WHMIS
The Basics
About WorkSafeBC
WorkSafeBC (the Workers' Compensation Board) is an independent provincial statutory agency
governed by a Board of Directors. It is funded by insurance premiums paid by registered employers
and by investment returns. In administering the Workers Compensation Act, WorkSafeBC remains
separate and distinct from government; however, it is accountable to the public through government
in its role of protecting and maintaining the overall well-being of the workers' compensation system.
WorkSafeBC was born out of a compromise between BC's workers and employers in 1917 where
workers gave up the right to sue their employers or fellow workers for injuries on the job in return
for a no-fault insurance program fully paid for by employers. WorkSafeBC is committed to a safe
and healthy workplace, and to providing return-to-work rehabilitation and legislated compensation
benefits to workers injured as a result of their employment.
WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line
The WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line can answer your questions about workplace health
and safety, worker and employer responsibilities, and reporting a workplace accident or incident. The
Prevention Information Line accepts anonymous calls.
Phone 604 276-3100 in the Lower Mainland, or call 1 888 621-7233 (621-SAFE) toll-free in British
Columbia.
To report after-hours and weekend accidents and emergencies, call 604 273-7711 in the Lower Mainland,
or call 1 866 922-4357 (WCB-HELP) toll-free in British Columbia.
WHMIS
The Basics
WorkSafeBC publications
Many publications are available on the WorkSafeBC web site. The Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation and associated policies and guidelines, as well as excerpts and summaries of the Workers
Compensation Act, are also available on the web site:
Some publications are also available for purchase in print:
Phone: 604 232-9704
Toll-free phone: 1 866 319-9704
Fax: 604 232-9703
Toll-free fax: 1 888 232-9714
Online ordering: and click on Publications; follow the links for ordering
?2005 Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia. All rights reserved. The Workers'
Compensation Board of B.C. encourages the copying, reproduction, and distribution of this document
to promote health and safety in the workplace, provided that the Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.
is acknowledged. However, no part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or distributed for
profit or other commercial enterprise, nor may any part be incorporated into any other publication,
without written permission of the Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.
2005 edition
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
WHMIS, the basics. -- 2005 -
Irregular.
"Worksafe BC."
ISSN 1715-5940 = WHMIS, the basics
1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (Canada). 2. Hazardous
substances - Labeling - Canada. 3. Hazardous substances - Canada - Safety measures.
4. Hazardous substances - Law and legislation - Canada. I. Workers' Compensation
Board of British Columbia.
II. Title: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, the basics.
T55.3.H3W45 363.17'7'0971 C2005-960192-2
Contents
WHMIS the Basics ...................................................1
Overview of WHMIS ................................................2
Hazardous Materials ............................................................................. 3
Legislation ............................................................................................... 3
WHMIS Elements. ................................................................................. 4
Key WHMIS Participants ...................................................................... 5
Classification .........................................................6
Classes and Symbols ............................................................................ 6
Exemptions ...........................................................................................11
Labels.................................................................... 13
WHMIS Labels ..................................................................................... 13
Supplier Label ......................................................................................14
Acceptable Format for the Supplier Label ........................................ 15
Workplace Labels ................................................................................. 17
Other Means of Identification ............................................................ 18
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) ..................... 19
MSDS Information ............................................................................... 19
9-Section MSDS -- Sample Format ................................................... 21
Trade secrets ......................................................................................... 25
WHMIS Implementation ........................................26
WHMIS Program ................................................................................. 26
Education and Training ...................................................................... 27
Exercises ..............................................................29
Classification Exercise ......................................................................... 30
Label Exercise ....................................................................................... 31
MSDS Exercise..................................................................................... 33
Answer Keys .........................................................35
Classification Exercise Answers......................................................... 36
Label Exercise Answers ...................................................................... 37
MSDS Exercise Answers .................................................................... 38
Appendix ...............................................................39
Information Items on a Supplier Label ............................................. 39
WHMIS: The Basics
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WHMIS The Basics
This booklet will explain the basics of Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System (WHMIS), including:
?Overview--background to WHMIS development, key elements, and
key participants
?Classification--hazard classes and symbols; exempt products
?Labels--supplier labels, workplace labels, and other identifiers
?Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)--use, content, format, example,
and trade secrets
?Education/Implementation--WHMIS Program; education and
training
The overall purpose of WHMIS is to help ensure a safer, healthier
workplace. Your knowledge about the workplace is your biggest asset in
successfully understanding and benefiting from WHMIS.
