SUMMARY OF WHAT YOU KNEED TO KNOW WHMIS training

What is WHMIS ?  Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System  WHMIS is Canada's hazard communication standard.

COMPRESSED GAS (EXPLOSIVE) Symbolized by a cylinder Material which is a gas at room temperature Can cause injury or death as a result of a blast or because of the materials expelled by the blast (metal shards) Usually are pressurized aerosol containers which may explode when heated Example: oxygen

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL Symbolized by a flaming surface Flammable or combustible materials will ignite and continue to burn if exposed to a flame or source of ignition Are substances which can burn easily or cause other materials to burn Examples: methane, acetone

OXIDIZING MATERIAL Chemicals which result in negative effects of the physical/mental systems May not burn itself but will add to a fire Examples: ozone, chlorine, nitrogen dioxide

Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects Skull and cross bones symbol Poisons act by entering the body in one of three ways:  A) ingestion (eating)  B) Inhalation (breathing or smell)  C) absorption through the skin (touch)  Poisons can cause anything from mild illness to death, depending on the nature of the poison  Examples: hydrogen cyanide

Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects Has long term physical effects on humans Can cause cancer All over a prolonged time

Biohazardous infectious material Symbolized by a 3-sided open-bladed fan Presence of infections materials of various natures (bacteria, viruses, fungus, etc.) Any organisms and the toxins produced by these organisms that have been shown to cause disease or are believed to cause disease in either humans or animals. Example: a blood sample containing the Hepatitis B virus because it may cause cancer to anyone exposed to it.

CORROSIVE MATERIAL Symbolized by an object and hand eaten away by a liquid Are chemicals which can act on clothing skin, eyes or internally by drinking or eating Can cause symptoms ranging from mild rash to serous skin damage Can damage clothing Can cause blindness Can cause death if ingested Example: ammonia, hydrochloric acid

DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL This material may undergo vigorous decomposition or condensation. They may react violently under conditions of shock or an increase in pressure or temperature. They may also react vigorously with water to release a toxic gas. Examples: ozone, hydrazine and benzoyl

MSDS Stands for MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS Contains information about: - physical properties - fire and explosion hazards - health hazards - reactivity - spill or leak procedures - etc.