1 Lab Safety PDF

Laboratory Safety and Asepsis
1-2 Student Workbook

Word List
AIDS _______________________________________________________________________
Acids _______________________________________________________________________
Aerosols _____________________________________________________________________
Ampere ______________________________________________________________________
Autoclave ____________________________________________________________________
Bases _______________________________________________________________________
Biohazard ____________________________________________________________________
Blood-borne pathogens _________________________________________________________
Carcinogenicity _______________________________________________________________
Centrifuge ___________________________________________________________________
Chemical disinfectants __________________________________________________________
Chemical hazards ______________________________________________________________
Chemical storage ______________________________________________________________
Corrosives ___________________________________________________________________
Cryogenic agents ______________________________________________________________
Decontamination ______________________________________________________________
Disinfectants _________________________________________________________________
Flash point ___________________________________________________________________
Fume hood ___________________________________________________________________
Hazardous waste ______________________________________________________________
Insidious _____________________________________________________________________
Ionizing _____________________________________________________________________
Isotope ______________________________________________________________________
Material Safety Data Sheets ______________________________________________________
Neutrons _____________________________________________________________________
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Non-ionizing _________________________________________________________________
Oxidizing material _____________________________________________________________
Radiation ____________________________________________________________________
Radioactivity _________________________________________________________________
Radioisotope _________________________________________________________________
Radionuclides _________________________________________________________________
Ultracentrifuge ________________________________________________________________
Ultraviolet ___________________________________________________________________
Volt ________________________________________________________________________
WHMIS _____________________________________________________________________
Zoonoses ____________________________________________________________________

LABORATORY SAFETY MEDICAL ASEPSIS AND INFECTION CONTROL
Safety in medical laboratories is a unique problem. The knowledge of safety and first aid procedures
is everyone’s responsibility in the medical laboratory. Laboratory personnel are constantly reminded
to pay strict attention and focus on the task at hand and ensure not only their safety but also that of
others around them.
Most accidents can be avoided, if not completely eliminated, when practicing sound judgement,
common sense and good technique.
Accidents in the laboratory are the result of four major types of hazards:
1. Physical
2. Chemical
3. Biological
4. Insidious/Radiation
Physical Hazards
Source of this hazard: Fire, Electricity, Sharp objects, Heavy objects and Wet Floor etc.
Common accidents: Burns, Electric shock, Cuts, Punctures, back and other body injury.
Fire
Fires can occur in the medical laboratory, the outbreak of a fire can be caused by various situations,
such as:
 Unauthorized smoking.
 Electrical faults, e.g., overloading of circuits, worn electrical fittings.
 Open flames and flammable solvents and materials.
 Explosive chemicals or vapours, e.g., azides, peroxides, ether vapour.
 Static electrical charges.
In Case of Fire - Keep Calm
Necessary equipment for general fire fighting includes:

 Automatic sprinkler system: not all laboratories have a sprinkler system Fire hoses
 Fire hoses: usually in corridors encased in a wall unit.
 Fire blankets: usually in an easily accessible spot (for quick use) and attached to a wall.
 Fire extinguishers: Portable and wall-mounted
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Classifications Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Class A Extinguishers: (Green) will put out fires in ordinary
combustibles, such as wood and paper. The numerical rating for
this class of fire extinguisher refers to the amount of water the
fire extinguisher holds and the amount of fire it will extinguish.
Class B Extinguishers: (Red) should be used on fires involving

flammable liquids, such as grease, gasoline, oil, etc. The
numerical rating for this class of fire extinguisher states the
approximate number of square feet of a flammable liquid fire
that a non-expert person can expect to extinguish.
Class C Extinguishers: (Blue) are suitable for use on

electrically energized fires. This class of fire extinguishers does
not have a numerical rating. The presence of the letter “C”
indicates that the extinguishing agent is non-conductive.
Class D Extinguishers: (Yellow) are designed for use on

flammable metals and are often specific for the type of metal in
question. There is no picture designator for Class D
extinguishers. These extinguishers generally have no rating nor
are they given a multi-purpose rating for use on other types of
fires.
Fire requires three factors to burn: Heat, Oxygen and Fuel. Fire extinguishing removes one of the
three factors. These principles are used to suppress fire:
Heat is removed by cooling the burning substance to below its ignition temperature.
Oxygen is removed or reduced by reducing air from the surface of the fire.
Fuel is removed in some cases by stopping the flow or removing the fuel to a place where there is no
flame.

