Safety First:

Navigating WHMIS 2015 in the Lab

What is WHMIS 2015?

WHMIS stands for

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

​

The purpose of WHMIS:

• Establishes rules for classifying hazardous products.
• Provides information for labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensures product suppliers label hazardous products and provide SDS.
• Offers guidance to students or workers about hazardous products.

​

WHMIS is updated periodically. This presentation is based on the most recent version from 2015.

​

Who is Responsible for What in WHMIS?

Students or Workers

• Follow safe work procedures.
• Participate in all WHMIS education and training sessions.

​

Employers

• Develop, implement, and maintain WHMIS education and training programs.
• Ensure SDS (Safety Data Sheets) are accessible to workers or students.
• Properly label hazardous products.

Who Needs WHMIS Training and When?

WHMIS Training is Required for Those Who:

• Work with, store, handle, or dispose of hazardous products.
• Are exposed to hazardous products.
• Supervise or manage workers handling hazardous products.
• Are involved in emergency response.

​

New Training is Required When:

• Legislation is updated.
• Workplace or product changes occur.
• New information about safe use, handling, storage, or disposal becomes available.
• It’s identified as needed to maintain safety.

​

Products Not Covered by WHMIS

• Explosives as defined in the Explosives Act.
• Cosmetic, device, drug or food as defined in the Food and Drugs Act.
• Pest control products as defined in the Pest Control Products Act.
• Consumer products as defined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
• Wood or products made of wood.
• Nuclear substances within the meaning of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, that are radioactive.
• Hazardous waste being a hazardous product that is sold for recycling or recovery, or is intended for disposal.
• Tobacco and tobacco products as defined in the Tobacco Act.
• Manufactured articles.

Many of these products are covered under other legislation.

Hazard Classifications in WHMIS

Hazard Classification involves identifying the properties of a product to determine its hazard group, class, and category.

​

Hazard Groups:

• Physical Hazards: Includes 19 physical hazard classes (e.g., Flammable, Explosive).
• Health Hazards: Includes 12 health hazard classes (e.g., Toxic, Carcinogenic).
• Environmental Hazards: These are not regulated under WHMIS but may still require caution.

​

Hazard Classes:

• These describe the specific types of hazards a product presents.
• For example, Acetone has two classifications:
• Flammable Liquid (Physical Hazard).
• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation (Health Hazard).

Hazard Categories in WHMIS

Hazard categories describe the degree of the hazard, helping to indicate how severe or dangerous a product can be.

​

• Category 1 is the highest level of hazard.
• Within subcategories, A represents the highest hazard.

​

Example: Flammable Liquids

• Category 1: Extremely flammable.
• Category 2: Highly flammable.
• Category 3: Flammable.
• Category 4: Combustible.

​

Understanding hazard categories helps you assess the risks

and handle products safely.

​

​

What are Hazard Pictograms in WHMIS?

Pictograms are symbols or pictures designed to quickly inform users about the type of hazard associated with a product.

​

Each pictogram represents a specific hazard category, making it easy to recognize risks at a glance. For example:

​

• A flame symbol indicates flammable substances.
• A skull and crossbones warns of toxicity.

​

Pictograms help ensure safety by clearly communicating potential dangers

​

Hazard Pictograms in WHMIS

The following slides will cover the different WHMIS pictograms

Exploding Bomb Pictogram

• Signals explosion or reactivity hazards.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Self-Reactive Substances and Mixtures: Types A & B.
• Organic Peroxides: Types A & B.

Flame Pictogram

• Signals fire hazards associated with certain substances

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Flammable Gases:
• Category 1A and 1B (Flammable gas).
• Category 1A and 1B (Chemically unstable gas).
• Category 1A (Pyrophoric gas).
• Aerosols: Categories 1 and 2.
• Flammable Liquids: Categories 1, 2, and 3.
• Flammable Solids: Categories 1 and 2.
• Pyrophoric Liquids: Category 1.
• Pyrophoric Solids: Category 1.
• Self-Heating Substances and Mixtures: Categories 1 and 2.
• Substances and Mixtures Which, in Contact with Water, Emit Flammable Gases: Categories 1, 2, and 3.
• Self-Reactive Substances and Mixtures: Types B, C, D, E, and F.
• Organic Peroxides: Types B, C, D, E, and F.
• Chemicals Under Pressure: Categories 1 and 2.

