An Introduction toWHMIS

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

and Laboratory Safety

“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 & FederalNova Scotia WHMIS Regulation

Supplier Labels

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

Supplier’s LabelPRODUCT IDENTIFIERTOLUENE SULFONIC ACID

RISK PHRASES:Highly irritating to skin, eyes, and nose

HEALTH HAZARD DATA:

Strong Acid: Treat as sulphuric acid

EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: ACUTE

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTEYE: Face shield and gogglesGLOVES: Rubber

OTHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Rubber apron, rubber boots

Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet

ABC Chemicals123 Chemical DriveChemical City1-800-CHE-MICAL

Supplier identifier

FRANCAIS AU VERSO

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)

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

Class B: Flammable and Combustible MaterialPrecautions

Store away from Class C (oxidizing materials)

Store away from sources of heat, sparks and flame

Do not smoke near these materials

Class C: Oxidizing Material

Can cause other materials to burn or explode by providing oxygen

May burn skin and eyes on contact

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

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

Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin

Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Precautions

Avoid inhaling gas or vapours

Avoid skin and eye contactWear the recommended protective equipment and clothing

Do not eat, drink or smoke near these materials

Wash hands after handling

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

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

Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Materials

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

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

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

Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material

Store away from heatAvoid shock and frictionWear the recommended

protective equipment and clothing

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

Laboratory Labels

From a laboratory house,

Intended for use in the lab only,

Are packaged in less than 10kg quantities

If the product:

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

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

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

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?