Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System
(W.H.M.I.S.) Training
Safety Office
Course Instructor
Phone: 786-9894
Emergency Response Information
All accident/incidents/near misses must be
reported. Use the on-line accident report form:
http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/index/cms-filesystemaction?file=pdfs/safety/incident-accident-form.pdf
U of W Security 24 hour Emergency Number
• Call 786-6666 for Emergencies like
Serious Medical, Fire, Explosion
• Call 911 (If on a University phone dial 8 first)
Emergency Response Information
Know the locations of emergency response
equipment and how to use them:
• First aid kits
• Chemical spill kits
• Emergency showers
• Eye wash fountains
• Fire extinguishers
• Phone
WHMIS Legislation
for the Work Site
• Manitoba’s WHMIS law is contained in Part 35 of the
Workplace Safety & Health Regulation.
• Violation of the Provincial WHMIS law may result in
orders to make changes at the workplace, shut down the
workplace operations, fines, or prosecution.
http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/w210e.php
Objectives
• Recognize and understand the two types of
WHMIS labels
• Understand Material Safety Data Sheets
• Identify 6 Classes of Controlled Products
• Understand the Main Hazards associated
with each class
What does WHMIS mean?
W – Workplace
H – Hazardous
M – Materials
I – Information
S – System
• WHMIS is a national hazard communication system. It is
Canada wide legislation developed through collective
efforts by Industry, Federal & Provincial Governments.
• WHMIS was implemented on October 31, 1988 through
coordinated Federal, Provincial and Territorial
Legislation.
Why was WHMIS created?
• It was created in response to Canadian workers’ “Right to
Know” about the safety and health hazards that may be
associated with the materials or chemicals they use at work.
• It was created to reduce the injuries and illness caused by
hazardous materials that can cause or contribute to many
serious health effects such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Irritation of the skin (rashes)
Burns
Sensitization
Heart, liver, kidney and pulmonary ailments
Cancer
Reproductive toxicity
Can cause fires or explosions.
What is WHMIS?
• WHMIS has 3 main elements:
1.Product labels – on containers of
hazardous materials
2.Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) –
providing further detailed information
3.Worker Education – on how to use this
information
WHMIS – A Shared Responsibility
Supplier
Employer
Employee
Supplier Responsibility
The Supplier is responsible for:
• Determining what are ‘controlled products’
• Assessing applicable health and safety info
• Classify products
• Label products with a WHMIS label
• Prepare and provide customers with MSDS's
• Update MSDS's at least every three years
Employer Responsibility
Manitoba’s Workplace Safety and Health Act requires
employers to take all reasonable measures to protect the
health and safety of all workers. The employer
responsibilities ensure that:
•
•
•
•
All controlled products are labeled with appropriate supplier or workplace
labels.
MSDS are current and no more than three years old.
MSDS are provided for all controlled products, and they are located in a
place readily accessible to everyone who works there
Workers receive appropriate proper WHMIS training.
Employee Responsibility
The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act requires
workers to cooperate with their employers to protect
their own and other workers’ health and safety.
We do this by:
• Participating in education and training sessions that
is provided.
• Taking necessary steps to protect ourselves and our
co-workers- ex. Follow Safe work instructions and
wear PPE if required.
• Participating in identifying and eliminating risks
Exclusions from WHMIS
There are some exclusions under WHMIS
because they are regulated by other acts or
regulations (TDG or FDA). Example- wood and
wood products, Consumer products,
Cosmetic Food and Drug, Pest Control
Products.
•Hazardous Materials being transported under
the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act
Classifications
Does a product meet WHMIS criteria?
The Hazardous Product Act (HPA) deals with 3 types
of hazardous products:
• Prohibited – May not be advertised, sold or imported
(e.g. drywall cement containing asbestos)
• Restricted – Must meet Consumer Chemicals and
Containers regulations. (e.g. Bleach)
• Controlled – Products regulated by WHMIS
legislation (6 classes).
What are Controlled Products?
• Products, materials or substances
that meet the criteria for one or
more of the six WHMIS product
classes.
• some of the classes have divisions and
subdivisions
• Each class has a specific symbol to help
people identify the hazard quickly
WHMIS Classes and Symbols
Class A: Compressed Gas
Class B: Flammable and
Combustible
Material
Class C: Oxidizing Material
WHMIS Classes and Symbols 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
WHMIS Classes and Symbols
Class E: Corrosive Material
Class F: Dangerously
Reactive Material
CONTROLLED PRODUCTS –
Characteristics, Hazards and Precautions
Class A: Compressed Gas
Characteristics:
• Gas inside cylinder is under pressure
Hazards:
• The cylinder may explode if heated
or dropped.
