard can be either a living organism or the chemical toxin that it produces that cause disease in humans E.g. Hepatits B

Symbols Class E Corrosive Material Can attack metals or cause permanent damage to human tissues May weaken structural containers E.g. ammonia, fluorine Class F Dangerously Reactive Material May react violently under conditions of shock or increases in temperature or pressure May react with water to create toxic gas E.g. ozone, benzoyl peroxide

Supplier Labels Eight (8) pieces of information in English & French: a. Product Identifier (common/chemical name) b. Hazard Symbol(s) c. Risk Phrase(s) d. First Aid Measures e. Supplier Identifier (name, address, etc.) f. Reference to MSDS g. Precautionary Measures h. Border – must be distinctive & different from background of container

Supplier Label

Date received/Produced _________________ Material ______________________________ _____________________________________ Use Safety Glasses ___ Use Gloves __ Use only in fumehood __ Additional Precautions _________________________________ ____________________________________________________ First Aid ____________________________________________ See MSDS before use Researcher/Producer ____________________ ______________________________________ Workplace Labels Available in Scientific Store in ABB – No Charge

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) Nine or more categories of information: (MSDS handout) Product Identification and Use The product identifier, use, manufacturer’s name, address, and the PIN number (product identification number). Hazardous Ingredients CAS or chemical abstract services, LD50 is lethal dosage which is commonly used for solids and liquids and is the weight of a substance which, if given all at once, is expected to cause the death of 50% of a test animal population, LC50 is lethal concentration, refers to the quantity of gases or vapours and is the concentration of a substance in air which administered over a specified period, is expected to cause the death of 50% of a test animal population.

MSDS (cont’d) Physical Data State of the product - gas, solid, liquid, indicates how the substance may enter the body (inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion), the appearance, colour, odour threshold, vapour pressure, vapour density, evaporation rate, boiling point, freezing point pH, specific gravity, coefficient of water/oil distribution. Fire and Explosion Data Conditions under which material may be flammable (ignite and burn readily), means of extinction, explosion data (explode as a result of being dropped or subjected to impact), sensitivity to static discharge, safe handling methods, flash point, auto ignition temperature, Upper Explosive Limit/Lower Explosive Limit.

MSDS (cont’d) Reactivity Data Conditions under which the product is chemically unstable such as heat, burning sunlight; name of any substance or class of substance with which the product is incompatible; decomposition.

MSDS (cont’d) Toxic Properties Explains the health effects which may result from over exposure, route of entry into the body, inhalation, absorption, ingestion, puncture/injection, acute or chronic, TLV or TWAEV Time Weighted Average Exposure Value, Short Term Exposure Value, Ceiling, evidence of carcinogen, sensitizing capabilities. Preventative Measures How to avoid potential hazards associated with exposure to the material, - controls, equipment and procedures (i.e. type of eye protection/hand/face), waste disposal, handling and storage procedures, shipping information.

MSDS (cont’d.) First Aid Measures Provides information on safe evacuation procedures and the immediate treatment of persons overexposed to the material. Preparation Data of MSDS Who prepared the MSDS, telephone number and date of MSDS. MSDS remain valid for 3 years from the date shown, unless new information becomes available before then, at which point the supplier must update the MSDS within 90 days.

MSDS Availability Legally the supplier must provide label and MSDS Binders in your work area (must be updated every three years or prior if new MSDS available) EOHSS, WH-115, ext Faculty of Health Science Safety Office HSC-3N1C ext Websites:   MSDS must be readily accessible by law Ask how your lab/studio/work area complies

Training Requirements Safety orientation Refer to safety training matrix found at: Additional training courses may be required as directed by your Dean Specific training on the hazards in your work area conducted by your supervisor

Risk Management Manual Our policy and programs Health & Safety Program, Persons Working Alone Program, Lab Safety Program, Machine Shop Program, Ergonomic Program, Hazardous Waste Management Program, Bio Safety Program, Laser Safety Program, Field Trips & Electives Planning and Approval Program, Fire Safety Program, etc. ● Approved by Senior Management

Questions? Contact us on campus at ext or in the Faculty of Health Sciences at ext Visit us at Wentworth House room 115 or in the Faculty of Health Sciences at 3N1C Safety Is No Accident