M.C.H.S. WHMIS Information Package
Table of Contents

WHMIS - M.C.H.S. STUDENT INFORMATION	1
About This Workbook	1
How to Use This Workbook	1
Sources of Information	1
Introduction - What is WHMIS?	2
What Problems is WHMIS Trying to Solve?	3
How Does WHMIS Work?	3
Impact on the Public	3
What is a Controlled Product?	4
HAZARD SYMBOLS	4
Materials Totally Exempted From WHMIS	5
How to Use a WHMIS Label	5
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?	7
What Workers Need to Know	8
Worker Responsibilities	8
General Safety Precautions	9
Before Beginning an Activity	10
Handling Materials	10
Safety Equipment	11
Other Equipment	12
When an Activity is Completed	12
Care of Laboratory Equipment	12
References	14

WHMIS - M.C.H.S. STUDENT INFORMATION 

About This Workbook

The purpose of this workbook is to familiarize you with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).  WHMIS is fully explained in this workbook, and so are the obligations and rights of you (the worker) and your employer (your teachers) under WHMIS legislation.

Since many of you will end up working in a job that will use at least some controlled products, it is to your advantage to understand WHMIS and how it affects you.

Your instructor will provide you with information about WHMIS and the hazardous products that you will be using.  He/she also will tell you about the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and where they are located.  At the end of the lesson, you will be required to complete a test to ensure that you understand WHMIS, its implications, and how it works.  Upon successful completion of the test, you will be permitted to begin working in your laboratory.

Keep in mind that safety goes beyond knowing about controlled products:  it also includes the proper use of equipment and your work area.  Safety is an attitude: something that must be learned, refined, used, and believed in daily.  This workbook and the lectures about WHMIS are only a part of the total safety program that will be delivered to you.

How to Use This Workbook

This workbook is designed to be used in addition to the lectures and demonstrations that your teacher may use.  It should serve as a reference and review document.

Sources of Information

The information gathered for this workbook came from the resources listed in the bibliography.  These resources are excellent sources of further information about WHMIS, should you choose to learn more about this program.

Introduction - What is WHMIS?

WHMIS  is a national system designed to ensure that information regarding hazardous materials is readily available in the workplace.  Your "workplace" in science is the classroom and laboratory.  You will use this information, along with safety guidelines, to complete both activities and laboratory work safely.

The fundamental purpose of WHMIS is to ensure that workers are provided with the information needed about hazardous materials to which they may be exposed at the job site (the laboratory).  The system has three components:  labels, MSDS, and worker education.  This system came in to effect on October 31, 1988.

The development of WHMIS began in 1981, and it has continued to develop through a detailed process of consultation between labor groups, industry, and the Federal, Provincial, and Territorial governments.  The system represents a carefully balanced consensus achieved by all parties.  They agreed that there were three main areas or problems to deal with:

	1.  Unlabelled or inadequately labelled chemicals at workplaces.

	2.  Inadequate provision of hazard information by chemical suppliers 	to chemical users.

	3.  Potentially different chemical information requirements among 	the various Canadian jurisdictions.

Many of the materials used at the workplace can be unsafe if not handled properly.  The WHMIS has been developed to prevent as much of this mishandling as possible.

WHMIS provides a way to get information about the hazardous materials with which you work.  The program has been designed to protect workers and help prevent injuries and illness caused by exposure to chemicals.  WHMIS will describe the hazards of materials used on the job and will tell you what precautions to take when using them.

What Problems is WHMIS Trying to Solve?

WHMIS is attempting to solve a number of problems in order to protect worker health and safety.  These problems are:

	1.  Unlabelled chemicals at the workplace.

	2.  Lack of awareness by employers and workers about the identity, 	properties, and hazards associated with the chemicals that they are 	using.

	3.  Inadequate information provided by suppliers to employers and 	workers regarding the hazardous properties of materials used at 	workplaces and the precautions taken.

	4.  Potential adverse consequences of inconsistent requirements 	between Canadian jurisdictions.

How Does WHMIS Work?

WHMIS uses federal and provincial legislation to deal with both supplier and workplace responsibilities.  Suppliers will identify hazardous materials and put hazard information on product labels.  Additional information will be supplied on a Material Safety Data Sheet.

The employer at the workplace which uses the hazardous material is responsible for labelling workplace containers.  The employer also must have a training program to teach workers about WHMIS and about how to handle safely hazardous materials.

