HOSPITALITY FLASH CARDS


What is WHMIS? FEB 19/2025

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada’s national hazard communication system. It provides information on hazardous products used in workplaces to ensure safety through:

  • Labels (hazard warnings on products)

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (detailed hazard and handling info)

  • Worker Education & Training

WHMIS 2015 aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to improve consistency worldwide.

Changes from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015

Feature

WHMIS 1988

WHMIS 2015 (GHS-Aligned)

Symbols

8 symbols

10 pictograms (GHS)

Labels

Supplier & workplace labels

Standardized labels with signal words (e.g., Danger, Warning)

MSDS/SDS

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – standardized format (16 sections)

Hazard Classes

6 classes

More categories, including Physical, Health, and Environmental hazards

WHMIS 2015 Pictograms & Hazard Classes

  1. Exploding Bomb 💥 – Explosives, self-reactive substances

  2. Flame 🔥 – Flammable, self-heating, organic peroxides

  3. Flame Over Circle 🔥⭕ – Oxidizing gases, solids, liquids

  4. Gas Cylinder 🏭 – Compressed gases

  5. Corrosion ☠ – Skin corrosion, serious eye damage, corrosive to metals

  6. Skull & Crossbones ☠ – Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

  7. Health Hazard ⚕ – Carcinogens, respiratory issues, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity

  8. Exclamation Mark ❗ – Skin/eye irritation, narcotic effects

  9. Environment 🌎 – Harmful to aquatic environments (non-mandatory in Canada)

  10. Biohazardous 🦠 – Biohazardous infectious materials

Six Parts of a WHMIS Label

A hazardous product label must include the following key pieces of information:

  1. Product Identifier – The chemical name, trade name, or common name of the product.

  2. Pictograms – Symbols that indicate the type of hazard (e.g., flame for flammable substances).

  3. Signal Word – Either "Danger" (for severe hazards) or "Warning" (for less severe hazards).

  4. Hazard Statements – A brief description of the dangers (e.g., "Causes severe burns" or "May cause cancer").

  5. Precautionary Statements – Safety instructions on handling, storage, disposal, and first aid.

  6. Supplier Information – The name, address, and contact details of the manufacturer or supplier.

 

Acute Toxicity

  • Represented by the Skull & Crossbones ☠ pictogram.

  • Refers to harmful effects that occur within a short period after exposure.

  • Can be caused by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

  • Categorized into different levels of severity:

    • Category 1: Most severe, can cause death or serious health effects.

    • Category 2 & 3: Toxic but less severe than Category 1.

    • Category 4: Harmful, but not immediately life-threatening.

  • Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing, and skin irritation.

Target Organ Toxicity

  • Represented by the Health Hazard ⚕ pictogram.

  • Long-term exposure to certain hazardous materials can damage specific organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, lungs, nervous system).

  • Can be categorized as:

    • Single exposure (Category 1, 2, 3) – Immediate effects on organs.

    • Repeated exposure (Category 1, 2) – Chronic damage over time.

  • Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ (e.g., neurotoxicity may cause dizziness or memory loss).

Self-Heating Substances & Mixtures

  • Represented by the Flame 🔥 pictogram.

  • These substances can heat up spontaneously when exposed to air.

  • Categories & Auto-Ignition Temperatures:

    • Category 1: Ignites below 100°C (dangerous, strict handling required).

    • Category 2: Ignites at or above 100°C (still hazardous, but slower to ignite).

  • Examples: Certain chemicals in fertilizers, oils, and metal powders.

Skin & Eye Irritation

  • Represented by the Exclamation Mark ❗ and Corrosion pictogram.

  • Skin Irritation Categories:

    • Category 1: Severe burns and permanent damage (corrosive – uses Corrosion ☠ pictogram).

    • Category 2: Reversible skin irritation (redness, inflammation).

  • Eye Irritation Categories:

    • Category 1: Serious damage, blindness (uses Corrosion ☠ pictogram).

    • Category 2A & 2B: Less severe but still causes discomfort (redness, temporary vision loss).

Hazardous Household Products

Many everyday household items contain hazardous chemicals and should be handled with care. Common examples include:

  • Cleaning products (bleach, ammonia, drain cleaners – corrosive and toxic)

  • Pesticides and insecticides (toxic, harmful if inhaled or ingested)

  • Paints and solvents (flammable, toxic fumes)

  • Batteries (contain corrosive acid, can explode under heat)

  • Aerosols (pressurized containers, can explode if punctured or overheated)

  • Gasoline and propane (highly flammable, explosive vapors)

Safety Tips for Handling Household Hazardous Materials:

  • Always read labels and follow safety instructions.

  • Store chemicals in their original containers, away from heat and children.

  • Never mix different chemicals (e.g., bleach and ammonia can create toxic gas).

  • Dispose of hazardous waste properly at designated collection sites.

Summary

  • WHMIS 2015 replaced WHMIS 1988 to align with GHS.

  • New pictograms and hazard classes improve safety communication.

  • SDS replaces MSDS with a standardized 16-section format.

  • Employers & workers share responsibility for safe handling of hazardous materials.

  • Many household products contain hazardous substances and should be used with caution.

  • Includes information on target organ toxicity, self-heating substances, and skin & eye irritation.

✅ Always check labels & SDS before handling hazardous materials!