1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Welcome to WHMIS training.

2. What You Will Learn What WHMIS is and why you need to know about it.
What WHMIS symbols mean.
How WHMIS labels and Material Safety Data Sheets help keep you safe at work.
In this course, you will learn:
What the WHMIS system is and why you need to know about it,
What the various WHMIS symbols mean, and
How WHMIS labels and Material Safety Data Sheets help keep you safe at work.

3. Menu About WHMIS What WHMIS symbols mean WHMIS Labels and MSDS 1 2 3
Click on a menu item to review the module.
About WHMIS 1
What WHMIS symbols mean 2
WHMIS Labels and MSDS 3
Click on any menu item to learn more.

4. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
About WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

5. What is WHMIS? Nation-wide system.
Standardized way to classify and communicate about controlled products.
WHMIS is for everybody.
WHMIS is a nationwide system.
It is a standardized way to classify and communicate about controlled products.
With WHMIS, you don’t have to be a chemist or engineer to recognize items in your workplace that could contain hazardous substances.

6. Why Do You Need to Learn About WHMIS?
It’s the law!
Employers are required to provide WHMIS training to any employee who:
Works with, or…
Works near
Any material defined as “hazardous”
You are part of this group!
Why do you need to learn about WHMIS?
It’s the law! In Canada, employers are required by law to provide WHMIS training to any employee who works with, or in proximity to, any product that contains potentially hazardous materials.
These sorts of products can be found in just about any work environment.
For most companies, this training requirement will include all employees – including you!

7. Components of WHMIS Three main components:
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Labels on containers of hazardous materials
Training
There are 3 main components to the WHMIS system:
Material Safety Data Sheets that provide information about products containing hazardous materials
Warning labels on the containers of the products themselves
And employer-provided training to help workers use the WHMIS warnings to stay safe.

8. Who Is Responsible for WHMIS?
SUPPLIERS
EMPLOYERS
WORKERS
Everyone is responsible for making WHMIS work.
Click each person to learn about their responsibilities.

9. Quick Review
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a standardized way to communicate about products which may contain hazardous materials.
Products containing hazardous materials can be found in every type of workplace.
By law, everyone who works with or near products containing hazardous materials must get WHMIS training.
WHMIS components include labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, and training.
Suppliers, employers and workers all play an important role in making WHMIS work.
Here is a quick review of what you learned in this section.
When you are ready to continue, click the Forward arrow at the bottom of your screen.

10. What WHMIS Symbols Mean
WHMIS symbols warn you about the hazards associated with a controlled product.

11. What Do Hazardous Materials Look Like?
You can be exposed to controlled products in any of these forms!
Dusts
Fumes
Smoke
Liquid
Mists
Vapors
Gases
Without WHMIS symbols, you would have a difficult time recognizing hazardous chemicals in your work area.
That is because hazardous materials can come in any of the different forms listed on your screen.
You can be exposed to controlled products in any of these forms.

12. How Does Exposure Happen?
Hazardous chemicals can enter your body through:
INGESTION
SKIN OR EYE ABSORPTION
INHALATION
The form that a hazardous chemical takes will affect how it enters your body.
There are 3 primary methods through which you can be exposed: Ingestion, skin or eye absorption, and inhalation.
Click on each method of exposure to learn more about it.

13. Effects on the Body Chronic effects Acute effects
Detected long after exposure
May be difficult to trace to the source
Often impossible to cure
Acute effects
Short term
Occur soon after exposure
Can often be reversed by ending the exposure
Can sometimes be fatal
Sample Chronic Effects
Emphysema, cancer, and birth defects
Sample Symptoms
Skin rashes, headaches, nausea and fever.
Some hazardous exposure results in acute effects to the human body.
Acute means that there is a short term impact on affected person. Acute symptoms such as skin rashes, headaches, nausea and fever occur immediately or soon after exposure. These symptoms can usually be reversed by ending the exposure to the hazardous material.
But sometimes, acute effects can be fatal, such as a sudden collapse of any employee who has been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.
Some hazardous materials cause chronic effects. Chronic effects often go undetected until long after the exposure. Emphysema, cancer, and birth defects are examples of chronic effects that can result from exposure to hazardous materials. Chronic effects are often difficult to trace to the source, and are sometimes impossible to cure because they are detected long after the damage has been done.

14. What You Know Can Keep You Safe!
There are 8 classification units, or classes, within WHMIS.
Each class has its own:
Symbol
General hazards
General precautions
Understanding these classes will help you stay safe!
There are 8 classes of hazardous materials under WHMIS.
Each class has its own symbol, general hazards, and general precautions.
It’s important for your health and safety to understand WHMIS symbols, and what they mean.

