An Introduction to WHMIS

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An Introduction toWHMIS

• The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
  System

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Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
(WHMIS) and Laboratory Safety
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No employer may allow the use, handling or
storage of a Controlled Product in a workplace
unless the product carries a label and a material
safety data sheet which meet the requirements of
this Act and the regulations and unless the
worker has received the training and information
required to carry out the work entrusted to them
safely.
It is the law! Provincial Federal
Nova Scotia WHMIS Regulation
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Supplier Labels
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Suppliers Label
PRODUCT IDENTIFIER
TOLUENE SULFONIC ACID
RISK PHRASES Highly irritating to skin, eyes,
and nose HEALTH HAZARD DATA Strong Acid Treat
as sulphuric acid EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE ACUTE
ABC Chemicals 123 Chemical Drive Chemical
City 1-800-CHE-MICAL
Supplier identifier
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT EYE Face shield and goggles GLOVES
Rubber OTHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Rubber
apron, rubber boots
FIRST AID EYES Flush with water for 15 minutes.
Consult with physician SKIN Flush with water as
per sulphuric acid INGESTION Treat as per
sulphuric acid. Consult with physician
Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet
FRANCAIS AU VERSO
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Supplier Labels

• On all containers received from a commercial
  supplier
• Have a dark hatch-mark border
• Different color from the rest of container
  (usually)
• In English and French (in Canada)

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Class A Compressed Gas

• Gas inside cylinder is under pressure
• The cylinder may explode if heated or damaged
• Sudden release of high pressure gas streams may
  puncture skin and cause fatal embolism

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Class B Flammable and Combustible
Material Precautions

• Store away from Class C (oxidizing materials)
• Store away from sources of heat, sparks and flame
• Do not smoke near these materials

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Class C Oxidizing Material

• Can cause other materials to burn or explode by
  providing oxygen
• May burn skin and eyes on contact

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Class C Oxidizing Material Precautions

• Store away from Class B (flammable and
  combustible) materials
• Store away from sources of heat and ignition
• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing

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Class D Controlled Products
Division 1 Materials Causing Immediate and
Serious Toxic Effects
Division 2 Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Division 3 Biohazardous Infectious Materials
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Division 1 Materials Causing Immediate and
Serious Toxic Effects
May cause immediate death or serious injury if
inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin
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Division 1 Materials Causing Immediate and
Serious Toxic Effects Precautions

• Avoid inhaling gas or vapours
• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near these materials
• Wash hands after handling

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Division 2 Materials Causing Other Toxic
Effects

• May cause death or permanent injury following
  repeated or long-term exposure
• May irritate eyes, skin and breathing passages
  may lead to chronic lung problems and skin
  sensitivity
• May cause liver or kidney damage, cancer, birth
  defects or sterility

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Division 2 Materials Causing Other Toxic
Effects Precautions

• Avoid inhaling gas or vapours
• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing
• Do not eat, drink or smoke near these materials
• Wash hands after handling

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Division 3 Biohazardous Infectious Materials

• Contact with microbiological agents (e.g.,
  bacteria, viruses, fungi and their toxins) may
  cause illness or death

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Division 3 Biohazardous Infectious Materials
Precautions

• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing
• Work with these materials in designated areas
• Disinfect area after handling
• Wash hands after handling

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Class E Corrosive Material

• Will burn eyes and skin on contact
• Will burn tissues of respiratory tract if inhaled

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Class E Corrosive Material Precautions

• Store acids and bases in separate areas
• Avoid inhaling these materials
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes
• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing

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Class F Dangerously Reactive Material

• Store away from heat
• Avoid shock and friction
• Wear the recommended protective equipment and
  clothing

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Class F DangerouslyReactive Material

• May be unstable, reacting dangerously to jarring,
  compression, heat or exposure to light
• May burn, explode or produce dangerous gases when
  mixed with incompatible materials

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Laboratory Labels
If the product

• From a laboratory house,
• Intended for use in the lab only,
• Are packaged in less than 10kg quantities

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All chemicals used or stored in a laboratory must
be listed and must have a current MSDS. The list
and the MSDSs must be available to those using
the lab.
Lists and MSDSs
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While Working in the Lab

• Know the emergency escape route and alternate
• Know the emergency spill procedure
• Know the location of the first aid kit, eye wash
  station/shower, spill kits, MSDS and fire
  extinguisher
• Identify EVERYTHING!
• No food, beverages or application of cosmetics
• Report all injuries and accidents via SIP

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PPE and Procedure

• Info on PPE is available on MSDS
• Select and mandate the use of appropriate
  chemical resistant gloves to protect against risk
  of cuts, abrasions, burns, or exposure to
  hazardous materials
• Allow only fully covered shoes with slip
  resistance
• Restrain long hair and loose clothing
• Wear appropriate eye protection, to protect
  against the risk of flying dust particles,
  splashes or hazardous materials or harmful rays

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Weekly Lab Checks

• Eye wash (purge)- Is it clean?
• Fire extinguisher- Has it been discharged and,
  has it been inspected within a year?
• Fume Hood Is the exhaust fan working?
• Tubing, pressurized connections Are they
  damaged, deteriorated?
• Glassware if it is chipped, throw it out.
• Chemical storage Are chemicals stored in their
  proper location?