Workplace Hazardous Materials

Information System (WHMIS)

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WHMIS Provides information about hazardous materials

(controlled substances) in the workplace Workers have a right to information on controlled

substances they use Six hazard classifications with eight symbols Federally and Provincially regulated

WHMIS - Responsibilities Employer is responsible to ensure Material

Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemical products

First Aider (or employee) must know where they are and be familiar with MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the:

potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental)

use storage handling all emergency procedures related to the material

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Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) nine (9) categories of information that must be present

on an MSDS in Canada: Product Information (product identifier (name), manufacturer and

suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers) Hazardous Ingredients Physical Data Fire or Explosion Hazard Data Reactivity Data (information on the chemical instability of a

product and the substances it may react with) Toxicological Properties (health effects) Preventive Measures First Aid Measures Preparation Information (who is responsible for preparation and

date of preparation of MSDS)

WHMIS Classification Symbols

CLASS A: COMPRESSED GASThis class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.Examples: carbon dioxide, propane

CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALThis class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions. Examples: mineral spirits, solvents

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WHMIS Classification Symbols

CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIALThese materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.Examples: chlorine, organic peroxide

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic EffectsThese materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide

WHMIS Classification Symbols

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EffectsThese materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts. Examples: asbestos, lead

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALDivision 3: Biohazardous Infectious MaterialThese materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada.Examples: viruses, bacteria

WHMIS Classification Symbols

CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIALThis class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid

CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIALThese products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water.Examples: nitroglycerin, sodium