15. Classes Click on each WHMIS symbol to learn more. Class A Class D
Division 2
Class B
Class D
Division 3
Class C
Class E
Class D
Division 1
Class F
Here are the 8 WHMIS symbols.
Click on each one to learn important facts about it.
Once you are comfortable with what each symbol represents, click on the forward arrow.

16. Class A: Compressed Gas
These materials are normally gaseous and kept in a pressurized container.
Risks
Could explode due to pressure.
Could explode if heated or dropped.
Possible hazard from both the force of the explosion and the released contents.
Precautionary measures
Make sure the container is always secured.
Do not drop or allow to fall.
Store in appropriate designated areas.
Examples
This is the Compressed Gas symbol.
Items marked with this symbol are normally gaseous and kept in a pressurized container.
Examples of items that may be marked with the compressed gas symbol include canisters containing butane, propane or acetylene, as well as fire extinguishers.
Let’s talk about risks associated with items marked with the Compressed Gas symbol:
These items can potentially explode due to pressure - or if they are heated or dropped. Both the force of an explosion, and the contents released from the pressurized container could be hazardous.
Take these precautions if you work with or near items marked with the compressed gas symbol:
Make sure the container is always secured.
Don’t drop it or allow it to fall.
And make sure it is stored in an appropriate designated area.
Butane, propane, acetylene, fire extinguishers

17. Class B: Flammable and Combustible Materials
These materials will ignite and continue to burn if exposed to a flame or source of ignition. They are also capable of exploding.
Risks
May ignite spontaneously.
If allowed to degrade or exposed to water flammable products may be released.
Precautionary measures
Store in properly designed, well-ventilated areas.
Don’t allow them to get hot.
Don’t expose them to spark or flame.
Ensure electrical sources are clear of any sources of ignition.
Examples
This symbol means that a product contains flammable and combustible materials. These materials will ignite and continue to burn if they are exposed to a flame or other source of ignition. They also can explode.
Oil and gasoline are examples of flammable and combustible materials.
There is a risk that flammable and combustible materials may ignite on their own. Also, if they are allowed to degrade or if they are exposed to water, there is a risk that they may release flammable products.
For items marked with this symbol, take these precautions:
Always store flammable and combustible materials in a properly designed, well- ventilated area.
Don't allow them to get hot.
Don't expose them to sources of sparks or flames.
And make sure that any nearby electrical sources are clear of known sources of ignition.
Oil and gasoline

18. Class C: Oxidizing Materials
These materials can cause other materials to burn or support combustion.
Risks
Can cause skin or eye burns
Increased fire and explosion hazard.
May cause combustibles to explode or react violently.
Precautionary measures
Store in areas away from combustibles.
Store in proper containers which will not rust or oxidize.
Wear hand, face and body protection.
Examples
This symbol means that an item contains oxidizing materials. Oxidizing materials can cause other materials to burn or support combustion.
Hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorate are both examples of oxidizing materials.
Let’s talk about the risks associated with oxidizing materials.
They can cause skin or eye burns.
They increase the risk of fire and explosion.
And they may cause other combustible materials to explode or react violently.
For items marked with this symbol, take these precautions:
Store the items well away from other combustible materials.
Make sure they are stored in proper containers which will not rust or oxidize.
Always wear hand, face and body protection when handling these items.
Hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorate

19. Class D – Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Severe Toxic Effects
These materials are poisons that are potentially fatal and other materials that cause immediate and severe harm.
Risks
May be fatal if ingested or inhaled.
May be absorbed through the skin.
Small volumes have a toxic effect.
Precautionary measures
Avoid breathing dust or vapors and contact with skin or eyes.
Wear protective clothing which is effective against fumes and vapors.
Wear face and eye protection.
Work in well-ventilated areas and wear breathing protection.
Examples
This familiar symbol signifies that a product contains materials that cause immediate and severe toxic effects. This could include potentially fatal poisons, as well as other materials that could cause immediate and severe harm.
Arsenic is a good example of such a material..
There are obvious risks associated with working with or near Class D-Division 1 Toxic Materials:
They may be fatal if they are ingested or inhaled.
They can also be dangerous if absorbed through the skin.
Even small amounts of these materials have a toxic effect.
Be extremely careful around Class D - Division 1 Toxic Materials. Take these precautions:
Avoid breathing dust or vapors from these materials. Also, avoid contact with your skin or eyes.
Wear protective clothing which is effective against fumes and vapors.
Wear face and eye protection.
Work in well-ventilated areas and wear breathing protection.
Arsenic

