WHMIS

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Established October 31, 1988

Introduction to Whmis

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WHMIS is Canada-wide legislation, dealing with controlled products in the workplace.

*A controlled product is ‘any product, material or substance included in any one of the classes listed in the Hazardous Products Act (HPA).’

WHMIS is Designed to Solve the Problem of:

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Unlabelled materials in the workplace

Inadequate or contradictory information being given to employers/workers regarding identification, hazardous properties and precautions to be taken with hazardous materials used in the workplace

Three Components of WHMIS

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1. Labels on hazardous materials or their containers

2. MSDS or material safety data sheets which are technical bulletins providing more detailed information than the label

3. Worker education, providing instruction on hazards and safe work procedures

HPA Does Not include:

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• explosives as defined by the Explosives Act; • cosmetics, devices, drugs, or food as defined by the Food and Drugs

Act; • control products as defined by the Pest Control Products Act; • nuclear substances as defined by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act; • hazardous waste; • products, materials, or substances as defined in section 2 of the

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act; • wood or products made of wood; • tobacco or tobacco products as defined in section 2 of the Tobacco

Act; • manufactured articles.

Hazardous Classes Under HPa

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Class A: Compressed GasClass B: Flammable and Combustible MaterialClass C: Oxidizing MaterialClass D: Poisonous and Infectious MaterialClass E: Corrosive MaterialClass F: Dangerously Reactive Material

What Do We Know?

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Compressed Gas(Class A):

Poses an explosion danger because the gas is under pressureContainer may explode if heated in a fire, or dropped

What Do We Know?

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Combustible and Flammable Material(Class B):

Will burn and is therefore a potential fire hazardMay burn at relatively low temperatures; flammable materials catch fire at lower temperatures than combustible materialsMay burst into flame spontaneously in air, or release a flammable gas on contact with waterMay cause a fire when exposed to heat, sparks, or flames, or as a result of friction

What Do We Know?

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Oxidizing Material(Class C):

Poses a fire and/or explosion risk in the presence of flammable or combustible materialMay react violently when it comes into contact with combustible materials such as fuels or woodMay burn skin and eyes upon contact

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Poisonous and Infectious Material(Class D, Division 1):

Is a potentially fatal poisonous substanceMay be fatal or cause permanent damage if it is inhaled or swallowed or if it enters the body through skin contactMay burn eyes or skin upon contact

What Do We Know?

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Poisonous and Infectious Material: Other Toxic Effects (Class D, Division 2):

Not immediately dangerous to healthMay cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over timeMay be a sensitizer, which produces an allergyMay cause cancer, birth defects, or sterility

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What Do We Know?

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May cause a serious disease resulting in illness (AIDS, Hepatitis) or deathCan also include tetanus protection

Poisonous and Infectious Material: Biohazardous, infectious material

(Class D, Division 3):

What do We Know?

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Corrosive Material(Class E):

Causes severe eye and skin irritation upon contactCauses severe tissue damage with prolonged contactOften produces vapor or fumes that may be harmful if inhaled

What Do We Know?

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Dangerously Reactive Material(Class F):

Is very unstableMay react with water to release a toxic or flammable gasMay explode as a result of shock, friction or an increase in temperatureMay explode if heated when in a closed container

Material Safety Data Sheets

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The MSDS is NOT:

1. All the information needed for the safe use of a product in every possible situation

2. A document only to be read and filed

MSDS Required Criteria

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1.Product Identifier2.Ingredients3.Physical Data4.Fire and Explosion Hazards5.Reactivity Data6.Toxicological Properties7.Preventive Measures8.First Aid Measures9.Preparation Information

Worker Education

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Anyone working with or nearby controlled products must be trained in hazard information and procedures regarding:

1. Safe use2. Storage3. Handling4. Disposal5. Emergency procedures

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Summary

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WHMIS has three components:

WHMIS is a hazard class driven system

1. Labels2. MSDS3. Worker Education

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Compressed GasFlammableOxidizersPoisonsCorrosivesReactive