WHMIS

2015

Content

1. What is WHMIS?
2. WHMIS Legislation
3. WHMIS and the Supplier
4. Employer Responsibilities Under WHMIS
5. The Worker’s Right to Know
6. The Worker’s Responsibilities Under WHMIS
7. Classification of Hazardous Products

Content

10. Physical Hazards
11. Health Hazards
12. Labels
13. Safety Data Sheets
14. Means of Exposure
15. Safe Practices Against Hazardous Products

What Is WHMIS?

• WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) in Ontario with the exception of farms.¹
• It is a Canada-wide system created in an effort to reduce accidents and diseases caused by hazardous materials used in the workplace.²
• It is “implemented by a combination of federal and provincial legislation”.²

What Is WHMIS? (continued)

• WHMIS 2015 was developed out of a necessity to update WHMIS 1988. WHMIS 2015 now aligns Canada with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals (GHS).³
• WHMIS provides uniform information about hazardous materials by setting the standards for what information must be provided to the worker.²

WHMIS Legislation

• Federal Legislation:¹
• Hazardous Products Act (HPA)
• Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR)
• Hazardous Materials Information Review Act
• Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations
• “The main purpose of the federal WHMIS legislation is to require suppliers of hazardous products intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace to classify those products and provide health and safety information about them to their customers.”¹

WHMIS Legislation (continued)

• Ontario Provincial Legislation:¹
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• WHMIS Regulation
• “The main purpose of the provincial WHMIS legislation is to require employers to obtain health and safety information about hazardous products from their suppliers, and use that information to train their workers.”¹
• Federal workplaces (banks, post offices, airports) are not enforced under the provincial WHMIS legislation. They fall under the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations.¹

WHMIS Legislation (continued)

• Both federal and provincial WHMIS legislation is enforced In Ontario by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development inspectors with the exception of federal government workplaces.¹
• Federal workplaces (banks, post offices, airports) fall under the Canada Labour Code and the Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations. The legislation is enforced by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Labour Program inspectors.²

WHMIS and the Supplier

• A supplier is defined as “a person who, in the course of business, sells or imports a hazardous product”.¹
• A supplier has 3 main responsibilities under the WHMIS Regulation:¹
• Classification step: determine which of their products that will be used, handled or stored in a workplace are defined as a “hazardous product” in the HPA.
• They must label all hazardous products.
• They must provide a safety data sheet (SDS) for all hazardous products.

Employer Responsibilities Under WHMIS

1. Ensure all hazardous products are clearly identified and labelled.¹
2. When required, prepare workplace labels.⁴
3. Obtain or prepare up-to-date safety data sheets for all hazardous products and make them available to various parties.¹

​

Employer Responsibilities (continued)

4. Provide instruction and training to all workers who will be exposed or are likely to be exposed to a hazardous product.¹
5. Ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of all workers.⁴
6. Assess all biological and chemical agents produced by the employer to determine if they are hazardous products.¹

The Workers Right to Know

1. All workers have the right to know about hazardous products in the workplace. This includes both chemical and biological agents.¹
2. All workers must be given access to labels and SDSs.¹
3. All works must be provided with training and instruction about hazardous products.¹

The Worker’s Responsibilities

1. Read and follow the instructions provided on product labels.¹
2. Read and follow the instructions provided in SDSs.¹
3. Actively participate in all instruction and training sessions.¹
4. If unsure on how to use or handle a hazardous product, ask a supervisor.¹
5. Participate in identifying and controlling hazards by reporting contraventions of the legislation or hazards to the supervisor or employer.¹

Classification of Hazardous Products

• Under WHMIS 2015, there is a new system for classifying hazardous products.¹
• An individual product will have a minimum of 3 possible levels of classifications.¹

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* Not all hazardous products will have a subcategory

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Classification - What is a hazard group?

• There are 2 main hazard groups under WHMIS 2015:
• Physical Hazards

“based on the physical or chemical properties of the product - such as flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity to metals.”⁵

• Health Hazards

“based on the ability of the product to cause a health effect - such as eye irritation, respiratory sensitization (may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled), or carcinogenicity (may cause cancer).”⁵

Classification - What is a hazard class?

• Hazard classes are a grouping together of hazardous products that have similar properties.⁵
• WHMIS 2015 contains some hazard classes that are specific to WHMIS; however, most of the hazard classes are found within the GHS and used worldwide.⁵

Classification - What is a hazard category?