The use of Fire Extinguisher:
Even though extinguishers come in a number of shapes and sizes, they all operate in a
similar manner. Here's an easy acronym for fire extinguisher use:
P A S S -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep
1. Keep extinguisher upright.
2. Pull locking pin out.
3. Aim nozzle at base of flame. (Where flame meets fuel).
4. Squeeze operating handle.
5. Use a rapid side-to-side Sweeping motion with the nozzle, to cover entire burning surface.
6. Attack from up wind.
7. Keep at least 8 feet away.
8. Never turn your back on a fire even if you think it is extinguished. It may burst into flame
again.
9. Fire extinguishers must be re-charged yearly.
a) Electric Shock
A source of serious injury if one is not aware of the potential hazard.
Steps taken to avoid such accident:
 Use only grounded plugs.

 Never use multiple adapters
 Never use frayed, cut or cracked cords or plugs
 Never use plugs that fit loosely in a socket.
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 Inspection or repair of disabled electric equipment should be left to trained

professionals
b) Sharp objects
The use of broken or cracked glassware and the improper use of needles, lancets and other sharp
medical equipment can pose an unnecessary source of cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds.
Steps taken to prevent such accidents:
 Do not use chipped, cracked or broken glassware.

 Clean up broken glass immediately by using tweezers and wearing protective gloves.
 Discard broken pieces of glass in appropriate container before disposing it the regular
waste container.
 Handle all needles and lancets carefully. Pay attention to the task at hand.
 Never lay down an uncapped needle. Uncap needle just prior to use.
 Never recap, bend, or break a used needle.
 Immediately after use, discard of the used needle or lancet into a proper puncture
proof biohazard container.
Chemical Hazards
The danger from chemicals comes from a number of different types of exposure. The risk of
handling chemicals is proportional to the length and frequency of exposure and the concentration of
the chemicals.
Some chemicals are dangerous:

 Corrosive: Common corrosives are strong acids and strong bases. These chemicals will
injure body tissues by contact or corrode metal. Tissue damage may be mild or severe.
 Caustic: By contact, these chemicals can burn, eat away, or destroy tissue (acetic acid)
 Poisonous: Chemicals that cause immediate death if ingested
 Carcinogenic: Chemicals known to cause cancer to humans or laboratory animals
 Mutagenic: Cause genetic mutations, many mutations cause cancer, mutagens are typically
also carcinogens. (Not all mutations are caused by mutagens)
 Reactive and volatile: when mixed with other chemicals can cause undesirable reactions and
explosions
 Flammable and Combustible: Can catch fire easily

Following is a list of hazardous chemicals:
Acids:
Hydrochloric Acid: Corrosive can cause burns on skin Vapour inhalation should be avoided.
Nitric Acid: Releases yellow fumes, which are extremely toxic and damaging to tissue.
Overexposure can cause death, loss of eyesight. If ingested it causes extreme burns, may perforate
the stomach wall and cause death.
Sulfuric Acid: Corrosive, may cause blindness, if ingested may cause severe burns.
Acetic Acid: severely caustic, continuous exposure to vapours can lead to chronic bronchitis
Storing and handling of acids:

Acids are stored in glass bottles. Bottles stored on shelves should not have a capacity greater than
500 ml. Large size bottles such as Winchesters (4.5 litres) should be stored at floor level and stored,
if possible, in an acid proof tray in a safety cabinet. When such large bottles are to be carried from
one place to another, rubber acid bottle carriers should be used.
Acids must not be stored with alkalis or other reactive chemicals, e.g., formaldehyde and
hydrochloric acid fumes react to form bischloromettrylether (Bis-CME), which is a carcinogen.
Glacial acetic acid is commonly used in the lab and can be extremely hazardous. It has a pungent
odour (vinegar) and when spilled in a large volume an evacuation of the area should take place until
the odour has disappeared (fumes act on the respiratory tract). Never place glacial acetic acid in a
refrigerator, as it will freeze and the bottle will break.
ALWAYS DILUTE STRONG ACIDS OR BASES BY POURING THE CONCENTRATED

SOLUTION INTO THE WATER. Mixing acids or strong bases in water generates heat.
Rule: Pour acid into water NOT water into acid.
Bases / Alkalis:
Sodium and Potassium Hydroxide: Extremely hazardous even in low concentrations. May cause
chemical caustic burns, permanent injury or scarring, and blindness. Dissolution of sodium
hydroxide is highly exothermic, and the resulting heat may cause heat burns or ignite flammables.
Care must be therefore taken, when handling the substances and their solutions.
Storing and handling of bases (Alkalis):