Workers who are successfully educated and trained in WHMIS should
be able to answer these four questions:
?What are the hazards associated with controlled products? (For
example, How can it hurt me?)
?How do I protect myself? (For example, What should I wear?)
?What should I do in an emergency? (For example, What do I do if I
spill it?)
?Where do I get more information?
By understanding the information in this book, you will learn where to
look on the label of a controlled product, where to look on a Material
Safety Data Sheet, and what to discuss with your supervisor.
WHMIS: The Basics
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Overview of WHMIS
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
provides information about many hazardous materials used in the
workplace. WHMIS calls these hazardous materials controlled products.
WHMIS
WORKPLACE
deals only with products used
in the workplace
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
dangerous products that may
cause fires, explosions, or
health problems
INFORMATION SYSTEM
provides information about
hazardous materials
Under WHMIS, workers have the right to receive information about
each controlled product they use -- its identity, hazards, and safety
precautions. The goal of WHMIS is to reduce injury and disease by
communicating specific health and safety information about controlled
products so that the information can be used to reduce exposure to
hazardous materials.
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Hazardous Materials
Exposure to hazardous materials can result in health problems such as
irritation of the eyes, sensitization of the skin or lungs, heart ailments,
kidney and lung damage or cancer. Hazardous materials can cause
fires, explosions, or other accidents when improperly stored or handled.
Legislation
Federal Legislation (Hazardous Products Act and Controlled Products
Regulations) deals with importation and sale of controlled products. The
Hazardous Materials Information Review Act established a commission to
review claims for trade secrets.
Provincial Legislation (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation) covers
the use of hazardous materials in the workplace.
BACKGROUND
Nationwide system implemented at the
federal and provincial levels in 1988
Recognizing the interests of all
concerned
government (regulators)
industry (suppliers)
owners (employers)
labour (workers)
Three key elements
labels
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
worker education and training
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WHMIS Elements
WHMIS controlled products are classified by their hazard. There are
six hazard classes and eight hazard symbols that identify the specific
hazards. (There are three symbols in Class D.) The eight hazard
symbols identify the specific hazards of controlled products. After a
controlled product has been classified, the following three WHMIS
elements are used to communicate health and safety information:
WHMIS labels: Labels on controlled products alert workers to the
?br>
identity of the product, hazards, and precautionary measures.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Technical bulletins provide
?br>
detailed hazard and precautionary information.
WHMIS education and training programs: The employer provides
?br>
education and training for workers so that they can work safely
with and near controlled products. Workers need to know how
WHMIS works, the hazards of controlled products in their
workplace, and the safe work procedures they must follow.
3 BASIC ELEMENTS OF WHMIS
Labels
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Education and Training
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Key WHMIS Participants
The key WHMIS participants are suppliers, employers, and workers --
all have specific responsibilities.
PARTICIPANTS
SUPPLIERS
classify all controlled products
supply proper labels and MSDS
keep information on labels and MSDS current
EMPLOYERS
educate and train workers
provide safe work procedures
ensure availability of proper up-to-date labels and MSDS
WORKERS
understand content and significance of labels and MSDS
follow safe work procedures
notify employers about problems with labels and MSDS
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Classification
Classification determines if a product falls within one or more of the
hazard classes. Suppliers classify controlled products and apply hazard
symbols.
Classes and Symbols
WHMIS covers six classes of controlled products, that are lettered A
through F. Eight hazard symbols are used to depict the specific hazards
within these different classes. (Class D contains three hazard symbols.)
Note: the products, substances, and materials listed in each of the
following graphics are examples only.
CLASS A
COMPRESSED GASES
Products under pressure
butane, propane, acetylene,
and fire extinguishers
Hazards
If a pressurized container is punctured because it is dropped or
exposed to excessive heat, the exploding fragments or rocket-like
projectiles present a serious physical hazard. Examples include chlorine
contained in a pressurized cylinder and used as a disinfectant at
swimming pools, and oxygen used in oxyacetylene welding.
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CLASS B
FLAMMABLE/COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS
Substances capable of catching fire
acetone, isopropyl alcohol,
stoddart solvent
Hazards
These materials can pose a danger of fire and explosion. Flammables
are more dangerous than combustibles because they ignite more easily.