• A hazard category defines the severity of hazard for a product.⁵
• Every hazard class will have at least one category which is assigned a number (i.e. 1, 2). Some categories are called “types” in which case they are assigned a letter (i.e. A, B).⁵
• In some hazard classes there are also subcategories which are assigned a letter and a number (i.e. 1A).⁵
• The more severe the hazard is the lower the category number will be.¹ Category 1 is the most hazardous within a class.⁵

What is a hazard category? (continued)

• The same applies for subcategories. The lower the letter falls in the alphabet the more severe the hazard.⁵
• Category 1 is more hazardous than Category 2
• Category 2 is more hazardous than Category 3
• Category 1A is more hazardous than Category 1B
• Category 1B is more hazardous than Category 1C

Pictograms

What is a pictogram?

• A pictogram is an image that immediately identifies what type of hazard is present.⁶
• Most pictograms will have a red diamond border with a symbol inside. The symbol indicates the potential hazard.⁶
• “Pictograms are assigned to specific hazard classes or categories.”⁶

Click on image for larger PDF version.

Pictogram - Flame

What Does it Mean?⁷

• Hazardous products with this pictogram can ignite easily and burn rapidly if they are not stored and handled properly.

What Are The Hazards?⁷

• Fire (if there is a source of fuel, oxygen and heat)
• Explosion
• Hazardous thermal decomposition and combustion products (i.e. carbon monoxide)

​

Pictogram - Flame (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Flame” pictogram.⁷

Pictogram - Flame (continued)

Safe Handling Tips⁷

• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Use in well-ventilated area
• Keep away from heat (i.e. hot surfaces, sparks, open flame)
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (i.e. gloves, goggles)
• Avoid contact with incompatible products

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Flame (continued)

Safe Storage Tips⁷

• Avoid storing in large quantities
• Inspect containers and storage area for damages or leaks
• Store in well-ventilated place
• Store in a cool place
• Do not store near incompatible products

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Flame over circle

What Does it Mean?⁸

• Oxidizing hazardous products that are a fire or explosion hazard if not stored and handled properly.

What Are The Hazards?⁸

• Significantly increases the rate at which a fire develops
• Significantly increase the intensity of a fire
• Can cause substances to burn rapidly that don’t normally burn in air
• Can cause combustible materials to spontaneously burn without an obvious ignition source (i.e. a spark)

Pictogram - Flame over circle (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Flame over circle” pictogram.⁸

Pictogram - Flame over circle (continued)

Safe Handling Tips⁸

• Avoid contact with skin or clothing
• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Keep away from heat (i.e. hot surfaces, sparks, open flame)
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required (i.e. gloves, goggles)
• Avoid contact with incompatible products
• Never return unused product to the original container

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Flame over circle (continued)

Safe Storage Tips⁸

• Store gases in well-ventilated areas
• Store in cool, dry area away from direct sunlight
• Store away from ignition sources and incompatible materials
• Store oxidizing liquids and solids separately

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Gas cylinder

What Does it Mean?⁹

• Hazardous products that “are gases that are contained in a receptacle under pressure, or which are liquefied or liquefied and refrigerated.”⁹

What Are The Hazards?⁹

• May explode if heated
• Can result in health and/or fire hazards
• If damaged, can rocket/spin out of control with great force
• Can result in cryogenic burns or other freezing injuries (i.e. frostbite)

Pictogram - Gas cylinder (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Gas cylinder” pictogram.⁹

Pictogram - Gas cylinder (continued)

Safe Handling Tips⁹

• Only use in well-ventilated areas
• Always wear eye protection
• For gas cylinders:
• Inspect cylinders and valves for damages
• Use appropriate regulator
• Secure cylinders to a wall/rack in upright position
• Move cylinders using a hand truck or cart specific to the cylinder

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Gas cylinder (continued)

Safe Handling Tips (continued)⁹

• For refrigerated liquefied gases:
• Wear cold insulating gloves
• Never wear watches, rings or bracelets (can freeze to exposed skin)
• Make sure the cryogenic dewar (special storage container) can withstand extremely low temperatures

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Gas cylinder (continued)

Safe Storage Tips⁹

• Protect from sunlight
• Store in well-ventilated area
• Use leak detection and alarm equipment
• Avoid storing large quantities
• Label container with date received, date opened and disposal date

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Corrosion

What Does it Mean?¹⁰

• Hazardous products that are corrosive to metal, skin or eyes.

