Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a nation-wide (Canadian) communications
system that provides information about hazardous materials, which are produced,
sold in, imported to, or used within workplaces.
The system has three
components that provide you with information about the materials you work with,
about the physical agents you are exposed to and the hazards that exist in the
working environment.
- Labels
- Material Safety Data Sheets
- Worker Education Programs
WHMIS was enacted
federally in 1987, and has been implemented in all provinces and territories
through a combination of federal and provincial legislation. In Ontario, WHMIS
is a legislated requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Because the school board
is a workplace, the employer must ensure that employees are provided with
information necessary to protect themselves when using hazardous products in
the workplace.
Using the information
provided by the WHMIS system, suppliers, employers and workers can work
together to minimize the risks of hazardous materials in the workplace.
Objectives
In
this course you will learn:
- The meaning of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and how it works
- The responsibilities of the supplier, employer and worker
- The classes of hazardous materials
- The effects of hazardous materials.
- Appropriate emergency responses for a variety of hazardous materials
- How to read and interpret standardized WHMIS labelling, marking and other identification methods
- How to read and interpret WMIS Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- How to improve safe working conditions and safe work practices
Overview
This course is divided
into seven modules:
There is a self-test at
the end of each module. When you have gone through all the modules, write
the final exam. The results will be sent to Geet, who will decide whether
you pass or fail! (In our case, you will complete the Assign 2 quiz, corrected
by your instructor)
Module 1:
What is WHMIS?
WHMIS is a nation-wide legislated system of communication to
provide information about the hazards of materials produced, sold in,
imported to, or used within the workplace.
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WHMIS requires
manufacturers and suppliers of controlled products to provide information to
employers and employees about:
- Whether a controlled product is
hazardous
- The associated risks
- How the material should be stored, handled, used and disposed of safely
There are three key
communication components of WHMIS:
Standardized
Warning Labels
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Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
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Employee
Education
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Stakeholder Responsibilities
Supplier -
- Classify all products intended
for use in a Canadian workplace to determine if supplier labelling and
MSDS requirements apply.
- Provide hazard information through standardized labels and MSDS's on all controlled products or containers of controlled products.
- Where the employer imports a
product directly into the workplace from a source outside Canada, that
employer is considered to be the supplier and has the classification
responsibilities of a supplier.
- Ensure that all containers of
controlled products in the workplace have WHMIS labels, identifiers and
MSDS's.
- Ensure that MSDS's are
up-to-date (no more than three years old, and are readily available to
employees.
- Ensure that an annual chemical
inventory is done and available to emergency personnel and employees.
- Provide effective worker education to ensure an understanding of the WHMIS labels, MSDS's, and precautionary measures concerning hazardous materials.
- Participate in training
provided by the employer and follow WHMIS regulations.
- Handle controlled products in a
safe manner.
- Inform the employer about
damaged or missing labels.
- In Ontario, workers also have a responsibility under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to report unsafe conditions. By this definition, knowledge of the improper classification of a controlled product could be considered knowledge of an unsafe condition.
True/False Review Questions (Note: Answers to all review quizzes can be found in the Appendix at the end of this document)
1.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is required only in Ontario.
True False
2.
The
United States is covered under WHMIS.
True False
3.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is the same across Canada.
True False
4.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is International.
True False
5.
Federal
and Provincial legislation implement the WHMIS system.
True False
6.
Only
employers have responsibilities under WHMIS.
True False
Module
2: Hazard Classification System
The WHMIS Hazard
Classification System identifies six types, or broad classes of hazardous
materials. Divisions are provided in some classes to separate different groups
of hazardous materials within a class.
The classification
system determines whether a product meets the criteria for inclusion in any of
the WHMIS classes and is subject to the WHMIS information requirements.
Classification affects
whether the product in included within WHMIS, but also the:
- Content of labels, particularly hazard symbols, risk statements and precautionary measures.
- Content of material safety data sheets, and
- Instruction provided to workers.
A system of standardized
symbols on WHMIS labels, each with a circular border, provides a uniform way to
identify hazards.
Reference to a product's
class is found on the supplier label and sometimes on the MSDS. The
appropriate symbol must appear on all supplier WHMIS labels.