In our situation, the school and your classroom are considered to be your workplace, and the teachers and school personnel are considered to be your employers.  Just as the school administration is responsible to ensure the safety of every person working here, teachers are required, in turn, to ensure your safety.

Impact on the Public

Under WHMIS legislation, all workers will be positively affected by the availability of health and safety information of a higher quality and on more products than was previously available at the workplace.  Once workplaces have been brought up to WHMIS standards, compliance with existing occupational health and safety requirements will be easier for most workplaces because materials will be labelled and MSDSs will be supplied to the workplace with products as they are purchased.  Suppliers of WHMIS controlled products will have uniform standards of labelling and information to meet.  As worker exposure to hazardous chemicals is reduced, so will related accidents.  Therefore, it is hoped that Worker’s Compensation costs will decrease, and health care costs for treatment of conditions related to exposure to hazardous chemicals, including long term degenerative diseases (e.g. those affecting the liver, kidney, central nervous system, and cancers) will be reduced.

What is a Controlled Product?

It is the job of suppliers to classify products according to the WHMIS hazard classification system.  Only materials which meet the hazard criteria are included, and these products are known as controlled products.  Controlled products must fall into one of six WHMIS hazard classes.  Each class has a designated hazard symbol.  These symbols will be found on WHMIS supplier labels.  Each of the eight hazard symbols is shown below, accompanied by a brief description.  (N.B.  Controlled products are divided into classes A to F, with class D having three different labels.)

HAZARD SYMBOLS

Materials Totally Exempted From WHMIS

There are a number of products exempted from WHMIS labels and controls.  These are exempted because they usually fall under another jurisdiction of Canadian law.  These materials are:
	• wood or wood products
	• manufactured articles
	• explosives (within the meaning of the Explosives Act)
	• cosmetics, food, or drugs (within the meaning of the Food and Drug 	Act)
	• herbicides, pesticides, etc. (covered by the Pest Control Products 	Act)
	• radioactive material (covered by the Atomic Energy Control Act)
	• some consumer products, such as those items that can normally be 	bought by the consumer at a store

How to Use a WHMIS Label

Always check with the Supplier or Workplace Label before handling the material.  A controlled product Supplier Label can be recognized by its special border (refer to the diagram below).  The Supplier Label contains several items of information:

	1.  The MATERIAL IDENTIFIER (name of product).

	2.  The SUPPLIER IDENTIFIER (supplier’s name and location).

	3.  RISK PHRASES, which alert you to the hazards associated with the 	material.

	4.  PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES for the safe handling, use, or storage 	of the controlled product.

	5.  FIRST AID MEASURES which will describe what to do in case of an 	overexposure to the product.

	6.  WHMIS HAZARD SYMBOLS, which give a visual warning of the 	hazards of the material.

	7.  REFERENCE TO THE MSDS for further information.

A typical Supplier Label is shown below:

When a controlled product is transferred from the container in which it was received from the supplier into another container, the new container must be labelled with a Workplace Label.  Workplace Labels are also required for controlled products that are produced in the workplace, containers where the original Supplier Label has been removed or damaged, and for labelling containers used to store controlled products received in bulk shipments.  Workplace Labels must contain:

	1.  MATERIAL IDENTIFIER (name of product).

	2.  INFORMATION FOR SAFE HANDLING of the material.

	3.  REFERENCE TO THE MSDS for further information.

A typical Workplace Label is shown below:

WORK SITE LABEL FOR CONTROLLED PRODUCTS

Product Name:

Safe Handling Instructions:

MSDS is available at:

............................................................................................................................................................

All WHMIS labels list basic warnings.  If a container does not have a label, DO NOT USE IT!  Report it to you supervisor, who will see that it gets properly labelled.  Remember, you need the information on the label in order to protect your health and safety.  If you still have questions after reading the label, check the MSDS.

What is a Material Safety Data Sheet?

An MSDS provides the worker with more detailed information on a controlled product, its hazards, and how to handle it safely.  Suppliers must provide an MSDS for each controlled product they sell.  Employers must provide an MSDS for controlled products produced at the workplace, or for products where an MSDS has been obtained from the supplier.