What Are The Hazards?¹⁰

• Can damage or destroy metal
• Can cause irreversible damage to the skin
• Can cause tissue damage in the eye
• May be corrosive to the respiratory tract if inhaled
• May generate heat when mixed with water

Pictogram - Corrosion (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Corrosion” pictogram.¹⁰

Pictogram - Corrosion (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹⁰

• Inspect containers for damage or leaks before handling
• Use in well-ventilated areas
• Wear respiratory/hand/eye/face protection when required
• Wash hands and skin thoroughly after use
• Cautiously move containers

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Corrosion (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹⁰

• Keep in tightly sealed containers
• Store in corrosion-resistant container with a resistant inner liner
• Store containers at a convenient level (below eye level)
• Store the smallest amount possible
• Label container with date received and date first opened

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Exploding bomb

What Does it Mean?¹¹

• Hazardous products that “present severe fire and explosion hazards.”¹¹
• The Explosives Hazard Class has not been implemented in WHMIS 2015 as these products are regulated in Canada under the Explosives Act.¹¹ There are; however, hazardous products in the WHMIS 2015 Physical Hazards Class that use the “Exploding Bomb” pictogram.

Pictogram - Exploding bomb (continued)

What Are The Hazards?¹¹

• Can cause significant injury and/or property damage
• Very sensitive to temperature and temperature changes
• Tend to ignite easily and burn rapidly
• Can be very unstable
• Can be sensitive to light
• Can react explosively with metals
• May react on their own to cause a fire or explosion

Pictogram - Exploding bomb (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Exploding bomb” pictogram.¹¹

Pictogram - Exploding bomb (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹¹

• Keep away from heat (i.e. hot surfaces, open flames, ignition source)
• Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials
• Wear PPE, if required
• Never return unused product to the original container
• Wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking or going to the toilet

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Exploding bomb (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹¹

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
• Keep in tightly sealed containers (unless supplier instructs otherwise)
• Use alarms that warn of temperatures changes
• Use leak detection systems
• Avoid storing in large quantities and for prolonged periods of time

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Skull and Crossbones

What Does it Mean?¹²

• Hazardous products that can cause death or poisoning.¹²
• These products are fatal, toxic or harmful if:⁵
• inhaled
• following skin contact
• swallowed

Pictogram - Skull and Crossbones (continue)

What Are The Hazards?¹²

• Acute toxicity - refers to effects occurring after one of the following:¹²
• skin contact or ingestion of a single dose of a substance, or multiple doses given within 24 hours
• an inhalation exposure of 4 hours
• “Acute toxicity can result from exposure to the product itself, or to a product that, upon contact with water, releases a gaseous substance that is able to cause acute toxicity.”¹²

Pictogram - Skull and Crossbones (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Skull and Crossbones” pictogram.¹²

Pictogram - Skull and Crossbones (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹²

• Always work with smallest amount possible
• Use a pre-wetting technique or vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to clean up solid product
• Use in well-ventilated area
• Wear PPE, if required
• Wash hands after use and before eating, drinking or smoking
• Remove contaminated clothing and PPE before entering eating areas or leaving the work area

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Skull and Crossbones (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹²

• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area that is away from direct sunlight
• Store locked up, if required
• Do not stockpile
• Store empty containers separately

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Health hazard

What Does it Mean?¹³

• Hazardous products that can cause certain health effects; for example:
• carcinogenicity
• specific target organ effects following a single or repeated exposure
• reproductive toxicity

Pictogram - Health hazard (continue)

What Are The Hazards?¹³

• There are many, very different health hazards caused by products in this class. Below is just a sample of some of the health issues caused by these products.
• May cause allergy/asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
• May cause allergic skin reaction
• May cause genetic defects
• May cause cancer
• May damage fertility or the unborn child

Pictogram - Health hazards (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the Health hazards” pictogram.¹³

Pictogram - Health Hazards (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹³

• Use only in well-ventilated areas
• Work with the smallest amount possible
• Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapours or spray
• Where PPE, if required
• Do not use until all safety precautions have been read and understood
• Wash hands and skin after handling
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using these products

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Health hazard (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹³

• Inspect containers and storage area regularly for signs of leaks or damage
• Store tightly sealed containers in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight
• Restrict access to authorized personnel only (consider locked storage)
• Keep away from incompatible materials
• Store on shelves closest to floor level (avoid storage above eye level)

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Exclamation mark

What Does it Mean?¹⁴

• Hazardous products that can cause certain health effects; for example:
• skin irritation
• eye irritation
• skin sensitization

Pictogram - Exclamation mark (continue)

