Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

WHMIS Provides information about hazardous materials (controlled substances) in the workplace Workers have a right to information on controlled substances they use Six hazard classifications with eight symbols Federally and Provincially regulated

WHMIS - Responsibilities Employer is responsible to ensure Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemical products First Aider (or employee) must know where they are and be familiar with MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the: potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) use storage handling all emergency procedures related to the material In other words, this sheet provides all of the information required to work safely with the “Controlled products” as regulated by WHMIS legislation.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) nine (9) categories of information that must be present on an MSDS in Canada: Product Information (product identifier (name), manufacturer and suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers) Hazardous Ingredients Physical Data Fire or Explosion Hazard Data Reactivity Data (information on the chemical instability of a product and the substances it may react with) Toxicological Properties (health effects) Preventive Measures First Aid Measures Preparation Information (who is responsible for preparation and date of preparation of MSDS)

WHMIS Classification Symbols CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration. Examples: carbon dioxide, propane CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL This class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions. Examples: mineral spirits, solvents All controlled products fall into one or more of six WHMIS classes as noted in the chart.

WHMIS Classification Symbols CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials. Examples: chlorine, organic peroxide CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide

WHMIS Classification Symbols CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts. Examples: asbestos, lead CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada. Examples: viruses, bacteria

WHMIS Classification Symbols CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL These products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water. Examples: nitroglycerin, sodium