WHMIS
Presented by
Name
Title
Date
WHMIS
WHMIS
W
Workplace
H
Hazardous
M
Materials
I
Information
S
System
Presentation Objectives
At the end of this workshop participants will:
1. Understand the 3 basic elements of WHMIS.
Recognize the 8 hazard symbols representing
the 6 hazard classes
2. Be familiar with the 9 sections of the MSDS
3. Understand employer, supplier and employee
responsibilities
4. Know how to find answers to any questions
regarding the use of controlled products
Course Outline
 Introduction
 WHMIS
 Labels
 Material Safety Data Sheets
 Worker Education
 WHMIS Legislation
 Summary
Glossary - Common Terms in an MSDS
English:
www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/glossary/
French:
www.cchst.ca/reponsessst/chemicals/glossary/
Introduction to WHMIS
WHMIS is Canada-wide legislation, dealing
with controlled products in the workplace.
A controlled product is ‘any product,
material or substance included in any one
of the classes listed in the Hazardous
Products Act (HPA).’
NOTE: HPA is federal legislation
Hazardous Classes Under HPA
Class A: Compressed Gas
Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material
Class C: Oxidizing Material
Class D: Poisonous and Infectious Material
Class E: Corrosive Material
Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material
WHMIS is Designed to Solve
the Problem of:
 Unlabelled materials in the workplace
Inadequate or contradictory information
being given to employers/workers regarding
identification, hazardous properties and
precautions to be taken with hazardous
materials used in the workplace
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 and training, providing
instruction on hazards and safe work
procedures
Supplier Defined
“Supplier" means a person who is a
manufacturer, processor or packager of a
controlled product or a person who, in the
course of business, imports or sells
controlled products;
Hazardous Products Act (HPA)
Flow of Information
JHSC
Producer
input
Supplier
label
Supplier
Employer
MSDS
Importer
Worker
Training
Informed
worker
Labels
Two Types:
1. Supplier labels (developed and
provided by the supplier)
2. Workplace labels (developed and used
in the workplace)
Supplier Label:
Design and Application
 Content layout: not legislated
 Border: specific
 Colour: not legislated
 Legibility: distinct; good contrast
 Durability: able to withstand normal use
 Application: imprinted; stencilled; attached
 Language: English and French
Supplier Label: Required Statements
1. Product Identifier
2. Hazard Symbols
3. Risk Phrases
4. Precautions
5. First Aid
6. Supplier Information
7. Reference to MSDS
Supplier Label
What is the Key to Everyday WHMIS
in the Workplace?
HAZARD SYMBOLS!
HAZARD SYMBOLS
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
Compressed Gas
(Class A):
 Poses an explosion danger because the
gas is under pressure
 Container may explode if heated or
dropped
 Container may become a projectile if the
stem is broken off
Examples
Compressed Gas
(Class A):
Examples:
Oxygen
Acetylene
Propane
Spray paint
Etc.
Compressed Gas Accident
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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
Examples
Combustible and Flammable Material
(Class B):
Flammable:
Butane, propane, hydrogen gas, acetone,
gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium
alloys, etc.
Combustible:
Kerosene, diesel, mineral spirits, varnish,
etc.
Flammable
Vapours + Spark = Fire
Flammable Gas Accident
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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
Examples
Oxidizing Material (Class C):
Examples:
Perchloric acid
Hydrogen peroxide
Nitric acid
Compressed oxygen
Ozone
Oxidizing Accident
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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
Examples
Poisonous and Infectious Material
(Class D, Division 1):
Examples:
Sodium cyanide
Hydrogen sulphide
Carbon monoxide
Sulphuric acid
Toluene
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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 allergic
reactions
 May cause cancers, birth defects, or sterility
Examples
Poisonous and Infectious Material:
Other Toxic Effects (Class D, Division 2):
Examples:
Asbestos
Lead
Cadmium
Benzene
Mercury
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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
Examples
Poisonous and Infectious Material:
Biohazardous, infectious material
(Class D, Division 3):
Examples:
Salmonella bacteria
Hepatitis B virus
HIV-AIDS
Parasites
Bodily fluids, such as blood and urine
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What do We Know?
