Mount Royal University
1
You will go through this training material and at the
end take a Quiz. Upon getting 80% or more in the
quiz, you can obtain a certificate from your instructor
which validates your WHMIS training completion.
Mount Royal University
2
WHMIS –It stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System. It is a Canada-wide hazard
communication system, created to ensure that the
workers are well informed about the safety and health
hazards associated with the materials used at the
workplace and thus maintain a safe work place.
Safety first – that’s the key to WHMIS. And everyone
shares in the responsibility for creating a healthy and
safe workplace. Suppliers of hazardous products,
employers and you (worker).
Mount Royal University
3
Hazardous materials are also called “controlled
products”. WHMIS roles for the supplier, employer and
worker are listed here. Suppliers are responsible for
providing product information as:
- Labels on original containers
- Current information sheets called Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS).
Together, Labels and MSDSs tell you how to safely
handle controlled products – and what to do in
emergencies.
Mount Royal University
4
Employers are responsible for a safe and healthy
workplace. This includes:
- Teaching you about WHMIS labels and MSDSs.
- Training you to safely handle controlled products in
your work area.
- Obtaining MSDSs from suppliers and making it easy
for you to find MSDSs in your work area.
- Ensuring all controlled products is properly labelled.
Mount Royal University
5
Workers who deal with controlled products are
responsible for:
- Participating in training provided by employers.
- Using information to handle products safely and to
protect the health and safety of themselves and coworkers.
- Assisting employers by informing them when there is
not enough information available on a product.
Mount Royal University
6
In the following document, you can explore detailed
information about:
- WHMIS hazardous categories (classes) and their
symbols
- WHMIS product labels
- WHMIS Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
Mount Royal University
7
Hazard symbols give you a quick, visual warning.
They appear on the Supplier Labels of controlled
products and describe the hazard(s) of the material
you are using. Hazard symbols always appear as
pictures within a circle. But colour may vary from label
to label.
In total, there are eight hazard symbols. On each
WHMIS Supplier Label, there must be at least one
symbol shown. Note: some laboratory product labels
do not require the WHMIS hazard symbols.
Mount Royal University
8
The eight hazard symbols present the six WHMIS categories. All
controlled products will fall into one or more of these categories:
Class A Compressed Gas
Class B Combustible and Flammable Material
Class C Oxidizing Material
Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material
Division 1 – Materials causing Immediate and Serious Toxic
Division 2 – Materials causing Other Toxic Effects
Division 3 – Biohazardous Infectious Material
Class E Corrosive Material
Class F Dangerously Reactive Material
Mount Royal University
9
The controlled product can be any gas or liquid stored in a
container, vessel, or a pipeline which is under pressure.
There is a danger explosion if the container is heated,
bumped, dropped, damaged or punctured.
Mount Royal University
10
Examples of compressed gas include:
- oxygen
- hydrogen
- helium
- butane
- propane
- spray paint
Mount Royal University
11
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Handle compressed gas containers very carefully.
- Keep compressed gas containers away from flames, heat
and static electricity.
- Maintain containers in their proper position (for example,
secure oxygen tanks on their stands so they don’t tip
over).
Mount Royal University
12
These controlled products are gases, solids, or liquids that
may burn or explode. Explosions or fires can occur if there
is exposure to: flames, sparks, heat, friction, static
electricity or lighted cigarettes.
Some of these materials burn easily at room temperature,
whereas others burn when they are heated.
Mount Royal University
13
Examples of flammable and combustible material include:
- Butane
- Propane
- Hydrogen
- Gasoline
- Kerosene
- Diesel fuel
- Barbecue starter fluid and solids
Mount Royal University
14
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Always store and handle flammable and combustible
materials away from flames, sparks and heat sources.
- Store flammable and combustible materials away from
other similar products.
- Keep the containers tightly closed.
Mount Royal University
15
The controlled product supports the burning of other
material by providing Oxygen. The can occur under normal
conditions when the product is heated, or when it is mixed
with another chemical such as an acid.
Mount Royal University
16
Examples of oxidizing material include:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
- Oxygen
- Nitrous oxide
- Garden fertilizers
Mount Royal University
17
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Keep oxidizing materials away from combustible
materials (for example, paper, wood, solvents, dry linen).
- Keep oxidizing materials away from flames, sparks and
sources of heat.