Suppliers must classify
and evaluate their products in accordance with the hazard classes, which are
identified in legislation.
Class A: Compressed Gas
The symbol for compressed gas is the outline of a compressed gas
cylinder.
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A compressed gas product
is in a gaseous state and is kept under pressure.
Class A materials
include compressed gases, dissolved gases or gases liquefied by compression or
refrigeration.
Some compressed gases
are also flammable and combustible. Others are also materials causing immediate
and toxic effects. Whenever a controlled
product falls into two or more classes, two or more hazard symbols are
provided.
Hazards:
- Explosion danger because the gas is being held under pressure;
- Container may explode if heated in a fire;
- Container may explode if dropped.
- Severe injuries can be caused to unprotected skin and tissues when exposed to compressed gas.
Precautions:
- Do not heat the container;
- Keep container tightly closed;
- Store containers in a properly designated area;
- Handle with care. Do not drop cylinder.
- Wear Protective Equipment when using compressed gas
- DO NOT blow compressed gas towards the body
Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material
The symbol for Flammable and Combustible is a flame.
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This classification
refers to a solid, liquid or a gas that will ignite and continue to burn if
exposed to a flame or ignition.
Flammable materials will
burn easily at or about room temperature (Flash point 38 degrees C or below)
and Combustible material will burn when heated.
Six
types of materials belong to this class:
- Flammable Gases: Examples propane and hydrogen.
- Flammable Liquids: Examples gasoline and BBQ starter fluid
- Combustible Liquids: Examples paint thinner and diesel fuel
- Flammable Aerosols: Examples hair spray, engine starter fluid and penetrating oil
- Reactive Flammable Materials: Examples celluloid and metallic sodium
- Combustible Solids: Examples; Wood and paper.
Hazards:
- Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazard;
- May cause a fire when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames as a result of friction;
- May burn at relatively low temperatures (flammable materials catch fire at lower temperatures than combustible materials).
- Death and severe injuries due to burns and smoke and gas inhalation.
Precautions:
- Store flammable material in a cool, fire-proof area;
- Keep the material away from heat and ignition sources;
- Keep container tightly closed;
- Take precautionary measures against static discharges or impacts that could cause sparks.
- When required, wear flame-resistant protective equipment
Class C: Oxidizing Materials
The symbol for Oxidizing Material is a flame above an "O",
which stands for "Oxygen".
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Oxidizing materials will
cause or assist to cause fires in surrounding materials by supplying oxygen.
Oxygen is required for all fires, and any substance that increases the supply
of oxygen will increase the chance of fires. Examples include: peroxide bleach,
nitrites and chlorates.
Hazards:
- May react violently;
- Fire and /or explosion risk in the presence of flammable or combustible material;
- May cause fire when it comes into contact with combustible materials such as paper;
- May cause an explosion when it comes into contact with flammable material, such as fuel;
- May burn skin and eyes upon contact.
- Death and severe injuries due to burns and smoke and gas inhalation
Precautions:
- Keep the material away from flammable and combustible materials;
- Keep the material away from sources of heat and ignition;
- Store containers in a proper designated area;
- Avoid shock and friction;
- Wear the proper protective equipment, including eye, face and hand protection, and protective clothing.
- When required, wear flame-resistant protective equipment
Class
D: Poisonous and Infectious Material
Materials
that fall into Class D are further divided into three separate divisions:
- Class D1: Materials causing immediate and serious Toxic effects .
- Class D2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
- Class D3: Biohazardous and Infectious Material
Poisonous and Infectious Material
Class D1:Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
The symbol is the familiar skull and crossbones.
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Examples include bleach,
hydrogen sulphide, chlorine, strychnine and cyanides.
Hazards:
- Potentially fatal poisonous substances;
- May cause permanent damage if it is inhaled, swallowed or if it enters the body through skin contact;
- May burn eyes or skin upon contact;
Precautions:
- Store the material in designated areas only;
- Handle the material with extreme caution;
- Do not breathe gas or vapours;
- Avoid inhaling by working in well ventilated areas and/or wearing respiratory equipment;
- Avoid contact with the skin or eyes by wearing the proper protective equipment, including eye, face and hand protection and protective clothing;
- Wash and shower thoroughly after use.