Flame over Circle Pictogram

• Signals oxidizing hazards, which involve materials that can cause or intensify a fire.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Oxidizing Gases: Category 1.
• Oxidizing Liquids: Categories 1, 2, and 3.
• Oxidizing Solids: Categories 1, 2, and 3.

​

Gas Cylinder Pictogram

• Signals hazards associated with gases under pressure, which may pose physical risks like explosion, suffocation, or cold burns.

Gases Under Pressure Include:

• Compressed Gases
• Liquefied Gases
• Refrigerated Liquefied Gases
• Dissolved Gases

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Chemicals Under Pressure: Categories 1, 2, and 3.

​

Corrosion Hazard Pictogram

• Signals hazards involving corrosive substances that can damage metals, skin, or eyes.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Corrosive to Metals: Category 1.
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Categories 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C.
• Serious Eye Damage: Category 1.

​

​

Skull and Crossbones Hazard

Pictogram

• Signals acute toxicity hazards, indicating substances that can cause severe harm or death after short-term exposure to small amounts.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Acute Toxicity (Oral): Categories 1, 2, and 3.
• Acute Toxicity (Dermal): Categories 1, 2, and 3.
• Acute Toxicity (Inhalation): Categories 1, 2, and 3.

​

Health Hazard Hazard Pictogram

• Signals health hazards associated with serious or long-term effects on the body.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Respiratory Sensitizer: Categories 1, 1A, and 1B.
• Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Categories 1, 1A, 1B, and 2.
• Carcinogenicity: Categories 1, 1A, 1B, and 2.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Categories 1, 1A, 1B, and 2.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure: Categories 1 and 2.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Repeated Exposure: Categories 1 and 2.
• Aspiration Hazard: Category 1.

​

Exclamation Mark Hazard Pictogram

• Exclamation Mark
• May cause less serious health effects
• Classes and Categories
• Acute toxicity – Oral, Dermal, Inhalation (Category 4)
• Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin irritation (Category 2)
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Eye irritation (Category 2 and 2A)
• Respiratory or skin sensitization – Skin sensitizer (Category 1, 1A and 1B)
• Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure (Category 3)

​

• Signals minor hazards, those that may cause less serious health effects or irritation.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Acute Toxicity: Oral, Dermal, Inhalation: Category 4.
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Skin Irritation: Category 2.
• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Eye Irritation: Categories 2 and 2A.
• Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: Skin Sensitizer: Categories 1, 1A, and 1B.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity – Single Exposure: Category 3.

​

​

Biohazardous Infectious Materials

Hazard Pictogram

• Signals materials that can cause disease in humans or animals due to harmful organisms, nucleic acids, or proteins.

​

Hazard Classes and Categories:

• Biohazardous Infectious Materials: Category 1.

​

Hazard Pictograms:

Additional Safety Symbols

Signals various hazards that do not fall under standard WHMIS classes but still require caution.

Hazard Examples Include:

• Simple Asphyxiants: Gases that displace oxygen and can cause suffocation.
• Combustible Dusts: Dust particles that can ignite and cause explosions under certain conditions.
• Less Hazardous Categories: Substances with lower levels of risk but still require attention.

PHNOC and HHNOC:

• Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified (PHNOC) and Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified (HHNOC) require a pictogram appropriate to the specific hazard identified.

These pictograms ensure all potential risks, even those

outside standard classifications, are clearly communicated.

Classes that Do Not Require Pictograms

Some hazard classes and categories are not assigned a specific pictogram, even though they still pose risks.

​

Examples of Classes Without Pictograms:

• 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.
• Simple Asphyxiants: Category 1.
• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Eye Irritation, Category 2B.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Effects on or via lactation.

​

If a product has associated pictograms, you’ll find them on the

Labels or SDS (Safety Data Sheets).

Understanding Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are risks associated with the physical properties of materials, such as flammability, reactivity, or pressure. These hazards can lead to accidents if not managed properly.

​

To better understand these risks, we’ve outlined key concerns for various physical hazards in the following tables. These will help you recognize and handle materials safely.

Concerns for Physical Hazards

Concerns for Physical Hazards

Health Hazards

Health hazards refer to substances that may cause or are suspected of causing significant health issues.