Store in plastic containers, not glass (they form silicates). Do not store with acids or reactive
chemicals. They will react violently with water. All guidelines for using "acids" should be followed
when using alkalis (bases).
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Ammonia or Ammonium Hydroxide in concentrated form is caustic and can cause burns. They cause
upper respiratory tract damage when inhaled. Keep well sealed and away from heat when storing.
Phenol - Liquid Phenol causes burns with a blanching of the skin. It has been used mainly as a
disinfectant, but it is highly toxic and is absorbed through the skin. Do not use water to wash off
Phenol from the skin, use ethyl alcohol (absolute), which neutralizes the Phenol by forming an ester.
Bromine Ampules are usually used in laboratories. Bromine is poisonous and causes burns. It reacts
violently with most liquids.
Iodine does not react violently, but one should take care and wear protective latex gloves when
handling iodine.
Reactive Chemicals: (explosives, acid sensitive substances, pyrophors and organic substances.)
Most chemicals will react in some way, some being more reactive than others, some are slow to
react under certain conditions, and others are rapid reactors. Some, under specific conditions react
violently with spontaneous combustion forming large quantities of heat, gases or toxic substances
that can be dangerous. These consist of:
Explosives
Specialized chemicals known for their dangerous properties, such as nitroglycerin, fulminates,
picrates and nitrocellulose. Some of the more common laboratory reagents can be included in the
explosive list: picric acid, the dye aurantia, ammoniacal silver solutions, benzoyl peroxide, sodium
azide, perchlorates, etc.
Acid Sensitive Substances

Substances which react with acids and acid fumes and produce heat, gases and toxic substances, e.g.,
alkali metals, alkaline hydroxides, carbonates.
The production of CO2 with acid formaldehyde and marble chips (calcium carbonate) has been
reported as the cause of lab explosions.
Strong Oxidizing and Reducing Substances

Hazardous conditions may be created by the presence of both groups close together. Great heat is
created with explosive tendencies, e.g. table sugar with sulfuric acid (oxidizer causes burning sugar
due to intense heat).
Pyrophorous
Substances that ignite and burn on exposure to air, e.g., phosphorous. White phosphorous will ignite
instantaneously on contact with air. It liquefies as it burns and sputters, showering the laboratory
worker with hot particles that react with tissue fluids and air causing severe burns. Wash with lots of
water. Protect yourself with a facemask and protective clothing. If possible, any operation with
white phosphorous should be performed in a fume hood. A shower and eye wash station should be
accessible.

Inorganic oxidizing agents - Oxygen, mineral acids, halogens, peroxides, chromates and
dichromates.
Inorganic reducing agents - Hydrogen, metals, phosphorus, metallic catalysts.
PRECAUTIONS: Isolate oxidizing agents from reducing agents, protect from shock, sunlight and
increased temperature.
Water Sensitive Substances

