WHMIS and MSDS Quiz

WHMIS Overview

• WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Material Information System
• Implemented to inform workers and employers about hazardous materials in the workplace
• Consists of three parts: labeling system, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and worker training programs
• Controlled products, or products that can be hazardous, are covered under WHMIS

Classes of Controlled Products

• Eight classes of controlled products

• Class A: Compressed Gas

  • Gases under pressure can be extremely dangerous because they are explosive

• Class B: Flammable and Combustible Materials

  • Flammable means able to be burned with a source
  • Combustible means able to burst into flames without a source.

• Class C: Oxidizing Materials

  • Materials that burn in the presence of oxygen; more oxygen = better/longer burn

• Class D1: Poisonous and Infectious Materials - Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

  • Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects
  • Can include rapid injury or even death

• Class D2: Poisonous and Infectious Materials - Other Toxic Effects

  • Materials causing other toxic effects
  • Side effects include irritation or cancer

• Class D3: Biohazardous and Infectious Materials

  • Biological/organic materials that can be harmful
  • Examples include human waste and blood. Commonly seen in hospitals

• Class E: Corrosive Materials

  • Hazardous because it damages skin and can eat through metals
  • Difficult to contain

• Class F: Dangerously Reactive Materials

  • Extremely dangerous, some materials can explode from simple shaking or exposure to certain temperatures.

Items Not Covered Under WHMIS

• Items controlled by other government Acts, such as explosives, cosmetics, drugs (medications), food, pest control products, nuclear substances, wood, manufactured articles, tobacco, and goods handled and transported under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.

Supplier Labels

• Provided by supplier.
• Includes product identifier, hazard symbol, risk phrases, precautionary statements, first-aid measures, supplier identification, and a reference to the MSDS.
• Attached to the container that the controlled product arrives in and is stored in

Workplace Labels

• Affixed to containers used in the preparation of chemicals.
• Most commonly seen by students
• Includes product identifier, safe handling information (including PPE), and references to MSDS

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets)

• Technical bulletins containing hazard information, safe handling information, and emergency procedures for controlled products.

• Provided by suppliers

• Should be less than 3 years old

• Include:

• Product information

• Hazardous ingredients

• Physical data

• Fire and explosion hazards

• Reactivity hazards

• Toxicological properties

• Preventive measures

• First-aid measures

• MSDS preparation information

• Locations of MSDS at Murdoch are: Biology Lab, Chemistry Lab, Science Lab Prep Room, Vocational Areas, Industrial Arts Areas, and Art Room

Worker Training

• Workers (students and teachers) must be trained and re-trained in WHMIS yearly.
• Worker responsibilities include understanding WHMIS labels, symbols, classification of controlled products, and MSDS, storage of chemicals, and safe handling (including PPE) of each controlled product used
• Students must pass a quiz on the presentation material at 80% before performing labs containing controlled products

Additional Information

• Ways controlled products can enter the body: Ingestion, Inhalation, Absorption through the skin, and through eyes

Test your knowledge on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). This quiz covers topics such as methods of chemical entry into the body, WHMIS classifications, and the significance of safety labeling. Familiarize yourself with safety protocols and hazardous material handling to ensure a safer workplace environment.