What does WHMIS mean? W Workplace H Hazardous M Materials I Information S System WHMIS is a Canada wide hazard communication system developed to provide employers and workers information about hazardous products used in the workplace

What does WHMIS mean? WHMIS is composed of 3 main elements to communicate the hazards of controlled products: 1. Labels – affixed to containers of hazardous materials and provides information regarding the hazards 2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) – provide supplementary information to hazards outlined on the labels (Note: These were formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) 3. Education – training on how to use the information provided

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Chemical Classifications Chemicals are classified using a globally harmonized system (GHS) that provides standardized language for: – Health Hazard Categories – Physical Hazard Categories – Environmental Hazard Categories*

Labels: Pictograms – Health Hazards Irritant (skin and eye) Skin Sensitizer Acute Toxicity (harmful) Specific Target Organ Toxicity Respiratory Tract Irritant Hazardous to Ozone Layer (Non-Mandatory) Acute toxicity (Severe) Fatal or toxic Skull and Crossbones: Exclamation Mark:

Acute (short term) and Chronic (long term) Eyes Respiratory System Skin

Labels: Pictograms – Health Hazards Skin Corrosion/Burns Eye Damage Corrosive to Metals Carcinogen Mutagenicity Reproductive Toxicity Respiratory Sensitizer Target Organ Toxicity Aspiration Hazard Health Hazard Corrosion

Labels: Pictograms – Physical Hazards Flammables Pyrophorics Self-Heating Emits Flammable Gas Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides Explosives Self reactives Organic peroxides Exploding Bomb Explosives Self-Reactives Organic Peroxides Flame

Labels: Pictograms – Physical Hazards oxidizer Explosives Self reactives Organic peroxides Gas Cylinder Gas under pressure Flame over Circle

Labels: Pictograms Aquatic Toxicity (non-mandatory in Canada) Explosives Self reactives Organic peroxides Biohazardous Biohazardous Infectious Materials Environment

Labels There are several new label elements: Symbols called “Pictograms” Signal Words Hazard Statements Precautionary Statements Product Identification Supplier/Manufacturer Identification

Labels: Signal Word These are words used to indicate the severity of the hazard and alert employees to the potential hazard. Only 2 signal words will appear: “DANGER” (more severe hazard) “WARNING” (less severe hazard) Not all labels will have a signal word. Some chemicals are not hazardous enough to require that a signal word appear on the label.

Labels: Hazard Statement A statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical; including, where appropriate, the degree of hazards Fatal if swallowed Toxic if swallowed Harmful if swallowed May be harmful if swallowed Highly flammable liquid and vapor

Labels: Precautionary Statements Recommended measures related to: – Prevention – Response – Storage – Disposal Examples: – Wear respiratory protection – Wash with soap and water – Store in a well ventilated place – Keep away from heat/sparks/open flame

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - (formerly MSDS) 17 SectionHazardous Product Regulations Heading 1Identification 2Hazard identification (including classification and label text) 3Composition/information on ingredients 4First-aid measures 5Fire-fighting measures 6Accidental release measures 7Handling and storage 8Exposure controls/personal protection 9Physical and chemical properties 10Stability and reactivity 11Toxicological information 12-15Ecological, transport and regulatory information, disposal considerations 16Other information

Section 1 – Identification: Identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. Section 2 - Hazards Identification: Hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS Appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. Safety Data Sheets

Section 3 – Composition / Ingredients: Identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including: impurities and stabilizing additives. information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed. Section 4 - First-Aid Measures: Describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical.

Safety Data Sheets Section 5 – Fire-Fighting Measures: Provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures: Provides recommendations: Appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, (e.g. containment and cleanup practices) Response for large vs. small spills, if different.

Safety Data Sheets Section 7 – Handling and Storage: Provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. Section 8 – Exposure Controls / Personal Protection: Indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure.

Safety Data Sheets Section 9 – Physical and Chemical Properties: Identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. Section 10 – Stability and Reactivity Describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. Includes: reactivity, chemical stability, and other.

Safety Data Sheets Section 11 - Toxicological Information: Identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates is data unavailable. Section 12 – Ecological Information Section 13 – Disposal Consideration Section 14 – Transport Information Section 15 – Regulatory Information Section 16 – Other Information

Match the WHMIS Pictograms below with the corresponding hazard: 25