The employer will use the MSDS to develop worker instruction and training on how to use the material safely.  The worker must know where the MSDSs are located for the controlled products that they use.  If the worker still has questions after reading an MSDS, it is up to the worker to check with his/her supervisor.

At MCHS, the MSDSs are located in large, blue binders labelled “MSDS”.  These binders are located in the classrooms and laboratories where controlled products are used.  Your teacher will ensure that MSDSs are easily accessible.  As a worker, you should feel free to ask for an MSDS for any controlled product you use.  It is your responsibility to understand the contents of an MSDS - if you have any questions, ask your supervisor.

What Workers Need to Know

Information and training are an important part of WHMIS.  The employer or supervisor will implement the company program for communicating hazards to workers.  Workers will be given specific information about the materials used at the workplace, including what hazards exist and how to protect themselves from these hazards.

Training should include procedures for the safe use, handling, and storage of controlled products.  Information about what to do in emergency situations should be provided, and workers also must be taught about the contents of labels and MSDSs.  The standard of worker instruction is very important.  Proper worker instruction should result in workers being able to apply WHMIS information to protect their health and safety.

You will receive the necessary training at school to understand the WHMIS system.  However, when you enter the work force and begin a job that involves the handling of controlled products, remember that it is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that you are properly trained.

Worker Responsibilities

Workers are expected to participate in the instruction provided by the employer.  Workers can prevent overexposure to hazardous materials by using the information provided by WHMIS.  Workers should:

	BE INFORMED:  Know where to find and how to use WHMIS 	information.

	WORK SAFELY:  Follow safe work procedures when handling, using, 	storing, or manufacturing controlled products.

	PROTECT THEMSELVES:  Use the control measures (e.g. exhaust 	ventilation) provided.  Use the correct, properly maintained, personal 	protective equipment.

Much of what you do in high school science will involve using equipment and materials and following proper procedures.  The school laboratory is designed, and instructions are given, to ensure that you will have an accident-free environment in which to enjoy science.  Specific activities will have specific safety routines to follow, therefore, the information given here will apply generally to all activities  and laboratory experiments with the specifics given as needed.          

General Safety Precautions

1. 	Work carefully, following given procedures and safety guidelines.

2.  	Tie back loose hair, roll back and secure loose sleeves.  Wear shoes 	that cover your feet as much as possible.  Avoid wearing baggy 	clothing, jewelry or things that could catch on and knock down 	equipment.  Wear safety glasses at all times in the lab.

3. 	Try not to wear contact lenses during experiments using chemicals.
 
4.  	Never eat or drink in the laboratory, or keep food or drinks in the 	laboratory.

5.	In case of fire, notify your instructor.
		a.  If it is safe to do so, use the appropriate fire extinguisher to 		put out the fire.  Remember to PASS (Pull out the safety pin, 		Aim at the base of the flames, Squeeze the trigger, and Sweep 		the spray across the area that is burning).
		b.  If the room needs to be evacuated, pull the fire alarm on 		your way out of the school.
		c.  If a fellow student or their clothing is on fire, get the fire 		blanket and wrap the burning area up to cut off the oxygen 		supply to the fire.

6.	Any spills must be cleaned up using the spill mix.  Sprinkle spill mix 	over the spill, let the spilled material soak into the spill mix, and 	then sweep the used spill mix into the bucket provided.  Notify your 	teacher, and they will take the steps necessary to dispose of the used 	spill mix properly.

7.  	Never perform activities that are not authorized by your teacher.  Do 	not try to perform experiments at home.  You may be hurt if you try 	to do them without appropriate supervision.  

Before Beginning an Activity

1.  	Read through, or thoroughly plan the entire activity so that you are 	sure of what to do.  Complete all pre-lab work.

2.  	Make sure the work area is clean before you start.

3. 	Clear all books (except your notebook) from the work area.

4.  	Make yourself familiar with safety precautions and applicable 	chemical data information before handling materials.

5.	Place the lab stools under the work bench, to keep pathways clear.  	As well, it is easier to get out of the way of a chemical spill if you are 	standing rather than sitting.

6.  	Do not begin an activity until you are instructed to do so.

Handling Materials

1.	Use only the quantities of materials indicated in the instructions.

2.  	Never touch or taste any material unless you are told to do so.

3.  	When you are instructed to smell a chemical in the laboratory, do not 	place it close to your nose.  Instead, use you your hand to move the 	air from the sample close to your nose in order to smell the chemical.

