WHMIS
WHSCC/Cssiat
2003
W
Workplace
H
Hazardous
M
Materials
I
Information
S
System
2
Three Components of WHMIS
1. Labels on hazardous materials or their
containers
2. MSDS or material safety data sheets
which are technical bulletins providing more
detailed information than the label
3. Worker education, providing instruction on
hazards and safe work procedures
2003
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In the Workplace, What is
the “Key” to everyday WhMIS?
HAZARD SYMBOLS!
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Compressed Gas
(Class A):
Poses an explosion danger because the
gas is under pressure
Container may explode if heated in a fire,
or dropped
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Combustible and Flammable Material
(Class B):
Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazard
May burn at relatively low temperatures; flammable
materials catch fire at lower temperatures than
combustible materials
May burst into flame spontaneously in air, or
release a flammable gas on contact with water
May cause a fire when exposed to heat, sparks, or
flames, or as a result of friction
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What Does This Symbol mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Oxidizing Material
(Class C):
Poses a fire and/or explosion risk in the
presence of flammable or combustible material
May react violently when it comes into
contact with combustible materials such as
fuels or wood
May burn skin and eyes upon contact
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Poisonous and Infectious Material
(Class D, Division 1):
Is a potentially fatal poisonous substance
May be fatal or cause permanent damage
if it is inhaled or swallowed or if it enters the
body through skin contact
May burn eyes or skin upon contact
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Poisonous and Infectious Material: Other
Toxic Effects (Class D, Division 2):
Not immediately dangerous to health
May cause death or permanent damage as a
result of repeated exposure over time
May be a sensitizer, which produces an allergy
May cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Poisonous and Infectious Material:
Biohazardous, infectious material
(Class D, Division 3):
May cause a serious disease resulting in
illness (AIDS, Hepatitis) or death
Can also include tetanus protection
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What do We Know?
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Corrosive Material
(Class E):
Causes severe eye and skin irritation
upon contact
Causes severe tissue damage with
prolonged contact
Often produces vapor or fumes that may
be harmful if inhaled
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What Does This Symbol Mean?
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What Do We Know?
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Dangerously Reactive Material
(Class F):
Is very unstable
May react with water to release a toxic or
flammable gas
May explode as a result of shock, friction or an
increase in temperature
May explode if heated when in a closed container
Undergoes vigorous polymerization
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Worker Education
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Anyone working with or nearby controlled
products must be trained in hazard information
and procedures regarding:
1. Safe use
2. Storage
3. Handling
4. Disposal
5. Emergency procedures
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WHMIS Responsibilities
Suppliers, employers and
employees each have a role to
play in making WHMIS work.
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Summary
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WHMIS has three
components:
WHMIS is a hazard
class driven system
2003
1. Labels
2. MSDS
3. Worker Education
Compressed Gas
Flammable
Oxidizers
Poisons
Corrosives
Reactive
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