WHMIS

Presented by

NameTitleDate

WHMIS

WHMIS

W

H

M

I

S

Workplace

Hazardous

Materials

Information

System

Presentation Objectives

At the end of this workshop participants will:

1. Understand the 3 basic elements of WHMIS. Recognize the 8 hazard symbols representing the 6 hazard classes

2. Be familiar with the 9 sections of the MSDS

3. Understand employer, supplier and employee responsibilities

4. Know how to find answers to any questions regarding the use of controlled products

Course Outline

Introduction WHMIS

Labels Material Safety Data Sheets Worker Education

WHMIS Legislation Summary

Glossary - Common Terms in an MSDS

English:

www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/glossary/

French:

www.cchst.ca/reponsessst/chemicals/glossary/

Introduction to WHMIS

WHMIS is Canada-wide legislation, dealing with controlled products in the workplace.

A controlled product is ‘any product, material or substance included in any one of the classes listed in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).’

NOTE: HPA is federal legislation

Class A: Compressed GasClass B: Flammable and Combustible MaterialClass C: Oxidizing MaterialClass D: Poisonous and Infectious MaterialClass E: Corrosive MaterialClass F: Dangerously Reactive Material

Hazardous Classes Under HPA

WHMIS is Designed to Solve the Problem of:

Unlabelled materials in the workplace

Inadequate or contradictory information being given to employers/workers regarding identification, hazardous properties and precautions to be taken with hazardous materials used in the workplace

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 and training, providing instruction on hazards and safe work procedures

Supplier Defined

“Supplier" means a person who is a manufacturer, processor or packager of a controlled product or a person who, in the course of business, imports or sells controlled products;

Hazardous Products Act (HPA)

Flow of Information

ProducerProducer

SupplierSupplier

ImporterImporter

Supplier Supplier labellabel

MSDS

EmployerEmployer

JHSCJHSC

inputinput

Worker Worker TrainingTraining

Informed Informed workerworker

Labels

Two Types:

1. Supplier labels (developed and provided by the supplier)

2. Workplace labels (developed and used in the workplace)

Supplier Label: Design and Application

Content layout: not legislated Border: specific Colour: not legislated Legibility: distinct; good contrast Durability: able to withstand normal use Application: imprinted; stencilled; attached Language: English and French

Supplier Label: Required Statements

1. Product Identifier

2. Hazard Symbols

3. Risk Phrases

4. Precautions

5. First Aid

6. Supplier Information

7. Reference to MSDS

Supplier Label

What is the Key to Everyday WHMIS in the Workplace?

HAZARD SYMBOLS!

HAZARD SYMBOLS

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

Compressed Gas(Class A):

Poses an explosion danger because the gas is under pressure Container may explode if heated or dropped Container may become a projectile if the stem is broken off

Examples

Compressed Gas(Class A):

Examples: OxygenAcetylenePropaneSpray paintEtc.

Compressed Gas Accident

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

Combustible and Flammable Material(Class B):

Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazard May 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

Examples

Combustible and Flammable Material(Class B):

Flammable:Butane, propane, hydrogen gas, acetone, gasoline, isopropyl alcohol, magnesium alloys, etc.

Combustible:Kerosene, diesel, mineral spirits, varnish, etc.

Flammable

Vapours + Spark = Fire

Flammable Gas Accident

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

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

Examples

Oxidizing Material (Class C):

Examples:

Perchloric acidHydrogen peroxideNitric acidCompressed oxygenOzone

Oxidizing Accident

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

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

Is a potentially fatal poisonous substance May 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

Examples

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

Examples: Sodium cyanideHydrogen sulphideCarbon monoxideSulphuric acidToluene

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

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

Not immediately dangerous to health May cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over time May be a sensitizer, which produces allergic reactions May cause cancers, birth defects, or sterility

Examples

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

Examples:

AsbestosLeadCadmiumBenzeneMercury

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

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):

Examples

Examples: Salmonella bacteriaHepatitis B virusHIV-AIDSParasites Bodily fluids, such as blood and urine

Poisonous and Infectious Material: Biohazardous, infectious material

(Class D, Division 3):

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What do We Know?

