WHMIS

Goal of Training

Canada’s WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) has changed!

New “WHMIS 2015” aligns better with the Globally Harmonized System, (GHS)

WHMIS 2015 is in effect at GGH as of December 1, 2018

The goal of this training is your safety!

Directions… Complete the following modules

• What is WHMIS and why is it important to workers • WHMIS Responsibilities • “WHMIS 2015” – New and Improved • Hazards associated with WHMIS regulated products • WHMIS Hazard Classes & Symbols • WHMOIS Labels • (Material) Safety Data Sheets (M)SDS • Chemical Spill Protocol (Code Brown)

Upon completion of modules, click on “Print Certificate”. Certificate will be emailed to both you and your Director

You may exit and re-enter the course at any time

What is WHMIS and why is it important to workers?

What is WHMIS? Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

WHMIS is Canada-wide legislation that focuses on 4 key aspects of working with hazardous materials:

1. Classification 2. Labels 3. MSDS and SDS 4. Training

The Goal of WHMIS? • To ensure workers receive adequate hazard information about chemicals used

at work

• To ensure workers understand the hazards of the materials they are using / handling, and how to protect themselves

• WHMIS was created to reduce the injuries, illnesses, deaths, medical costs, and damage caused by hazardous materials through training and communication.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do I work with hazardous materials?

• What are they?

• Where can I get the hazard information?

• How am I protected from those hazards?

• What do I do in case of emergency?

WHMIS Responsibilities

Worker Responsibilities: • Participate in training

• Apply knowledge • Know how to obtain an (M)SDS • Ensure you are able to read and understand the information on a

(Material) Safety Data Sheet / (M)SDS

• Always use the (M)SDS information from the to appropriately handle and use hazardous materials

• Use / wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as per the (M)SDS • PPE is available in your department or ask your Director / Supervisor for

locations

Worker Responsibilities:

• Tell your Director / Supervisor (employer) when you don’t have enough information on a controlled product

• This can include missing / illegible labels that require replacement • MSDS / SDS information not being accessible

• Report any hazards and incidents to your Director / Supervisor and complete an “Employee Event” form through the GGH Online Safety Reporting System

Director / Supervisor Responsibilities:

• Ensure worker compliance and knowledge of WHMIS and (M)SDS

• Identifying hazardous materials and ensuring safety measures are in place

• This can include PPE, training for staff on proper use

• Ensure all containers are properly labelled and stored

• Provide (M)SDS access to workers

• Notify staff of applicable WHMIS, (M)SDS updates

WHMIS 2015

*New and Improved*

“Old” WHMIS vs. “New” WHMIS 2015 • WHMIS was implemented Canadian-wide in 1988

• It was updated in 2015 to incorporate the Global Harmonized System (GHS). GHS is an internationally recognized method of categorizing hazardous products

• The updated WHMIS is referred to as “WHMIS 2015” • Transition between old WHMIS and new WHMIS 2015

has been occurring in a phased in approach

How is WHMIS 2015 different?

• New classification rules and hazard classes • A standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (formerly Material Safety

Data Sheets)

• New hazard pictograms • New label requirements

Why GHS is being implemented? The Challenge: Many countries had different systems for classifying chemicals and communicating product hazards. This situation presents problems for global trade, as well as risks to workers from inconsistent or confusing hazard information Without a globally understood standard, countries use very different words to describe the same chemical

Here’s an example of how different countries described the same chemical without GHS: Canada, US, Japan & Korea – Toxic

China – Moderately Toxic New Zealand – Hazardous India – Non-Toxic Australia, Malaysia, & Thailand – Harmful

Why GHS is being implemented? The Solution: GHS is an international initiative to harmonize chemical hazard classification and communication worldwide. Canada has been participating for many years in the development of GHS, and the implementation of GHS helps to:

• Provide consistent hazard information • Allow governments to more efficiently administer and enforce hazard

communication laws • Reduce hazard communication costs and make compliance easier for

suppliers

• Reduce barriers to international trade

I’m confused! Explain the difference… WHMIS 1998:

• Symbols (8) were in black circles on labels

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided workers with information about the product

WHMIS 2015:

• Includes GHS concepts

• New pictograms / symbols (9) • 8 are in Red Diamonds • 1 symbol (biohazard) is in a black circle

• Hazards are broken into Physical Hazards & Health Hazards

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) include more information for workers

Hazards Associated with WHMIS Controlled Products

Physical States of Hazardous Materials Hazardous materials in the workplace exist in a variety of physical states depending on their original state and the type of process they undergo. Physical states can be in the form of Solid, Liquid or Gas.

