Revised November 2011
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WHMIS Stands for…
W
H
M
I
S
2

WHMIS is…
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is a
Canada-wide system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace.
WHMIS standards are coordinated between both Federal and
Provincial governments.
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations sets the WHMIS requirements.
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WHMIS has 3 Main Parts
 Labels – provide information about the hazards of the product
 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – provide further detailed information
 Education – how to use the information provided
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The GOAL is…
 Identify 6 Classes of Controlled Products
 Understand the Main Hazards associated with each class
 Recognize and understand the two types of WHMIS labels
 Understand how to use Material Safety Data Sheets

A Controlled Product is…
A Controlled Product is any substance or material which meets any of the criteria for inclusion in one or more of the six WHMIS Hazard Classes as defined in the Federal
Controlled Product Regulation.
Under WHMIS , there is no comprehensive list of controlled products but only a list of hazard criteria.
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WHMIS Does Not Apply
When WHMIS does not apply there may be another Act or regulation that does.
WHMIS does not apply to controlled products that are:
 Wood or a product made of wood
 Tobacco or a product made of tobacco
 A manufactured item that will not release chemicals
 Products transported under the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Act – for more information regarding TDG: http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/ehso/emanagement/tdg.html

WHMIS Does Not Apply
WHMIS does not apply to products covered by:
 Explosives Act
 Food and Drugs Act
 Pest Control Products Act
 Certain products in the Hazardous Products Act
 Nuclear Safety and Control Act

WHMIS Applies for
WHMIS labels and MSDS are still required for:
Mixtures of radioactive nuclide(s) and a non-radioactive carrier material where:
 The carrier material is greater than 1.0 ml / 1 g
 The carrier material poses a carcinogenic, toxic, reactive, or infectious hazard
For more information regarding Radiation Safety: http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/ehso/rad_safety/index.html

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Physical hazard (120kg)
 Explosive hazard
 Content hazard
Examples
 CO
2 cylinders
 N
2 cylinders
 O
2 cylinders
 acetylene

Hazard Classes & Symbols
 Secure cylinder upright with valve cap on when not in use
 Use gas specific regulator
 Test connections for leaks
 Avoid heat & ignition sources
 Transport using specialized cart
 Store in cool ventilated area

Hazard Classes & Symbols
2
Risks
 Frostbite
 Samples may explode
 Asphyxiation
 Avoid skin contact
 Wear insulated gloves and eye protection
 Store in a well ventilated room
 Transport securely to prevent accidental spillage
 Store Liquid N
2 in a vented dewar

Hazard Classes & Symbols
1. Flammable gas
2. Flammable liquid
3. Combustible liquid
4. Flammable solid
5. Flammable aerosol
6. Reactive flammable material

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Fire hazard – will burn if ignited
 Could ignite spontaneously
 Could ignite upon mixing with water or other chemicals
 Many are poisonous

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Examples
1. Flammable gas – hydrogen, methane
2. Flammable liquid [flash pt <37.8C] – gasoline, ether
3. Combustible liquid [flash pt >37.8C] – kerosene, varsol
4. Flammable solid – magnesium metal, aluminum dust
5. Flammable aerosol – propane, butane, isobutane
6. Reactive flammable material – phosphorus, sodium metal

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Handling and Use
 Avoid contact with flames, heat, & ignition sources
 Cap tightly for storage, vapours are flammable
 Avoid inhalation and skin contact
 Ground and bond when dispensing from 25L container
 Store in flammable storage cabinets if in excess of 50L
 Transport separate from oxidizing materials
 Transport securely using secondary containment

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Increase fire and explosion hazard
 May cause combustibles to explode or react violently
 May burn skin and eyes on contact
 Most are corrosive and poisonous
Examples
 Peroxides
 Nitrates
 Persulfates
 Hypochlorites
(bleach)

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Handling and Use

Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing
 Store away from sources of heat and ignition
 Many oxidizers are shock sensitive, handle carefully
 Store and transport separately from flammables and organics
 Store in non-corroding containers
 Transport securely

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Division 1 – Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects (acute)

Division 2 – Materials Causing Other Toxic
Effects (chronic, delayed)
 Division 3 – Biohazardous Infectious Material
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Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Small quantities may be harmful or lethal
 May be toxic not only if ingested but also if inhaled or absorbed through skin or eyes
 Many acute toxic compounds act as carcinogens at lower levels
Examples
 Carbon monoxide
 All halogens
 Cyanides

