Dangerous materials
WHMIS stands for "Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System." This is the hazardous communication standard used in Canada. Potentially dangerous materials used in the workplace are labeled to alert workers to the specific hazards they present. It also contains precautions and first aid instructions for use in an emergency.
Classes and Symbols
Under the WHMIS program, easy to understand symbols are used to label hazardous materials. Employees and managers can tell at a glance whether the substances they are transporting or using are potentially dangerous, and what type of hazard they present.
Hazard Symbols
Class A substances contain compressed gas. Class B products contain flammable and combustible materials.
Class D products are divided into three groups. D-1 refers to poisonous materials that cause immediate effects when ingested and D-2 products are those that cause other effects. The D-3 classification means that the material poses a biohazard.
Corrosive materials are indicated by a Class E designation. Class F is reserved for dangerously reactive materials.
Product Label Appearance
All WHMIS product labels must contain information in English and French. They must be durable to withstand wear and tear during transportation and after the container has been opened. If one of these labels becomes damaged or is lost, it must be replaced immediately to conform with Canadian federal law.
Product Label Content
Product labels provide employees with valuable information about the contents of the products with which they come into contact, including the type of hazard that it may present. The supplier or manufacturer is responsible for preparing the WHMIS product label, and can provide information about the product if required.
The label also provides a short description of the hazard that the product presents. The relevant hazard symbol also appears on the label. Workers can tell at a glance what type of hazard they may be exposed when transporting, storing or using the product and what specific cautions they should take when interacting with it.
First aid procedures are also listed on the WHMIS label. When an incident occurs involving a product classified under the WHMIS system, first responders can consult the label for information about appropriate treatment.
Workplace Safety
The WHMIS labels provide information about products in a concise manner. The symbols included on them give workers valuable information about the types of hazards that a particular material presents at a glance. For safety reasons, an employee should read the WHMIS label in its entirety before working with an unfamiliar product.