Example of physical states:

Dusts Smoke Fumes Mist Gases Vapors

How hazardous materials can enter the body…

1. Inhalation • Taken into the body through the lungs

2. Absorption • Taken into the body through the skin

3. Ingestion • Taken into the body orally

4. Injection (direct entry) • Taken into the body through broken skin

Acute vs. Chronic Effects

• ACUTE effects of exposure to hazardous materials occur immediately (or soon after the exposure) and are generally the result of high levels of exposure

• For example: The sudden collapse of a worker who has been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide

Acute Effect • CHRONIC effects are the results of

the body’s attempts to repair itself or compensate for repeated and prolonged exposure to hazardous materials

• For example: Cancer or lung scarring caused by silica dust

Chronic Effect

If a worker suspects they have an illness as a result of a workplace exposure to a physical, chemical or biological agent, they must report it to their Director/Supervisor and Employee Health Services.

WHMIS Hazard Classes and Symbols

Hazard Classifications As an Ontario worker you must be familiar with the hazard classes in both WHMIS 1988 (old) and in WHMIS 2015 (new) as either could appear on an (M)SDS

WHMIS 1998: had 8 classes / symbols

WHMIS 2015: has 9 classes / symbols WHMIS 2015 classes are broken into 2 categories: Physical Hazard & Health Hazard

Symbols

WH

MIS

199

8

WH

MIS

201

5

WHMIS 2015 – Physical Hazards

Hazardous materials are classified into this group based on their physical or chemical properties Flammability, reactivity or corrosiveness are properties that distinguish this group

From the symbols reviewed on the previous slide, the following fall under the “Physical Hazard” Classification of WHMIS 2015

WHMIS 2015 – Health Hazards

Hazardous materials are classified into this group based on their ability to cause health effects such as eye irritation, respiratory sensitization, or cancer

From the symbols reviewed previously, the following fall under the “Health Hazard” Classification of WHMIS 2015

Compressed Gas

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Flammable and Combustible Materials

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Oxidizing Materials

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Poisonous & Infectious Materials/ Acutely Toxic or Fatal Materials

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Health Hazard and Exclamation Mark Pictogram

Health Hazard Exclamation Mark

• Carcinogenicity • Germ Cell Mutagenicity • Reproductive toxicity • Respiratory sensitization • Target organ toxicity • Aspiration toxicity

• Irritant (skin or eyes) • Skin sensitization • Acute toxicity • Specific target organ

toxicity • Respiratory tract irritation • Hazard to Ozone Layer

Biohazardous Infectious Materials

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015 Use the same symbol

Corrosion

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Explosive Materials

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Environmental Hazard

This symbol may appear on a label or (M)SDS even though not formally integrated into WHMIS

WHMIS Labels

Overview of WHMIS Labels:

• Labels are used to communicate important information about hazardous materials. • They are there to protect you and others. Health problems can result from

exposure to certain substances. Safety hazards such as fire or explosion can result from improper material handling and/or storage

• ALWAYS read the label when using a controlled or consumer product; the supplier

may have changed the contents and that may affect specific hazards

Supplier Labels Labels are an important means of communicating safety information. WHMIS 2015 uses:

New hazard pictograms Signal words Standardized hazard statements and precautionary statements

Supplier labels are the PRIMARY method of providing information to people using hazardous substances. They must be placed on all containers of hazardous products that are sold or supplied to the workplace.

WHMIS 2015

WHMIS (1998)

WHMIS 2015 Supplier Labels Require…

1. Product identifier: matching the product identifier on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

2. Signal word: either “Danger” (severe) or “Warning” (less severe)

3. Hazard statement: describes the nature of the product’s hazards

4. Precautionary statements: describes recommended measures to minimize adverse effects resulting from exposure

5. Supplier identification: the manufacturer/supplier name, address and telephone number

6. Pictograms: symbols intended to convey specific hazard information

Workplace Labels Required when a supplier label is illegible/defaced or product is decanted, workplace labels must contain:

product identifier safe handling of the product reference to an available (M)SDS

There are two situations when a workplace label is not necessary. When a hazardous product is:

• poured into a container and will be used immediately, or • under the control of the person who decanted it.