During use, they must be kept away from ignition sources such as
sparks or open flames. When not in use, they must be stored in fire-
resistant cabinets or other specified storage areas.
CLASS C
OXIDIZERS
Products causing/contributing to
the combustion of other materials
hydrogen peroxide, potassium nitrate,
sodium chlorate
Hazards
Oxidizing materials greatly increase the risk of fire if they come in
contact with materials that can burn. They should never be stored near
flammable or combustible materials.
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Class D: Poisonous and
Infectious Materials
D1
Materials causing immediate
and serious toxic effect
arsenic, methylene chloride, formaldehyde
Hazards
Materials causing death or immediate injury. Examples include highly
toxic sodium cyanide, used in the electroplating industry, which can be
absorbed through the skin. The toxic gas, hydrogen sulphide, used in
laboratories and present in petroleum and pulp and paper industries,
can cause death when inhaled.
D2
Materials causing other toxic effect
- immediate skin or eye irritation
- chronic health effects on body organs,
cardiovascular or nervous system
carcinogens (asbestos, crystalline
silica, benzene) sensitizers (methyl
methacrylate) embroyotoxin (xylene)
Hazards
Poisonous and infectious materials causing immediate skin or eye
irritation or long-term health problems, such as skin/lung allergic
response, birth defects, cancer, reproductive problems, or impairment of
body organs and systems.
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D3
Biohazardous infectious materials
- harmful microorganisms
Classified as Risk Groups II, III, or IV as
defined by the Medical Research Council
of Canada
Includes commercial cultures containing
infectious organisms such as HIV, Ebola,
and Hepatitis B
Hazards
Microorganisms (includes viruses, bacteria, fungi) causing disease
in persons and animals. They may be present in cultures. Products
containing biohazardous infectious materials may be found in
laboratory and research facilities associated with the medical or
agricultural sectors.
CLASS E
CORROSIVE MATERIALS
Materials such as caustics or acids
causing burns to skin or eyes
sodium hydroxide, bleach, hydrochloric
acid, hydrofluoric acid
Hazards
Corrosive materials include caustics such as lye and acids. They can
cause permanent damage (e.g., burns) to skin and eyes.
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CLASS F
DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIALS
Products that can undergo
dangerous reaction if subject to heat,
light, pressure, shock, water, air
hydrogen cyanide, benzoyl peroxide,
chlorine dioxide
Hazards
This class includes products that can undergo vigorous polymerization
reaction on their own, or become self-reactive when exposed to shock
or to increase in pressure or temperature. It also includes products that
react vigorously with water to release a toxic gas.
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Exemptions
Partially Exempt
Some products are already covered by other labelling legislation and do
not require WHMIS labels and MSDSs. However, Provincial legislation
requires employers to educate and train workers about the hazards
of partially exempt products and in safe work procedures, and to use
workplace labels.
PARTIALLY EXEMPT
No WHMIS Supplier Label and MSDS Required
EDUCATION & TRAINING AND WORKPLACE LABELS REQUIRED
SOME CONSUMER RADIOACTIVE
PRODUCTS SUBSTANCES
COSMETICS PESTICIDES
FOOD DRUGS EXPLOSIVES
AND
MEDICAL DEVICES
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Completely Excluded
Some products are completely excluded from both Federal and
Provincial WHMIS requirements. However, workers must be advised
of hazards and trained in safe handling procedures, as required under
other provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
COMPLETELY EXCLUDED
None of the WHMIS Requirements Apply
OH&S REGULATION APPLIES
WOOD PRODUCTS TOBACCO AND
AND
WOOD TOBACCO PRODUCTS
MADE OF
MANUFACTURED HAZARDOUS
ARTICLES WASTES
GOODS HANDLED UNDER TDG
hazardous materials in transport
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Labels
WHMIS Labels
The purpose of labels is to alert workers to the main hazards of
controlled products and provide instructions for safe handling, and to
direct workers to the MSDS for more information.
The two types of WHMIS labels are the supplier label and the
workplace label. Other means of identification may be used where
appropriate (such as warning signs, colour codes, placards).
WHMIS LABELS
All WHMIS controlled products must be labelled
There are 2 types of WHMIS Labels
Supplier Labels
Workplace Labels
Other means of identification
placards, warning signs, colour codes
Labels alert workers to hazards and safe handling
instructions
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Supplier Label
Suppliers must provide supplier labels on containers of all controlled
products sold or imported for use in the workplace.