​

Examples of Health Hazards and Categories:

• Carcinogenicity: Categories 1 and 2.
• Respiratory Sensitization: Category 1.
• Reproductive Toxicity: Categories 1 and 2.
• Germ Cell Mutagenicity: Categories 1 and 2.
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity:
• Single Exposure: Categories 1 and 2.
• Repeated Exposure: Categories 1 and 2.
• Aspiration Hazard: Categories 1 and 2.

​

These categories highlight the need to handle these substances with caution, as they can have long-term or serious effects

on human health.

Concerns for Health Hazards

Concerns for Health Hazards

WHMIS Labels:

Types of Labels

WHMIS labels are critical for ensuring safe handling and use of hazardous substances. They provide key details about hazards and precautions.

​

Types of WHMIS Labels:

• Supplier Labels
• Includes:
• Major hazards and basic precautions.
• Type, classification, degree, hazard and precautionary statements.
• Product identifier
• Precautionary statement
• Pictograms
• Supplier identifier
• Signal word
• Hazard Statements
• Supplemental information if required
• Information in both English and French.

WHMIS Labels:

Types of Labels

• Workplace Labels
• Required when:
• A supplier label is missing.
• A substance is decanted into another container.
• Not needed when:
• The substance is used immediately or within the same day by a single person.
• Must include:
• Product name.
• Safe handling precautions.
• Reference to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
• May also include pictograms or supplier label information.

​

WHMIS Labels: Signal Words, Hazard & Precautionary Statements

WHMIS labels also provide additional details to help users understand and manage hazards effectively.

Signal Words

• Indicate the severity of the hazard:
• Danger: Indicates a severe hazard.
• Warning: Indicates a less severe hazard.

Hazard Statements

• Describes the specific nature of the hazard:
• More Hazardous: "Highly flammable liquid or vapor."
• Less Hazardous: "Flammable liquid or vapor."

Precautionary Statements

• Provides instructions to minimize risk and prevent injury:
• Example: "Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces."
• Always refer to the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) for detailed safety information, even if precautionary statements are present.

​

WHMIS Labels:

Exceptions and Special Conditions

Under certain conditions, WHMIS labels may contain reduced information.

Reduced Labeling Requirements:

• Containers of 100mL or Less:
• Do not require precautionary or hazard statements.
• Containers of 3mL or Less:
• Labels can be removed during use if necessary.
• Bulk Substances Without Labels:
• The employer must ensure a label is applied before the substance is used.

​

​

Supplier labels can be a sign, stamp, sticker, seal, ticket, tag or wrapper.

What Are My Responsibilities Under WHMIS?

As a worker or student, here’s what you need to do to ensure safety and compliance:

​

• Check for WHMIS Labels: Ensure all containers have the appropriate labels.
• Read and Follow Instructions: Understand and comply with the instructions provided on the label.
• Replace or Create Labels:
• Replace supplier labels if they are illegible.
• Create a workplace label if a substance is transferred to a new container.
• Follow Safe Work Procedures: Adhere to all laboratory or workplace safety protocols for handling hazardous substances.

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide detailed information about product hazards and safe handling procedures.

Key Points About SDS:

• Summarizes all critical details about hazards and safe use of a product.
• Typically provided by the manufacturer or supplier at the time of sale.
• If the product is made and used within the workplace, the employer is responsible for preparing the SDS.
• Contains more in-depth information than what is found on product labels.

​

What SDS Includes:

• List of product hazards.
• Instructions for safe use.
• Consequences of not following safe use recommendations.
• Symptoms of exposure.
• Emergency response procedures.

Safety Data Sheets:

Requirements and Key Information

SDS are essential for all hazardous products used, handled, or stored in the workplace under WHMIS regulations.

SDS Requirements:

• Must be provided for all hazardous products classified under WHMIS.
• In Canada, SDS must be available in both English and French.
• Can be a combined bilingual document or separate documents for each language.

​

What SDS Tells Us:

• Product and Supplier Information: Sections 1 and 3.
• Hazards: Sections 2, 5, 9, 10, 11, and 12.
• Precautions: Sections 5, 7, 8, and 13.
• Emergency Procedures: Sections 4, 5, and 6.

Safety Data Sheets:

Important Sections to Read

Always read the SDS before using a product, focusing especially on:

​

• Section 2 (Hazards).
• Sections 4-8 (First Aid, Fire-Fighting, Accidental Release, Handling, and Storage).
• Section 10 (Stability and Reactivity).

