WHMIS Crystal Moules October 23, 2006

WHMIS W orkplace H azardous M aterials I nformation S ystem

WHMIS, is a Canada-wide, legally enforced, system to ensure that standard information about hazardous materials is given by suppliers to employers and by employers to workers. Its purpose is to protect health and safety by providing information needed to:WHMIS, is a Canada-wide, legally enforced, system to ensure that standard information about hazardous materials is given by suppliers to employers and by employers to workers. Its purpose is to protect health and safety by providing information needed to: 1. Identify hazardous materials. 2. Take appropriate precautions.

Compressed Gas

Class A: Compressed Gas This class includes compressed gases,This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration. Examples: Fire extinguisher Propane tank Oxygen tank

Flammable and Combustible Material

Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material Solids, liquids and gases capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of sparks, flame or friction.Solids, liquids and gases capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of sparks, flame or friction.Examples: oil paint gasoline

Oxidizing Material

Class C: Oxidizing Material Materials which provide oxygen or similar substance and which increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.Materials which provide oxygen or similar substance and which increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.Examples:white-out hydrogen peroxide hydrogen peroxide

Poisonous and Infectious Materials

Class D: Poisonous and Infectious Materials, Division 1: Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects. These materials can kill you, even in small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide hydrogen sulphide

Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects The material is poisonous but not immediately dangerous to health. It may cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over time Examples: acetone (irritant) asbestos (cancer causing)

Biohazardous Infectious Material

Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material This division contains materials that may cause a serious disease resulting in illness or death. Examples: raw chicken containing salmonella bacteria blood containing the HIV virus

Corrosive Material

Class E: Corrosive Material Caustic or acid materials which can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Example: batteries sulfuric acid household cleaners (e.g. for ovens and toilet bowls)

Dangerously Reactive Material

Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material Products which can undergo dangerous reaction if subjected to heat, pressure, shock or allowed to contact water. Examples: sulfur aluminum powder

Workplace WHMIS label Product name Precautionary measures Risk phrases