20. Class D – Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
These are materials that have a very harmful effect after repeated or prolonged exposure.
Risks
May cause permanent injury, birth defects, sterility, cancer or death.
May be a sensitizer causing allergies.
Precautionary measures
Avoid direct contact.
Store in appropriate designated areas.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Use hand, body, face and eye protection.
Use appropriate respiratory protection.
Examples
Class D-Division 2 Toxic materials can have a very harmful effect after repeated or prolonged exposure.
An example of this type of material is crystalline silica, which is a carcinogen. Carcinogens are substances which are believed to cause cancer.
Class D - Division 2 Toxic Materials can cause permanent injury, birth defects, sterility, cancer or even death. They can also be a sensitizer causing allergies.
Take these important precautions around Class D - Division 2 Toxic Materials:
Avoid direct contact with these materials.
Store them in an appropriate, designated area.
If you work with them, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
Use hand, body, face and eye protection.
And don't forget to use appropriate respiratory protection, too.
Carcinogens such as crystalline silica

21. Class D – Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Materials
These materials are infectious agents or biological toxins that cause serious disease or death.
Risks
Multiple.
Precautionary measures
Work in designated biological areas with appropriate engineering controls.
Additional training is required.
Examples
This symbol refers to Biohazardous Infectious Materials. These materials are infectious agents or biological toxins that can cause serious disease or death.
Examples of such materials are any of the yeasts, molds, bacteria and parasites which affect humans.
There are a wide variety of risks associated with biohazardous infectious materials.
Extreme caution is required when working with or near biohazardous infectious materials. Only work in designated biological areas with appropriate engineering controls. Additional training is required for working with these materials.
Yeasts, molds, bacteria and parasites which affect humans

22. Class E: Corrosive Materials
These materials react with metals and living tissue.
Risks
Eye and skin irritation and burns.
May cause blindness on eye contact.
Lung damage if inhaled.
Environmental damage from fumes.
Precautionary measures
Wear appropriate protective equipment and avoid bodily contact.
Work in well-ventilated area.
Use appropriate storage containers and ensure proper non-venting closures.
Examples
This symbol means that a product contains Corrosive Materials, which react with metals and living tissue.
Examples of corrosive materials include sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid.
Corrosive material can cause eye and skin irritation and burns. If the material comes into contact with the eye, it may cause blindness. Other risks include the possibility of lung damage if the material is inhaled. And there is a risk of environmental damage from the fumes.
Take these precautions around corrosive materials:
Wear appropriate protective gear, and don't let the material contact your body.
Work in a well-ventilated area.
Store corrosive materials in appropriate containers and ensure proper non-venting closures.
Sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid

23. Class F: Dangerously Reactive Materials
These materials may cause unexpected reactions.
Risks
May be unstable or react with water.
May explode if exposed to shock or heat.
May release toxic or flammable vapors and may burn unexpectedly.
Precautionary measures
Handle with care. Avoid vibration, shocks and sudden temperature changes.
Store in appropriate and sealed containers in designated areas.
Examples
This symbol indicates Dangerously Reactive Materials. Dangerously Reactive Materials may cause unexpected reactions.
Examples of dangerously reactive materials include hydrogen cyanide, benzoyl peroxide and chlorine dioxide.
There is a risk that Dangerously Reactive Materials may be unstable or react with water. They may explode if exposed to shock or heat. They may release toxic or flammable vapors and may burn unexpectedly.
Take these precautions around Dangerously Reactive Materials:
Handle them with care. Avoid exposing them to vibration, shocks or sudden temperature changes.
Store them in appropriate and sealed containers, in designated areas.
Hydrogen cyanide, benzoyl peroxide and chlorine dioxide

24. Quick Review Hazardous materials:
Come in many forms.
Can enter the body through ingestion, absorption or inhalation.
Can have acute or chronic effects on the body.
WHMIS labels indicate that a product contains hazardous materials:
Class A – Compressed Gas
Class B – Flammable and Combustible Materials
Class C – Oxidizing Materials
Class D Division 1 – Materials Causing Immediate and Severe Toxic Effects
Class D Division 2 – Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Class D Division 3 – Biohazardous Infectious Materials
Class E – Corrosive Materials
Class F - Dangerously Reactive Materials
Here is a quick review of what you learned in this section.
When you are ready to continue, click the Forward arrow at the bottom of your screen.

25. WHMIS Labels and MSDS
WHMIS labels and Material Safety Data Sheets contain important information pertaining to your safety.