​

SDS are a critical resource for understanding and managing hazardous products safely!

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 1 - Identification

​

Specific Information Elements

• Product identifier (e.g., Product name)
• Other means of identification (e.g., product family, synonyms, etc.)
• Recommended use
• Restrictions on use
• Canadian supplier identifier
• Name, full address and phone number(s)
• Emergency telephone number and any restrictions on the use of that number, if applicable

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 2 - Hazard Identification

​

Specific Information Elements

• Hazard classification (class, category or subcategory) of substance or mixture or a description of the identified hazard for Physical or Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified
• Label elements:
1. Symbol (image) or the name of the symbol (e.g., flame, skull and crossbones)
2. Signal word
3. Hazard statement(s)
4. Precautionary statement(s)
• Other hazards which do not result in classification (e.g., molten metal hazard)

​

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 3 - Composition/ Information on ingredients

​

Specific Information Elements

• When a hazardous product is a material or substance:
• Chemical name
• Common name and synonyms
• Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number and any unique identifiers
• Chemical name of impurities, stabilizing solvents and/or additives
• For each material or substance in a mixture that is classified in a health hazard class:
• Chemical name
• Common name and synonyms
• CAS registry number and any unique identifiers
• Concentration

​

NOTE: Confidential business information rules can apply

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 4 - First-aid measures

​

Specific Information Elements

• First-aid measures by route of exposure:
• Inhalation
• Skin contact
• Eye contact
• Ingestion
• Most important symptoms and effects (acute or delayed)
• If necessary: Immediate medical attention and special treatment

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 5 - Fire-fighting measures

​

Specific Information Elements

• Suitable extinguishing media
• Unsuitable extinguishing media
• Specific hazards arising from the hazardous product (e.g., hazardous combustion products)
• Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-fighters

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 6 - Accidental release measures

​

Specific Information Elements

• Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
• Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 7 - Handling and storage

​

Specific Information Elements

• Precautions for safe handling
• Conditions for safe storage (including incompatible materials)

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 8 - Exposure controls/ Personal Protection

​

Specific Information Elements

• Control parameters, including occupational exposure guidelines or biological exposure limits and the source of those values
• Appropriate engineering controls
• Individual protection measures (e.g., personal protective equipment)

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 9 - Physical and chemical properties

​

Specific Information Elements

• Physical state
• Colour
• Odour
• Melting point and Freezing point
• Boiling point, or initial boiling point

and boiling range

• Flammability
• Lower flammable or explosive limit
• Upper flammable or explosive limit
• Flash point
• Auto-ignition temperature

​

​

• Decomposition temperature
• pH
• Kinematic viscosity
• Solubility
• Partition coefficient - n-octanol/water
• Vapour pressure
• Density and relative density
• Relative vapour density
• Particle characteristics

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 10 - Stability and reactivity

​

Specific Information Elements

• Reactivity
• Chemical stability
• Possibility of hazardous reactions
• Conditions to avoid (e.g., static discharge, shock, or vibration)
• Incompatible materials
• Hazardous decomposition products

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 11 - Toxicological Information

​

Specific Information Elements

A concise but complete description of the various toxic health effects and the data used to identify those effects, including:

• Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact)
• Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological characteristics
• Delayed and immediate effects, and chronic effects from short-term and long-term exposure
• Numerical measures of toxicity, including acute toxicity estimates (ATEs)

​

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 12 - Ecological Information

​

Specific Information Elements

• Ecotoxicity
• Persistence and degradability
• Bioaccumulative potential
• Mobility in soil
• Other adverse effects

​

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 13 - Disposal considerations

​

Specific Information Elements

Information on safe handling for disposal and methods of disposal, including any contaminated packaging

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 14 - Transport Information

​

Specific Information Elements

• UN number
• UN proper shipping name
• Transport hazard class(es)
• Packing group
• Environmental hazards
• Special precautions

Safety Data Sheets: Section Requirements

Section 15 and 16 - Regulatory Information and Other Information

Specific Information Elements

• Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product
• Date of the latest revision of the SDS

​

More Information and Resources

For additional details and to enhance your understanding of WHMIS, check out these resources:

​

Learn More About WHMIS

• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) WHMIS Overview

​

Test Your Knowledge

• Take the WHMIS Quiz

​

These resources will help you reinforce what you've learned and ensure you're confident in applying WHMIS practices.

Happy learning!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​