• hazard from both the force of
explosion and the release of its
contents.
• Sudden release of high pressure gas
streams may puncture skin and
cause fatal embolism.
• E.g. Propane, oxygen, acetylene
Class A: Compressed Gas
Precautions
• Transport and handle
with care
• Make sure cylinders are
properly secured
• Store away from
sources of heat or fire
• Use proper regulator
Class B: Flammable & Combustible
Material
Six divisions:
• Division 1: Flammable Gas
• Division 2: Flammable Liquid
• Division 3: Combustible Liquid
• Division 4: Flammable Solid
• Division 5: Flammable Aerosol
• Division 6: Reactive Flammable Material
Class B: Flammable and Combustible
Material
Characteristics:
•
•
•
May burn or explode when
exposed to heat, sparks or
flames
Flammable: burns readily at
room temperature (flash point <
37.8oC)
Combustible: burns when
heated (flash point > 37.8oC)
Class B: Flammable and Combustible
Material
Hazards:
• may ignite spontaneously
• may be a material which will
release flammable products if
allowed to degrade or when
exposed to water
Precautions:
• Store away from Class C
(oxidizing materials)
• Store away from sources of
heat, sparks and flame
• Do not smoke near these
materials may ignite
spontaneously
Class B: Flammable and Combustible
Material
• Flammable Gas: Hydrogen, Butane
• Flammable Liquid: Gasoline
• Combustible Liquid: Diesel Fuel, Organic
solvents
• Flammable Solid: White Phosphorus,
Magnesium
• Flammable Aerosol: flammable propellants
such as propane, butane and dimethyl ether
• Reactive Flammable Material: aluminum
alkyls, metallic sodium and lithium aluminum
hydride
Class C:
Oxidizing Material
Characteristics:
• Can cause other materials to burn or
explode by providing oxygen to support
combustion
Hazards:
• May burn skin and eyes on contact
• Increase fire and explosion hazard
• May cause combustibles to explode or
react violently
• E.g. Hydrogen peroxide, bleach, nitric
acid and ozone
Class C:
Oxidizing Material
Precautions
• Store away from Class B
(flammable and combustible)
materials
• Store away from sources of
heat and ignition
• Wear the recommended
protective equipment and
clothing
Class D, Division 1
Materials Causing Immediate and Serious
Toxic Effects
Subdivision A: Very Toxic Material
Subdivision B: Toxic Material
Characteristics:
• Poisons potentially fatal materials which
cause immediate and severe harm
Hazards:
• May cause immediate death or serious
injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed
through the skin.
• Very small quantities may be harmful
E.g.: Arsenic, hydrogen cyanide, chlorine
gas.
Class D, Division 1
Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic
Effects
Precautions:
• Avoid inhaling gas or vapors
• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Wear the recommended protective
equipment and clothing
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near these
materials
• Wash hands after handling
Class D, Division 2
Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Subdivision A: Very toxic material
Subdivision B: Toxic material
Characteristics:
• Materials which have harmful effects
after repeated exposures or over long
periods of time
Hazards:
•
•
•
May cause death or permanent injury
following repeated or long-term
exposure
May irritate eyes, skin and breathing
passages: may lead to chronic lung
problems and skin sensitivity
May cause liver or kidney damage,
cancer, birth defects or sterility
Class D, Division 2
Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Precautions
• Avoid inhaling gas or vapors
• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Wear the recommended
protective equipment and clothing
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near
these materials
• Wash hands after handling
• E.g.: Asbestos, silica, fiberglass,
coal dust.
Class D, Division 3
Biohazardous Infectious Material
Characteristics:
•
Infectious agents or a biological toxin
causing a serious disease or death
– Includes viruses, yeasts, moulds,
bacteria and parasites which affect
humans
– Includes fluids containing toxic
products
– Includes cellular components
Hazards:
• May cause serious disease resulting in
illness or death.
•
E.g.: E. Coli, salmonella, molds, bacteria,
viruses, parasites, body fluids.