Corrosive Material (Class E):

Causes severe eye and skin irritation upon contact Causes severe tissue damage with prolonged contact Often produces vapour or fumes that may be harmful if inhaled

Examples

Corrosive Material(Class E):

Examples:

Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda)Hydrochloric acidNitric acidSulphuric acid

What Does This Symbol Mean?

What Do We Know?

Dangerously Reactive Material(Class F):

Is very unstable May react with water to release a toxic or flammable gas May explode as a result of shock, friction or an increase in temperature May explode if heated when in a closed container Undergoes vigorous polymerization

Examples

Dangerously Reactive Material(Class F):

Examples:

Vinyl chloridePicric acidSome cyanides

Dangerously Reactive Accidents

Workplace Labels

Product Identifier

Information on safe handling of the product

Reference to MSDS

Methanol• Avoid inhaling

vapours, handle with care

• Flammable• Avoid eye and skin

contact• See MSDS for

more information

Workplace Labels

Must be displayed to give clear warning to employees

May be a label, tag, sign or other

Is not required to be bilingual; can be in the language of the workplace

Quiz A: True or False?

1. Labelled products, MSDSs and worker education can help lower the risk of accidents. 2. WHMIS is a hazard class driven system. (name the classes)3. A WHMIS supplier label can be identified by its solid red border. 4. A supplier label must list precautions and first aid instructions.5. All workplace labels present in New Brunswick workplaces must be in both English and French.

Material Safety Data Sheets

The MSDS is:

- A technical information reference for worker education, control measures and emergency response

- A document that can be distributed- A document that must be available to workers

Material Safety Data Sheets

The MSDS is NOT:

- All the information needed for the safe use of a product in every possible situation

- A document only to be read and filed

MSDS Required Criteria

1.Product Identifier2. Ingredients3.Physical Data4.Fire and Explosion Hazards5.Reactivity Data6.Toxicological Properties7.Preventive Measures8.First Aid Measures9.Preparation Information

Section 1: Product Identification and Use

The intent of this section is for product identification, supplier identification, and a description of the product use It is of particular use in organizing data sheets for quick retrieval It includes the emergency telephone number

Section 2: Hazardous Ingredients

This section provides information on the identity, concentration, and estimators of acute toxicity for the ingredients of a controlled product Copyright law permits limiting information in this section however, disclosure is mandatory if a worker is exposed to the product Useful information for emergency health care providers

Lethal Dose and Lethal Concentration

•The lower the lethal dose and lethal

concentration numbers, the more

dangerous the material is to human

beings.

LD50 / LC50

Section 3: Physical Data

This section provides a physical description of the product It describes its response to changes in the physical environment, and has specific applications for ventilation system design and emergency procedures

Section 4: Fire or Explosion Hazard

The intent of Section 4 is to provide information to assist with fire and explosion prevention, as well as emergency procedures. This section is particularly important with flammables, solvents, organic peroxides, explosives, metal dusts and other unstable substances. If the product is not flammable or explosive, information in this section must reflect that fact.

Section 5: Reactivity Data

Information on the stability of the product and its likelihood of dangerous reaction with other chemicals Implications for handling procedures and storage arrangements May be useful along with Section 4 data for the prevention and control of fires or explosions

Section 6: Toxicological Properties

This section provides information on how a material is likely to enter the body and what short and long-term effects it is likely to have Includes signs and symptoms of exposure and pre-existing medical conditions which may be aggravated Information in this section is an important determinant of preventive and first aid measures and emergency care

Section 7: Preventive Measures

Provides clear direction for transportation, storage, use and disposal of the product, as well as emergency procedures related to accidental release Information must be as specific as possible. Employers may need to adapt information from data sheets to the specific hazard circumstances of each workplace

Section 8: First Aid Measures

Information necessary for the safe evacuation and immediate treatment of a person experiencing acute effects of overexposure Meant for use by workers on site, including first aid personnel Usually expands on the first aid instructions described on the supplier label

Section 9: Preparation Information

Name and telephone number of those responsible for MSDS preparation

Date of preparation

WHMIS legislation requires that MSDS be kept current; no older than 3 years

General Approach to MSDS

Identify the chemical and the emergency telephone number Know the hazards/precautions Understand safe handling and storage procedures Emergency procedures (in case of an emergency bring the MSDS with you to the hospital) Identify the preparation date

Quiz B: True or False?