?Supplier labels will show seven types of information within the
WHMIS hatched borders.
?The written information must be shown in both English and French.
?The label must stand out from the container itself and other
markings on the container (for example, the size of the label should
be appropriate for the size of the container).
SUPPLIER LABEL
Contains the following:
Product name First aid measures
Hazard symbols Supplier identifier
Risk phrases Reference to MSDS
Precautionary measures
All information must be disclosed in English and French
within a hatched border
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Acceptable Format for the Supplier Label
[2] Hazard
[1] Product
Symbol(s)
Identifier
Symbole de
Identificateur PRODUCT IDENTIFIER Danger
IDENTIFICATEUR DU PRODUIT
du Produit
RISK PHRASE(S) MENTION(S)
[3] Risk
DE RISQUES
Phrases
Mention(s) de
[4] Precautionary
PRECAUTIONARY MESURE(S) DE
Risques
Statement(s)
STATEMENT(S) PR蒝ENTION
Mesure(s) de
Pr関ention
FIRST-AID MESURES DE
[5] First Aid MEASURES SECOURS
Measures D'URGENCE
Premiers
SEE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
Soins
VOIR LA FICHE SIGNAL蒚IQUE
SUPPLIER IDENTIFIER [6] Supplier
[7] Reference to
IDENTIFICATEUR DU FOURNISSEUR Identifier
the MSDS
Identification
Renvoi ?br>
du Fournisseur
la Fiche
Signal閠ique
WHMIS: The Basics
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Supplier Label Example
ACETONE AC蒚ONE
S E E M AT E R I A L S A F E T Y DATA S H E E T F O R T H I S P R O D U C T
VOIR LA FICHE SIGNAL蒚IQUE POUR CE PRODUIT
DANGER! EXTR萂EMENT
DANGER! EXTREMELY
INFLAMMABLE. IRRITE LES YEUX.
FLAMMABLE. IRRITATES EYES.
MESURES DE PR蒝ENTION:
PRECAUTIONS: Keep
Tenir ?l'閏art de la chaleur, des
away from heat, sparks,
閠incelles et des flammes.
and flames. Ground Relier les r閏ipients ?la terre
containers when pouring. lors du transvasement. 蓈iter de
Avoid breathing vapours or respirer les vapeurs ou les
brumes. 蓈iter le contact avec les yeux. 蓈iter le
mists. Avoid eye contact. Avoid prolonged
contact prolong?ou r閜閠?avec la peau. Porter
or repeated contact with skin. Wear
des lunettes contre les 閏laboussures de
splash-proof safety goggles or faceshield produit chimique ou une visi鑢e de protection, et
and butyl rubber gloves. If acetone is des gants en caoutchouc butyle. Si l'ac閠one est
present in concentrations greater than pr閟ent en concentration de plus de 250 pour
un million, porter un respirateur muni d'une
250 ppm, wear a NIOSH-approved
cartouche ?vapeur organique approuv?par
respirator with an organic vapour
NIOSH. Utiliser avec suffisamment de ventilation
cartridge. Use with adequate ventilation, surtout dans les endroits clos. Entreposer dans
especially in enclosed areas. Store in a un endroit frais, bien a閞? ?l'閏art des produits
cool, well-ventilated area, away from incompatibles.
PREMIERS SOINS: En cas de contact avec les
incompatibles.
yeux, rincer imm閐iatement et copieusement
FIRST AID: In case of contact with eyes,
avec de l'eau courante pendant 15 minutes en
immediately flush eyes with lots of running soulevant les paupi鑢es inf閞ieures et
water for 15 minutes, lifting the upper and sup閞ieures de temps en temps. Obtenir des
lower eyelids occasionally. Get medical soins m閐icaux imm閐iatement. En cas de
contact avec la peau, laver imm閐iatement la
attention immediately. In case of contact
region affect閑 avec beaucoup d'eau et de
with skin, immediately wash skin with lots
savon. Retirer les v阾ements et les chaussures
of soap and water. Remove contaminated contamin閑s. Si l'irritation persiste apr鑣 le
clothing and shoes. Get medical attention lavage, obtenir des soins m閐icaux. Laver les
if irritation persists after washing. Wash v阾ements avant de les r閡tiliser. En cas
d'inhalation, transporter la victime ?l'air frais. En
clothing before reuse. If inhaled, remove
cas d'arr閠 respiratoire, pratiquer la respiration
subject to fresh air. Give artificial
artificielle. Obtenir des soins m閐icaux
respiration if not breathing. Get medical imm閐iatement. En cas d'ingestion, contacter le
attention immediately. If swallowed, Centre de Contr鬺e des Empoisonnements.
contact the Poison Control Centre. Get Obtenir des soins m閐icaux imm閐iatement. Ne
rien faire avaler ?une victime inconsciente ou en
medical attention immediately. Do not give
convulsions.
anything by mouth to an unconscious or
ATTENTION! CE RECIPIENT EST
convulsing person.
