1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

2. WHMIS
Provides information about hazardous materials (controlled substances) in the workplace
Workers have a right to information on controlled substances they use
Six hazard classifications with eight symbols
Federally and Provincially regulated

3. WHMIS - Responsibilities
Employer is responsible to ensure Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemical products
First Aider (or employee) must know where they are and be familiar with MSDS

4. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
is a document that contains information on the:
potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental)
use
storage
handling
all emergency procedures related to the material
In other words, this sheet provides all of the information required to work safely with the “Controlled products” as regulated by WHMIS legislation.

5. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
nine (9) categories of information that must be present on an MSDS in Canada:
Product Information (product identifier (name), manufacturer and suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers)
Hazardous Ingredients
Physical Data
Fire or Explosion Hazard Data
Reactivity Data (information on the chemical instability of a product and the substances it may react with)
Toxicological Properties (health effects)
Preventive Measures
First Aid Measures
Preparation Information (who is responsible for preparation and date of preparation of MSDS)

7. WHMIS Classification Symbols
CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS
This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.
Examples: carbon dioxide, propane
CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
This class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions.
Examples: mineral spirits, solvents
All controlled products fall into one or more of six WHMIS classes as noted in the chart.

8. WHMIS Classification Symbols
CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL
These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.
Examples: chlorine, organic peroxide
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts.
Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide

9. WHMIS Classification Symbols
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
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.
Examples: asbestos, lead
CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material
These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada.
Examples: viruses, bacteria

10. WHMIS Classification Symbols
CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL
This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals.
Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid
CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL
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: nitroglycerin, sodium