1. An MSDS contains the same information that is present on the supplier label.2. An MSDS has all the information for every possible situation and workplace.3. An MSDS can be used to determine safe storage requirements and emergency procedures.4. An MSDS does not include the emergency telephone number of the manufacturer or supplier. 5. MSDSs must be stored together and indexed for easy access.

WHMIS Legislation

NEW BRUNSWICK

REGULATION 88-221

under the

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

AND SAFETY ACT

Worker Training and Education

6(3) An employer shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the program

of employee instruction and training required by subsection (1) results in an

employee being able to apply the information as needed to protect the

employee’s health and safety.

Worker Training and Education

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

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

Worker Training and Education

Includes information found on labels (supplier and workplace), MSDS and any information of which the employer is aware*The training should be:

Relevant to the workplace Performance oriented Developed in consultation with the JHSC Reviewed at least annually Modified as conditions change

Quiz C: True or False?

1. Employers must train workers who work with or near hazardous materials.2. All employees should receive WHMIS training whether or not they are working with controlled substances.3. Employees do not need to know emergency procedures regarding hazardous materials.4. Employees need to be given information for controlled products flowing through pipes in the workplace.

5. An employee’s knowledge of the product can affect the amount of damage or injury in an emergency.

Exceptions to the rule…

Eight classifications exempt from WHMIS labelling and MSDS requirements. Some categories are regulated for worker education, some are not.

1. Explosives 5. Consumer products2. Cosmetics, drugs,food 6. Wood products3. Pesticides 7. Tobacco products4. Radioactive materials 8. Manufactured articles

Exceptions to the rule…

•Exceptions are usually covered under other Legislation (example, Pesticides Control Act).

•Products brought into the workplace that are not designed for commercial or industrial use (consumer products) are still controlled products under the HPA (MSDS and workplace labels may be required).

WHMIS Responsibilities

Suppliers, employers and

employees each have a role to

play in making WHMIS work!

Supplier Responsibilities

Supplier responsibilities are found under the Hazardous Products Act (Federal Bill C-07) and the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Section 13

Suppliers Must:I. Label controlled products intended for workplace useII. Supply MSDS with each controlled product

Employer Responsibilities

The employer’s WHMIS responsibilities are outlined in Provincial Regulation 88-221: To obtain MSDS from supplier Ensure appropriate labelling (supplier and workplace) Provide adequate instruction and training to employees Sort and file the MSDS in a clearly indicated and easily accessible area

Employee Responsibilities

WHMIS legislation does not place any direct responsibility on the workers, however under Section 12 of the OHS Act, employees must: Comply with the Act Conduct themselves to ensure their health and safety Report hazards Wear/use protective equipment Consult/co-operate with the JHSC

Quiz D: True or False?

1. The workplace copy of the MSDS needs to be updated every three years, even if there has been no change in the hazard information.2. The employer shall review their WHMIS system (employee training and MSDS) at least once a year.3. Pesticides are exempt from MSDS and label requirements, therefore worker training isn’t necessary.4. Telling workers to read the labels and the MSDS is adequate training.5. Employees don’t have to watch out for their own safety; it’s the boss’s responsibility.

Developing WHMIS for your workplace

Step 1:Assign responsibilityInventory and list supplier and workplace labelsStep 2:Get current MSDSDetermine storage, handling, training, first aid and disposalStep 3:Train employeesImplement control measures and MSDS binders

Summary

WHMIS has ‘three components’:

WHMIS is a ‘hazard class’ driven system

1. Labels2. MSDS3. Worker Education

Compressed GasFlammableOxidizersPoisonsCorrosivesReactive

Summary

Employers must train their workers to use the information provided by

Training should be reviewed and/or updated

LabelsMSDS

Yearly, or as conditions change