What Are The Hazards?¹⁴

• Can be fatal, toxic, or harmful if swallowed, inhaled or makes contact with skin
• Can cause reversible damage; such as, redness or inflammation
• Can cause ocular damage
• Can cause allergic-type response (i.e. itching, blisters, swelling)
• Can irritate the respiratory tract (i.e. coughing)
• Can cause severe skin burns

Pictogram - Exclamation mark (continued)

Below are some examples of hazard statements and signal words that are associated with the “Exclamation mark” pictogram.¹⁴

Pictogram - Exclamation mark (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹⁴

• Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas
• Avoid breathing dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapours, or spray
• Prevent contamination of surfaces that unprotected personnel may use
• Wash hands and skin thoroughly after handling
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using these products
• Wear PPE, if required
• Do not wear contaminated work clothing out of the workplace

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Exclamation mark (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹⁴

• Inspect containers and storage area regularly for signs of leaks or damage
• Store in original, labelled container
• Store in tightly sealed containers
• Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas out of direct sunlight
• Store away from incompatible materials

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials

What Does it Mean?

• “These materials are microorganisms, nucleic acids or proteins that cause, or are a probably cause, of infection, with or without toxicity, in humans or animals.”⁵
• “For WHMIS 2015, a Biohazardous infectious material is one that falls into Risk Group 2, 3 or 4 as defined by the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act or has been shown to be a cause or probable cause of infection or infection and toxicity in animals.”¹⁵
• Includes bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

What are the hazards?

• Risk Group 2
• A category of human pathogens that pose a moderate risk to the health of individuals and a low risk to public health and includes the human pathogens listed in Schedule 2.¹⁶
• They are able to cause serious disease in a human but are unlikely to do so.¹⁶
• Effective treatment and preventative measures are available and the risk of spread of disease caused by those pathogens is low.¹⁶
• Examples:¹⁶
• Bacteria - Borrelia burgdorferi - causes Lyme disease
• Virus - Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E
• Fungi - Aspergillus niger - causes fungal ear infections
• Protozoa - Toxoplasma gondii - causes toxoplasmosis

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

What are the hazards? (continued)

• Risk Group 3
• A category of human pathogens that pose a high risk to the health of individuals and a low risk to public health and includes the human pathogens listed in Schedule 3.¹⁶
• They are likely to cause serious disease in a human.¹⁶
• Effective treatment and preventive measures are usually available and the risk of spread of disease caused by those pathogens is low.¹⁶
• Examples:¹⁶
• Bacteria - Mycobacterium tuberculosis - causes tuberculosis
• Virus - Rabies lyssavirus - causes rabies
• Prions - bovine spongiform encephalopathy agent - causes mad cow disease

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

What are the hazards? (continued)

• Risk Group 4
• A category of human pathogens that pose a high risk to the health of individuals and a high risk to public health and includes the human pathogens listed in Schedule 4.¹⁶
• They are likely to cause serious disease in a human.¹⁶
• Effective treatment and preventive measures are not usually available and the risk of spread of disease caused by those pathogens is high.¹⁶
• Examples:¹⁶
• Ebola virus
• Tick-borne encephalitis virus

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

WHMIS 2015 has assigned the following signal word and hazard statement to the “Biohazardous Infectious Materials” pictogram.¹⁵

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

Safe Handling Tips¹⁵

• Should only be handled by workers who are appropriately trained, aware of the hazards, and how to control them.
• Treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, mucous membranes, non-intact skin or soiled items as potentially infectious.
• Washing hands and general good hygiene habits
• Vaccination, where possible
• Wear PPE

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

Pictogram - Biohazardous Infectious Materials (continued)

Safe Storage Tips¹⁵

• Guidelines on safe handling and storage of human and animal pathogens, toxins and plant pests in laboratories and containment zones are available from the Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines page from the Government of Canada.

*Please refer to the “Resources” slide, #8 for more information.

Pictogram - Environment

What Does it Mean?¹⁷

• Hazardous products that are harmful to the environment.
• The Environmental Hazard group is not required under WHMIS 2015; however, suppliers may voluntarily choose to disclose it on labels and SDSs.

What Are The Hazards?¹⁷

• The main concern is toxicity for aquatic life.
• May include acute or long-term environmental impacts.

Pictogram - Environment (continued)

Safe Handling and Storage Tips¹⁷

• Use smallest amount necessary.
• Avoid release into the environment.
• Immediately report leaks, spills, or safety equipment failures.
• Follow hazardous waste disposal procedures (i.e. don’t dumpt down the drain).
• Store in a secure, dry, well-ventilated location.
• Isolate loading and unloading areas from surface water drainage systems.

