Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. This system provides workers and employers nationwide with vital information about hazardous materials. It has been in effect since October 31, It was developed through a combined initiative involving labor, industry, and federal/provincial/territorial governments.

It satisfies the employees ‘legislated right to know’ about the hazards they may encounter during the course of work. WHMIS protects the health and safety of employees by reducing the occurrences of injury or illness caused by hazardous materials in the workplace. WHMIS legislation applies to controlled products, which are used, stored and handled at any workplace. A controlled product is any hazardous substance or material, which meets or exceeds the criteria foe inclusion in one or more of the WHMIS hazard classes.

Not Classified as Controlled Products Explosives Radioactive Materials

Not Classified as Controlled Products Domestic Goods Cosmetics

Not Classified as Controlled Products Food & Food Additives Drugs & Diagnostic Chemicals

Not Classified as Controlled Products Pesticides Hazardous Waste

Compressed Gas: This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration. Heat may cause the container to explode, it should be stored away from heat or potential sources of ignition. A drop or impact may cause this container to explode, so handle with care. EXAMPLES: Cylinders of acetylene, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, neon, chlorine, ammonia, and fire extinguishers.

Flammable and Combustible Material: Solids, liquids, gases capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of a source of ignition. This material is a potential fire hazard. Sparks, flame or friction could ignite it. May burst into flames spontaneously in air or release a flammable gas on contact with water, It may burn at relatively low temperatures. Never smoke when working with or near these materials. Store in a cool, fire- proof area. EXAMPLES: hydrogen, methane, propane, kerosene, diesel fuel, white phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and butane

Oxidizing Material: Materials that provide oxygen or similar substance and which increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials. This material is a fire or explosion risk near flammable or combustible material. Keep the material away from sources of ignition and never smoke when working with or near the material. May burn skin or eyes on contact. EXAMPLES: sulphuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine and hypochlorites (AKA ‘Javex’)‏

Division 1 Poisonous and Infectious Material: Immediate and serous toxic effects: This division covers materials which can cause death of a person to small amounts. Handle the material with extreme caution, it may be fatal or cause permanent damage if it in inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. May burn skin or eyes. Wash and shower thoroughly after using. Avoid inhaling by working in well-ventilated areas and/or wearing respiratory equipment. EXAMPLES: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide.

Division 2 Poisonous and Infectious Material: Other toxic effects: this division covers materials which cause immediate eye and skin irritation as well as those which can cause long-term effects in a person repeatedly exposed to small amounts. This material is poisonous but not immediately dangerous to health, death or permanent damage result from repeated exposure over time. May be a skin irritant, a sensitizer causing allergic reactions, cause cancer, cause birth defects or sterility. Avoid skin and eye contact along with inhalation while working with these products by wearing the proper protective equipment. EXAMPLES: acetone, asbestos and toluene diisocyanate.

Division 3 Poisonous and Infectious Material: Biohazardous/Infectious Material: this division applies to materials which contain harmful microorganisms. May cause a serious disease resulting in illness or death. Take every measure to avoid contamination. Handle the material only when fully protected by the proper, designed equipment. Store in designated areas only. EXAMPLES: cultures or diagnostic specimens containing salmonella bacteria or the hepatitis B virus.

Corrosive Material: acid or caustic materials which can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Causes severe eye and skin irritation upon contact and will cause severe tissue damage with prolonged contact. May be harmful if inhaled. Avoid inhaling by using well-ventilated areas only and/or wearing the proper respiratory equipment. EXAMPLES: sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide, hydrofluoric acid, some household cleaners, water treatment chemicals, ammonia and hydrogen chloride.

Dangerously Reactive Material: products which can undergo dangerous reaction if subjected to heat, pressure, shock, or allowed to contact water. The material is very unstable, undergoes vigorous polymerization. May react with water to release toxic or flammable gas Open containers carefully, do not drop. Store material in designated cool, flameproof areas. EXAMPLES: calcium carbonate, benzoyl peroxide, copper and mercury azides