1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

2. WHMIS
Information system started in 1988 to help students/employees know more about safety and health hazards at work and provide warnings about the possible hazards of using a product and the necessary safety precautions to take when using it.
WHMIS is present wherever chemicals are used
Helps explain special labels, symbols, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

3. WHMIS labels Alerts workers/students as how to handle the chemical
Important to read WHMIS label before using chemical
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) gives more detailed information

4. WHMIS labels include:
Name of chemical (common names, trade name, brand name, code name)
Whmis hazard symbol
Risks and precautions
First aid instructions
Supplies name and address
Reference to MSDS so you can find more information about chemical

5. Class A: compressed gas
Kept under pressure – dropped or hard impact may cause to explode
Heat may cause to explode
Chlorine, nitrogen, neon, argon, oxygen, hydrogen, helium – usually found in steel cylinders (ex. Fire extinguishers)
*Students do not need to copy RED

6. Class B: Flammable and combustible materials
Potential fire hazard- may burn at low temperatures; Sparks, flames or frictions could cause to ignite; Store in cool, fire-proof areas
6 divisions:
Div. 1: Flammable Gases – hydrogen, methane, propane
Div. 2: Flammable Liquids – gasoline, ethanol, methanol
Div. 3: Combustible Liquids – diesel fuel, kerosene
Div. 4: Flammable Solids – magnesium, sodium
Div. 5: Flammable Aerosols – most aerosol cans
Div. 6: Flammable Reactive materials – materials that could spontaneously ignite
*Students do not need to copy RED

7. Class C: Oxidizing Materials
Fire or explosion risk – may burn skin or eyes on contact
May not burn itself, but will release oxygen and help others to burn
Keep away from source of ignition, NO SMOKING
Wear proper equipment
Sulfuric acid, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine and bleach

8. Class D: Poisonous and infectious materials
Potentially fatal if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin, may burn skin or eyes on contact
Division 1: Can kill you fast
Division 2: poisonous but not immediate death
Division 3: bio-hazardous (anthrax, Aids, fungi, mold)

9. Class E: Corrosive Material
Can eat through skin or corrode metals – sulfuric acids, nitric acid
Also includes corrosive gases – ammonia, hydrogen chloride
*Students do not need to copy RED

10. Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material
Products that undergo dangerous reactions when heated, put under pressure, shock or contact with water
Copper, mercury
*Students do not need to copy RED

11. International Hazard Symbols not all symbols controlled by WHMIS
Poison
Flammable
Explosive
Corrosive
Danger
Warning
Caution