Poisonous and Infectious Material
Class D2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
The symbol is a "T" made into an exclamation mark that
stands for 'TOXIC'.
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These are materials that
may cause harmful effects usually some time after the first or repeated
exposures. Examples include: vapours of solvents, mercury, some herbicides and
aromatic solvents.
Hazards:
- Poisonous, dangerous to health;
- May cause permanent damage as a result of repeated exposures over time;
- May cause death;
- May cause birth defects or sterility;
- May be a sensitizer, which produces an allergy;
- May be a skin or eye irritant.
Precautions
- Store the material in designated places only;
- Avoid inhaling by working in well ventilated areas and/or wearing respiratory equipment;
- Avoid skin or eye contact by wearing all protective equipment necessary, including eye, face, and hand protection and protective clothing;
- Wash thoroughly after use.
Poisonous and Infectious Material
Class D3: Biohazardous and Infectious Material
This symbol looks like a cell that is dividing.
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Biohazardous infectious
materials are organisms (and the toxins of organisms) that cause diseases such
as viruses, bacteria and fungi. These organisms are frequently encountered in
hospitals, laboratories and research facilities. Examples include: vaccines and
science laboratory classes.
Hazards:
- May cause a serious disease resulting in illness or death.
Precautions:
- Handle the material in designated areas where engineering controls are in place to prevent exposure;
- Handle the material only when fully protected by the proper, designated equipment;
- Keep container tightly closed;
- Wear suitable protective equipment;
- Take every measure to avoid contamination
Class E: Corrosive Material
The symbol for Corrosive material is liquid being poured onto a
hand and a piece of solid material causing damage to the hand and the
material.
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Corrosive materials may
cause burns and destroy tissues. They can also destroy other materials.
Examples: sulphuric
acid, hydrochloric acid and anhydrous ammonia.
Hazards;
- May be harmful if inhaled
- Cause severe tissue damage on contact
- Cause severe eye and skin damage on contact.
Precautions:
- Keep containers tightly closed
- Avoid inhaling by using in well ventilated areas and wear proper respiratory protection
- Avoid skin and eye contact by wearing protective equipment, such as eye, face and hand protection and other protective clothing.
Class F: Dangerously Reactive Materials
The symbol is an exploding test tube inside a capital
"R", which stands for "REACTIVE".
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A substance is
considered to be dangerously reactive when it will:
ü react with water to produce a poisonous gas
ü self-react if the container is heated, pressurized, or shaken; or
ü self-react because of age.
ü self-react if the container is heated, pressurized, or shaken; or
ü self-react because of age.
Hazards:
- Very unstable material;
- May explode as a result of shock, friction or increase in temperature;
- May explode if heated when in a closed container;
- May undergo vigorous polymerization;
- May react with water to release toxic or flammable gas
Precautions:
- Store the material in a cool, flame-proof area;
- Keep the materials away from heat;
- Open containers carefully, do not drop them;
- Avoid contact with water;
- Avoid shock and friction;
- Wear suitable protective clothing.
Module 2 Review Questions: (Answers found in appendix at the end of this document)
1.
Click on the hazard symbol that represents Biohazardous and
Infectious Materials
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2.
Materials that fall into class D (Poisonous and Infectious
Materials) are further divided into three separate divisions. Indicate which of
the following are Class D divisions:
4.
Oxygen
is NOT absolutely essential for combustion.
True
False
5.
Biohazardous
and Infectious Materials may cause serious disease resulting in illness or
death.
True False
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Module
3: WHMIS Labels
WHMIS labels are affixed
or attached to the containers of controlled products, and provide information
that:
- Alerts the user to the hazards of the product
- States what precautions to take when handling the product.
- Refers the user to a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for more detailed information about the product.
The labels can be marks,
signs, stamps, stickers, seals, tickets, tags or wrappers. They can be
attached to, imprinted, stencilled or embossed on the controlled product or its
container.
