WHMIS TRAINING Workplace Hazard Material

Information System

OBJECTIVES

After completion of this course, you should be able to

understand:

• How to determine the hazards associated with the product(s) that you are using?

• How do you protect yourself?

• Where do you go to get more information on this product?

Introduction to WHMIS

Everyday thousands of workers are exposed to hazardous materials. There

are many severe health problems that come with exposure to hazardous

materials some of which include: • Burns • Allergic Reactions • Sterility • Lung and Kidney damage • Cancer • Heart Attacks.

• Other dangers from hazardous materials can cause fires or

explosions.

WHMIS Stands for:

• Workplace • Hazardous • Material • Information • System

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) has been developed to provide specific health and safety information on hazardous materials called controlled products.

• WHMIS provides information about many controlled products used in the workplace with the goal to reduce injuries and disease by laying out specific health and safety protocols about controlled products and therefore reducing exposure to hazardous materials in or around the workplace.

WHMIS Classifications

• The WHMIS system classifies hazards into 6 different

Hazard Classes.

• These hazard classes are depicted by 8 Hazard Symbols.

• Hazard symbols are used to identify the specific hazard associated with the controlled product.

The WHMIS Symbols

• We are now going to take a closer look at the 6 Classes and 8 symbols. HINT: Pay attention!

Class A: Compressed Gas

It is important to know that these containers cannot be stored or placed near heat or dropped as this may cause the container to explode.

Examples of Class A – Compressed Gases would be: Propane, Oxygen and Acetylene.

Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material

Class B is made up of solids, liquids and gases that are capable of catching on fire by means of spark or open flame in normal working conditions.

Examples include: Butane, Gasoline or Acetone.

Class C: Oxidizing Material

The main hazard with these products is the risk of

fire when they come into contact with flammable or combustible materials.

Examples include hydrogen peroxide or compressed oxygen.

Class D: Poisonous and Infectious Material

• Class D is separated into 3 divisions as follows:

D1: Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects.

These materials in small amounts can cause immediate injuries or death to a person.

Examples include: Hydrogen Sulphide or Sodium Cyanide.

D-2: Materials causing other toxic effects.

These materials can cause serious long-term health problems and severe immediate reactions to the material over long periods of time when being exposed to small amounts repeatedly.

D-3: Biohazardous Infectious Material

Biohazardous Infectious materials contain dangerous micro-organisms that can be extremely harmful to humans.

Examples Include: Salmonella bacteria and Hepatitis B

Class E: Corrosive Material

Corrosive materials are acids and caustics that can burn and destroy skin or eat through metals.

Examples Include: Hydrochloric acid or nitric acid.

Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material

When exposed to temperature, pressure or shock these material may explode. They also carry a risk of self-reacting or releasing poisonous gases when exposed to water.

Examples Include: Butadiene and some cyanides.

WHMIS Labels

• Another important part of the WHMIS system is the use of labels on controlled products.

• There are 2 types of labels used in WHMIS

• Supplier Labels

• Workplace Labels

• The purpose of WHMIS labels are to: • Alert the worker of any hazards with the controlled products.

• Provide safe work procedures.

• Inform the worker of First Aid information.

Supplier Labels

• Any controlled product that is sold or used in the workplace must have a supplier label attached to the container. It is the supplier who produces or imports the controlled products that must comply to this WHMIS legislation.

Example of supplier

Label for Methanol

Workplace Labels

It is the responsibility of the employer to supply workplace labels when necessary.

• There are 3 types of information that must be written on workplace labels:

1. Product identifier.

2. The specific handling requirements and the types of personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to handle the controlled product.

3. Reference to MSDS.

Workplace Labels

• When does a workplace label have to be used? • When the controlled product is transferred to a different or secondary

container that does not have a supplier label on it, or the supplier label is no longer readable or missing.

Example of a Workplace label for Acetone.

Material Safety Data Sheets

• An MSDS provides the following information:

• Emergency and First Aid procedures

• Specific hazard information

• Safe handling procedures

• Detailed information about health, safety, and hazards for each individual controlled product.

• WHMIS legislation dictates what information needs to be on

an MSDS and has stipulated 9 sections of information

required.

The 9 Information Sections

1. Product Information: Identifies the controlled product, the manufacturer and the supplier for its intended use. It will also show the manufacturer and supplier contact information which is important in case of emergency.

2. Hazardous Ingredients: This section will list the specific chemical names, percentages and acute toxicity data for the individual components that make up the controlled product.

3. Physical Data: Displays general information on the physical and chemical properties such as boiling points and evaporation rates.

4. Fire and Explosion Hazard: Lists the conditions that can make the controlled product explode or ignite into flames. This section will also list procedures to follow if the product does explode or catch on fire.

5. Reactivity Data: Lists other substances that should not be mixed with the controlled product to prevent dangerous reactions.

6. Toxicological Properties: Identifies how the product enters the body and the health effects from single or repeated exposure. It will also state known long-term health damage such as kidney, liver, lung, cancer or reproductive effects.

7. Preventative Measures: Lists what to do if there is a spill of the controlled product, types of personal protective equipment (PPE) to use and how to safely store, handle, transport and dispose of the product.

8. First Aid Measures: If a worker is injured from inhaling, swallowing or absorption through the skin or eyes from the product, this section will list specific instructions for immediate treatment.

9. Preparation Information: Announces the date the MSDS were made and who prepared it.

Where to find MSDS’s

• Each division manager at BUSU will maintain a binder with all necessary MSDS for their department and keep it in an accessible location.

• A Master MSDS binder for all controlled products found within BUSU will be maintained and located at the reception desk.

• MSDSs must be made available to workers on shift at all times.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Specialized clothing or equipment worn by employees for protection

against health and safety hazards. Personal protective equipment is designed to protect many parts of the body including eyes, face, hands and feet.

• Examples of PPE you may be required to

wear in the course of your employment at

BUSU include Aprons, gloves, or safety glasses.

Quiz Time!!

• Time to test your knowledge.

• Click on BUTTON BELOW to complete your test. You must get 70% or higher to pass.