What is WHMIS?
WHMIS is the abbreviation for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. This is the system that informs YOU as a young worker and anyone else in the workplace, about the hazard and how to deal with them. It also teaches you about the hazardous chemicals and materials around the workplace, and how to store them and dispose of them properly.
WHMIS Symbols
Class A; this includes Compressed Gas, Dissolved Gases, Gases Liquefied by Compression or Refrigeration
Flammable:
Class B; Solids, Liquids and Gases that are capable of setting on fire when near a open flame or spark.
Oxidizing Material:
Class C; Oxidizing material increase the risk of combustion when they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.
Corrosive Material:
Class E; This includes and material that can wreck the skin or eat through metals. Examples: Hydrochloric Acid or Nitric Acid.
Poisonous and Infectious Material (Division 1):
Class D; Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects These materials can cause instant injury or death, from exposure to small amounts. Examples: Sodium Cyanide or Hydrogen Sulphide
Poisonous and Infectious Material (Division 2):
Class D; Causing Other toxic Effects These materials can cause serious life threatening long-term injury/health problems. Also immediate but less severe reactions to some one who is constantly exposed to small amounts.
Poisonous and Infectious Material (Division 3):
Class D; Biohazardous Infectious Material These materials have dangerous micro-organisms that are classified into Risk Groups 2,3 & 4, according to World Heath Council (WHO) and Medical Research Council of Canada.
Dangerously Reactive Material:
Class F; Materials can self-react
dangerously when exposed to physical shock, increased pressure or temperature.
They can also release toxic gas when reacted with water.
Supplier Label
All WHMIS controlled products/materials need to have appropriate WHMIS labels. You can recognize the label by its bold border. The label should provide the following information about the labeled product or material.
1) Name of hazardous material
2) What dangers there are
3) How to use the material safely
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
This is also required for every hazardous material in the workplace. You must know where to find this in your workplace. The MSDS provides the following information about any hazardous material in the workplace.
1) About the material/product
2) Hazards of the material/product
3) How to use it safely
4) How to store it safely
5) What to do in an emergency
Training
If you work around hazardous materials in the workplace, proper training is mandatory. you must know how to deal with those materials appropriately. In WHMIS training you learn the following things.
1) The WHMIS symbols
2) How to understand/read MSDS labels and information
3) How to use the materials/products safely
4) How to deal with an emergency
© Sanjot Sidhu (SHSS)
