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