DANGEREUX LORSQU'IL EST VIDE.
ATTENTION! THIS CONTAINER IS
CHAQUE INDICATION DE DANGER
HAZARDOUS WHEN EMPTY. ALL
SUR LES 蒚IQUETTES DOIVENT
LABELLED HAZARD PRECAUTIONS
蔜RE OBSERV蒃S.
MUST BE OBSERVED.
BIG
WHMIS: The Basics
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Workplace Labels
Workplace labels are required on containers of controlled products
produced on site, and on secondary containers where the product has
been transferred from the original container.
Workplace labels are applied to:
?Secondary containers
?Containers of products received in bulk
?Employer-produced products
?Containers with missing or illegible supplier labels
WORKPLACE LABEL
Contains the following:
Product name
Safe handling procedures
Reference to the MSDS
The format for workplace labels is flexible and may be in the language
of choice in the workplace.
WORKPLACE LABEL EXAMPLE
ACETONE
Flammable
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and flames
- Wear butyl rubber gloves and safety goggles
- Use with local exhaust ventillation
Material Safety Data Sheet Available
WHMIS: The Basics
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Other Means of Identification
Other means of identification may be used in the following
circumstances.
Warning signs
Colour/number coding systems
Symbols
For identifying:
piping systems, reaction vessels, tank cars, conveyor belts
carrying a controlled product
products not in a container
hazardous waste produced in the workplace
WHMIS: The Basics
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
MSDS Information
A Material Safety Data Sheet is a technical bulletin that provides
specific hazard information, safe handling information, and emergency
procedures for a controlled product. Since the MSDS contains detailed
health and safety information specific to each controlled product, it
should be used as a key source of information for developing training
programs and safe work procedures. It is also a valuable reference
source of health and safety information for workers, health and safety
committees, and emergency service personnel.
The MSDS must be made available and accessible to workers.
USES OF MSDS
Provides detailed information on the hazards of a
controlled product
An important element for developing safe work
procedures and control measures
A key element of worker education and training
Some employers use an electronic database to store MSDSs. In this case,
it is essential that workers are trained in accessing such a database to
retrieve an MSDS. Employers may wish to consider having a printed
copy of each MSDS available for workers, in case electronic files are not
accessible (e.g., the system is down).
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The Controlled Products Regulations list 54 items of information in 9
recommended sections on an MSDS, but does not require a standard
format. MSDSs may be in different formats, and sections can be
arranged in a different order.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
(MSDS)
A technical document providing information on
a controlled product, for example:
hazardous ingredients
hazards (fire, explosion, reactivity)
health effects of exposure (acute and chronic)
hazard evaluation related to storage and handling
measures to protect workers
emergency procedures
Must be current (no more than 3 years old), complete,
and readily available to workers
RULES FOR COMPLETING MSDS
Must not be more than 3 years old
9 recommended sections
54 items of information
Specific hazardous ingredients must be disclosed (No "trade
secrets proprietary" allowed unless a claim has been registered)
Any abreviations used must be defined
Information must be specific
No blanks
No contradictory information
No Standard Format under WHMIS
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9-Section MSDS -- Sample Format
The following are the nine recommended section headings and the 54 items of information to be
provided in those nine sections of the MSDS.
SECTION 1 -- Product Information
This section identifies the product, the manufacturer, and the supplier; and it describes the intended
product use. It also provides information about where to contact the manufacturer and supplier for
information and/or in case of emergency.
Product Identifier WHMIS Classification (optional)
Product Use
Manufacturer's Name Supplier's Name
Street Address Street Address
City Province City Province
Postal Code Emergency Telephone Postal Code Emergency Telephone
SECTION 2 -- Hazardous Ingredients
This section lists the specific chemical names, percentages, and acute toxicity data for the individual
components.