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Materials which have harmful effects after repeated exposures or over long periods of time
Damage could include:

Permanent injury or death

Birth defects

Cancer

Organ damage

Sensitization and allergies
Examples
 Asbestos
 Formaldehyde, benzene
 Ammonia

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Infectious materials which may cause disease resulting in illness or death
Examples
 Blood, tissue, and body fluids
 Tissue culture
 Experimental cultures

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Handling and Use
 Wear protective clothing to avoid all exposures: skin, inhalation, ingestion, and injection
 Work in a fume hood or BSC
 Avoid creating dust, vapours, and aerosols
 Obtain appropriate immunizations
 Handle exterior containers as though it is contaminated
 Store and transport securely to prevent accidental spillage

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 Will burn human tissue including skin, eyes, nose mouth, throat & lungs
 Will corrode many lab related materials particularly metals
 Fumes may damage the environment
Examples
 Strong acids & bases
 Hydrogen fluoride
 Hydrogen chloride

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Handling and Use
 Wear appropriate protective clothing
 When possible work in the fume hood
 Open containers slowly
 When diluting acids, always add acid to water
 Store in non-corroding containers, on non-corroding trays
(secondary containers )
 Store away from combustibles, organics, and sources of heat and ignition
 Transport separate from flammables
 Transport securely using secondary containment

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Risks
 May be unstable or vigorously polymerize
 May react with water to release a toxic or flammable gas
 May self-react when shocked or heated
 Highly reactive with incompatible materials
 May burn eyes and skin on contact
Examples
 Ether
 Acrylates
 1,3-butadiene
 Metal azides

Hazard Classes & Symbols
Handling and Use
 Follow MSDS recommendations for use and storage
 Wear protective clothing, especially eye protection
 Open slowly and carefully & use in fume hood
 Ensure lab equipment is clean and free of impurities
 Store away from incompatible chemicals
 Keep away from heat and ignition sources; avoid sudden temperature changes
 May require inhibitors to prevent reaction during storage
 Examine storage containers frequently
 Store & transport securely

Label Types



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Labels
The following must be included on a supplier label:
 Product Name
 WHMIS Symbols
 Risk Phrases
 Precautionary Measures
 First Aid Measures
 MSDS Reference
 Supplier Name
All information must be within a hatched border

Labels
3) Symbol
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Labels
The following must be included on a workplace label:
 Product Name
 Safe Handling Instructions
 MSDS Reference
Flammable, poisonous, harmful vapor
Keep away from heat, sparks, flames
Avoid contact with eyes and skin

Labels
x x x x x
Methanol
Must be present on:
 Products decanted or transferred from an original container
 Product where original label is lost or becomes illegible
 Products produced and used at the workplace
You can print your own WHMIS workplace labels

Labels
The following must be included on a hazardous waste label:
 Product Name
 Concentration
 Hazard

Labels
Waste Tags must:
 Be present on containers that do not have a correct supplier label
 Must list any chemical over 1% or any quantity if it poses a significant hazard
 Use only chemical names (no trade names, abbreviations, or formulas)
Print your own hazardous waste labels

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
 Provides detailed information on the hazards of a controlled product
 An important element for developing safe work procedures and control measures
 Must be provided by the supplier, or If you have created a product, you must prepare a MSDS
 Risk Group 2 and higher biological agents also require a MSDS or a Pathogen Safety Data Sheet (PSDS)
Must be replaced every 3 years
All MSDS must be kept for 30 years
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MSDS
Product Information
This section identifies product name, manufacturer and suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers, and the intended use of the product.
Hazardous Ingredients
This section lists All potentially hazardous ingredients, with the approximate amount (percent), and toxicity data for the individual ingredients. Information regarding the LD50 and LC50 (the amount of a chemical that is expected to kill 50% of a test animal population within a specified time) will also be given. The lower the value the greater the poisoning potential.

MSDS
Physical Data
Provides information on the physical and chemical properties such as odour, boiling point, and vapour density.
Fire or Explosion Hazard Data
Provides the conditions under which the product may catch fire or explode, as well as information for developing strategies and procedures to deal with fire and explosion hazards.
First Aid Measures
Lists the procedures for emergency first aid.