- Be sure that the storage area has adequate ventilation.
Mount Royal University
18
A person exposed to these controlled products can suffer
rapid (or acute) injury or death. Exposure can occur by
swallowing the product, absorbing it through the skin or
eyes, or by breathing it in.
Mount Royal University
19
Examples, of materials that cause immediate and serious
toxic effect include:
- Hydrogen sulphide gas (sour gas)
- Formaldehyde
- Chlorine
- Cyanide
- Strychnine
- Other fast-acting poisons
Mount Royal University
20
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Use extreme caution.
- Store this type of material only in specifically marked
areas.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment which
using controlled products.
- Wash after handling.
- Ensure that ventilation is adequate.
Mount Royal University
21
This type of controlled product can irritate the skin, eyes
and breathing system.
Included in this class are chemicals which can cause
illness, usually after repeated exposures of small amounts
over a long period of time. This is called “chronic”
exposure. These products may cause cancer, birth
defects, sensitization and chemical allergies.
Mount Royal University
22
Examples of materials causing other toxic effects include:
- Asbestos...may cause asbestosis or lung cancer after
20 – 25 years of exposure
- Glutaraldehyde...is a possible skin sensitizer and a
strong irritant to the skin, eyes and breathing system
- Window cleaner...can irritate your nose and eyes if
vapours are strong enough
Mount Royal University
23
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Avoid contract with skin and eyes.
- Do not breathe in vapours.
- Use proper ventilation (e.g. Local exhaust, fume hoods).
- Store only in specifically marked areas.
- Wear proper personal protective equipment.
Mount Royal University
24
This type of controlled product is any material containing
bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may cause disease.
Mount Royal University
25
Examples of biohazardous infectious material include:
- Blood and plasma
- Tissue samples
Mount Royal University
26
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Wear gloves for handling.
- Wear a face shield or mask if exposure from splashing or
breathing it in is possible.
- Wash your hands when finished.
- Avoid contact with contaminated needles and sharps.
- Keep containers closed when not in use.
Mount Royal University
27
This type of controlled product is any solid, liquid, gas or
vapour that can burn living tissue and will eat through
materials such as metal.
Exposure can affect your eyes, skin or breathing system. If
exposure is severe enough, permanent damage may
result.
Mount Royal University
28
Examples of corrosive materials include:
- Acids
- Bases
- Bleach
- Chlorine gas
- Anhydrous ammonia
- Oven cleaners
- Toilet bowl cleaners
Mount Royal University
29
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Use proper personal protective equipment to minimize
contact with skin and eyes.
- Use proper ventilation.
- Or, use respiratory protection to avoid breathing vapours.
- Close containers tightly.
- Store in specified containers because these products
usually react with metals.
Mount Royal University
30
This type of controlled product may react violently, give off
heat and toxic gases or vapours, or change its physical or
chemical state to a more toxic and hazardous product.
A reaction can be caused by contact with water or other
chemicals, shock or exposure to light.
Mount Royal University
31
Examples of dangerously reactive materials include:
- Picric acid…explosive when dry.
Mount Royal University
32
For safe use, handling and storage:
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves, apron, goggles
or face shield as needed.
- Keep containers closed and open with care.
- Store in specified areas.
- Keep products that should not be mixed, apart from each
other.
- Keep containers away from heat, light and shock.
Mount Royal University
33
Mount Royal University
34
WHMIS Supplier Labels have a special “cross-hatched
border” to warn that you are using a controlled product.
Supplier Labels are attached to the original containers by
manufacturers and describe the products’ dangers and
basic safety precautions. The order of the information may
vary, but all of it must be included.
Supplier Labels should be written in English and French,
with the exception of some laboratory product labels.
Mount Royal University
35
Remember, Supplier Labels are placed on the original
containers in which products are shipped. (If the product is
moved into a different container, a Workplace Label must
be used).
Mount Royal University
36
Cross-hatched border
WHMIS Supplier labels have a “cross-hatched border” to
warn that you are handling a controlled product. This
border surrounds important information about the product.
And the border colour may change from product to
product. Note: laboratory product labels are not always
required to have a WHMIS border.
The cross-hatched border is the most visible warning for a
controlled product.
Mount Royal University
37
Product Name
The identification of a product includes any of the
following: the common name, the chemical name, the
trade name, the generic name or the brand name.