There are two specific
types of labels outlined in WHMIS legislation:
Supplier
Labels
Suppliers of WHMIS
controlled products to workplaces in Canada, whether importing, producing, or
selling these products, must affix a supplier label
Workplace
Labels
Employers that produce
controlled products in the workplace, or transport controlled products in a
pipe, piping system or valves, must affix or attach a workplace label.
In addition, a workplace
label must be placed on containers that are filled from suppliers' containers,
and/or when a supplier label becomes illegible or is removed from the product.
Supplier
labels must:
- have the distinctive cross-hatch border in a colour that will contrast with the background on which it appears.
- be placed on the hazardous material or container so that it is visible under normal storage and use.
- show all text in both French and English
Supplier
labels must include:
1. Product Identification
The common name, chemical name, trade name, generic name, brand
name, code name, or code number of a hazardous material
2. Hazard Symbol
A specific WHMIS symbol that represents one or more of the hazard
classifications that apply to the product
3. Risk Phrase
A brief description of the hazard and the effects of harmful
exposure to the body
4. Precautionary Measures
Brief instructions for the safe use of the material
5. First Aid Measures
A brief description of treatment for exposure to the material
6. Supplier Identifier
The name of the suppler
7. Reference to the MSDS
A statement indicating that a copy of the applicable MSDS is
readily available in the workplace.
Graphic courtesy of the University of Manitoba
If a supplier does not
provide a supplier label, the employers may not use the controlled
product. It can be stored until a proper label is obtained.
The employer is also responsible
for ensuring supplier labels are not removed, altered or destroyed and that the
material is used with the correct label attached.
If a supplier label is
accidentally lost or destroyed, and a spare supplier label for that product is
not available, a workplace label may be used.
Controlled products that
are shipped in bulk follow special rules:
- If containers are crated inside other containers for shipping, the supplier may provide the labels separately. The receiving employer must ensure the supplier labels are in place, and that labels meet the WHMIS requirements.
- If material is moved into containers for resale or delivery out of the workplace, a supplier label must be placed on each container.
(See Workplace Labels for information about transferring bulk
material into smaller containers.)
Module Review Questions: (Answers provided in the Appendix at the end of this document)
1.
You
are working for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier
Label by answering the following question.
What is the
Product Identification? a. Drink b. Cleaner c. Alcohol d. Pop
2.
You
are working for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier
Label by answering the following question.
3. What is the Supplier's Name?
a. Toronto
Transit
b. Ontario Hydro c. Canadian Chemicals d. Quantum Systems
4. You are working
for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by
answering the following question.
Select an appropriate
symbol:
a.
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b.
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c
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d.
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5.
You
are working for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier
Label by answering the following question.
The language of
the label is: a. English
b. English and French
c. Language of the workplace
d. Language used by the supplier.
6. You are working for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by answering the following question.
The border design is:
a. Diamonds b. Solid Black c. Cross-hatch d. No border
Workplace Labels
Workplace labels are
designed and attached by the employer, and are required for:
- storage containers of controlled products produced on-site
- storage containers intended to receive bulk shipments (unless the supplier provides a label)
- portable containers into which product has been transferred
- supplier containers with illegible labels (unless a supplier label is available)
These labels must
include:
1.
Product Identification
The common name,
chemical name, trade name, generic name, brand name, code name, or code number
of a hazardous material
2.
Safe Handling Instructions
This includes unique risks
associated with the normal use of the controlled product and the possible
emergencies.
3.
Reference to the MSDS
A statement indicating
that a copy of the applicable MSDS is readily available in the workplace
The employer may use
other means of identifying hazardous materials in some cases. The
information above must be included.
Bulk
material
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Sign
or placard
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Pipes
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Code
letters and/or numbers
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Reaction
vessels
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Diagram
or Process Flow Charts
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The workplace label may
be any size, shape or colour and there are no language requirements, but it
must be clearly visible and easy to read.
The cross-hatch border,
WHMIS symbols and phrases may appear on the workplace label, but they are not
requirements.
Both of the labels
pictured below are acceptable.
