SAFETY

WHMIS 2015

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

WHMIS is a system designed to give students, workers and employers important safety, storage and

handling information using labels, safety symbols, and safety data sheets (SDS)

All WHMIS controlled products must be labeled properly including pictograms on supplier labels that

denote the hazards associated with the product. Detailed information is available about each product.

Canada’s WHMIS standards are now more aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification

and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

WHMIS Labels

• All WHMIS controlled chemicals must be labeled

• To identify a WHMIS label, look for the cross

hatched border on the chemical container

• Supplier labels are provided by the manufacturer

of the chemical and must include:

o Name of product

o Supplier identifier

o Pictogram

o Signal word

o Hazard statement(s)

o Precautionary measures

o Supplemental label information

(eg. first aid)

SDS

• Contains detailed information about a WHMIS

controlled product including:

o Product

identification and

uses of the product

o Hazardous

ingredients

o Physical data

o Fire and explosion

data

o Reactivity data

o Toxicological

properties

o Preventive

measures

o First Aid

Measures

o Source of SDS

and data

WHMIS 2015 Pictograms

Name of Pictogram Pictogram Risk(s) Example(s)

Gas Cylinder Gas stored under pressure. High pressure

creates a risk of explosion

Any cylinder of

compressed gas

(CO2 , O2 , He… )

Flame

Flammable gasses, aerosols, liquids or

solids. These materials may be self-

reactive, self-heating, or emit flammable

gases. This category also includes organic

peroxides.

acetone

methanol

Flame over Circle Oxidizing materials produce oxygen which

feed already existing fires. This makes fires

bigger.

chlorates

nitrates

peroxides

Skull and

Crossbones

Acutely toxic or fatal. These materials may

cause immediate toxic effects even from

low exposure.

Mercury

Health Hazard Long-term toxicity. May cause cancer,

allergic reaction, fertility problems, birth

defects, or damage to organs.

Asbestos

formaledhyde

Exclamation Mark May cause less serious health effects.

These may be skin, eye or respiratory

irritants, or produce lesser acute toxicity.

Copper sulfate

Corrosive Corrosive materials cause chemical burns

to metals and skin. These can cause

serious eye damage.

HCl

NaOH

Exploding Bomb May explode or is dangerously reactive. aluminum chloride

Biohazard Infectious materials that may cause illness

or disease. These are usually living hazards

such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

E. coli

HIV

Plasmodium (Malaria)

The following GHS category was NOT adopted by WHMIS 2015, but you may still encounter it

Environment May cause damage to the aquatic environment

HHPS Hazardous Household Product Symbols

Not all products are controlled by WHMIS. You will find other symbols on products purchased

commercially for home use (eg. hairspray, garden herbicides, cleaners).

The Symbols Borders

Poisonous Flammable Explosive Corrosive Contents hazardous Container hazardous

This semester you will be performing laboratory work involving

chemicals, glassware and other lab equipment. While laboratory

experiments are rich learning opportunities, they are associated

with risks to your health and safety. It is imperative that you are

familiar with lab safety procedures, rules and considerations.

Violation of any of the rules below may result in your immediate

and/or permanent removal from the laboratory.

1) Safety Goggles must be worn from the beginning of a lab until

all students have put away glassware and equipment. This is to protect your eyes from harmful

chemicals and broken glass. Some labs may require the use of gloves. Follow all of your teacher’s

directions closely.

2) You must wear lab appropriate clothing which includes the following:

a) No loose clothing

b) No ties, scarves or dangling jewellery

b) Wear only closed toed shoes

c) Long hair must be tied back

3) Assume that all chemicals are toxic or infectious unless otherwise instructed. Handle all chemicals

with extreme caution. Never touch, smell, or taste any chemicals in the lab. Never pour chemical

down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you are unsure of disposal instructions ASK YOUR

TEACHER.

4) Absolutely no food or drink is permitted in the lab

5) Keep your lab areas clear. Bring only what you need to the lab benches to avoid clutter. Leave all

binders, textbooks, pencil cases, bags and chairs at your desks, NOT the lab benches.

6) Arrive prepared! Familiarize yourself with lab procedures and equipment BEFORE arriving to class.

Participation will be prohibited if pre-lab work is incomplete.

7) Immediately inform your teacher of any spills, broken glass, cuts, burns or other injuries. Spills

must be cleaned up immediately. If you are not sure how to properly clean a chemical spill, ASK

YOUR TEACHER. Broken glass should be placed in broken glass bin using a broom and dust pan.

NEVER handle broken glass and NEVER dispose of it in the garbage bins.

8) Absolutely no horseplay in the lab. It is expected that student conduct themselves in a responsible,

professional manner at all times during lab work. This includes following all instructions closely, (no

side experiments!).

9) Never leave your lab bench (particularly Bunsen burners, hot plates or chemicals) unattended.

10) Familiarize yourself with the location of the eyewash station, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, first aid

kit, and nearest fire exit. Should an emergency arise where you teacher is unable to lead, call 101 on

the house telephone to reach the main office.