Class D, Division 3
Biohazardous Infectious Material
Precautions:
• Wear the recommended
protective equipment and
clothing
• Work with these materials only
in designated areas
• Disinfect area after handling
• Wash hands after handling
Class E: Corrosive Material
Characteristics:
• Materials that will erode metals
or destroy tissues
Hazards:
• Will burn eyes and skin on contact
• May cause blindness
• Will burn tissues of respiratory tract
if inhaled.
• E.g.: battery acid, hydrochloric acid,
bleach, ammonia
Class E: Corrosive Material
Precautions:
• Store acids and bases in
separate areas
• Avoid inhaling these
materials
• Avoid contact with skin and
eyes
• Wear the recommended
protective equipment and
clothing
Class F: Dangerously Reactive
Material
Characteristics:
•
Materials with may undergo
unexpected reactions under certain
conditions
Hazards:
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•
•
•
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May be chemically unstable
May explode if exposed to shock or
heat
May react with water to release a
toxic or flammable gas.
May vigorously polymerize
May burn unexpectedly
E.g.: Calcium carbide, hydrazine and
benzoyl peroxide
Class F: Dangerously Reactive
Material
Precautions
• Follow manufacturer's
recommendations for storage
(i.e. store away from heat ; avoid
shock and friction)
• Wear the recommended
protective equipment and
clothing
LABELS
Objectives – you should be able to
recognize the following:
• Two types of labels: supplier and
workplace
• Distinctive border used around supplier
label
• 8 possible hazard symbols
• 7 components of a supplier label
• 3 components of a workplace label
Labels
There are two types of WHMIS labels:
• Supplier Labels
-- These are labels that suppliers are required to
display on their products.
• Workplace Labels
-- These are used by employers when supplier labels
are not available.
Supplier Labels
Supplier labels must appear on controlled products in
their original (supplier) containers. These products
include:
• Controlled products sold by Canadian suppliers and
distributors to Canadian work sites.
• Controlled products imported into Canada for use at
Canadian work sites.
• You may refuse to accept a product that arrives at
your work site without the proper label or MSDS.
Supplier Labels
Supplier Labels must contain the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.


Product Identifier (name of the product)
Supplier Identifier (name and address)
Reference to MSDS (statement that it is available)
Hazard Symbols (one or more of the 8 symbols)
Risk Phrases (description of the hazard and the effects of
exposure)
6. Precautionary Measures (instructions for safe handling and use)
7. First Aid Measures (how to treat exposures)
Enclosed in the distinctive WHMIS cross-hatched border
Must be bilingual (English and French)
Supplier Label
TOLUENE
PRODUCT
SULFONIC
IDENTIFIER
ACID
RISK PHRASES:
Highly irritating to skin, eyes, and nose
HEALTH HAZARD DATA:
Strong Acid: Treat as sulphuric acid
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: ACUTE
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
Supplier
identifier
ABC Chemicals
123 Chemical Drive
Chemical City
1-800-CHE-MICAL
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
EYE: Face shield and goggles
GLOVES: Rubber
OTHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT:
Rubber apron, rubber boots
FIRST AID:
EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes. Consult
physician.
SKIN: Flush with water for 15 minutes. Consult
physician.
INGESTION: Do not induce vomiting. Give large
quantities of water. Consult with physician.
Refer to Material Safety
Data Sheet
FRANCAIS AU VERSO
Supplier Label
Small Container Labels
• For Controlled products packaged in
containers less than 100ml, only the
following is required:
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•
•
•
Product Identifier
Supplier Identifier
Hazard symbols
Reference to MSDS
Workplace Labels are Required:
• On controlled products produced and
used in the workplace
• If the label becomes illegible
• If received from a supplier and
transferred to another container*
*Not required if transferred material is
used in its entirety prior to the end of the
work shift and remains under the control
of the worker.
Workplace Labels
Three pieces of information are required on all
workplace labels:
1. Product Identifier
2. Precautionary Measures
3. A reference to MSDS
Workplace Label
Methanol
PRODUCT
IDENTIFIER
Precautions:
Use in well ventilated area
Avoid contact with skin
and eyes
Keep away from spark
and flame
Refer to Material Safety
Data Sheet
FRANCAIS AU VERSO
Workplace Label
Workplace Label
Workplace Labels
• In a few special cases, any form of clear
identification, such as the name of the
product, a color code or a numbering system
may be used instead of a work site label.
These cases include controlled products:
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•
•
•
in pipes, reaction vessels, ore cars
on conveyor belts
in or on other in-plant conveyance systems
transferred into work site containers for use by
one worker only and used up during the shift on
which the container was filled.
