WHMIS

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WHSCC/Cssiat

W

H

M

I

S

Workplace

Hazardous

Materials

Information

System

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Three Components of WHMIS

1. Labels on hazardous materials or their containers

2. MSDS or material safety data sheets which are technical bulletins providing more detailed information than the label

3. Worker education, providing instruction on hazards and safe work procedures

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In the Workplace, What is the “Key” to Everyday WHMIS?

HAZARD SYMBOLS!

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

Compressed Gas(Class A):

Poses an explosion danger because the gas is under pressure

Container may explode if heated in a fire, or dropped

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What Does This Symbol Mean?1 of 2

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

Combustible and Flammable Material(Class B):

Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazardMay burn at relatively low temperatures; flammable

materials catch fire at lower temperatures than combustible materials

May burst into flame spontaneously in air, or release a flammable gas on contact with water

May cause a fire when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, or as a result of friction

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What Does This Symbol mean?

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

Oxidizing Material(Class C):

Poses a fire and/or explosion risk in the presence of flammable or combustible material

May react violently when it comes into contact with combustible materials such as fuels or wood

May burn skin and eyes upon contact

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

Poisonous and Infectious Material(Class D, Division 1):

Is a potentially fatal poisonous substanceMay be fatal or cause permanent damage if it is inhaled or swallowed or if it enters the body through skin contact

May burn eyes or skin upon contact

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What Do We Know?

Poisonous and Infectious Material: Other Toxic Effects (Class D, Division 2):

Not immediately dangerous to healthMay cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over time

May be a sensitizer, which produces an allergyMay cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

May cause a serious disease resulting in illness (AIDS, Hepatitis) or death

Can also include tetanus protection

Poisonous and Infectious Material: Biohazardous, infectious material

(Class D, Division 3):

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What do We Know?2 of 2

Corrosive Material(Class E):

Causes severe eye and skin irritation upon contact

Causes severe tissue damage with prolonged contact

Often produces vapor or fumes that may be harmful if inhaled

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What Does This Symbol Mean?

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What Do We Know?2 of 2

Dangerously Reactive Material(Class F):

Is very unstableMay react with water to release a toxic or

flammable gasMay explode as a result of shock, friction or an

increase in temperatureMay explode if heated when in a closed containerUndergoes vigorous polymerization

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Worker Education

Anyone working with or nearby controlled products must be trained in hazard information and procedures regarding:

1. Safe use2. Storage3. Handling4. Disposal5. Emergency procedures

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WHMIS Responsibilities

Suppliers, employers and

employees each have a role to

play in making WHMIS work.

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Summary

WHMIS has three components:

WHMIS is a hazard class driven system

1. Labels2. MSDS3. Worker Education

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Compressed GasFlammableOxidizersPoisonsCorrosivesReactive