Chemistry WHMIS and Safety Hazardous Material Symbols Labels

Chemistry WHMIS and Safety

Hazardous Material Symbols Labels & Symbols are used to indicate hazardous materials. Why Symbols? They are universal – All languages understand

What do these symbols mean?

2 Sets of Symbols 1. HHPS (hazardous household product symbols) 2. WHMIS (workplace hazardous material information system)

HHPS - 4 Different Symbols = Poison = Flammable = Explosive = Corrosive

HHPS – Degree of Danger = Caution = least dangerous = Warning = medium level danger = Danger = most dangerous

Putting it all together…

(WHMIS) Used in all workplaces to indicate dangerous materials.

WHMIS = Compressed Gas – May explode near heat or fire. Examples – aerosol cans, propane tank

WHMIS = Flammable – May burst into flames. Examples – gasoline, natural gas

WHMIS = Oxidizing Material – May explode when it comes in contact with combustible materials. Examples – bleach

WHMIS = Corrosive Material – May cause eye and skin irritation or burns. Examples – battery acid, hydrochloric acid

WHMIS = Dangerously Reactive – May cause severe reactions when exposed to water or heat. Examples – nitroglycerine (dynamite), potassium

WHMIS = Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects – May cause death Examples – cyanide, arsenic

WHMIS = Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Other Toxic Effects – May eventually cause death birth defects, cancer or sterility. Examples – lead, mercury

WHMIS = Poisonous & Infectious Materials -Biohazardous Infectious Material – May cause an infectious disease Examples – coronavirus (SARS), HIV (AIDS)

What is an MSDS? Material Safety Data Sheet Has more information on each individual chemical

What Now? Look at your own MSDS for a chemical in our lab. Tomorrow: Finish Safety and start Chemistry