Label Comparison
Comparison
of Supplier and Workplace Labels
Supplier Label
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Workplace Label
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Provided
by supplier
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Provided
by employer
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Must
appear on all controlled products:
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Must
appear on all controlled products:
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Must
include:
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Must
include:
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Must
have the cross-hatch border
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May
contain WHMIS border or symbols, but not required
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Must
be in both French and English
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No
language requirement
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May
be in other formats including placards, signs, codes, or diagrams.
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Module 3: Workplace Label Review Questions
State
if this is a Workplace Label.
Yes
No
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3. You can replace a Supplier
Label with a Workplace Label.
True False
4. Writing the name of a
product on a container is an adequate workplace label.
True False
5.
A workplace label for bulk material can be
A. Code
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B. Placard
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C. Sign
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D: All of the above
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6.
Pipe containing Hazardous Materials can be labeled with
A. Code
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B. Placard
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C. Diagram
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D: All of the above
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Consumer Labels
The statutory mandate
for the WHMIS and consumer product warning labels is contained in the Hazardous Products Act, an omnibus piece of federal legislation that
was designed to ensure that products do not present a danger to the health and
safety of the general public.
The act, administered by
the Product Safety Branch of Health Canada, can be used to ban especially
dangerous products from the marketplace, set performance standards for specific
products and require the use of mandatory warning labels.
The scope of the Hazardous
Products Act includes, among other things, consumer products that are
poisonous, toxic, flammable, explosive, corrosive, infectious, oxidizing or
reactive. The Hazardous Products Act establishes two separate but
complementary sets of labelling requirements:
Labelling on consumer
products uses "signal words",
hazard statements and familiar pictograms to warn consumers about possible
hazards to their lives and health.
There are four
standardized warning signs:
- skeletal hand in the vat of acid which marks a corrosive;
- skull and crossbones for use on toxic products;
- exploding ball on explosives;
- open flame on flammables.
The shape of the border
around the warning signs conveys the magnitude of the hazard.
- The octagonal "stop" sign means DANGER and is reserved for the most hazardous products.
- The "go-slow" diamond shape means WARNING and indicates a product that can cause serious injury.
- The inverted triangle of the "yield sign" means CAUTION and is used on products that could cause a minor injury if misused.
The pictograms are
augmented by signal words, danger, caution or warning
Also included are
primary and secondary hazard statements. The primary hazard statements
refer to the most immediate or serious health threats, i.e., "harmful if
absorbed through skin". The secondary hazard statements provide more
detail on protective measures such, i.e. spill cleanup.
First aid information
must also appear on the label in the event the product is swallowed, inhaled or
splashed onto the skin or into the user's eyes.
These warnings must only
appear on potentially hazardous chemical consumer products listed in the Hazardous
Products Act.
Module 3: Consumer Labels Review Questions (Answers provided in the appendix at the end of this document)
1.
A Consumer Label is the same as a WHMIS label.
True False
2.
The symbol for flammable is similar for both WHMIS and consumer
product.
True False
3.
A
workplace WHMIS label is needed when transferring a consumer product into a
workplace container.
True False
4.
An
MSDS is required for a product with a consumer label.
True False
5.
All
materials described as Non-toxic are certified as "Non-toxic
Excepted" from Ontario Health and Safety Canada.
True False
Module 4: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) The Material Safety Data Sheet provides health and safety information to help about protection (including protective equipment), safe handling procedures, and emergency measures. A Material Safety Data Sheet is a technical document which: ü Lists all hazardous ingredients of a product; ü Provides information related to safety and health hazards during handling, storage and use of a controlled product; ü Outlines protective measures for workers; ü Includes information about emergency procedures. An MSDS must contain these 9 categories of information. 1. Product Identification This information can be used to organize the data sheets for quick retrieval. The information in this section must be identical with the identifier on the supplier label. 2. Hazardous Ingredients This information will list the chemicals in the product. It can help determine the exposure time when working with the material. 3. Physical Data This block of information describes the product's physical characteristics under normal conditions. Descriptions will include appearance, colour, consistency and odour. 4. Fire or Explosion Hazard This category explains how to prevent a fire or an explosion. Emergency Procedures can also be established based on this information 5. Reactivity Data This information will indicate how stable the product is and whether it can react with other chemicals or unusual circumstances. 6. Toxicological Data This information describes how a material can enter the body and what short-and long-term health effects may occur due to over-exposure. 7. Preventative Measures This block of information describes the protective measures for worker health and safety. 8. First Aid Measures This section describes what to do for the immediate treatment of short-term (acute) health effects due to over-exposure. 9. Preparation Information This section will show the date that the data sheet was prepared. In addition, it is usually necessary to supplement this with safe handling procedures that are specific to the workplace. Supplier Responsibilities
Employer Responsibilities
MSDS Terminology
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Module
Review Questions: MSDS Terminology (Answers provided in the
appendix at the end of this document)
1.