Hazardous Ingredients % CAS Number LD50 of Ingredient LC50 of Ingredient
(specific) (specify species and route) (specify species)
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SECTION 3 -- Physical Data
This section contains general information on physical and chemical properties such as the specific
gravity, boiling point, and evaporation rate.
Physical State Odour and Appearance Odour Threshold (ppm)
Specific Gravity Vapour Density (air = 1) Vapour Pressure (mmHg) Evaporation Rate
Boiling Point (?C) Freezing Point (癈) pH Coefficient of Water/Oil Distribution
SECTION 4 -- Fire and Explosion Data
This section lists the conditions under which the product may catch fire or explode, as well as
information for developing strategies and procedures to deal with fire and explosion hazards.
Flammability If yes, under which conditions?
Yes No
Means of Extinction
Flashpoint (癈) and Method Upper Flammable Limit (% by volume) Lower Flammable Limit (% by volume)
Autoignition Temperature (癈) Explosion Data -- Sensitivity to Impact Explosion Data -- Sensitivity to Static Discharge
Hazardous Combustion Products
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SECTION 5 -- Reactivity Data
This section lists conditions and other substances that should be avoided to prevent dangerous reactions.
Chemical Stability If no, under which conditions?
Yes No
Incompatibility with Other Substances If yes, which ones?
Yes No
Reactivity, and Under What Conditions?
Hazardous Decomposition Products
SECTION 6 -- Toxicological Properties
This section identifies how the substance enters the body and the possible health effects from single
or repeated exposures. It also identifies if the product has known long-term health effects such as
liver or kidney damage, sensitization, cancer, or reproductive effects.
Routes of Entry
Skin Contact Skin Absorption Eye Contact Inhalation Ingestion
Effects of Acute Exposure to Product
Effects of Chronic Exposure to Product
Exposure Limits (value, source, date) Irritancy (if yes, explain)
Yes No
Sensitization (if yes, explain) Carcinogenicity (if yes, explain)
Yes No Yes No
Reproductive Toxicity (if yes, explain) Teratogenicity (if yes, explain)
Yes No Yes No
Mutagenicity (if yes, explain) Synergistic Products (if yes, explain)
Yes No Yes No
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SECTION 7 -- Preventive Measures
This section includes information on required protective equipment, as well as on how to safely clean
up spills and how to safely use, handle, store, dispose of, and transport the product.
Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves Respirator Eye Footwear Clothing Other
If checked, specify type
Engineering Controls (specify, such as ventilation, enclosed process)
Leak and Spill Procedure
Waste Disposal
Handling Procedures and Equipment
Storage Requirements
Special Shipping Information PIN
SECTION 8 -- First Aid Measures
This section lists specific instructions for the immediate treatment of a worker who has inhaled or
swallowed the product or who has had skin or eye contact with the product.
Inhalation
Ingestion
Skin Contact
Eye Contact
SECTION 9 -- Preparation Information
This section lists the date the MSDS was prepared and who prepared it.
Prepared by (group, department, etc.) Telephone Number Preparation Date
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Trade Secrets
Suppliers and employers may apply to the Hazardous Materials
Information Review Commission to withhold certain types of
information.
CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
INFORMATION
Suppliers and employers may apply for trade secret
protection to:
Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission
Approved claim is valid for 3 years
Protected trade information is only released to medical
personnel in case of a medical emergency for treatment
Health hazard information must be disclosed on MSDS
WHMIS: The Basics
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WHMIS Implementation
WHMIS Program
The WHMIS program will be specific to the workplace, but the major
elements of the program will be similar to the checklist shown below.
The health and safety committee or representative must be involved in
the program development, implementation, and review.
The employer must use WHIMS information (MSDS, label) and other
workplace knowledge to develop written safe work procedures and
emergency procedures.
The workers must be educated about the hazards and trained in safe
work procedures.
WHMIS PROGRAM
Assign responsibility
Establish inventory of controlled products
Meet MSDS/label requirements
Determine hazards of controlled products
Establish workplace controls
Establish emergency procedures
Provide worker education and training
Evaluate WHMIS program
WHMIS: The Basics
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Education and Training
Employers are responsible for educating workers about WHMIS and
training workers in safe work procedures.
WHO NEEDS WHMIS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING?
