Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WHMIS TRAINING

What is WHMIS? WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System It was introduced in the late 1980’s by a combination of Federal and Provincial legislation

What is the goal of WHMIS? The Goal of WHMIS implementation is to reduce the occurrence of injury and illness caused by hazardous materials in the workplace.

There are 6 Classes of Hazardous Materials recognized under WHMIS. The chart on the next slide shows the 6 classes and their symbols. Hazardous materials are harmful to the body when they are: 1.Ingested 2.Absorbed 3.Inhaled 4.Injected

Controlled Products Controlled products is the name given to products, materials, and substances that are regulated by WHMIS legislation. All controlled products fall into one or more of six WHMIS classes.

The main components of WHMIS are as follows - 1. Labeling 2.Material Safety Data Sheets 3.Training

1.WHMIS LABELS The purpose of labels is to alert workers to the main hazards of controlled products and provide instructions for safe handling and to direct workers to the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for more information. The two types of WHMIS labels are the supplier label and the workplace label. Other means of identification may be used where appropriate (such as warning signs, colour codes, or placards).

WHMIS Supplier Labels Suppliers must provide supplier labels on containers of all controlled products sold or imported for use in the workplace. Supplier labels must show seven types of information within the WHMIS hatched borders (product name, hazard symbols, risk phrases, precautionary measures, first aid measures, supplier identifier, reference to an MSDS). The written information must be shown in both English and French. The label must stand out from the container itself and other markings on the container.

WHMIS Workplace Labels Workplace labels are required on containers of controlled products produced on site and on secondary containers where the product has been transferred from the original container. The workplace label contains the following: Product name Safe handling procedures Reference to the MSDS The format for workplace labels is flexible and may be in the language of choice in the workplace.

What is an MSDS? A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a controlled substance. MSDS’s include information such as physical data (melting point, boiling pint, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. An MSDS must be available on site for every controlled product that is either used or produced at that location MSDS’s must be readily accessible by everyone at all times and must be clearly identified. 2. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets - MSDS If you are unsure of any information contained in MSDS that is applicable to your work, please contact your supervisor or your certified health & safety management /worker representative. MSDS sheets are available in the operations where controlled products are used (i.e. The Spoke and The Wave). Please ensure that you know where the MSDS binder is located in your operation.

3.TRAINING Employers are responsible for educating all workers who work with or in the proximity of controlled products about WHMIS and safe work procedures. Each operation will provide employees with training regarding safe handling procedures for the controlled products that are specific to their area.