*These are just a few examples, always review a product’s Safety Data Sheet for complete details.

PHYSICAL HAZARDS

(& associated Pictogram)

Physical Hazard Classes and Categories That Do Not Require a Pictogram

• Aerosols – Category 3
• Flammable Gases - Category 2
• Flammable Liquids - Category 4
• Self-Reactive Substances and Mixtures - Type G
• Organic Peroxides - Type G
• Combustible Dusts - Category 1
• This class is used to warn of products that are finely divided solid particles. If dispersed in air, the particles may catch fire or explode if ignited.⁵
• Simple Asphyxiants - Category 1
• These products are gases that may displace oxygen in air and cause rapid suffocation.⁵

Physical Hazard Classes and Categories That Do Not Have a Pictogram (continued)

• Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified⁵
• Includes any physical hazard not covered in any other physical hazard class.
• A hazard that occurs by chemical reaction and results in serious injury or death at the time the reaction occurs.
• The hazard statement will describe the nature of the hazard.

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Review the following document for the specific concerns related to each of the physical hazard classes:

CCOHS WHMIS-Hazard Classes and Categories

HEALTH

HAZARDS

(& associated Pictogram)

Health Hazard Classes and Categories That Do Not Require a Pictogram

• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation - Eye Irritation - Category 2B
• Reproductive Toxicity - Effects on or via lactation
• Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified⁵
• Includes any health hazard not covered in any other health hazard class.
• Occur following acute or repeated exposure and have an adverse effect on health (i.e. injury or death)
• The hazard statement will describe the nature of the hazard.

​

Review the following document for the specific concerns related to each of the health hazard classes:

CCOHS WHMIS-Hazard Classes and Categories

Health Hazard Classes and Categories That Do Not Require a Pictogram

• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation - Eye Irritation - Category 2B
• Reproductive Toxicity - Effects on or via lactation
• Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified⁵
• Includes any health hazard not covered in any other health hazard class.
• Occur following acute or repeated exposure and have an adverse effect on health (i.e. injury or death)
• The hazard statement will describe the nature of the hazard.

LABELS

Supplier Label

• Any product that is used in a workplace that meets the criteria to be classified as a hazardous product must have a label.¹⁸
• A supplier label must:
• Be clearly and prominently displayed on the container.¹⁸
• Must be easy to read (can read it without using any item other than corrective glasses)¹⁸
• The label must be written in both English and French - the product can have one bilingual label or 2 separate labels.¹⁸
• Must be in contrast with other information on the container.¹⁸

Supplier Label (continued)

• The label must be updated within 180 days of the supplier being made aware of any “significant new data”.¹⁸
• The supplier must also notify consumers who purchased the product within the 180 days of the changes in writing.¹⁸
• The supplier label must include the following information:
• Product Identifier - must include one of the following:¹⁸
• Brand name
• Chemical name
• Common name
• Generic name
• Trade name

Supplier Label (continued)

2. Initial Supplier Identifier - must include the following information for the Canadian manufacturer or the Canadian Importer:¹⁸
• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
3. Pictogram(s)¹⁸
• Hazard symbol within a red diamond
• Hazardous products that fall under more than one classification may require more than one pictogram on the label

Supplier Label (continued)

4. Signal Word
• Is a prompt that alerts the user to a potential hazard and the severity of the hazard¹⁸
• There are only 2 signal words used:¹⁸
• Warning - less severe hazards
• Danger - high risk hazards
5. Hazard statement(s)
• Are short, standardized phrases which describe the nature of the hazard.¹⁸

Supplier Label (continued)

6. Precautionary Statement(s)
• Are standardized phrases that provide advice on how to minimize/prevent adverse effects resulting from an exposure.¹⁸
• May include instructions on:¹⁸
• Storage
• Handling
• First aid
• PPE
• Emergency Measures

Supplier Label (continued)

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6. Precautionary Statement(s) - continued
• 5 types¹⁸
• General
• Prevention
• Response
• Storage
• Disposal
• Examples¹⁸
• Keep container tightly closed.
• If exposed or concerned: get medical advice/attention.
• Fight fire remotely due to the risk of explosion

Supplier Label (continued)

7. Supplemental Label Information
• The classification of the product will determine if additional information is required.¹⁸
• Example: If the product is a mixture containing ingredients with unknown toxicity in a concentration of 1% or higher then the label must list the percent of the ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity.¹⁸