RULES FOR LABELING
Part 2 –
Material Safety Data Sheets
• Sent by Suppliers (Legal
Obligation)
• Must be accessible to ALL
workers in the workplace
• Must be kept up to date
(replaced at least every 3
years, old copies MUST be
kept 30 years)
• Must be made available to
doctor in the event of
exposure
• English & French version
(bilingual)
Material Safety Data Sheets
MSDS Sheets contain NINE different kinds of information
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Product Identification & Use
Hazardous Ingredients
Physical Data
Fire or Explosion Hazard
Reactivity Data
6.
7.
8.
9.
Toxicological Properties
Preventative Measures
First Aid Measures
Preparation Information
* Under some circumstances suppliers and employers may withhold
vital product ingredients, which is called a “Trade Secret”.
* This information MUST be given to a medical professional in medical
emergency.
MSDS
1. Product Identification and Use
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•
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Product Identifier
Product Use
Manufacturer’s name
Manufacturer’s address
Supplier’s name
MSDS
2. Composition/information about
ingredients
• The most hazardous controlled ingredients
are listed if they make up more than 0.1% of
the product.
• Other less hazardous, controlled product
ingredients are listed if they make up more
than 1% of the product.
• Lists LD 50, LC 50 and TLV.
LD50 -
Lethal Dose 50%
• LD50 is the amount of a substance that, when
administered by a specific route of entry (e.g. oral or skin
absorption) over a specified period of time, is expected
to cause the death of 50 per cent of a defined test animal
population.
• Expressed as mg/kg.
• The smaller this number is, the more toxic the substance is.
LC50 - Lethal Concentration 50%
• LC50 is the concentration of a substance in air that,
when administered by inhalation over a specified period
of time, is expected to cause the death in 50 per cent of
a defined test animal population.
• Expressed as ppm or mg/m3
• The smaller this number is, the more toxic the substance is.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV)
• TLV (TWA) is an 8-hour time-weighted average
believed to be the average concentration to which
most workers can be exposed during an 8-hour
workday, day after day, without harmful effects.
• TLV (STEL) is a 15 minute short term exposure
limit
• Ceiling (C) is a maximum concentration never to
be exceeded
MSDS
3. Physical Data
The MSDS provides a range of technical data which allows
people to assess how the chemical behaves under differing
situations and plan safe work procedures.
• Physical State: gas, solid, liquid….
• Odor & Appearance: noticeable smell??
• Vapor Pressure: measure of how readily vapors are formed.
Materials with high vapor pressures can be hazardous, particularly in
enclosed areas
• Vapor Density: weight per unit volume of a pure gas or vapour.
• Evaporation Rate: how quickly the material becomes a vapour at
room temperature (i.e. how fast does it become airborne)
MSDS
3. Physical Data
• Boiling point: the temperature which the material
changes form a liquid to a gas
• Freezing point: solid becomes a liquid
• Specific Gravity: is the product heavier or lighter
than air ?? (<1 heavier; >1 lighter)
• Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution: if >1 then the
product mixes better with water and is more likely to
be absorbed by eye or lung tissue; if <1 the product is
more oil soluble and more likely to be absorbed by
the skin
MSDS
4. Fire & Explosion Data
The MSDS provides information on which the workplace can
plan fire prevention and which emergency responders may
need in the event that a fire occurs
• Flammability: Indication of whether the product is flammable
and the conditions under which a fire might occur
• Means of extinction: types of suitable extinguishers
• Flashpoint: lowest temperature at which a liquid or solid gives
off enough vapour to form a flammable air-vapour mixture near
its surface. (Flammable < 37.8oC, combustible > 37.8oC)
• Upper Flammable Limit (UFL): the highest concentration of
gas or vapour which will burn or explode if ignited.
MSDS
4. Fire & Explosion Data
• Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): the lowest
concentration of gas or vapour which will burn or
explode if ignited.
• Auto-Ignition Temperature: the lowest temperature
at which a material begins to burn in air in the
absence of a spark or flame.
• Hazardous Combustion Products: hazardous
products formed when burned
• Explosion Data: will the material burn or explode
upon impact? Is the material sensitive to friction or
static discharge?