Substances that will react with water, steam and moisture to evolve heat or gases, e.g., strong acids
and bases, alkali metals.
Note: Refer to WHMIS guidelines in this manual for more information on Chemicals
ROUTES OF ENTRY
Hazardous materials in the workplace may cause disease in the body at three main sites:
1) Where they enter the body – entry routes such as the lungs, skin and intestines.
2) In the blood that carries them throughout the body.
3) In the organs which have the ability to concentrate toxic agents and remove them from the
body, i.e., the liver, kidneys and bladder (exit routes).
This section briefly describes the three common routes of entry:
Inhalation, absorption and ingestion and some of the workplace hazards and diseases commonly
associated with them.
Inhalation
The body's respiratory or breathing system is one of the most important routes of entry for a toxic
substance. The substance may cause damage to the system itself or it can pass through the lungs to
other parts of the body. The main function of the respiratory system is to absorb oxygen from the air
and pass it on to the blood. It also removes carbon dioxide, the waste gas produced by the body's
processes from the blood, and releases it in exhaled air.
Air reaches the lungs through a branching system of tubes, starting with the trachea, or windpipe,
which divides to form two bronchi, one to each lung. Each bronchus, in turn, branches into many
smaller divisions, finally ending in a cluster of tiny air sacs, which are known as alveoli. There are
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about one hundred thousand of these air sacs in each lung. The oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange
takes place through a very thin membrane surrounding the air sacs.
Although they have the same basic structure as other cells, the cells lining the alveoli are extremely
thin and well supplied with blood. This allows the oxygen from the air to pass readily into the small
blood vessels in the wall of the air sacs. Naturally, other substances in the workplace air can gain
access to the blood stream by this route. For example, dust that is able to reach the alveoli can cause
scarring of the lung. The general term for such scarring is pneumoconiosis; meaning "dust disease
of the lung". (Gases and vapours from acids and caustic chemicals can also produce scarring of the
lung but do not cause pneumoconiosis). A delicate lining known as the pleura covers the lung.
Mesothelioma, one of the cancers caused by asbestos, is a cancer of the pleura.
How hazardous materials evade the lung's defences
The airways of the respiratory system have developed an elaborate system of defences, which trap
all but the smallest dust particles. This system consists of hairs in the nose and mucous in the
trachea or bronchi. Special cells in the walls of the larger airways produce the mucous continuously.
It is moved upwards and to the back of the throat by the whipping action of tiny, hair-like
projections known as cilia on the cells of the trachea and bronchi. In the course of a day, each of us
produces and unconsciously swallows about one litre of mucous.
Large dust particles are trapped in the mucous and are either swallowed or spit out. Particles smaller
than 0.5 micron (1 inch has 25,400 microns) may remain airborne and are exhaled. The most
dangerous size range of dust particles is between 0.5 - 7 microns. Much too small to be seen with
the naked eye, they can evade the defence system and reach the lungs. Once in the lungs, these tiny
particles of dust may cause extensive scarring of the delicate air sacs. This scarring starts the disease
process that produces severe shortness of breath.
Most dust particles are too large to pass through the walls of the alveoli, but gases, vapours, mists
and fumes can all enter the bloodstream through the lungs. In addition, welding fumes, acid mists or
truck exhausts can stimulate the lung's defences to produce large amounts of phlegm, causing the
crippling condition known as chronic bronchitis. These same substances can destroy the delicate air
sacs of the lungs, causing emphysema.
Because the lungs are in such intimate contact with so many pollutants in the workplace air, they are
the prime targets for occupational carcinogens (cancer causing chemicals). The following table lists
some of the materials suspected of causing lung cancer.

Lung Disease Caused by Dusts
Asbestosis (Asbestos) Black Lung (Coal)

Silicosis (Silica) Byssinosis (Cotton)
Berylliosis (Beryllium) Shaver’s Disease (Bauxite)
Siderosis (Iron) Baritosis (Barium)
Stannosis (Tin)
Substances Suspected of Causing Lung Cancer
Acrylonitrile, arsenic, asbestos, benzo (a) pyrene, beryllium, radon gas, cadmium, chromium,
cigarette smoke, nickel, leather dust, mustard gas.
Absorption
Absorption through the skin is another common form of entry for toxic substances (i.e., organic
solvents). The skin is the largest organ of the body and has the largest surface area that can come
into contact with harmful substances. Some chemicals can penetrate through the skin, reach the
bloodstream and get to other parts of the body. Toluene and Cellosolve are examples of chemicals
that are absorbed through the skin. Mineral spirits and other solvents used in the manufacturing of
paint can easily penetrate the skin.
The Skin
The skin protects the internal organs of the body from the outside environment. Its outer layer is
composed of hardened, dead cells that make the skin resistant to daily wear and tear. Sweat glands
cool the body when the environment is hot. Sebaceous glands produce oils that repel water. A
network of small blood vessels, or capillaries, plays a key role in controlling body temperature.
These capillaries open when it is hot, radiating heat outward into the air, and constrict when it is
cold, conserving heat in the body. The skin also has a protective layer of oils and proteins that helps
to prevent injury or penetration by harmful substances.
A substance may be absorbed and travel to another part of the body, or it may cause damage at the
point of entry (the skin), and start the disease process. Such substances are usually identified in a
MSDS with a notation "skin" along with their exposure limits, indicating that the exposure can occur
through the skin, mucous membranes or eyes, or may damage the skin itself.
Industrial skin diseases account for 50 to 75% of all compensation claims for occupational diseases.
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that can be caused by hundreds of workplace substances
like solvents (paints), epoxy resins (plastic manufacturing), acids, caustic substances and metals
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(metal plating). Dermatitis appears as redness, itchiness or scaling of the skin. There are two types
of dermatitis:
1) Primary Irritation Dermatitis (contact dermatitis): Caused by friction, heat or cold, acids,
alkalis, irritant gases and vapours. Brief contact with these agents in high concentrations or
prolonged repeated contacts in low concentration can cause inflammation of the skin.
Sensitization Dermatitis (allergic dermatitis): is the result of an allergic reaction to a given

