An Introduction to WHMIS

1. An Introduction toWHMIS The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

2. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Laboratory Safety

3. It is the law! Provincial & Federal “No employer may allow the use, handling or storage of a Controlled Product in a workplace unless the product carries a label and a material safety data sheet which meet the requirements of this Act and the regulations and unless the worker has received the training and information required to carry out the work entrusted to them safely”. Nova Scotia WHMIS Regulation

4. Supplier Labels

5. Supplier’s Label TOLUENE SULFONIC ACID PRODUCT IDENTIFIER RISK PHRASES: Highly irritating to skin, eyes, and nose HEALTH HAZARD DATA: Strong Acid: Treat as sulphuric acid EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: ACUTE ABC Chemicals 123 Chemical Drive Chemical City 1-800-CHE-MICAL Supplier identifier PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT EYE: Face shield and goggles GLOVES: Rubber OTHER CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: Rubber apron, rubber boots FIRST AID: EYES: Flush with water for 15 minutes. Consult with physician SKIN: Flush with water as per sulphuric acid INGESTION: Treat as per sulphuric acid. Consult with physician Refer to Material Safety Data Sheet FRANCAIS AU VERSO

6. Supplier Labels • On all containers received from a commercial supplier • Have a dark hatch-mark border • Different color from the rest of container (usually) • In English and French (in Canada)

7. Class A: Compressed Gas • Gas inside cylinder is under pressure • The cylinder may explode if heated or damaged • Sudden release of high pressure gas streams may puncture skin and cause fatal embolism

8. Class B: Flammable and Combustible MaterialPrecautions • Store away from Class C (oxidizing materials) • Store away from sources of heat, sparks and flame • Do not smoke near these materials

9. Class C: Oxidizing Material • Can cause other materials to burn or explode by providing oxygen • May burn skin and eyes on contact

10. Class C: Oxidizing Material Precautions • Store away from Class B (flammable and combustible) materials • Store away from sources of heat and ignition • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing

11. Class D Controlled Products Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects Division 3: Biohazardous InfectiousMaterials

12. Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects May cause immediate death or serious injury if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin

13. Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Precautions • Avoid inhaling gas or vapours • Avoid skin and eye contact • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing • Do not eat, drink or smoke near these materials • Wash hands after handling

14. Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects • May cause death or permanent injury following repeated or long-term exposure • May irritate eyes, skin and breathing passages: may lead to chronic lung problems and skin sensitivity • May cause liver or kidney damage, cancer, birth defects or sterility

15. Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EffectsPrecautions • Avoid inhaling gas or vapours • Avoid skin and eye contact • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing • Do not eat, drink or smoke near these materials • Wash hands after handling

16. Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Materials Contact with microbiological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi and their toxins) may cause illness or death

17. Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Materials Precautions • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing • Work with these materials in designated areas • Disinfect area after handling • Wash hands after handling

18. Class E: Corrosive Material • Will burn eyes and skin on contact • Will burn tissues of respiratory tract if inhaled 7

19. Class E: Corrosive Material Precautions • Store acids and bases in separate areas • Avoid inhaling these materials • Avoid contact with skin and eyes • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing

20. Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material • Store away from heat • Avoid shock and friction • Wear the recommended protective equipment and clothing

21. Class F: DangerouslyReactive Material • May be unstable, reacting dangerously to jarring, compression, heat or exposure to light • May burn, explode or produce dangerous gases when mixed with incompatible materials

22. Laboratory Labels • From a laboratory house, • Intended for use in the lab only, • Are packaged in less than 10kg quantities If the product:

23. Lists and MSDSs All chemicals used or stored in a laboratory must be listed and must have a current MSDS. The list and the MSDSs must be available to those using the lab.

24. While Working in the Lab: • Know the emergency escape route and alternate • Know the emergency spill procedure • Know the location of the first aid kit, eye wash station/shower, spill kits, MSDS and fire extinguisher • Identify EVERYTHING! • No food, beverages or application of cosmetics • Report all injuries and accidents via SIP

25. PPE and Procedure • Info on PPE is available on MSDS • Select and mandate the use ofappropriatechemical resistant gloves to protect against risk of cuts, abrasions, burns, or exposure to hazardous materials • Allow only fully covered shoes with slip resistance • Restrain long hair and loose clothing • Wear appropriate eye protection, to protect against the risk of flying dust particles, splashes or hazardous materials or harmful rays

26. Weekly Lab Checks • Eye wash (purge)- Is it clean? • Fire extinguisher- Has it been discharged and, has it been inspected within a year? • Fume Hood – Is the exhaust fan working? • Tubing, pressurized connections – Are they damaged, deteriorated? • Glassware – if it is chipped, throw it out. • Chemical storage – Are chemicals stored in their proper location?