Corrosive Material (Class E):
 Causes severe eye and skin irritation
upon contact
 Causes severe tissue damage with
prolonged contact
 Often produces vapour or fumes that
may be harmful if inhaled
Examples
Corrosive Material
(Class E):
Examples:
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)
Hydrochloric acid
Nitric acid
Sulphuric acid
What Does This Symbol Mean?
What Do We Know?
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
Examples
Dangerously Reactive Material
(Class F):
Examples:
Vinyl chloride
Picric acid
Some cyanides
Dangerously Reactive Accidents
Workplace Labels
•
•
•
•
Methanol
 Product Identifier
Avoid inhaling
vapours, handle
 Information on safe
with care
handling of the
Flammable
product
Avoid eye and skin
contact
See MSDS for
more information Reference to MSDS
Workplace Labels
 Must be displayed to give clear warning
to employees
 May be a label, tag, sign or other
 Is not required to be bilingual; can be in
the language of the workplace
Quiz A: True or False?
1. Labelled products, MSDSs and worker education
can help lower the risk of accidents.
2. WHMIS is a hazard class driven system.
(name the classes)
3. A WHMIS supplier label can be identified by its
solid red border.
4. A supplier label must list precautions and first
aid instructions.
5. All workplace labels present in New Brunswick
workplaces must be in both English and French.
Material Safety Data Sheets
The MSDS is:
- A technical information reference for
worker education, control measures
and emergency response
- A document that can be distributed
- A document that must be available to
workers
Material Safety Data Sheets
The MSDS is NOT:
- All the information needed for the safe
use of a product in every possible
situation
- A document only to be read and filed
MSDS Required Criteria
1.Product Identifier
2. Ingredients
3.Physical Data
4.Fire and Explosion Hazards
5.Reactivity Data
6.Toxicological Properties
7.Preventive Measures
8.First Aid Measures
9.Preparation Information
Section 1: Product Identification
and Use
 The intent of this section is for product
identification, supplier identification, and a
description of the product use
 It is of particular use in organizing data
sheets for quick retrieval
 It includes the emergency telephone number
Section 2: Hazardous Ingredients
 This section provides information on the
identity, concentration, and estimators of acute
toxicity for the ingredients of a controlled
product
 Copyright law permits limiting information in
this section however, disclosure is mandatory if a
worker is exposed to the product
 Useful information for emergency health care
providers
Lethal Dose and Lethal Concentration
•The lower the lethal dose and lethal
concentration numbers, the more
dangerous the material is to human
beings.
LD50 / LC50
Section 3: Physical Data
 This section provides a physical
description of the product
 It describes its response to changes in the
physical environment, and has specific
applications for ventilation system design
and emergency procedures
Section 4: Fire or Explosion Hazard
 The intent of Section 4 is to provide
information to assist with fire and explosion
prevention, as well as emergency procedures.
 This section is particularly important with
flammables, solvents, organic peroxides,
explosives, metal dusts and other unstable
substances. If the product is not flammable or
explosive, information in this section must
reflect that fact.
Section 5: Reactivity Data
 Information on the stability of the product
and its likelihood of dangerous reaction with
other chemicals
 Implications for handling procedures and
storage arrangements
 May be useful along with Section 4 data for
the prevention and control of fires or
explosions
Section 6: Toxicological Properties
 This section provides information on how
a material is likely to enter the body and what
short and long-term effects it is likely to have
 Includes signs and symptoms of exposure
and pre-existing medical conditions which
may be aggravated
 Information in this section is an important
determinant of preventive and first aid
measures and emergency care
Section 7: Preventive Measures
 Provides clear direction for transportation,
storage, use and disposal of the product, as
well as emergency procedures related to
accidental release
 Information must be as specific as
possible. Employers may need to adapt
information from data sheets to the specific
hazard circumstances of each workplace
Section 8: First Aid Measures
 Information necessary for the safe evacuation
and immediate treatment of a person
experiencing acute effects of overexposure
 Meant for use by workers on site, including
first aid personnel
 Usually expands on the first aid instructions
described on the supplier label
Section 9: Preparation Information
 Name and telephone number of those
responsible for MSDS preparation
 Date of preparation
 WHMIS legislation requires that MSDS be
kept current; no older than 3 years
General Approach to MSDS
 Identify the chemical and the emergency
telephone number
 Know the hazards/precautions
 Understand safe handling and storage
procedures
 Emergency procedures (in case of an
emergency bring the MSDS with you to the
hospital)
 Identify the preparation date
Quiz B: True or False?