MSDS
5. Reactivity Data
WHMIS requires that the supplier provides
information about possible hazardous chemical
reactions that may occur
• Many laboratory chemicals are highly reactive
• Chemical Stability: is the product stable or unstable if
chemical is exposed to:
--other chemicals
-- water
--temperature changes
--shock, vibrations, pressure
• Even some of the trades or custodial chemicals can
react with other chemicals or can react if exposed to
heat or mixed with catalysts or activators
MSDS
6. Toxicological Properties
WHMIS requires the supplier to describe how people
might come into contact with the product and what
the short and long term effects would be if someone
was over-exposed
•
•
•
•
Route of entry into the body
Effects of acute (short term) exposure
Effects of chronic (long term) exposure
Legal exposure limit
MSDS
6. Toxicological Properties
• How will the product enter the body?
Four Routes of Entry:
– Skin contact/skin absorption (e.g. burn from acid)
– Eye contact
– Inhalation
– Ingestion
• How will the product affect your health?
– Exposure limits, irritancy, sensitization
– Carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, reproductive
toxicity, mutagenicity, synergistic products
MSDS
6. Toxicological Properties
•
•
•
•
•
•
Carcinogenicity – cancer causing
Teratogenicity – abnormal reproduction
Embryotoxicity – embryo poisoning
Reproductive toxicity – sterility
Mutagenicity – causes genetic changes
Synergistic materials – materials that should
not be combined because the combination
produces a toxic effect that may not be present
when the materials are kept separate
MSDS
7. Preventative Measures
Supplier lists precautions for safe handling of the
product which should be taken in storing,
handling, using and disposing of the product
This is one of the most useful sections of the MSDS
You should review the information in this section with
your supervisor and assess how appropriate the
supplier's suggestions are in your particular work
situation
MSDS
7. Preventative Measures
• Engineering Controls: equipment needed to prevent
over-exposure
– ventilation, equipment design.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves,
respiratory protection, eye protection, foot wear,
impervious clothing.
• Spill Procedures: PPE for Emergency workers,
control measures (suitable absorbing materials)
MSDS
7. Preventative Measures
• Waste Disposal: waste container design; safe
handling procedures; regulatory requirements
• Storage requirements: temperatures, control source
of ignition, limits on shelf life, special instructions.
• Shipping Information: special containers,
restrictions on what other substances can be carried
with the material.
MSDS
8. First Aid Measures
The MSDS provides first aid information
similar to what is presented on the product
label
• Information on the safe evacuation and
immediate treatment of a person suffering from
overexposure to a controlled product.
• All workers should know where First Aid
stations are and how to use emergency
equipment.
• Medical personnel will need a copy of the
MSDS, or at least label information, to
effectively treat the victim
MSDS
9. Preparation Information
WHMIS regulations require the supplier to indicate:
•Name of the person or Company that produced the
MSDS.
•Contact information for the producer of the MSDS.
•Preparation date of the MSDS, this must be no more than
3 years old and must be updated when new information
about the controlled product becomes available.
Material Safety Data Sheets - Summary
• An MSDS is sent to a company with every new
controlled product it buys.
• MSDS must never be more than 3 years old
(replaced MSDS sheets must be retained for 30
years – please forward to Safety Office).
• MSDS sheets for controlled products at a work
site must be kept in a place where workers have
easy access to them.
• Read them BEFORE using the product
Part 3 –
WHMIS Worker Education Programs
Do all workers require WHMIS education?
• All work-site personnel who work with or
close to controlled products, or who do work
involved in the manufacture of a controlled
product, must be provided with WHMIS
worker education.
Worker Education Programs
WHMIS worker education includes generic and worksite specific programs.
Generic worker education programs include:
• General introduction to WHMIS
• Training in the required content of WHMIS labels and
MSDS
• Training in the purpose and significance of that
information to workers’ health and safety on the job.
Worker Education Programs
Work-site specific education programs include:
• Hazard information
• Product identification used at the workplace
• Procedures for safe use, storage and handling
of controlled products
• Procedures for dealing with emissions and
emergencies at the workplace.
The End
Thank you for participating!!!
Questions? Contact Safety Office
• (786-9894)
Exam – Multiple Choice, approximately 20 minutes
to complete.
Your WHMIS certificate will be sent to you upon
successful completion of the exam.
References:
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•
•
•
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/occup-travail/whmissimdut/ref_man/ref_manual_index_e.html
WHMIS Training, Ryerson University, 2004
http://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_ch007.pdf
http://employment.alberta.ca/documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_ch008.pdf
• And Thank you to the University of
Lethbridge.