substance. Sensitization may be the result of prolonged or repeated contact and becomes established
usually within 10 to 30 days. Once sensitized, even a small exposure can produce a severe reaction.
Ingestion
A third major route of entry for toxic substances is through the mouth and digestive tract. The
digestive tract is a continuous tube that extends from the mouth to the anus. The organs of the
digestive system provide the means of ingestion, digestion and absorption of food. Almost all
digestion and absorption of food and water takes place in the small intestine. The large intestine
generally absorbs water, vitamins and salts.
Toxic materials may reach the stomach when food or drink is consumed, when cigarettes are smoked
in a dusty work area, when clean lunchrooms are not provided, when workers fail to wash their
hands before eating or smoking, or when food is left unwrapped in a dusty place. Once swallowed,
the substances enter the digestive tract, and may enter the bloodstream, and move on to the liver.
The liver and kidneys try to remove the poisons and make the substance less harmful to the body,
but they are not always successful.
NOTE: Toxic substances may also enter the body by injection. For instance, hospital employees
working with contaminated syringes may accidentally inject viruses into their own bodies.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
CHEMICALS
Storage
In general, most chemicals are stored on open shelving or shelving with doors. Chemicals are
arranged alphabetically to make it easier to locate a certain chemical.
The MSDS of each chemical should be examined carefully. All precautionary measures and
reactivity data should be followed exactly. Some general rules for commonly used reagents follow.
a) Store strong oxidizers and strong reducing agents separately. Protect from shock, bright
sunlight and heat.

b) Organic solvents (Acetone, Chloroform Toluene etc.) should be kept in small quantities only.
Store in metal containers in cool areas of the laboratory. Solvents are extreme fire hazards.
The vapours may travel to areas where burner flames are used and cause "flash back".
c) Ether (often used for O & P preparations) should be stored in full, air tight, amber glass bottles
or safety cans in the dark. Ether can form explosive peroxides when exposed to air and
sunlight. Do not store ether in the refrigerator.
d) Sodium and potassium metals and their hydroxides catch fire spontaneously when exposed
to water. They must be kept dry and stored away from any water source. Store in plastic, not
glass, bottles.
e) Picric acid (often used in creatinine reagents) is explosive when dry. It should be stored under
water. The bottle should have a glass stopper that is moistened with water before removal and
on replacement. (Brazil fixative used in Histology contains Picric Acid therefore the above
rules apply to it.)
f) Mercury forms a toxic vapour at room temperature. It is stored in air-tight containers away
from direct sunlight and kept as cold as possible.
g) Acids are stored in glass stopper bottles (500 ml or less) in a glass drip tray. Larger volumes
must be kept at floor level. Acid is not stored with alkalis or other reactive chemicals.
h) Ammoniacal Silver forms explosive precipitates upon standing. Make the amount needed for
your procedure and discard the rest. DO NOT store this compound.
Handling
Handle chemicals with care. Always follow any precautionary measures and use the protective
equipment recommended in the chemical's MSDS. The following are a few basic rules.
a) Handle all strong acids, bases, and dangerous chemicals in a biological safety cabinet. The
protective glass partition is lowered to provide protection. Wear safety goggles, rubber gloves
and rubber apron.
b) The following method of opening bottles is followed for all potentially dangerous chemicals,
i.e., strong acids, ammonia, etc.
a. Place bottle in sink.
b. Wrap absorbent towel or cloth over neck.
c. Open carefully.
This minimizes the potential for splashing. Wear goggles, safety gloves and rubber apron.
c) To measure dangerous chemicals, use a cylinder, automatic pipette or pipette and safety bulb.
Never mouth pipette. Wear goggles, safety gloves, and rubber apron.
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d) To pour dangerous chemicals, keep the bottle below eye level (to avoid splashes in the eye).
The label is kept up to avoid drips. The label may become obscured if this is not done, or the
saturated label will become a risk to future users of the chemical. All drips on the outside of
the bottle are carefully wiped away. Wear goggles, safety gloves and rubber apron.
e) To Mix, Always add acid or alkalis to water, never the other way around. Add acids and
alkalis a small portion at a time. If necessary cool. The reason for this precaution is the
production of heat due to the exothermic properties caused by such reaction. Wear goggles,
safety gloves and a rubber apron.
f) To Transport Large bottles of dangerous chemicals are transported in acid bottle carriers to
reduce the chance of accidental breakage.
g) Carcinogenic substances are handled in a Laminar Flow Hood. Wear disposable gloves.
Rinse hands in cold water before using soap after procedure is complete. Cold water closes
pores and rinses carcinogenics away.
h) When mixing chemicals, be aware of all reactivity data from the MSDS as explosive mixtures
can form.
i) Contact lenses do not provide protection for the eyes. The National Society for the prevention
of Blindness recommends contact lenses not to be worn around areas where chemicals, fumes,
hazardous materials and dust are present. Tight fitting goggles must be worn.
j) Drabkin's reagent (used in Hematology) is extremely toxic (it contains cyanide). Always
wear gloves when handling, do not mouth pipette or inhale fumes.
k) Ether fumes are flammable. Never use ether near an open flame.
l) Crystal Violet used in Gram Staining is clastogenic (causes breaks in chromosomes). Wear
gloves when handling and do not mouth pipette.
m) Mercury is extremely toxic. Always wear gloves when handling and do not mouth pipette.
(Zenker's fluid used in Histology contains mercury and the above rules apply to it.)
Disposal
ALWAYS REFER TO THE MSDS FOR PRECAUTIONS IN DISPOSAL
a) Never dispose of several chemicals at the same time, in the same container or sink before
checking their reactivity data.