Workers who work with controlled products
Workers who work in proximity to controlled products,
including:
management
supervisors, and
first aid/emergency personnel
WORKER EDUCATION
An employer must ensure workers receive general WHMIS
education on
Hazards of controlled products in use at the workplace
Rights and responsibilities
Content required on labels and MSDS, and the
significance of this information
Elements of the WHMIS program
WHMIS: The Basics
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WORKER TRAINING
An employer must ensure instruction in
specific procedures
for the safe use, storage, handling and disposal of a controlled
product
to follow in case of an escape of a controlled product
to follow in an emergency involving a controlled product
safe use, storage, handling and disposal of a controlled
product in transit, e.g., in a pipe
Workers who are successfully educated and trained in WHMIS should
be able to answer these four questions.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
ASSESSMENT
Is the trainee able to answer these questions?
What are the hazards of the product?
How do I protect myself?
What should I do in case of an
emergency?
Where do I obtain more information?
WHMIS: The Basics
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Exercises
Classification Exercise
Match the hazard symbol to the hazards.
WHMIS Hazard Class Exercise
Hazard Symbol Hazards
1 A Caustics or acids that can destroy skin or eat metals.
B Capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of an ignition
2
sources.
C Can undergo dangerous reactions with heat, pressure, impact, or
3
contact with water.
4 D Provide oxygen that can increase the risk of fire.
5 E Contain harmful microorganisms.
6 F Can cause death of a person exposed to small amounts.
G Can cause immediate skin or eye irritation or long-term health
7
effects.
8 H Can explode if exposed to heat or impact.
WHMIS: The Basics
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Label Exercise
1) What is the purpose of a WHMIS label?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2) What are the two types of WHMIS labels?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
3) Identify the seven types of information on a supplier label from your workplace.
a) _______________________________________________________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________________________________________________
c) _______________________________________________________________________________________
d)_______________________________________________________________________________________
e) _______________________________________________________________________________________
f) _______________________________________________________________________________________
g) _______________________________________________________________________________________
4) Identify the three types of information on this workplace label.
Solv-easy
Extremely flammable.
Keep away from sparks, heat, and open flame.
Use local exhaust ventilation or NIOSH-approved
organic vapour respirator.
Wear neoprene gloves and chemical splash goggles.
See the MSDS.
WHMIS: The Basics
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5) Name two situations where other means of identification can be used.
a) _______________________________________________________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________________________________________________
WHMIS: The Basics
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MSDS Exercise
1) Where are the MSDSs kept in your workplace?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2) How often must an MSDS be updated?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
3) How many items of information are required on an MSDS?
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
4) Define acute and chronic exposure.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
5) Using an MSDS for a product in your workplace: review the hazards of the product, the safe handling
procedures, personal protective equipment, storage and shipping requirements for the product.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________
WHMIS: The Basics
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Answer
Keys
Classification Exercise Answers
Match the hazard symbol to the hazards.
WHMIS Hazard Class Exercise
Hazard Symbol Hazards Answer
1 A 1- F
Caustics or acids that can destroy skin or eat metals.
B 2-D
Capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of
2
an ignition sources.
C 3 -E
Can undergo dangerous reactions with heat, pressure,
3
impact, or contact with water.
4 D 4-H
Provide oxygen that can increase the risk of fire.
5 E 5 -A
Contain harmful microorganisms.
6 F 6-G
Can cause death of a person exposed to small amounts.
G 7- C
Can cause immediate skin or eye irritation or long-term
7
health effects.
8 H 8 -B
Can explode if exposed to heat or impact.
WHMIS: The Basics
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Label Exercise Answers
1) What is the purpose of a WHMIS label?
Answer: To alert workers to the hazards of controlled products and the safe work procedures, and
to direct workers to the second part of the WHMIS information system, the Material Safety Data
Sheet.
2) What are the two types of WHMIS labels?
Answer: Supplier label and workplace label.
3) Identify the seven types of information on a supplier label from your workplace.
Answers: a) Product identifier, b) supplier identifier, c) reference to the MSDS, d) hazard symbols,
e) risk phrases, f) precautionary measures, and g) first aid measures.
4) Identify the three types of information on this workplace label.
Solv-easy
Extremely flammable.
Keep away from sparks, heat, and open flame.
Use local exhaust ventilation or NIOSH-approved
organic vapour respirator.
Wear neoprene gloves and chemical splash goggles.
See the MSDS.
Answers: Product identifier, safe handling information, reference to Material Safety Data Sheet.
5) Name two situations where other means of identification can be used.