PPM is a concentration expressed by the millionth.
True
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False
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2.
TWA is the same as TLV.
True
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False
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3.
Flammable is the same as combustible.
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False
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4.
The reactivity data states the stability of the material.
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Match the following term
with its meaning
"Acute"
means:
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Module 5: Other information Module
This module provides
information other information about WHMIS, including.
Physical Agents – Heat Stress
Working in hot
environments can be uncomfortable and also, may adversely affect our health.
Hazards
- Exposure to heat may cause:
- Heat Stroke
- Heat Edema
- Heat Rashes
- Heat Cramps
- Heat Exhaustion
- Heat Syncope (fainting)
Precautions:
- Wear loose cotton clothing, which provides adequate protection in hot and humid conditions.
- A schedule of work-rest periods is generally recommended for working in hot conditions.
- You should drink plenty of cool (10 - 15 degrees Celsius) water or fruit drink every 15 to 20 minutes even though you may not feel thirsty.
Cold Stress
Working in cold
conditions can be dangerous to those unprepared, and without adequate
protective clothing.
Hazards:
- Hypothermia results from the cooling of the deep inner body or "core" to a temperature below 34.5 degrees Celsius due to prolonged exposure to cold which can be very fatal.
- Frostbite is freezing of the body tissues as a result of extremely cold temperatures or contact with extremely cold metallic objects such as an automobile or a fence.
Precautions:
- Wear multiple layers of light weight loose fitting clothing.
- Eye protection must be separate from respiratory channels (nose and mouth).
- The outer layer of clothing should be water proofed for work in wet conditions.
- Clothing should be kept clean and dry
- Gloves should be used below 4 degrees for light work and below -7 degrees for moderate work. For work below -17.5 degrees mittens should be used.
- Felt lined, rubber bottomed, leather-topped boots with removable felt insoles are best suited for heavy work in cold.
Radiation
Exposure to Radiation
may affect the body both externally and internally, it is measured in
millisieverts (mSv) or REM.
1 rem = 10 mSv
Exposure
ü x-rays
ü Laser
ü Radio Frequency
ü Microwave
ü Ultraviolet
ü Visible and Infrared
üLow Frequency
ü Laser
ü Radio Frequency
ü Microwave
ü Ultraviolet
ü Visible and Infrared
üLow Frequency
Hazards:
- Cancers in exposed persons
- Growth abnormality and cancers in children from exposure during pregnancy
- Genetic diseases in descendants of exposed parents
- Eye damage
- Retinal damage
- Central Nervous System Effects
Precautions:
- Limit exposure time
- Use barriers and shields
- Use approved Personal Protective Equipment
Noise
Noise is unwanted sound
that is measured in decibels - dB, dB(A).
Hazards:
- Causes hearing loss and stress
Precautions:
- Use of hearing protectors
Vibration
Vibration exposure
occurs in two ways :
ü Whole body vibration exposure
While driving a tractor over bumpy terrain
ü Hand-arm vibration exposure while
operating a vibrating hand-held tool such as a chain saw.
Vibration is measured in
units of meters per second squared
Exposure by contact from
vibrating machines and tools.
Hazards:
- White finger disease
- Musculoskeletal disorders
Precautions:
- Ergonomic tools
- Breaks
Laboratories
Supplier labels from
laboratory supply houses, packaged in quantities of 10 kilograms or more, and
intended for laboratory use, must have:
- product identifier
- risk phrases
- precautionary measures
- first aid measures
- reference to availability of MSDS
Small containers (less
than 100 ml) are permitted to carry a shorter version of the supplier label.