b) When disposing of toxic chemicals down the drain, rapidly flowing water must be used to flush
the pipes.
c) Spills are dangerous. Isolate the spill with absorbent material. Neutralize if necessary. Mop
up and dispose of all materials in a properly labelled disposal bag. The area of the spill should
be well ventilated.
Sodium azide is a preservative found in many reagents, especially Hematology and Blood Banking
reagents. Never dispose of reagents containing sodium azide down the drain, as it reacts with lead and
copper piping to form an explosive compound.
SAFETY & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
It should be noted that the care and safe usage of equipment would be covered in the equipment
course. However the following safety items will be discussed in this class:
1. Safety Gloves
Heavy rubber gloves should be worn when using large amounts of acids, bases or toxic
chemicals.
2. Eye Shields
Eye shields must be worn when using large amounts of acids, bases, toxic chemicals and if
splashing of biohazardous material is possible.
3. Face Shields
Face shields must be worn when using large amounts of acids, bases, toxic chemicals and if
splashing of biohazardous material is possible.
4. Automatic Pipettes And Propipettes (Safety Bulbs)

These devices are used instead of pipetting by mouth.
5. Acid Bottle Carriers

These rubber "buckets" are used when carrying large bottles of acid, base or toxic chemicals
from one area of the lab to another. They are designed so that if they are knocked against an
object, the carrier absorbs the shock and thus protects the bottle so it does not break.
6. Fume Hoods And Safety Cabinets
a. FUME HOOD - not used in medical laboratories

i) Can be used when working with materials that generate fumes, gases, vapours,
and dust.
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b. BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINETS

Used to prevent the escape of aerosols into the laboratory. They are used when
working with toxic chemicals, materials that generate dust or fumes and highly
infectious materials. There are three types: Class I, Class II, and Class III
i) Class I - Ventilated
Can be used with an open front, an enclosed panel without gloves, and with a
panel with gloves. User is protected, the test or specimen is not. The cabinet
is a partial container unit.
ii) Class II - Laminar Airflow Biological Safety Cabinet
Airborne containments in the cabinet are prevented from escaping across the
front opening by a curtain of air supplied by a grill in the top of the cabinet.
The user and specimen are protected. Open flames (Bunsen Burners, etc.)
should not be used within the Class II cabinet as they will disrupt the airflow
and possibly cause contamination of the user.
iii) Class III - Biological Safety Cabinet Totally Enclosed
This type provides the highest level of personal and environmental
protection as well as test or specimen protection.
7. Safety Can
These cans are explosion and fire proof. They are used to store or discard potentially
flammable or explosive chemicals.
8. Safety Shower
These showers are located in areas where chemical use is high. (i.e., near biological safety
cabinets). Used to wash off any acid, base, or toxic chemical from the body. They are used
when large amounts of the body have been exposed to a chemical.
9. Eye Wash
Eye wash stations are located in areas where chemical use is high. (i.e., near biological
safety cabinets). They are used if chemicals get into the eye to flush large amounts of water
across the eyes to wash away chemicals.
10. Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are used to smother flames. They are useful if a person has caught their
clothing on fire. Wrap the blanket around the burning area to smother the flames. The
blanket itself is made from non-flammable material.
11. Latex (or other materials such as vinyl) Gloves

