Symbols & Dangers

As you pursue more advanced science and chemistry, you will perform experiments and handle materials, equipment and chemicals.

It is crucial that you know and follow safety rules and procedures.

ALWAYS:Read the instructions first before starting

anythingWait for teacher approval to commenceWear appropriate and protective clothingAct responsiblyKnow your WHMIS symbols

Why Bother? http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=3jLGkmOVtnI

It was his third day on the job, and a new worker was asked to pour a chemical product from a drum. While he was pouring the liquid, the drum exploded and the worker received third degree burns to 90% of his body. He was rushed to the hospital but he died the next day.

What the worker didn't know:The chemical contained a hazardous

material called tolueneToluene can explode very easily. In this

case, it exploded because of the static electricity charge that was created when he poured the material into the drum.

Why did he not know it was a hazardous material? The container was not marked or labeled. He had not received any training. He did not know his rights and

responsibilities.

CTV news 2012:“… An 18 year old high school student from

Mother Teresa Catholic High School succumbed to injuries he suffered from an explosion in his auto-shop class…. [The student] was not breathing and had no pulse when emergency workers arrived at the scene…. The students were working on a BBQ-related project when the explosion occurred…. It’s believed that fumes from the peppermint oil drum ignited and caused a flash explosion.”

Health Canada has published standard rules to ensure individuals’ safety:

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

WHMIS

WHMIS symbols help you determine how to handle or dispose of a material safely

You must memorize them

CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS Gas at normal room temp and pressure

Contained under pressure (cylinder)

Dangers: Uncontrolled release Suffocation Frostbite

Examples: Oxygen Propane Helium

CLASS B: FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS

Solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame

Dangers: Fire or Explosion

Examples:Diesel fuelKeroseneGasoline

CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIALS

Chemicals that decompose readily to supply oxygen

Increase risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials

Dangers: Intensify fires and explosions

Examples:OzoneNitrogen dioxidePeroxides

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALS

Div 1. Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

Materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts

Examples: Carbon monoxide Cyanide Hydrogen sulphide

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALS

Div 2. Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

Can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems

Less severe but immediate reactions in a person repeatedly exposed to small amounts

Examples: Asbestos Ammonia Mercury

Div 3. Biohazardous Infectious Material

Organisms or toxins produced, that cause disease in people or animals Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, Parasites

Examples: Hepatitis AIDS/HIV Salmonella

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALS

Can cause severe burns to skin and other tissues

Effects are permanent

Dangers: Corrosion of metals“Burning” human tissue

Examples:Hydrochloric acidSulfuric acid

CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIALS

Unstable or highly reactive materials than can undergo extremely hazardous, uncontrolled reactions

Dangers: DecompositionPolymerizationReaction with waterSelf-reaction

Examples:Ethyl acrylate

CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE METALS

Contains:WHMIS symbolsRisksConditions/Restrictions of the

productFirst Aid InstructionsCompany and company contacts

WHMIS LABEL