MSDS
Reactivity Data
Provides information regarding stability, self-reactivity, hazardous decomposition products, and conditions to avoid when using the product.
Toxicological Properties
Identifies how the substance can enter the body and the possible health effects from short term (acute) exposures such as irritation, sensitization; and long-term (chronic) such as liver or kidney damage, sensitization, cancer, or reproductive effects. Known exposure limits will also be given.

MSDS
Preventative Measures
Provides preventive measures you can take to protect yourself from exposure including: extra ventilation, personal protective equipment
(PPE), safe use, handling, storage, disposal, transport, and spill control.
Preparation information
Indicated who was responsible for preparation and date of preparation of MSDS. It is 3 years from this date when the MSDS needs to be renewed.
Information may be labeled as Trade Secret if a claim has been filed.
The information is released to medical professionals in case of emergency.

MSDS

MSDS

Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedures
 The University has well established guidelines and procedures to deal with hazardous waste disposal
 EHSO provides hazardous waste disposal services at no charge to the University faculties and departments
 Incorporate waste disposal into lab procedures or experiments
 NO disposal of Hazardous Waste is permitted down the drain or regular trash can
Remember that your end point is someone’s starting point
Refer to the EHSO webpage for details

Spill Clean-up
 If a spill occurs that poses an immediate risk to people, or if someone is injured – it is an EMERGENCY – call 555
 Minor spills should be cleaned up by trained staff
 Spills must never be cleaned up by untrained staff
 Under no circumstance shall caretakers be instructed to clean up any lab spills
 The best time to learn about and practice cleaning up a spill is before it happens – read the MSDS
 EHSO is also available to assist with the cleanup of “non-emergency” spills beyond the capabilities of available staff
Information on spills cleanup can be found on the EHSO website

Chemical Storage
 Organize by compatibility not alphabetically
 Separate each compatible group


In separate cabinets or on separate shelves
Or in secondary containers in same cabinet or shelf
 Make sure all containers are properly closed
 Containers must be labeled and tightly capped

Chemical Storage
Flammables
Bases
Oxidizers
Acids
Store in flammable storage cabinets
Store separately
Store separately
Store in corrosive resistant acid cabinet
EXCEPT: chromic, nitric, and perchloric acids which should be stored separately
Glacial acetic acid should be stored as a flammable

Chemical Storage
Picric Acid and Nitro Compounds
 Dry picric acid may explode if subjected to heat, shock, or friction
(opening the lid)
 Picric acid must be stored under wet.
 Some nitro compounds may have similar requirements
Peroxide Forming Compounds
 Example ethers, dioxanes, sodium amide
 Peroxide formation may be initiated by light or air
 Peroxides are prone to explosive decomposition when subjected to heat, shock, or friction (opening the lid)
Evaluate the conditions of these chemicals regularly
Refer to MSDS for storage and handling requirements

Chemical Storage
Do Not Store:
Oxidizers
Alkali metals
Acetic Acid
Acetone
Hypochlorites
Chlorine
Cyanides (Alkaline)
Potassium chlorate
Chlorates (ClO
3
)
Hydrogen Sulphide
H
2
O
2
Chromic Acid
With:
Flammables
Water, CO
2
, CO, or CCl
4
Chromic, nitric or perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates, or hydroxides i.e. KOH
Concentrated sulphuric or nitric acids
Acids
Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, benzene, petroleum derivatives, or sodium carbides
Acids
Acids
Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulphur, or carbon
Nitric acid
Flammables, Cu, Cr, Fe, or respective salts
Acetic acid, alcohol, naphthalene, glycerine, or other flammable liquids
Annhydrous Ammonia Halogens, Hg, HF, or CaClO
4
Acids (conc.) Bases (conc.)

Chemical Storage
Do Not:
 Do not place heavy materials, liquid chemicals, and large containers above eye level
 Do not store chemicals on the floor
 Do not store items in fume hoods
 Do not expose stored chemicals to direct heat or sunlight

Chemical Inventory
As part of the Manitoba
Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulations, an inventory of chemicals is required at the
University.
The University provides the EHS
Assistant database. It can be accessed from the EHSO website.
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 Hazard information for the controlled products used at your work site
 Safe use, storage and handling of specific controlled products used at your work site
 Dealing with fugitive emissions and emergencies at your work site
 MSDS location