School Boards
The Ontario Ministry of
Labour considers school science classrooms to be laboratories and therefore
workplace labels for decanted products are required.
If the controlled
product is decanted or transferred to a secondary container, like a beaker or a
flask, it must be clearly marked with the product name. No other
labelling information is required. This also applies to chemical reagents
that are decanted into smaller containers, like a beaker.
Formaldehyde,
mercury
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Science labs
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Varsol,
paint
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Auto shop
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Stains,
paint, contact cement
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Woodworking shop
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Developers,
fixers
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Photo lab
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Toner,
whiteboard cleaner
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- Office cleaning products, waxes
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Floor
strippers
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Custodial
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Degreasers,
adhesives, epoxy resins, aerosol lubricants
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-
Maintenance
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Boiler
treatment chemicals, anhydrous ammonia
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-
Plant
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Gasoline,
varsol
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Landscaping
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Degreasers,
oven cleaners
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Food Services
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Many art materials are
labelled non-toxic. These products should provide an extra margin of safety
compared to products that have acute and/or chronic health warnings. However be
aware of the following when you are using "non-toxic" art products.
- In addition to being labelled non-toxic, the label must also state that the product conforms to ASTM D-4236. Be suspicious of products simply labelled non-toxic.
- Chemicals, which have never been tested for toxicity, may be labelled non-toxic even if those chemicals are related to substances known to have chronic hazards.
- Products containing substances known to be toxic in industrial settings may be labelled with cancer warnings if the user is warned not to spray to apply the paint.
Exemptions for WHMIS
Some products are
exempted from WHMIS and do not have to be classified by their suppliers. This
includes certain types of hazardous materials that are exempt fully and
partially because they are already regulated under other existing federal or
provincial legislation, or because they are regarded as being a low hazard.
There are ten (10) types
of products that are exempted, in whole or in part, from WHMIS.
These include:
- Explosives covered under the Explosive Act.
- Cosmetics, drugs, food and devices covered under the Food and Drug Act.
- Pest control products covered under the Pest and Control Products Act.
- Radioactive substances covered under the Atomic Energy Control Act.
- Wood or products made of wood
- Manufactured articles
- Controlled products that cannot endanger worker health due to their physical shape or size (e.g. gravel containing silica)
- Tobacco or tobacco products
- Hazardous wastes
- Restricted products when packaged as consumer products.
1.
Noise
above 85-90 dB is likely to cure hearing loss. (A:F)
2.
Skin
protection is NOT required to prevent exposure to UV Radiation.(A:F)
3.
Humidex
is the same as temperature. (A:F, humidex factors in humidity)
4.
Hypothermia
is effectively prevented by dressing warmly and in layers. (A:T)
5.
Vibration
exposure may result in persistent numbness. (A:T)
Module
6: Safe Work Practices
Working with hazardous
materials requires additional safety precautions.
Safe work practices
include:
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Engineering Controls
- Leak and Spill Procedures
- Waste Disposal
- Handling Procedures and Equipment
- Storage Requirements
- Special Shipping Information
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Safety glasses
- Footwear
- Clothing
- Other items as necessary
- Ventilation
- Exhaust system
- Workplace design
Adequate spill control
measures can usually be found in the MSDS. For practical purposes,
however, it is generally necessary to train designated individuals in specific
spill control procedures as it applies to the use and concentration found in
the workplace. Containment and neutralization using acceptable compounds
intended for that purpose are preferred method of spill control.
Spills should be
contained and cleaned up by employees thoroughly familiar with the substances
and the proper safety procedures. Chemicals should be disposed of
according to approved procedures.
- Ministry of Environment Regulations
- Transportation
- Hazardous Waste Disposal Site
- Specialized tools to be used for the safe handling of materials.
- Some materials require special storage facilities.
- Specific information for safe work practices can be found in the MSDS.
Module
7: Emergency Procedures
Emergency procedures are
specific to workplaces. However, there are standard guidelines that
apply. Detailed information for your workplace should also be reviewed.
