Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

It is the Federal and Provincial Law Nova Scotia WHMIS Regulation 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 the Act and the regulations and unless the worker has received the training and information required to carry out the work entrusted to them safely.

What is WHIMS? WHMIS is a hazard communication system designed to ensure workers using hazardous materials, also known as controlled products, have all the necessary information to safely handle, store and dispose of these materials.

Two Components to WHIMS WHMIS - symbols and hazard classifications. MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheets.

Eight classes of Hazards CLASS A - Compressed Gas CLASS B - Flammable & Combustible Materials CLASS C - Oxidizing Materials CLASS D1 - Poisonous and Infectious - Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects CLASS D2 - Poisonous and Infectious - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects CLASS D3 - Poisonous and Infectious - Biohazardous Infectious Materials CLASS E - Corrosive Materials CLASS F - Dangerously Reactive Materials

Class A – Compressed Gas

Class A – Compressed Gas This symbol indicates that the contents of the container are under pressure DANGER: anything done to weaken the structure of the container, OR heat the container, could result in an explosion or a dramatic release of pressure. A compressed gas is a material at normal room temperature and pressure, and is packaged under compression. When compressed, they often become a liquid. Examples: Helium and propane. Compressed propane is often sold as liquid propane.

CLASS B - Flammable & Combustible Materials

CLASS B - Flammable & Combustible Materials This symbol indicates that the contents of the container are flammable or combustible. DANGER: may ignite or explode if exposed to flame or heated Flammable / Combustible materials are solids, liquids or gases that will ignite and continue to burn if exposed to a flame or source of ignition. These materials may also be explosive in certain situations. Examples: Diesel and gasoline.

CLASS C - Oxidizing Materials

CLASS C - Oxidizing Materials This symbol indicates that the contents of the container are oxidizing materials. DANGER: Risk of fire. Oxygen is necessary for a fire to occur. Some chemicals can cause other materials to burn by supplying oxygen. Oxidizers will either help the fire by providing more oxygen or they may cause materials that normally do not burn to suddenly catch on fire (spontaneous combustion). Examples: Chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, bleach.

CLASS D1 - Poisonous and Infectious - Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

CLASS D1 - Poisonous and Infectious - Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Division 1: Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects DANGER: Immediate death or serious injury with exposure to small amounts Examples: sodium cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia

CLASS D2 - Poisonous and Infectious - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

CLASS D2 - Poisonous and Infectious - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects Division 2: Materials causing other toxic effects DANGER: Death or serious injury from repeated exposure! These 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. This includes cancer, severe allergies, reproductive harm, mental degeneration, etc. Examples: asbestos, mercury, lead, acetone

CLASS D3 - Poisonous and Infectious - Biohazardous Infectious Materials

CLASS D3 - Poisonous and Infectious - Biohazardous Infectious Materials Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material DANGER: risk of infectious disease These materials contain an organism that causes disease in people or animals. These include bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. Examples: AIDS/HIV, Hepatitis B, Salmonella

CLASS E - Corrosive Materials

CLASS E - Corrosive Materials This symbol indicates the contents of the container are highly corrosive. DANGER: will destroy skin or dissolve metals. Can also cause lung damage and blindness. This class includes caustic and acidic materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide (drain cleaners), hydrochloric acid (your stomach acid), sulfuric acid (fertilizers)

CLASS F - Dangerously Reactive Materials

CLASS F - Dangerously Reactive Materials This symbol indicates the contents of the container are dangerously self-reactive. DANGER: risk of explosion or release of toxic gas These 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: ethyl acrylate (used in the production of plastics, rubber, and denture material),ethylene oxide (used to sterilize medical equipment)

MSDS A Material Safety Data Sheet is a technical bulletin that provides: specific hazard information safe handling information emergency procedures for a controlled product Since the MSDS contains detailed health and safety information specific to each controlled product, it should be used as a key source of information for developing training programs and safe work procedures. http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927258

Lab Safety and Expectations When working with chemicals, goggles must be worn at all times. You must wear a lab coat! If you have long hair - put it up! Absolutely no food, liquid, makeup application, or technology allowed in the lab!

Lab Safety and Expectations Read all instructions carefully. DO NOT begin your lab without reading the instructions! Handle all materials and chemicals as instructed. Only dispose of chemicals as instructed: some chemicals can not be poured down the drain – do not be THAT person!

Lab Safety and Expectations You are to stay with your lab team – do not interfere with other teams/stations. You may be asked to leave and your mark will be forfeit should you fail to follow the safety rules and expectations.