WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Right to

WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

“Right to Know” Worker’s have access to information through their employer.

Purpose of WHMIS • Provides Information on Hazardous Materials used in Workplace • Facilitates the Process of Hazard Identification • Ensures Consistency of Information in all Canadian Workplaces

Legislation Federal – Bill C-70 – Part of the Canada Labour Coded Provincial – Bill 79 – Ontario Reg. 644/88 – Occupational Health & Safety Act – Policed by Ministry of Labour

Exemptions From WHMIS • Explosives • Drugs • Pesticides • Radioactive Materials • Hazardous Wastes • Products being transported – T. D. G. Act • Consumer Products/Tobacco/Manufactured Articles

Three Components of WHMIS • Labels – Supplier Label – Workplace Label • Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) • Worker Education

Duties of the Supplier • Classify Product • Apply Supplier Label • Provide Material Safety Data Sheet • Update MSDS’s at least every 3 years

Duties of the Employer • Conduct Workplace Inventory • Ensure Proper Labeling is Used • Label Piping Systems/Vessels/Reactors • Maintain and Make Available MSDS’s • Train Workers

Duties of a Worker • Report missing or damaged labels or MSDS’s • Participate in Training • Apply Knowledge and Training

WHMIS Hazard Classifications

Class A • Compressed Gas – Any Hazardous Material that is contained under pressure including compressed gas, dissolved gas, or liquefied gas

Compressed Gas Cylinders • store and transport with safety cap • comply with storage restrictions • DO NOT store fuel gas with oxygen • secure in an upright position • use in a well ventilated area

Class B • Flammable and Combustible Material – Flammable Gases – Flammable and Combustible Liquids – Flammable Solids – Flammable Aerosols – Reactive Flammable Material • Methanol, Toluene, Butane, Acetone

Flammable Materials • Store liquids in Flammable Storage Cabinet • Explosion-proof fixtures required • NEVER store with oxidizers • Keep away from heat, ignition sources, and direct sunlight • Use static lines when transferring

Class C • Oxidizing Material – Any Hazardous Material which causes or contributes to the combustion of another material by giving oxygen or some other oxidizing substance, whether or not it is combustible. – Organic Peroxides • Chlorates, Nitric Acid, Peroxides, Permanganates, Perchlorates, Nitrites, Nitrates

Oxidizers • Easily oxidize metal powders, organic materials • Segregate from other materials, such as organic solvents • PPE and/or explosion barriers may be required

Class D 1 • Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects – Materials which are potentially fatal or may cause permanent damage if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin, or may burn the skin or eyes upon contact

Class D 2 • Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Material causing other chronic or long term effects – Material which may • cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over an extended period of time; • may be an irritant to the skin, eyes, or respiratory system; • may cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility.

Class D 3 • Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Biohazardous and Infectious Materials – Materials which may cause disease in humans and animals, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi; may also include cultures and diagnostic specimens such as blood, urine, and body tissue.

Class E • Corrosive Material – Material which may corrode aluminum and steel or human flesh – Material which are anhydrous corrosive gases

Inorganic Acids • Sulfuric Acid, Nitric Acid, Perchloric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid • Segregate from bases and organic compounds • Store in a ventilated acid cabinet • Know the location of eye washes and safety showers • Store on lower shelves

Bases • Sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide • Segregate from acids and organic compounds • Store in a ventilated cabinet • Know the location of eye washes and safety showers • Store on lower shelves

Class F • Dangerously Reactive Material – Materials which undergo vigorous polymerization, decomposition, or condensation – Materials which become self-reactive under conditions of shock, or increased temperature or pressure – Materials which react vigorously with water to produce a very toxic gas

WHMIS Labels

Supplier Label • Product Identifier • Hazard Symbols • Border • Bilingual • Risk Phrases and Precautions • First Aid • Safe Handling Precautions • Reference to MSDS • Supplier Information

Workplace Label • Product Identifier • Safe Handling Precautions • Reference to MSDS

Workplace Label Uses • Transfer of material from a Supplier Labelled container to another container • Replacement of a damaged Supplier Label

MSDS Contents • Hazardous Ingredients • Product Information • Preparation Information • Physical Data • Fire & Explosion Hazard • Reactivity Data • Toxicological Properties • Preventative Measures • First Aid Measures