Identifications:
- Alarms (automatic and manual)
- Evacuation Routes (posted)
- Exits (marked and lighted)
Emergency
Evacuation
Upon discovering an
emergency:
- Leave the area, closing doors
- Sound the alarm
- Inform administration/ call emergency 911
On hearing an alarm:
- Leave the building through the nearest safe exit
- Go to an assigned Assembly Area
- Participate in Roll Call
- Wait for further instructions from the Fire Department and/or Supervisor/Principal
Appendix - Module Review Quiz Answers
Module 1: True/False Review Questions
1.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is required only in Ontario. (A:False)
2.
The
United States is covered under WHMIS. –(A: False - Canada only)
3.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is the same across Canada. (A: False -Some
commonalities, but differences by jurisdiction)
4.
Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System is International.(A: False –Canadian
Legislation)
5.
Federal
and Provincial legislation implement the WHMIS system.
(A:True)
6.
Only
employers have responsibilities under WHMIS. (A:False – suppliers, workers
&employers all have responsibilities)
Module 2: Review Questions
1.
Click on the hazard symbol that represents Biohazardous and
Infectious Materials
2.
Materials that fall into class D (Poisonous and Infectious
Materials) are further divided into three separate divisions. Indicate which of
the following are Class D divisions:
- Class D1: Materials causing immediate and serious Toxic effects .
- Class D2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
- Class D3: Biohazardous and Infectious Material
3.
This symbol represents
4. Oxygen is NOT
absolutely essential for combustion.
False
5.
Biohazardous
and Infectious Materials may cause serious disease resulting in illness or
death.
True
Module 3: Review Questions
1.
You
are working for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier
Label by answering the following question.
What is the
Product Identification? a. Drink b. Cleaner c. Alcohol d. Pop
(A:C)
You are working
for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by
answering the following question. What is the Supplier's Name?
a. Toronto Transit b. Ontario Hydro
c. Canadian Chemicals d. Quantum Systems
(A:C)
You are working for
Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by answering
the following question.
Select an appropriate
symbol:
a.
 |
b.
 |
c
 . |
d.
 |
(A: B)
You are working
for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by
answering the following question. The language of the label is:
a. English
b. English and French
c. Language of the workplace
d. Language used by the supplier.
(A:B)
You are working
for Canadian Chemicals, a supplier of Alcohol. Design a Supplier Label by
answering the following question. The border design is:
a. Diamonds b. Solid Black c. Cross-hatch d. No border
(A:C)
Module 3: Workplace Label Review Questions
State
if this is a Workplace Label.
Yes
No
|
| |
(A:Y)
1. You can replace a Supplier
Label with a Workplace Label.
True False (A:T
if a supplier label is destroyed or lost and no other supplier label is
available)
2. Writing the name of a
product on a container is an adequate workplace label.
True False(A:F)
3.
A workplace label for bulk material can be
A. Code
|
B. Placard
|
C. Sign
|
D: All of the above
|
(A:B)
4.
Pipe containing Hazardous Materials can be labeled with
A. Code
|
B. Placard
|
C. Diagram
|
D: All of the above
|
(A:A)
Module 3: Consumer Labels Review Questions
1.
A Consumer Label is the same as a WHMIS label.
True False
2.
The symbol for flammable is similar for both WHMIS and consumer
product.
True False
(A:T)
3.
A
workplace WHMIS label is needed when transferring a consumer product into a
workplace container.
True False
(A:T)
4.
An
MSDS is required for a product with a consumer label. (A:F)
True False
5. All materials described as
Non-toxic are certified as "Non-toxic Excepted" from Ontario Health
and Safety Canada.
True False
(A:F) - MSDS
are not required for consumer products.
Module
Review Questions: MSDS Terminology
5.
PPM is a concentration expressed by the millionth.
True
|
False
|
(A:T PPM is parts per
million)
6.
TWA is the same as TLV.
True
|
False
|
7.
Flammable is the same as combustible.
|
False
|
(A:F Flammable liquids have
lower flash points than combustible liquids.)
8.
The reactivity data states the stability of the material.
|
(A:T)
"Acute"
means:
|
(A: Short term or
immediate)
