1. An Introduction to WHMIS
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

2. It’s the law! Provincial and Federal
Nova Scotia WHMIS Regulation
“No employer may allow the use, handling or storage of a Controlled Product in a workplace unless the product carries a label and a material safety data sheet which meet the requirements of the Act and the regulations and unless the worker has received the training and information required to carry out the work entrusted to them safely.”

3. WHMIS Main Elements Labels Material Safety Data Sheets Training
Supplier
Workplace
Laboratory
Material Safety Data Sheets
Training
Core
Job specific

4. Responsibilities Supplier Provide supplier labels
Provide Material Safety Data Sheets

5. Responsibilities Employer Ensure labels and MSDS are available
Develop safe procedures for handling, storage and disposal (based on information from labels and MSDS)
Train workers

6. Responsibilities Employee / Worker (YOU – the student)
Learn to use WHMIS system
Follow safe procedures and training
Inform the employer of hazards

7. Supplier Labels Be on all containers received from a
commercial supplier
Have a dark
hatch-mark border
Different color from
the rest of the container
(usually)
In English and French

8. Class A: Compressed Gas
Gas inside cylinder is under pressure
The cylinder may explode if heated or damaged
Sudden release of high pressure gas streams may puncture skin
Example:
Compressed air
Carbon dioxide

9. Class A: Compressed Gas

10. Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material
The material is capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions
Example:
Propane
Acetone

11. Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material

12. Class C: Oxidizing Material
Can cause other materials to burn or explode by providing oxygen
May burn skin and eyes on contact
Example :
Nitric acid
Potassium permangante

13. Class C: Oxidizing Material

14. Class D: Controlled Products
Division 1 – Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
Division 2 – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Division 3 – Biohazardous Infectious Materials

15. Class D: Division 1 – Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin
Example:
D1 – sulfuric acid
D2 – asbestos fibres, mercury
D3 – Aids/HIV virus, Hepatitis B

16. D1 Example

17. Class D: Division 2 – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin

18. D2 Example

19. Class D: Division 3 – Biohazardous Infectious Materials
Contact with microbiological agents (ie. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and their toxins) may cause illness or death

20. D3 Example

21. Class E: Corrosive Material
Will burn eyes and skin on contact
Will burn tissues of respiratory tract if inhaled
Acid Neutral Alkaline
 
Example:
Ammonia gas

22. Class E: Corrosive Material

23. Special Laboratory Rules
If a controlled product / chemical is produced in the laboratory for evaluation, analysis, or testing purposes then while it is in the laboratory, it must be legibly identified. The teachers and students must understand the labeling system and can trace it back to an MSDS or information necessary to ensure safe use storage and handling.

24. Special Laboratory Rules continued…
If a controlled product has been transferred from its original container to a second container (ie. a beaker), this container may be labelled with numbers, colors, or formula names as long as all those using them understand the identity system.

25. Material Safety Data Sheets MSDS
Must be available to all workers in the workplace
Must be kept up to date (less than 3 years old)
Must be made available to doctor in the event of exposure

26. What is on an MSDS? Product Identification – name, company, phone #
MSDS Preparation – date, preparer
Ingredients – CAS #, OSHA PEL, ACGIH TLV
Physical Properties – odour, colour, state

27. Fire and explosion data
Product Reactivity
Toxicological Information
Preventative Measures
First Aid Measures

28. Lab Rules
With a partner, come up with at least 10 important lab rules

29. While in the Lab: Know the emergency escape route and alternate
Know the emergency spill procedure
Know the location of the first aid kit, eye wash station, shower, spill kits MSDS, and fire extinguisher

30. Identify EVERYTHING!
No food, beverages, or application of cosmetics
Report all injuries and accidents via SIP (insurance)