Answer: Two of:
a) Locations where workplace hazardous waste produced in the workplace are stored
b) Controlled product transfer systems such as pipes or conveyor belts
c) The contents of reaction or process vessels
d) To identify the contents of portable containers that are filled directly from a labelled
container and will be under the control of the worker who transferred the product to
the new container for use on the same shift
e) Decanted products in labs
f) Products not in containers
g) Products intended for export
WHMIS: The Basics
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MSDS Exercise Answers
1) Where are the MSDSs kept in your workplace?
Answer: Identify location. Note that the location must provide easy access to MSDSs at all times.
2) How often must an MSDS be updated?
Answer: Every three years or as soon as new information on the product is available.
3) How many items of information are required on an MSDS?
Answer: 54.
4) Define acute and chronic exposure?
Answer: Acute exposure refers to the effects of immediate exposure to a product. Chronic exposure
refers to effects of exposure over a long period of time.
5) Using an MSDS for a product in your workplace: review the hazards of the product, the safe handling
procedures, personal protective equipment, storage and shipping requirements for the product.
Answer: Discuss an MSDS from the workplace.
WHMIS: The Basics
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Appendix
Information Items on a Supplier Label
If you wish to determine if all components of a lable are present, use
the following template. A similar template for checking MSDSs is
available in the WorkSafeBC publication WHMIS at Work, which can be
found at WorkSafeBC.com.
Information item Description
1 Product identifier Often the chemical name of a product
or the trade name, common name,
code name, or code number.
2 Hazard symbol(s) One or more of the eight WHMIS
symbols indicating the hazard
class(es) of the controlled product.
3 Risk phrases Phrases that alert workers to the
specific hazard(s) of the product.
There should be at least one risk
phrase for each hazard symbol.
4 Precautionary statements Statements that describe essential
precautions workers should take
when handling (using, storing, and
disposing of) the product.
5 First aid measures Statements that describe immediate
first aid measures required.
The name of the supplier (preferably
6 Supplier identification with the address and telephone
number).
A statement indicating that an MSDS
7 Reference to MSDS
is available.
WHMIS: The Basics
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WorkSafeBC offices
Visit our web site at WorkSafeBC.com
Abbotsford North Vancouver
2774 Trethewey Street V2T 3R1 400 ?224 Esplanade W. V7M 1A4
Phone 604 276-3100 Phone 604 276-3100
1 800 292-2219 1 888 875-6999
Fax 604 556-2077 Fax 604 232-1558
Burnaby Prince George
450 ?6450 Roberts Street V5G 4E1 1066 Vancouver Street V2L 5M4
Phone 604 276-3100 Phone 250 561-3700
1 888 621-7233 1 800 663-6623
Fax 604 232-5950 Fax 250 561-3710
Coquitlam Surrey
104 ?3020 Lincoln Avenue V3B 6B4 100 ?5500 152 Street V3S 5J9
Phone 604 276-3100 Phone 604 276-3100
1 888 967-5377 1 888 621-7233
Fax 604 232-1946 Fax 604 232-7077
Courtenay Terrace
801 30th Street V9N 8G6 4450 Lakelse Avenue V8G 1P2
Phone 250 334-8765 Phone 250 615-6605
1 800 663-7921 1 800 663-3871
Fax 250 334-8757 Fax 250 615-6633
Kamloops Victoria
321 Battle Street V2C 6P1 4514 Chatterton Way V8X 5H2
Phone 250 371-6003 Phone 250 881-3418
1 800 663-3935 1 800 663-7593
Fax 250 371-6031 Fax 250 881-3482
Kelowna Head Office / Richmond
110 ?2045 Enterprise Way V1Y 9T5 Prevention Information Line:
Phone 250 717-4313 Phone 604 276-3100
1 888 922-4466 1 888 621-7233 (621-SAFE)
Fax 250 717-4380 Administration:
6951 Westminster Highway
Nanaimo
Phone 604 273-2266
4980 Wills Road V9T 6C6
Phone 250 751-8040 Mailing Address:
1 800 663-7382 PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal
Fax 250 751-8046 Vancouver BC V6B 5L5
Nelson After Hours
524 Kootenay Street V1L 6B4 Health & Safety Emergency
Phone 250 352-2824 604 273-7711
1 800 663-4962 1 866 922-4357 (WCB-HELP)
Fax 250 352-1816
R6/05
09/05 Printed in Canada BK61
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