26. WHMIS Labels
Workplace Label
WHMIS labels must be applied to all controlled products. There are two types of labels:
Supplier Label
You may have seen labels like these on products in your workplace.
WHMIS labels are required on all controlled products.
There are two types of labels: Supplier labels and Workplace labels.

27. Supplier Labels
Suppliers must provide labels on containers of all controlled products sold or imported for use in the workplace.
Requirements:
Labels must visually stand out.
Labels must include basic information.
Product identifier
Risk phrase(s)
First-aid measures
Supplier identifier
Hatched borders
WHMIS symbols
Precaution statement(s)
MSDS reminder
Under WHMIS, suppliers must label all containers of controlled products that are sold or imported for use in the workplace.
All supplier labels must conform to certain standard requirements.
They must stand out from the container itself, and from any other markings on the container.
And they must include:
Hatched borders around the outside of the label.
A product identifier.
The relevant WHMIS symbols.
Phrases describing risks associated with the controlled product.
Precautions to be taking in handling or storing the product.
First-aid measures, in the event of an accident.
A reminder that the Material Safety Data Sheet will have additional information.
And a supplier identifier.

28. Workplace Labels
Workplace labels are applied by employees at any worksite using its own containers.
They are required:
Where the supplier label is damaged or missing
On secondary containers, when the product has been transferred from the original container
On containers of controlled products produced by the employer
The format of workplace labels is flexible and may be in the language of choice in the workplace.
Workplace labels are applied by employees at any worksite that is using its own containers.
Workplace labels are required:
Where the supplier label is damaged or missing.
On secondary containers, when the controlled product has been transferred from its original container.
And on containers of controlled products that have been produced by the employer.
The format of workplace labels is flexible, and can be in the language of choice in the workplace.

29. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Material Safety Data Sheets have more information on potential health and safety hazards of controlled products.
An MSDS is required for each controlled product onsite.
Employees should know the location and content of the MSDS for the chemicals you work with.
Material Safety Data Sheets have more extensive information on potential health and safety hazards of controlled products.
An MSDS is required for each controlled product on your site.
You should know the location and content of the MSDS for any chemicals that you work with.
Remember, we are all responsible for making WHMIS work – suppliers, employers, and employees.
Remember, everyone is responsible for making WHMIS work:
Suppliers
Employers
And you!

30. Do MSDS expire? Do MSDS expire?
MSDS expire 3 years from their date of issue. Your employer is required to keep the MSDS up to date.
MSDS expire 3 years from their date of issue and your employer is required to keep the MSDS up to date.

31. Why Isn’t This Product Labelled?
Some controlled products are partially exempt from WHMIS. Instead, they are covered under other safety legislation.
These include:
Some consumer products
Cosmetics
Food and drugs
Medical devices
Radioactive substances
Explosives
You may notice that some controlled products do not have WHMIS labels or MSDS.
Certain controlled products are partially exempt, because they are covered under other safety legislation.
These products include:
Certain consumer products
Cosmetics
Food and drug items
Medical devices
Radioactive substances
and Explosives

32. Are Other Products Exempt?
Some products are completely excluded from both Federal and Provincial WHMIS regulations.
Completely excluded products include:
Wood and products made of wood
Manufactured articles
Goods handled under TDG (such a fuel in amounts of 500 kg or more
Tobacco and tobacco products
Hazardous waste
Still other products are completely excluded from both Federal and Provincial WHMIS regulations.
These items are listed on your screen.
However, remember that workers who come into contact with these products must still be advised of hazards and trained in safe handling procedures, under other provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Workers in contact with these products must still be advised of hazards and trained in safe handling procedures, under other provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.

33. Quick Review WHMIS labels are required on controlled products
Supplier labels are applied by the manufacturer
Supplier labels must meet certain requirements regarding their format and content
Workplace labels are applied by employees at worksites that use their own containers
Workplace labels have more flexibility regarding their format and content
Material Safety Data Sheets are required to be included with all controlled products
MSDS contain information about hazardous materials
Employees should know where to find the MSDS for products they work with or near
MSDS expire after 3 years and must be updated
Some products are either partially exempt or completely excluded from WHMIS
These products are covered under other safety regulations
Here is a quick review of what you learned in this section.
When you are ready to continue, click the Forward arrow at the bottom of your screen.

34. Training Complete The WHMIS training program is now complete.
Once you are ready, close this presentation and proceed to the Mastery Quiz.
The WHMIS training program is now complete.
Use the navigation panel on the left if you want to review the training material.
Once you are ready, close this presentation and proceed to the Mastery Quiz.