Mount Royal University
38
Reference to MSDS
The reference to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is
a standard statement one each label. It tells you that the
Supplier has prepared a MSDS – and that the MSDS
should be available in your work area. The MSDS contains
more detailed information about all aspects of safe
handling, use and storage.
Be sure to read the MSDS before using a controlled
product.
Mount Royal University
39
WHMIS Symbols
One or more WHMIS symbols may be printed on the
Supplier label. WHMIS symbols give a you a quick way to
know the major hazards.
Note: some laboratory product labels are not required to
have symbols.
Mount Royal University
40
Risk phrases
Rise phrases tell you about any hazards associated with
the product.
First aid Treatment
Information in this section describes what to do in case of
accidental exposure to the product.
Mount Royal University
41
Precautions
Precautions are the steps you should take in handling,
using and storing hazardous materials. You must take
these precautions to protect your health and that of your
co-workers.
Supplier name
This is the name of the Supplier and the city where its
main business office is located.
Mount Royal University
42
Workplace Labels are used when a controlled product is
moved from its original container or when the Supplier
Label is damaged or torn. (Supplier Labels are attached to
the original containers).
As a minimum, Workplace Labels must have three pieces
of information: product name, safe handling instructions
and a reference to the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS).
Mount Royal University
43
Mount Royal University
44
Product Name
The identification of a product includes any of the
following: the common name, the chemical name, the
trade name, the generic name or the brand name.
Safe handling instructions
Precautions are the steps you should take in handling,
using and storing hazardous materials. You must take
these precautions to protect your health and that of your
co-workers.
Mount Royal University
45
Reference to MSDS
The reference to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is
a standard statement on each label. It tells you that the
Supplier has prepared a MSDS – and the MSDS should be
available on your work area.
The MSDS contains more detailed information about all
aspects of safe handling, use and storage of controlled
products. Be sure to read the MSDS before using any
controlled product.
Mount Royal University
46
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a supplements
information on labels.
It contains detailed information about a controlled product
including what the product is, its hazards, how to protect
yourself and what to do in an emergency.
The Manufacturer or Supplier of the controlled product is
responsible for providing up-to-date MSDSs. They are
dated and should always be less than three years old.
Also, if the product information should ever change, the
Manufacturer or Supplier must provide this new
information to purchasers within 90 days.
Mount Royal University
47
Your employer is responsible for obtaining MSDSs and
making them available in your work area.
The MSDSs must be available to all workers on every
shift. They should never be locked up in a Supervisor’s
office.
You are responsible for reading MSDSs and labels for the
controlled products that you use on the job.
Remember: read MSDSs and product labels before you
use controlled product. It’s the easiest way to protect your
health and safety.
Mount Royal University
48
Mount Royal University
49
MSDS should contain at least 9 pieces of information.
1. Product Information
Use the name, address and telephone number to contact
the manufacturer/supplier for more information. Before you
use a controlled product for the first time, it’s a good idea
to read the MSDS. Then you’ll be sure it’s available if
needed.
2. Hazardous ingredients
This section identifies the product ingredients, their
concentration, and an estimate of how toxic they are.
Mount Royal University
50
3. Physical data
This section contains information that describes the normal
state of the product – its colour small and form.
4. Fire or Explosion hazard
This section describes the product’s potential to catch fire
or explode. It also tells you what conditions to avoid, and
how to put out a fire if one should occur.
5. Reactivity data
This section tells you if the product is stable. It also lists
other chemicals that can cause a reaction with this one.
Mount Royal University
51
6. Toxicological properties
The section describes the harmful health effects that result
from the exposure.
7. Precautions
This section describes how to protect yourself when
handling, storing or disposing of the product. It also has
instructions for cleaning up in case of a spill.
Mount Royal University
52
8. First aid Treatment
This section tells you what to do immediately after a
worker is injured by the product. It’s very important to know
these steps before you use the product.
9. Preparation information
The date shows when this MSDS was created.
Remember, each MSDS must be updated every three
years. If you find an MSDS that is older than three years,
make sure your employer asks the Supplier for an updated
one.
Mount Royal University
53
What you learnt here is important because it protects you
and those around you from preventable calamities in the
lab/ work site.
WHMIS is law! It became law effective on October 31,
1988 and it applies to all of Canada.
Mount Royal University
54
Mount Royal University
55