Workplace Label

• A workplace label is a label created by the employer and required when:¹⁸
• a hazardous product is made and used at the workplace
• a hazardous product is transferred to another container
• the supplier label becomes lost or illegible
• A workplace label is not required when:¹⁸
• a product will be used immediately after pouring it into a secondary container
• the only person using the product is the person who poured it into a secondary container and will use it during one shift - it must still have the product name on the secondary container

Workplace Label (continued)

• The employer has some flexibility around the language and format used but it must contain the following:¹
• A product identifier (name) identical to that on the SDS
• Information for the safe handling of the product (i.e. precautions to minimize risk) – may use pictograms or words
• A statement that a SDS, if supplied or produced, is available
• If there is any significant new data about a product then the employer is required to update the workplace label as soon as practicable.¹

Supplier Label

Click on image for larger PDF version.

Workplace Label

Workplace Label Templates

SAFETY DATA SHEETS

What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

• A summary document providing information on the hazards and safety precautions of a product.¹⁹
• The information is more detailed than that on the supplier label.¹⁹
• Usually written by the manufacturer or supplier.¹⁹
• An employer may write a SDS if they produce a product that is exclusively used in that workplace.¹⁹
• An important resource for employers and workers.¹⁹
• “Every product that is classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have an SDS.”¹⁹

What is a SDS (continued)

• SDSs must be written in both English and French at the time of sale. It can either be a bilingual document or 2 separate ones as long as both languages are provided.¹⁹
• SDSs must be updated within 90 days of the supplier becoming aware of “significant new data” and that new information must be provided to anyone who purchased the product within that same 90 day period (in writing).¹⁹
• Employers must make sure that any hazardous product used in their workplace has a current SDS and that it is readily available to the workers and the health and safety committee/representative.¹⁹

What Information is on the SDS?

Schedule 1 within the Hazardous Products Regulations outlines the section number and heading that must be present in the specified order:¹⁹

What Information is on the SDS? (continued)

What Information is on the SDS? (continued)

What Information is on the SDS? (continued)

What Information is on the SDS? (continued)

“Sections 12-15 require the headings to be present, but under Canadian regulations, the supplier has the option to not provide information in these sections.”¹⁹

What Information is on the SDS? (continued)

“Sections 12-15 require the headings to be present, but under Canadian regulations, the supplier has the option to not provide information in these sections.”¹⁹

Examples of SDSs

• Clorox Regular - Bleach

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• Peroxigard Ready to Use

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• Peroxigard Wipes

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• Peroxigard Concentrate

Means of Exposure

Inhalation

• Breathing in contaminated air is the most common way workplace chemicals enter the body.²⁰
• Some hazardous products can attach to the oxygen in your breath and then the oxygen attaches to the blood which then is distributed throughout the body.²⁰
• Some hazardous products can cause serious burns to the mouth, nose, trachea, bronchi and lungs.²⁰
• The following forms of hazardous products can be inhaled:²⁰
• gases and vapours
• mists
• dusts, fumes and smoke

The image below identifies the parts of the respiratory system that can be affected by breathing in hazardous products.²¹

Skin or Eye Contact

• Skin is the second most common route of entry and the hazardous products are almost always in a liquid form.²⁰
• Hazardous products can be absorbed through the skin, enter the bloodstream and then be distributed throughout the body.²⁰
• Skin contact can also result in:²⁰
• dryness or cracking
• hives
• ulcerations
• flaking
• burns

Skin or Eye Contact (continued)

• Although eye splashes or eye contamination is fairly common in the workplace, the hazardous products usually don’t enter the body this way.²⁰
• The hazardous product would need to dissolve in the liquid surrounding the eye to enter the body.²⁰
• Depending on how corrosive the product is would determine if the eye is damaged in the process.²⁰

Swallowing

• Eating or drinking food that has been contaminated by:²⁰
• unwashed hands, gloves or clothing
• left exposed in a workplace
• Other routes of ingestion are nail-biting and smoking (prior to washing hands).²⁰
• Hazardous products that have been inhaled and and expelled from the lungs may be swallowed.²⁰

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• Is the least common route of entry.
• Occurs when a sharp object (e.g. needle) punctures the skin and injects a chemical/virus into the bloodstream.²⁰

Injection

Safe Practices Against Hazardous Products

Important Workplace Controls

• The best way to control a hazard in your workplace is to replace it with a safer product.