Latex gloves should be worn when:
a. Opening specimen containers or reconstituting quality control serum
b. Handling serum of known Hepatitis of AIDS patients or any jaundiced patients.
c. Loading automated instrument's serum cups.
d. Repair or maintenance of automated instruments.
e. Cleaning up spills or accidents

f. When you have open cuts or sores on your hands.

g. When disposing of biological hazardous waste or preparing glassware or plastic ware
for disinfection and wash-up.
12. Chemical Spill Kits

Used to clean up accidental acid, solvent, or alkaline reagent spill. Most kits contain
absorbent material for solvent spills, a neutralizer for acids, and neutralizer for bases, plus
eye-shield, scoop, brush, and disposable bags.
13. Flammable Storage Cabinets

Used to store flammable or combustible laboratory chemicals safely. They have welded steel
double wall construction with an air space between the walls. The door has a strong lock,
leak proof sill, and a large FLAMMABLE – KEEP AWAY label and hazard symbols on the
front
Insidious Hazards
A further group of hazardous substances could be termed insidious (hidden) hazards. This group
includes many chemicals not often considered as dangerous or not recognized as dangerous and
information is often lacking.
Aerosols
An aerosol is the vaporization or the dispersion of liquid droplets, solid particles, and combinations
of these in a fine spray or mist, and can travel several feet from the generation source, such as that
generated from an explosive type cough or sneeze.
Laboratory procedures that can create aerosols include:
• Grinding
• Blending
• Sonicating (applying sound (usually ultrasound) energy to agitate particles in a sample)
• Centrifuging
• Re-suspending packed cells or viruses
• Inserting a hot loop into a culture
• Flaming an inoculation loop so that it sputters
• Forceful ejection from a pipette or syringe
• Opening a tube containing lyophilised material
• Releasing the vacuum on a freeze dryer
• Opening a tube where the air pressure is different from that of the surrounding environment.
Proper techniques are required to prevent aerosols. Capping specimens or a sealed centrifuge will
prevent aerosols emanating from the centrifuge during centrifugations.
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Other insidious hazards are also present in the lab, good example of an insidious hazardous
substance:
Sodium azide or picrates: can cause an explosion when it reacts with copper or lead piping.
Mercury: Contamination of a room can occur from breaking a clinical thermometer. Acute exposure
to mercury vapor has been shown to result in profound central nervous system effects, including
psychotic reactions characterized by delirium, hallucinations, and suicidal tendency.
Carcinogens & Mutagens: are often used in chemistry and histopathology labs.
Polycyclic hydrocarbons: are well known as carcinogens.
Benzene: and compounds (solvents) similar to benzene cause liver damage quickly and can cause
cancer. Benzidine, which until recently was used for occult blood testing, is known to be a
dangerous carcinogen.
The following list of dyes and stains used in the lab are potential carcinogens or mutagens.
Chromosome Damage Reported Hazards
Acridine Orange Carcinogen, mutagen

Auramine "O" Mutagen
Azure "A"
Azure "B" Reported non-toxic
Azure "C" Acute inflammation
Brilliant Cresyl Blue Low L.D.50
Crystal Violet Toxic clastogenic*
Fast Green FCF Carcinogenic
Gentian Violet Toxic clastogenic
Neutral Red Mutagenic
Orange "G" Carcinogenic
Rhodamine "B" Carcinogenic
Rose Bengal Induces physiological change
Sudan Carcinogenic
Toluidine Blue Carcinogenic
* Clastogenic causes disruption or breakage of chromosomes.
Toxic Substances (Poisonous Substances):
Any substance can be toxic, since an excess of any chemical substance including foodstuffs can be
dangerous. Some chemical substances are worse than others, since their effects are more drastic. In
the case of a toxic substance being ingested the body's chemical systems are greatly disturbed. All