1. An MSDS contains the same information that is
present on the supplier label.
2. An MSDS has all the information for every
possible situation and workplace.
3. An MSDS can be used to determine safe storage
requirements and emergency procedures.
4. An MSDS does not include the emergency
telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier.
5. MSDSs must be stored together and indexed for
easy access.
WHMIS Legislation
NEW BRUNSWICK
REGULATION 88-221
under the
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
AND SAFETY ACT
Worker Training and Education
6(3) An employer shall ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, that the program
of employee instruction and training
required by subsection (1) results in an
employee being able to apply the
information as needed to protect the
employee’s health and safety.
Worker Training and Education
Anyone working with or near controlled
products must be trained in hazard
information and procedures regarding:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Safe use
Storage
Handling
Disposal
Emergency procedures
Worker Training and Education
Includes information found on labels
(supplier and workplace), MSDS and any
information of which the employer is aware
*The training should be:
 Relevant to the workplace
 Performance oriented
 Developed in consultation with the JHSC
 Reviewed at least annually
 Modified as conditions change
Quiz C: True or False?
1. Employers must train workers who work with or
near hazardous materials.
2. All employees should receive WHMIS training
whether or not they are working with controlled
substances.
3. Employees do not need to know emergency
procedures regarding hazardous materials.
4. Employees need to be given information for
controlled products flowing through pipes in the
workplace.
5. An employee’s knowledge of the product can affect
the amount of damage or injury in an emergency.
Exceptions to the rule…
Eight classifications exempt from WHMIS
labelling and MSDS requirements. Some
categories are regulated for worker education,
some are not.
1. Explosives
2. Cosmetics, drugs,food
3. Pesticides
4. Radioactive materials
5. Consumer products
6. Wood products
7. Tobacco products
8. Manufactured articles
Exceptions to the rule…
•Exceptions are usually covered under other
Legislation (example, Pesticides Control Act).
•Products brought into the workplace that are
not designed for commercial or industrial use
(consumer products) are still controlled
products under the HPA (MSDS and workplace
labels may be required).
WHMIS Responsibilities
Suppliers, employers and
employees each have a role to
play in making WHMIS work!
Supplier Responsibilities
Supplier responsibilities are found under the
Hazardous Products Act (Federal Bill C-07) and
the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Section
13
Suppliers Must:
I. Label controlled products intended for
workplace use
II. Supply MSDS with each controlled product
Employer Responsibilities
The employer’s WHMIS responsibilities are
outlined in Provincial Regulation 88-221:
 To obtain MSDS from supplier
 Ensure appropriate labelling (supplier and
workplace)
 Provide adequate instruction and training to
employees
 Sort and file the MSDS in a clearly indicated
and easily accessible area
Employee Responsibilities
WHMIS legislation does not place any direct
responsibility on the workers, however under
Section 12 of the OHS Act, employees must:
 Comply with the Act
 Conduct themselves to ensure their health
and safety
 Report hazards
 Wear/use protective equipment
 Consult/co-operate with the JHSC
Quiz D: True or False?
1. The workplace copy of the MSDS needs to be
updated every three years, even if there has been no
change in the hazard information.
2. The employer shall review their WHMIS system
(employee training and MSDS) at least once a year.
3. Pesticides are exempt from MSDS and label
requirements, therefore worker training isn’t
necessary.
4. Telling workers to read the labels and the MSDS is
adequate training.
5. Employees don’t have to watch out for their own
safety; it’s the boss’s responsibility.
Developing WHMIS for your workplace
Step 1:
Assign responsibility
Inventory and list supplier and workplace labels
Step 2:
Get current MSDS
Determine storage, handling, training, first aid
and disposal
Step 3:
Train employees
Implement control measures and MSDS binders
Summary
WHMIS has ‘three
components’:
WHMIS is a ‘hazard
class’ driven system
1. Labels
2. MSDS
3. Worker Education
Compressed Gas
Flammable
Oxidizers
Poisons
Corrosives
Reactive
Summary
Employers must train
their workers to use the
information provided by
Training should
be reviewed
and/or updated
Labels
MSDS
Yearly, or as
conditions change