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• Maintaining up-to-date SDS database for all hazardous products in the workplace.

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• Always read, understand and follow the instructions on the label and in the SDS.

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• Always follow employer education, instruction and training.

Important Workplace Controls (continued)

• Always ask a supervisor if you are unsure on how to use a product safely.

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• Replace illegible labels and use workplace labels when required.

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• Do not use any unlabelled products.

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• Participate in identifying and controlling hazards.

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• Use PPE when required.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• PPE is used when the hazard cannot be eliminated. It is considered to be the workers last line of defense.²³
• The PPE used will depend on the following:
• work environment
• work conditions
• process being performed
• “In order to ensure the required level of protection:”²³
• PPE should be selected considering the type of hazard and degree of protection needed
• PPE should be useable in the presence of other workplace hazards
• Users should be trained on use and fit
• PPE should be properly stored and maintained. Any defective PPE should be replaced.

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PPE (continued)

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• For additional information on how to select the proper PPE please visit the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

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Click on the image for a larger PDF version

Working With Household Bleach

• Household bleach is usually sold with a sodium hypochlorite concentration of 3-9%.²²
• Bleach is classified in WHMIS 2015 as a Health Hazard-Corrosion and can cause the following:²²
• irritate or burn the skin and/or eyes
• corrode metals
• can produce a toxic gas that can damage your lungs when mixed with certain chemicals (e.g. peroxigard)
• Bleach is effective at killing most bacteria, fungus and viruses.²²

Working With Household Bleach (continued)

• General Safety Tips²²
• When diluting bleach, always pour the bleach into the water, never the other way around.
• Always place a workplace label on the bottle with the diluted solution in it.
• Never mix with other cleaners, especially ones containing ammonia.
• Work in a well-ventilated area
• Wear goggles or face shield to protect from splashes
• Wear gloves (e.g. household rubber, neoprene)

Working With Household Bleach (continued)

• General Safety Tips (continued)²²
• Wear clothing that covers your skin
• long-sleeves
• pants
• socks
• closed-toed shoes
• Store in a safe, cool, dry place with a tight seal
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
• Wash hands well after using the product.

Working With Household Bleach (continued)

• First-Aid Measures²²

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Please read the supplier label and SDS for your particular brand of bleach to ensure you understand the specific use, handling and storage instructions for your product.

Working With Peroxigard Concentrate (Undiluted)

• Peroxigard is classified under Health Hazard - Acute Toxicity Oral and can:²⁵
• cause serious eye damage
• be harmful if swallowed
• be mildly irritating to skin
• can produce a toxic gas that can damage your lungs when mixed with certain chemicals (e.g. bleach)²²
• It is a powerful disinfectant effective against most viruses, bacterias and fungi²⁴
• It is a broad-spectrum sanitizing agent²⁴

Working With Peroxigard Concentrate (Undiluted) (continued)

• General Safety Tips
• When diluting Peroxigard, always pour the concentrate into the water, never the other way around.²⁴
• Once diluted it is stable for 30 days²⁴
• Always place a workplace label on the bottle with the diluted solution in it.
• Store in a tightly sealed container in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.²⁵
• Avoid storage at elevated temperatures.²⁴
• Do not mix with any other cleaning or disinfecting product.²⁵

Working With Peroxigard Concentrate (Undiluted) (continued)

• General Safety Tips (continued)
• Wear eye/face protection²⁵
• Wear appropriate chemical resistant gloves²⁵
• Wear clothing that covers your skin
• long-sleeves
• pants
• socks
• closed-toed shoes
• Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product
• Wash hands well after using the product.

Working With Peroxigard Concentrate (Undiluted) (continued)

• First-Aid Measures²⁵

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Please read the supplier label and SDS for your Peroxigard product to ensure you understand the specific use, handling and storage instructions for your product.

Working With Rabies

• Anyone involved in the collection and/or testing of rabies samples must receive pre-exposure immunization, have regular titer checks and receive a booster when necessary.
• Individuals working with rabies samples are at risk of exposure by way of:
• Laceration during the collection procedure
• Mucous membrane contact with rabies virus contaminated material
• Aerosolization of rabies infected material (rare)
• PPE failure (e.g. gloves rip)

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Working With Rabies (continued)

• PPE required:
• waterproof gloves (remove all hand/wrist jewellery prior to collection)
• laboratory coat/gown - arms and legs must be covered
• closed-toed shoes for small, medium large collections
• Steel-toe boots for extra large collections
• Surgical mask for small, medium and large collections
• N95 mask for extra large collections
• Safety goggles
• Hair elastic or head band to keep hair securely off your face

