Hazardous Materials and Fire Prevention

WHIMIs (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

  • became law in 1988

GHS - Globally Harmonized System of Classification

  • hazardous products act (HPA)

  • Hazardous products regulations (HPR)

  • Hazardous materials information review act (HMIRA)

  • Hazardous materials information review regulations (HMIRR)

Supplier responsibilities:

  • ensure hazardous products correctly classified

  • Label with WHIMIS

  • Provide SDS and update if it changes

Employer Responsibilities

  • educate and train workers

  • Provide all info on hazardous products

    • proper labels installed

    • Prepare SDS and labels

    • Appropriate control measures for protection

Worker Responsibilities

  • participate in WHIMIS education, identifying and controlling hazards

  • Use PPE

Physical hazard: cause damage due to fire or explosion

Health hazard: cause health effects

it is possible for a hazardous product to belong to one or more hazard group.

each hazard group is divided into hazard classes

In alberta, WHIMIS is governed by the OH&S act.

3 key elements of WHIMIS:

  1. Worker education

  2. Product labelling

  3. Safety data sheet

Labelling is critical in WHIMIS, employer and supplier are responsible for ensure correct label is on.

Supplier label (must be bilingual)(based on GHS):

  • product ID

  • Pictogram(s)

  • Signal word (danger, warning)

  • Hazard statement

  • Precaution statement (direct measures minimize effect, safe storage)

  • Initial supplier identifier

Workplace labels:

Created when:

  1. transferred to new container

  2. Supplier label missing

  3. Product made and used on site

Required info:

  1. Product name matching SDS

  2. Safe handling precautions

  3. Reference go SDS

SDS

  • follows format of GHS

  • 16 sections that occur in the same order for every SDS

  • Supplier must update within 90 days of new info.

  • Emlpyer must ensure all SDS on site is up to date

  • Expires in 3 years

Handling hazardous materials

-OH&S states Companies need to develop code of practice for respiratory protection in vicinity of hazard.

-Workers must be aware of fact that respiratory protection needed.

- Alberta waste control regulations handle unwanted substances.

  • It is up to generator of waste to identify and process the waste according to regulations.

-When transferring flammable liquids, use a ground strap to prevent static electricity.

Storage requirements for flammables:

  1. Cannot store in glass or unapproved plastic

  2. Stored in approved flammable liquids storage cabinet

  3. Ventilated cabinets must:

    • vent outdoors

    • Sealed with materials that the cabinet was constructed with

    • Stored outside

  4. Storage not near exits, stairs, elevator

-According to OH&S and TDG Gas cylinders must:

  • be secured upright to a wall or storage compartment, valve cover must be installed when not used.

  • Do not transport in cab or trunk of vehiclE

    Ventilation Safety

    When is a mechanical ventilation system needed?

  • Airborne contaminant or biological exceeding OEL

  • Vapors, fumes, dust given off by process

  • Flammable atmosphere

  • Oxygen deficient <19.5 or >23%

    Ventilation types:

    1. mechanical general (room ventilation) - fumes clear within 30sec, 4 air volume changes an hour

    2. Localized (extracts outdoors)

    3. Portable (recirculates through a filter)

Confined space

According to OH&S, prohibitions of confined spaces:

  1. Do not enter if flammable >20% LEL

  2. Doesnt apply if emergency and competent

  3. No open flame unless ventilated

  4. No smoking

  5. Do not mix clean or use flammable above flash points

  6. Do not store contaminated rags in confined spaces

Fire classes and extinguisher used

Class A (Green):

  • Wood

  • Extinguish via cooling- water solutions

Class B (Red):

  • flammable gas and liquids

  • Extinguish via smothering. Dry chemical or foam or displace with CO2

Class C (Blue):

  • Electrical

  • Do not use water! Extinguish via dry chemical or CO2.

Class D (Yellow):

  • Metal

  • Do not use water! Extinguish by absorbing heat (Dry powder)

Class K (Black):

  • Combustible cooking oils and fats

  • Do not use water! Extinguish via wet chemical

Class ABC extinguishers are multipurpose dry chemicals.

ULc is who makes extinguishers labels

P.A.S.S- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep at base

WHIMIs (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) was established in 1988 to ensure the safety of hazardous materials in the workplace. It includes several key components:

1. Supplier Responsibilities: Proper classification and labeling of hazardous products, providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and updating them as necessary.

2. Employer Responsibilities: Educating and training workers, ensuring proper labeling of hazardous products, and providing up-to-date SDS.

3. Worker Responsibilities: Participating in WHIMIS education and using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key elements include:

  • Product Labelling: Suppliers must provide bilingual labels with essential information such as product ID, hazard statements, and precautionary measures.

  • Safety Data Sheets: SDS follows a standardized 16-section format and must be updated within 90 days of new information.

  • Education and Training: Employers must ensure that all workers are educated about hazardous materials and WHIMIS procedures.