Hazardous materials in the workplace exist in a variety of physical states
such as solids, liquids, and gases. Depending on their original state and
the type of processes they undergo, hazardous materials can be converted
into other forms. These include dust, fumes, smoke, mist or vapors. The first step to
ensure safe chemical handling is knowing what substances you have on premises,
how to use one correctly and how they interact with each other.
One of the tools available to help is WHMIS 2015. WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
WHMIS is a Canada-wide system that provides workers
with information and training on working with hazardous materials.
In 2015 WHMIS aligned with GHS - GloballyHarmonized System of classification and labeling of
chemicals. GHS is an international system but sets some rules for label and safety
data sheets around the world. Under WHMIS 2015 hazards fall under two hazard groups.
Physical hazards and Health hazards. Within each hazard group there are
several hazard classes. For example, the physical hazard classes include flammable
gases and health hazard classes include serious eye damage, respiratory and skin
sensitization. There are three essential components to WHMIS 2015 to protect
workers from chemical hazards.
One: Product Warning Labels that come on containers.
These labels include pictograms and
other important information about specific hazardous materials.
Two: Safety Data Sheets that offer detailed information on hazardous materials as
well as preventive and first aid measures. Three: Employee Education and Training
to teach the safe use, storage and disposal of hazardous products.
First, product warning labels. These alert workers that a product is potentially hazardous.
The label warns of the major hazards of the product and the basic
precautions that should be taken.
There are three main label types.
Supplier labels which are placed on the containers by the supplier
or manufacturer of the hazardous material. They provide a concise summary of information
pertaining to that product. Workplace labels - usually handwritten and are
required when a hazardous product has been transferred from one container to
another and will not be used immediately or may be left unattended.
A Workplace label is also required if the original supplier label is damaged or missing or
when your company produces a hazardous chemical. A faded or smudged label should
be reported to a supervisor who can be replaced promptly. Hazardous products
in piping and process vessels also need to be identified by using product
identifiers, labels, colour coding or placards. And lastly laboratory labels or
lab labels are required on certain lab samples based on criteria set up in the
WHMIS 2015 regulations. They must remain on containers until they are empty and discarded.
The second key component of WHMIS 2015
is the Safety Data Sheet or SDS. This is a document provided by the supplier of the
product. The SDS provides more detailed information about the hazardous product
than what is found on the label. Information like safe handling
storage and emergency measures.
Safety Data Sheets must be readily available to
everyone in the workplace close to where the hazardous products are present -
stored in a binder or electronically on a computer, available for every hazardous
product in your workplace that's covered by WHMIS 2015.
The last essential component of WHMIS 2015 is employee education and training.
Education and training play a critical role in protecting the safety of those working
around hazardous materials. Ensuring your workers understand WHMIS 2015,
pictograms, product warning labels and safety data sheets will go a long way in
creating a healthy, productive and safe working environment I am Ilma Bhunnoo
and this has been your health and safety tip from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.
For more information visit WSPS.CA