Summary of what you kneed to know WHMIS Training Summary of what you kneed to know

What is WHMIS ? The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's hazard communication standard. It was created in response to the Canadian workers' right to know about the safety and health hazards that may be associated with the materials or chemicals they use at work.

What are the main parts of WHMIS? The main components of WHMIS are: Hazard identification and product classification Labelling Material safety data sheets Worker training and education

Hazardous Materials Hazardous material: any substance that can cause illness, disease or death to unprotected people Exposure to hazardous materials can cause or contribute to many serious health effects such as effects on the nervous system, kidney or lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns and rashes.

Hazardous Materials Some hazardous materials are safety hazards and can cause fires or explosions. WHMIS was created to help stop the injuries, illnesses, deaths, medical costs, and fires caused by hazardous materials.

What are 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 6 WHMIS classes: Class A: Compressed gas Example: Oxygen Class B: Flammable and Combustible material Example: Propane Class C: Oxidizing material Example: Hydrogen Peroxide

Class D: Poisonous and Infectious materials Division 1 (D1) – Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Example: Carbon Monoxide Division 2 (D2) - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects Example: Lead Division 3 (D3) - Biohazardous Infectious Material Example: AIDS virus

Class E: Corrosive material Example: Bleach Class F: Dangerously Reactive material Example: Fluorine

Labeling Controlled Products Under WHMIS regulations most controlled products must be labeled. Supplier labels and workplace labels are the only two types used in WHMIS. NFPA label is the third type of label found on each container of a chemical substance (visual and easy to read) All WHMIS labels have to be clear, easy to read and prominently displayed on the product container.

Supplier Labels Display these seven pieces of information: material identification number or product name - this is a designation or identification of a material supplier's name and address reference to the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for more information

Supplier Labels WHMIS hazard symbols for each of the classes to which the product belongs Main hazards of the product including risks phrases appropriate to the class of material Precautionary measures First aid measures

Workplace Labels This label does not need as much information as the supplier label: material identifier or product name, reference to a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for further information, information on how to use the product safely.

NFPA Label The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a color coded, numerical system for indicating the health, flammability and reactivity hazards of chemicals. In addition, a special precaution symbol may be used if necessary. NFPA labels are required on all chemicals in the laboratory

NFPA Label Each of the three coloured areas in the NFPA fire diamond has a box in which the degree of hazard can be written. The degree of hazard is given by these numbers: 0= minimal, 1= slight, 2=moderate, 3=serious, 4 = extreme The diamond is subdivided into four general categories: blue=health, red= fire, yellow = reactivity, white= special hazards

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) WHMIS MSDSs have nine categories of information: Section 1 - Product Information: including identification and use Section 2 - Hazardous Ingredients: listing of ingredients considered hazardous as well as each ingredient's concentration, etc.

MSDSs Continued… Section 3 - Physical Information: form, odor, appearance, pH, etc. Section 4 - Fire or Explosion Hazard: conditions of flammability, flash point, etc. Section 5 - Reactivity Information: conditions of instability, reactivity, decomposition, etc. Section 6 - Health Hazard Information: route of entry, effects of exposure, exposure limits, etc.

MSDS Continued…

MSDSs Continued… Section 7 - Preventive Measures: personal protective equipment, waste disposal, storage, etc. Section 8 - First Aid Measures Section 9 - Preparation Information and Update: person who wrote MSDS, date of preparation

WHMIS is Law WHMIS became law effective October 31, 1988. This applies to all of Canada.