WHMIS and GHS: Chemical Safety and Hazard Classification

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of WHMIS?

To establish a standard format for hazard communication

To protect employee health and safety by identifying and addressing risks associated with hazardous/controlled materials (correct)

To classify and label hazardous materials globally

To support the trade of chemicals for international exchange

What is the main goal of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)?

To create an internationally recognizable system for hazard communication (correct)

To establish a standard format for hazard classification

To support the trade of chemicals for international exchange

To classify and label hazardous materials in Canada

What is included in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)?

Classification of hazardous materials

Labelling and safety data sheets

Hazard identification and worker education

All of the above (correct)

What is a controlled product in the context of WHMIS and GHS?

A substance included in one or more of the nine GHS hazard classes Signup and view all the answers

What is a pictogram in the context of GHS?

A graphical composition that includes a symbol and other graphic elements Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of GHS pictograms?

To convey specific information about hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What is not a component of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)?

Radioactive materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of having a globally harmonized system for hazard communication?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the employer in WHMIS?

To provide information to employees about potentially dangerous products Signup and view all the answers

What are non-controlled products in the context of WHMIS and GHS?

Radioactive materials, domestic products, cosmetics, food and drug additives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a precautionary statement?

To describe measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects Signup and view all the answers

When is a workplace label not required?

When the worker who transferred the hazardous chemical will use up the chemical on the same day Signup and view all the answers

What information may be included on a supplemental label?

Precautionary actions, hazards not yet included in the GHS, physical state, or route of exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is the 10th section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Stability Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

To provide information on the safe handling, use, storage, and disposal of a hazardous product Signup and view all the answers

What is the 5th section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Firefighting measures Signup and view all the answers

What type of products typically do not require a workplace label?

Non-hazardous chemicals Signup and view all the answers

What information must be included on a workplace label?

The product name, safe handling precautions, and a reference to the SDS Signup and view all the answers

How many sections are there in a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

16 Signup and view all the answers

What is the 1st section of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Hazard Pictograms in the GHS?

To alert users of the potential hazards of a product Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the supplier under WHMIS?

To classify controlled products and ensure required tests are carried out Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is found on a safety data sheet?

Information on the hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Environmental Hazard Pictograms?

To indicate acute hazards to the aquatic environment Signup and view all the answers

What type of pictograms are used for the transport of dangerous goods?

Transport pictograms Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the employer under WHMIS?

To ensure employees are instructed on safety data sheets Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a GHS label?

To alert the employer and worker to the hazards of a product Signup and view all the answers

What type of information must be included on a supplier label?

Product identifier, initial supplier identifier, and pictogram(s) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the biohazardous infectious materials pictogram?

To indicate organisms or toxins that can cause diseases Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the worker in regards to safety data sheets?

To provide information on safety data sheets at the job site Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

WHMIS and GHS

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a Canadian federal legislation that aims to protect employee health and safety by identifying and addressing risks associated with hazardous materials.
GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) is an internationally recognized system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products and communicates health and safety information on labels and safety data sheets.

Key Components of GHS

Hazard identification
Product classification
Labelling
Safety data sheets
Worker education and training

Controlled and Non-Controlled Products

Controlled products are substances that can be classified into one or more of the nine GHS hazard classes.
Non-controlled products include radioactive materials, domestic products, cosmetics, food, and drug additives.

GHS Pictograms

Hazard pictograms form part of the GHS and are used to convey specific information on labels and safety data sheets.
There are two sets of pictograms: one for labelling containers and workplace hazard warnings, and another for transporting dangerous goods.
Three categories of labels:
- Physical Hazards
- Health Hazards
- Environmental Hazards

GHS Hazard Pictograms

Physical Hazards:
- Explosives
- Flammable
- Oxidizers
- Compressed gases
- Corrosive materials
Health Hazards:
- Toxic substances
- Chronic health issues
- Skin and respiratory sensitization or carcinogenicity
Environmental Hazards:
- Acute and chronic hazards to the aquatic environment

Duties and Responsibilities

The Supplier:
- Responsible for classifying controlled products
- Ensuring required tests are carried out on controlled products
The Employer:
- Ensuring employees are instructed on safety data sheets and their significance
The Worker:
- Not responsible for producing safety data sheets, but plays a role in providing information on safety data sheets at the job site

WHMIS Labels and GHS

A GHS label is a source of information about a controlled product, attached to the product or its container.
Labels can take various forms (mark, sign, seal, stamp, device, tag, or wrapper).
Supplier labels must be written in English and French.
Workplace labels are required when a hazardous chemical is transferred to a secondary container for more than one day or if multiple individuals will have access to it.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

16 sections of information:
1. Identification
2. Hazard pictograms
3. Composition/ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Firefighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls (PPE)
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability
11. Toxicology
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

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Description

Test your knowledge of WHMIS and GHS, two systems that ensure employee safety by identifying and addressing risks associated with hazardous materials.