Workplace Labels – How to obtain at GGH

(Material) Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets • Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is the term used under

WHMIS 1988. In WHMIS 2015, we use Safety Data Sheet

(SDS). As the transition occurred from old to new WHMIS,

they referenced as (Material) Safety Data Sheets / (M)SDS

• (M)SDS describe the properties, potential hazards and

safe use of a particular material or product, and provides

information to be used to implement effective procedures

and controls

Safety Data Sheet Sections

1. Identification

2. Hazard Identification

3. Composition/information on ingredients

4. First-aid measures

5. Fire-fighting measures

6. Accidental release measures

7. Handling and storage

8. Exposure controls / Personal protection

9. Physical and chemical properties

10. Stability and reactivity

11. Toxicological information

12. Ecological information

13. Disposal considerations

14. Transport information

15. Regulatory information

16. Other information

The following are the sections that can be found on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that help provide information related to the chemical/controlled product being used

(M)SDS on the Intranet Safety Data Sheets can be found on the Intranet, under tools-- MSDS

(M)SDS on the Intranet 1. Enter the chemical name or manufacturer into the search bar. 2. Click on the Search icon to begin search

3. Locate the correct SDS Review the chemical name & manufactures. Pick the one you have in YOUR department.

Always verify the information against the product label!

(M)SDS on the Intranet 4. Once you find the right SDS, click on the PDF symbol to view 5. View the SDS: The SDS will appear in a new screen, with options to view, save or print

Chemical Spill Protocol (Code Brown)

Chemical Spill - What to do… All Spills (small or large):

• Ensure you and those around you are safe

• Make others aware of the spill, and leave the area (if required)

• Determine what the chemical spilled is. If you were not the user of the chemical, ask those around you if they know what it is

– Stay safe! If you don’t know what it is, you don’t know the risks!

Chemical Spill - What to do…

Assistance with clean-up required:

• Call a Code Brown: Call 5555 (Code Phone – answered by Switchboard) and inform operator of CODE BROWN with the exact location of the spill

• Retrieve (M)SDS for chemical spilled. You will want to reference the (M)SDS information on clean-up measures, PPE & safety information.

• Assign someone to put on the “Code Team Lead” vest from the emergency measures box

• Hospital Response Team will come to provide assistance and supplies for the clean up. The Code Team Lead / Department where spill has occurred is to provide guidance to the Hospital Response Team on based on the SDS information and your knowledge of the product.

No assistance with clean-up required:

If you can safely clean up the spill on your own using the (M)SDS, a Code Brown is not required.

WHMIS Reminders

Before using a product, you need to know: Safe use, handling, storage and disposal Control measures including PPE Where to find information about the product

Secondary/decanted containers must have a workplace label

Remember, when in doubt – find it out!

Talk to your Director/Supervisor.

QUIZ

As an employee it is your responsibility to take sufficient measures to protect your health and safety as well as others

A) TRUE B) FALSE

Supplier and workplace labels are identical and provide the same information

A) TRUE B) FALSE

When a hazardous product label becomes illegible what must be done?

A) Identify the product and affix a new label immediately B) Identify the product with a black marker C) Make sure the product is used immediately and

dispose of the container

In what section of the (M)SDS would you find “Personal Protective Equipment” needed to handle a product?

A) Product information B) Fire or explosion hazard C) Preventative measures, personal protection D) Hazard symbols

The purpose of the (M)SDS is to:

A) Give more information than found on a label B) Identify hazardous ingredients C) Give information on protective equipment and emergency procedures D) Provide disposal and clean up information E) All of the above F) None of the above

This symbol means:

A) Flammable gases, liquids and solids B) Substances and mixtures that can produce flammable gases when in

contact with water C) Item may be hot D) Options A & B E) All of the above F) None of the above

This symbol means:

A) Health hazard B) Radioactive C) Can cause or suspected of causing serious health effects D) Options A & C E) All of the above F) None of the above

This symbol means:

A) Hazardous product that could cause less serious health affects then those of the “Health Hazard” symbol

B) Pay attention C) All of the above D) None of the above

Where in the hospital can you find (M)SDS:

A) Switchboard B) GGH Intranet, under “Tools” C) Every department has their own D) Call the Health & Safety Officer

When a chemical spills I should:

A) Clean it up myself with paper towel B) Ensure clean-up is done in accordance with the (M)SDS C) Call a Code Brown if I can’t safely clean it up myself and require

assistance D) All of the above E) Options B & C