WHMIS

WHMIS W WORKPLACE H HAZARDOUS M MATERIALS I INFORMATION S SYSTEM

Purpose of WHMIS Provides Information on Hazardous Materials used in the Workplace Identify Workplace Hazards Consistency in all Canadian Workplaces

Responsibilities Under WHMIS Duties of the Supplier – –Classify Product – –Apply Supplier Label – –Provide Material Safety Data Sheet

Responsibilities Under WHMIS Duties of the Employer – –Conduct Workplace Inventory – –Ensure Proper Labeling is Used – –Label Piping Systems/Vessels/Reactors – –Maintain and Make Available MSDS’s – –Train Workers

Responsibilities Under WHMIS Duties of a Worker – –Participate in Training – –Apply Knowledge and Training – –KEEP YOURSELF SAFE!!

“Right to Know” Worker’s have Access to Information through their Employer Public has Access to Information through Local Medical Officer of Health

WHMIS Hazard Classifications

Compressed Gas – –Any Hazardous Material that is contained under pressure including compressed gas, dissolved gas, or liquefied gas

Compressed Gas Cylinders store and transport with safety cap, because… comply with storage restrictions, because… DO NOT store fuel gas with oxygen, because… secure in an upright position, because… use in a well ventilated area, because… use the proper type of regulator and know its history, because…

Flammable and Combustible Material – –Flammable Gases – –Flammable and Combustible Liquids – –Flammable Solids – –Flammable Aerosols – –Reactive Flammable Material

Flammable Materials Store liquids in Flammable Storage Cabinet Explosion-proof fixtures required Pour larger quantities in fume hood NEVER store with oxidizers Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight Use static lines when transferring

Oxidizing Material – –Any Hazardous Material which causes or contributes to the combustion of another material by giving oxygen or some other oxidizing substance, whether or not it is combustible. – –Eg. Pool & spa test strips, ozone, bleach…

Oxidizers Easily oxidize metal powders, organic materials Segregate from other materials, such as organic solvents PPE and/or Explosion barriers may be required

Poisonous & Infectious Materials (Class 1) – –Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects – –Materials which are potentially fatal or may cause permanent damage if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin, or may burn the skin or eyes upon contact

Poisonous & Infectious Materials (Class 2) – Toxic Materials – –Material causing other chronic or long term effects – –Material which may cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over an extended period of time; may be an irritant to the skin, eyes, or respiratory system; may cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility.

Poisonous & Infectious Materials (Class 3)- Biohazards – –Materials which may cause disease in humans and animals, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi; may also include cultures and diagnostic specimens such as blood, urine, and body tissue.

Corrosive Material – –Material which may corrode aluminum and steel or human flesh – –Can be liquid or gases

Dangerously Reactive Material – –Materials which become self-reactive under conditions of shock, or increased temperature or pressure – –Materials which react vigorously with water to produce a very toxic gas

General Dry Chemicals Relatively innocuous or unreactiveRelatively innocuous or unreactive No special storage requirementsNo special storage requirements Relatively innocuous or unreactiveRelatively innocuous or unreactive No special storage requirementsNo special storage requirements

Chemical Compatibility Never store incompatible materials togetherNever store incompatible materials together Vapours will reactVapours will react Use a Chemical Compatibility ChartUse a Chemical Compatibility Chart

Quiz time!

WHMIS “Name that Symbol” Poisonous & Infectious Material (Class I) Biohazard

WHMIS “Name that Symbol” Flammable Corrosive

WHMIS “Name that Symbol” Dangerously Reactive Toxic

WHMIS “Name that Symbol” Oxidizers Compressed Gas

WHMIS Labels

Supplier Label Product Identifier Hazard Symbols BorderBorder Risk Phrases and Precautions First Aid, Supplier Information Precautions Safe Handling Precautions Reference to MSDS

Workplace Label Product Identifier Safe Handling Precautions Reference to MSDS

Typical Workplace Labels

MSDS Contents Hazardous Ingredients Preparation Information Fire & Explosion Hazard Toxicological Properties First Aid Measures Product Information Physical Data Reactivity Data Preventative Measures

Product Information Product Identifier Manufacturer’s/Supplier’s Name and Address Emergency Telephone Number Product Use

Physical Data Odour Threshold Vapour Pressure Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution Boiling Point ( o C) and Freezing Point ( o C) Evaporation Rate (Butyl Acetate=1) Physical State Odour & Appearance Specific Gravity (Water=1) Vapour Density (Air=1) pH Percent Volatile (by volume)

Fire & Explosion Hazard Conditions of Flammability Means of Extinction Sensitivity to Mechanical Impact Sensitivity to Static Discharge Flashpoint ( o C) and Method Upper and Lower Flammable Limits (%) Autoignition Temperature ( o C) Hazardous Combustion Products

It’s all about a safe workplace!

Spot the Hazards

Work time! Fill in the blanks using the MSDS sheet that you have been givenFill in the blanks using the MSDS sheet that you have been given