Self Directed Lesson on: WHMIS

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WHMIS is a Canadian created system that came into effect on October 31, 1988 The point of WHMIS is to help employers and workers understand the dangerous properties of chemicals and workplace materials

Components of WHMIS

Components of WHMIS include labeling stickers, Material Safety Data Sheets that explain the stickers and worker training

The 8 Classes of WHMIS

In WHMIS, there are 8 key classes of Hazardous Materials These classes are labeled A, B, C, D1, D2, D3, E and F Each class of WHMIS deals with a different type of Hazardous Material and each symbol represents the danger that could occur if the material is mishandled

Class A

Class A : Compressed Gas

Compressed gases are dangerous because they have the potential to explode or leak Many compressed gases are also combustible and would carry that WHMIS symbol as well Common examples of compressed gas include: propane, welding gases, oxygen, helium and aerosols

Class B

Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material

Flammable material is material that will easily burn or catch fire at normal temperatures Combustible material is material that will catch on fire at above normal temperatures Common examples of flammable and combustible materials include: propane, kerosene, spray paint, varnish, turpentine, acetylene, diesel, gasoline and WD40

Class C

Class C: Oxidizing Materials

An oxidizing material will help another substance burn but does not usually burn itself Oxidizers can provide oxygen for the fuel or can cause a material that does not usually burn to catch fire Common examples of oxidizing materials include: oxygen, nitric acid, bleach and chlorine

Class D D1, D2 and D3

Class D1

Class D2

Class D3

Class D1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

These are materials that are poisonous or cause serious effects such as coma or burns within minutes of exposure Materials in this class may also cause serious long term health effects as well Common materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects are: carbon monoxide, cyanide, arsenic, and even Tide and Mr. Clean

Class D2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

These are materials that cause effects such as allergies, cancer, reproductive problems and chronic illnesses These materials can cause mutations, irritations and carcinogens Common materials causing other toxic effects are: asbestos, lead, mercury and nicotine

Class D3: Biohazard and Infectious Materials

Biohazardous materials include viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria and are usually toxic organisms These materials are usually found in labs, hospitals or veterinary clinics Common examples of biohazardous materials include: HIV/AIDS virus, salmonella, hepatitis, anthrax and ebola

Class E

Class E: Corrosive Materials

Corrosive materials are materials that can cause severe and immediate burns Many corrosives can not only damage human skin, but material (clothing), containers (plastics etc.) and even metal Common corrosives include: acids (Ex. hydrochloric and battery acid), chlorine and ammonia

Class F

Class F: Dangerously Reactive Materials

Dangerously reactive materials have 3 different requirements:

1. They react with water to make a toxic gas 2. It will react itself if bumped, dropped or upon a temperature increase 3. It can create a polymer, decompose or condense easily

These materials are very chemically unstable Common dangerously reactive materials are: ozone and nitroglycerine

Why do I care about WHMIS?

The point of WHMIS is to help keep you safe while you are on the job The WHMIS symbols work with the Material Safety Data Sheets to tell you all the dangerous properties of the materials you are about to handle Worker training ensures that employees know what safety measures to take when handling material

Remember, even the most harmless looking products can be hazards so it is important to pay attention to WHMIS symbols at all times!

References

Pictures from http://www2.worksafebc.com/Topics/WHMIS Information adapted from http://www.ccohs.ca (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_Hazar dous_Materials_Information_System (Wikipedia)