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The Main Components of WHMIS

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is a Canadian health and safety standard used for educating and training employees on the dangers of certain materials. It also teaches employees how to identify and handle dangerous chemicals. It is the right of all Canadian employees to receive proper WHMIS training and understand all of its components.

  1. Classifications

    • WHMIS uses classifications to group chemicals into six classes, each with its own symbol. Class A is Compressed Gas, which includes any pressurized gas stored in a cylinder. Class B, Flammable or Combustible Material, includes substances that can catch fire at normal temperatures or when heated between 100 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Class C, Oxidizing Materials, are substances that only require oxygen to catch fire; no heat source is required. Class D, Poisonous and Infectious Materials, includes substances that cause bodily harm immediately or gradually through infection or toxic effects. Class E is Corrosive Material. These substances can cause severe burns to the skin or organs, even damaging clothes and metal. Class F, Dangerously Reactive Materials, includes chemicals that can mix with water and create toxic gas, react with themselves if moved or bumped, or react on their own in any other way.

    Labeling

    • Labeling requirements are the WHMIS rules for properly marking symbols onto materials. For example, the symbol for a compressed gas should be placed on a canister of propane. The labels are used to immediately warn the handler about potential hazards and safety instructions. All suppliers are required by law to put the appropriate symbols on their materials.

    Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

    • A Material Safety Data Sheet is like an encyclopedia entry for a WHMIS material. It is found in a folder so that all employees can look at it when needed. It contains detailed information such as the hazards, health effects, first aid instructions and safe handling of a specific chemical or substance. A MSDS is a more detailed version of a material's label. As a result, it is mandatory for a proper health and safety program.

    Education and Training

    • This component is split into two parts. Education teaches employees about WHMIS concepts such as MSDS, symbols, hazards and identification for chemicals. Its purpose is to teach employees how to read, identify and understand the symbols or labels. Training is more focused, dealing with the actual workplace's safety procedures, handling instructions, disposal and emergency response steps.

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