4.	Avoid contamination of chemicals.  This normally occurs during 	transfer from one container to another. 

5.	Return chemicals and materials to their proper storage area.  DO 	NOT return any chemicals to their original containers. 

6.  	When pouring liquids into a test tube, place the test tube in a rack.  	Never pour liquids while holding the containers close to your face.

7.  	In case of contact with any harmful chemical or specimen:
  		a.  Eyes:  If your eyes are affected, do not touch them but wash 		them with water immediately and continuously for at least ten 		minutes.  Use the eye wash station for this purpose.
		b.  Minor Contact:  Wash the area immediately and thoroughly 		with water.
		c.  Major Contact:  A spill that affects a large area of your body 		may need to be washed off using the lab shower.  Remove 		clothing as appropriate to ensure the complete and timely 		removal of the contaminant from your person.
	In all cases, your instructor must be notified and an Accident Report 	Form must be filled out.

8.  	Wash your hands with soap after you handle chemicals or specimens.

9.  	Clean up any spilled chemicals immediately, as instructed by your 	teacher.  Place waste materials in waste containers as indicated.

10.	Particular attention should be given to the handling of corrosive 	liquids such as acids and bases.  Always transfer acids or bases INTO 	water while stirring.

Safety Equipment

1.  	Listen carefully to your teacher's instructions on when and how to 	use the safety equipment:  safety glasses, fire extinguishers, eye-	washing station and fire blankets.  Find out the location of all safety 	equipment in the laboratory.

2.  	Make sure you know how to exit the classroom in case of fire.  Know 	where the nearest fire alarm is. 

3.	Report all accidents to your teacher immediately.

4.	Safety goggles or glasses must be worn when working with 	chemicals.

5. 	Laboratory aprons or coats should be worn whenever working with 	chemicals or heated substances.

Other Equipment

1.  	Never force  glass tubing or a thermometer into a dry stopper.  	The hole in the stopper should always be lubricated with soapy 	water or glycerine.

2.  	Never use cracked or broken glassware.  If glass does break when 	you are using it, follow your teacher's instructions on how to clean it 	up.  Put broken glassware into the special glassware disposal 	container, not in the garbage.
		
3.  	Watch for sharp or jagged edges on equipment.

4.  	Report all accidents, regardless of how minor, to your teacher.  As 	well, report any damaged or defective equipment.

5.  	After each experiment, clean all equipment and put it in its proper 	place.  Do not leave equipment that you are not using lying around 	the work area. 

When an Activity is Completed

1.  	Finish your work with ample time left to complete your clean-up.

2.	Wash glass apparatus with soap, water and a brush.  Rinse and put it 	away, or leave it to dry on the rack.

3.	Properly put away all materials and equipment.

4.	Wash or wipe countertops, throw garbage into containers, and clean 	the sink.

Care of Laboratory Equipment

1.  	Use laboratory equipment for its intended purpose ONLY.

2.	Be cautious - lab equipment is expensive.  Report any breakage to 	your teacher immediately.  There is a special container for the 	disposal of broken glassware - use it!

3.	Clean all lab equipment thoroughly after using it.  This involves 	washing it out,  drying it well, and either putting it away or leaving it 	to drain on the rack.

4.	Store all equipment as directed by your teacher.

5.	Wipe lab benches off after each lab exercise.  Thoroughly clean your 	work area before you leave the lab.

6.	Put your chair up when you leave the lab.

References

Alberta Occupational  Health and Safety.  What is WHMIS?  Occupational 	Health and Safety Magazine.  Vol. 11, No. 3 (Winter) 1988.

Alberta Occupational  Health and Safety.  Workplace Hazardous Materials 	Information System.  Occupational  Health and Safety Magazine.  Vol. 	10, No. 4 (Spring) 1988.

Alberta Occupational  Health and Safety.  Occupational  Health and Safety 	Bulletin.  July 4, 1988.

Canadian Society of Safety Engineering/Alberta Association of Safety 	Personnel (CESS/AASP)  WHMIS Core Manual.

Edmonton Public Schools Industrial Education and Workplace Hazardous 	Materials Information System:  A Handbook for Industrial Education 	Teachers.  Developed by David Ible, Consultant - Industrial 	Education, April, 1988.

Mathew, Norman.  W.P. Wagner High School, Edmonton.