Working With Rabies (continued)

• PPE recommended:
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Metal mesh glove
• Waterproof apron
• Steel-toe boots for large collections
• Face shield
• Disposable or washable overboots

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Working With Rabies (continued)

• Work Space Safety
• Collections should occur in an area away from other animals and people
• Collections should take place on an appropriate surface
• Stainless steel table
• The floor
• The ground, if outside
• Use disposable absorbent material underneath the animal to prevent damage to the surface and to absorb any liquids released during the collection
• Examples: newspaper, puppy training pads, plastic drop sheet, block of wood under the neck for decapitations

Working With Rabies (continued)

• Work Space Safety
• Do not use electrical tools
• Spray any potentially contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant solution, allowing for appropriate contact time, and then wipe clean
• Rabies is highly susceptible to routine disinfectants such as household bleach.
• Remove as much organic material from all tools used and then clean with a disinfectant solution.
• All disposable materials used during the collection process can be double bagged and placed in the garbage (some veterinary clinics may prefer it go in their hazardous waste bin)

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Works Cited

1. Ontario Ministry of Labour. “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS: A guide to the legislation”. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2012-20. https://www.ontario.ca/document/workplace-hazardous-materials-information-system-guide-legislation
2. Ontario Ministry of Labour. “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS): A Guide to the Legislation”. Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2008.
3. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015-Education and Training”. June 1, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/education_training.html
4. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015-General”. February 5, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/general.html
5. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015 - Hazard Classes and Categories”. March 7, 2016. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/hazard_classes.html
6. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015 - Pictograms”. March 7, 2016. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/pictograms.html

Works Cited

7. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Flame" Pictogram”. October 20, 2017.https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/flame.html
8. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Flame Over Circle" Pictogram”. October 20, 2017.https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/flameovercircle.html
9. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Gas Cylinder" Pictogram”. December 17, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/gas_cylinder.html
10. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Corrosion" Pictogram”. December 17, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/corrosion.html
11. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Exploding Bomb" Pictogram”. March 5, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/bomb.html

Works Cited

12. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Exploding Bomb" Pictogram”. November 1, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/skull.html
13. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Health Hazard" Pictogram”. November 1, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/health_hazard.html
14. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Exclamation Mark" Pictogram”. November 1, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/exclamationmark.html
15. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Biohazardous Infectious Materials" Pictogram”. April 9, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/biohazardous.html
16. Human Pathogens and Toxins Act (S.C. 2009, c.24). Current as of 03-05-2020, last amended 06-21-2019. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/H-5.67/page-1.html#h-254967

Works Cited

17. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How to Work Safely with - Hazardous Products Using the "Environment" Pictogram”. April 9, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/howto/environment.html
18. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015 - Labels”. February 5, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/labels.html
19. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015 - Safety Data Sheets (SDS)”. February 5, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/sds.html
20. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How Workplace Chemicals Enter The Body”. February 3, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/how_chem.html
21. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “How Do Particles Enter the Respiratory System?”. January 3, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/how_do.html

Works Cited

22. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “Working With Household (Chlorine) Bleach”. February 14, 2017. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/bleach.html
23. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “Teaching Tools - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)”. March 21, 2018. https://www.ccohs.ca/teach_tools/phys_hazards/ppe.html
24. Virox Technologies Inc. “Peroxigard One-Step Disinfectant Cleaner & Deodorizer Concentrate Reference Sheet”. https://peroxigard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Peroxigard-CAN-Reference-Sheet-Concentrate-Web.pdf
25. Virox Technologies Inc. “Peroxigard Concentrate (Undiluted) (CAN) Safety Data Sheet”. February 28, 2019. https://peroxigard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Peroxigard-Concentrate-CAN_GHS_02.28.19.pdf
26. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS-Hazard Classes and Categories”. March 15, 2023. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/hazard_classes.html

Resources

1. Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o01
2. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 860: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900860
3. Hazardous Products Act https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-3/
4. Hazardous Products Regulations https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2015-17/index.html
5. Hazardous Materials Information Review Act https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/H-2.7/
6. Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulation https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-88-456/
7. The Explosives Act https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/e-17/
8. Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/canadian-biosafety-standards-guidelines.html
9. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS 2015 Pictograms Poster”. https://www.ccohs.ca/products/posters/WHMIS2015
10. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. “WHMIS – General”. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/whmis_ghs/general.html