individuals working with toxic materials or even unknown chemical substances should check the
hazard warning on the label. The "Threshold Limit Value” (TLV) should be sought.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV): is the concentrations of substances a person can be repeatedly exposed
to during an 8 hour day (40 hour a week) without adverse effect, often quoted in parts per million
(ppm) or in mg/m3.
Threshold Limit Value - Short Term Exposure Limited (TLV-STEL): is the concentration of a
substance a worker can be exposed to for a maximum of 15 minutes without adverse effect.
Lethal dose 50% kill (L.D.50): is the dose of a substance when administered orally or intravenously
to test animals kills half of them. L.D.50 is expressed in mg of toxic material per kg of body mass.
Lethal Concentration 50% kill (L.C.50): is the concentration of toxicant inhaled by test animals for a
known period of time, which kill half of them. (Reported in ppm, i.e., parts per million)
Some TLVs for chemicals used in the medical laboratory:
Formaldehyde 2 ppm
Toluene 100 ppm
Xylene 100 ppm
Benzene (carcinogen) 10 ppm
Tetrahydrofuran 200 ppm
Chloroform (carcinogen) 10 ppm
A fume hood (cupboard) should be used for toxic substances. Failing this, a well-ventilated room
could be used. All exposed skin areas should be covered.
RADIATION HAZARDS
Radiation is energy that comes from a source and travels through material or space. Every day,
Canadians come in contact with radiation in both their living and work environments. Radiation can
be classified as ionizing or non-ionizing. Ionizing radiation has sufficient energy to remove electrons
from atoms or molecules. The loss of an electron results in the formation of a charged atom, called
an ion. The damaging effects of ionizing radiation result from this ability to change the chemical
composition of matter with which it interacts. Radiation that has enough energy to move or vibrate
atoms, but not enough to remove electrons, is called non-ionizing radiation.
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Radiation in the laboratory is usually in the form of Ionizing Radiation. Radiation is the emission
of energy from a source. For our purposes, we will discuss gamma radiation as found in the
Radioimmunoassay (RIA) department. Radiation cannot be seen (Insidious), but can be damaging
to tissue. Standard Precautions do not cover radiation-guidelines are laid out by the Atomic Energy
Control Act of Ontario.
The degree of radiation exposure depends on three factors:

1) Distance between the source of radiation and the individual – Maximize Distance
2) Amount of Time of exposure – Minimize Time
3) Type of Shielding or protection used – Incorporate Shielding
Background
The maximum amount of radiation people are allowed to receive in the workplace is regulated. The
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission sets a limit of 50 mSv in a single year and 100 mSv over
5 years (a 20 mSv per year average). The limit for a pregnant worker, once pregnancy has been
declared, is 4 mSv for the remainder of the pregnancy. Provinces also have workplace radiation
protection regulations, which vary from province to province. Radiation exposure limits are also set
under the Canada Labour Code.
These various regulations and safe practices ensure that most people who are exposed to workplace
radiation receive far below 20 mSv per year. While exposure levels vary by job, the average yearly
radiation exposure of a monitored worker is about 0.3 mSv.
Health Risks of Ionizing Radiation
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to damage individual cells. When cells divide the damage is
multiplied. That is why radiation exposure is a greater risk during pregnancy, when fetal cells are
developing and multiplying. In some cases, cells can repair themselves. When they cannot, there
may be a higher risk of cancer or hereditary effects.

Exposure to substantial amounts of radiation during pregnancy may cause birth defects, miscarriage,
mental retardation, decrease in IQ, a higher risk of childhood cancer and cancer in adult life, and
hereditary effects that can be passed on to future generations. The risk of experiencing the first four
effects is not increased if the pregnant woman receives less than 100 mSv during the course of her
pregnancy. Hereditary effects and risk of cancer in adult life are also unlikely under 100 mSv, but
there is a small risk of childhood cancer above 10 mSv.
The risk of thyroid and breast cancer from radiation exposure is higher for women than for men,
while the risk of leukemia is higher for men than for women.
Minimizing Your Risks
Many people who are exposed to radiation in the workplace wear a dosimeter, a badge that measures
the accumulated exposure to radiation over a period of time, usually three months. A dosimeter can
help ensure that best practices are followed to keep doses as low as can reasonably be achieved.
Dosimeters are inexpensive and most employers supply them to workers exposed to radiation. In
some jurisdictions dosimeters are required. A dosimeter will allow you monitor your exposure to
radiation on a regular basis and will help occupational health specialists assess the risk in case of
accidental exposure.
If you are pregnant, or thinking about becoming pregnant, you might also want to consider taking the
following steps:
• Find out from your employer whether you should be wearing a personal dosimeter, if it is not
already a requirement in your job.
• During the course of your pregnancy, have your dosimeter badge processed every two weeks,
instead of at the usual 3 month intervals.
• Discuss ways of reducing your exposure with your employer. Your employer may be able to
re-assign some of your tasks or rotate staff.
• For some tasks, using a lead apron may be useful in reducing unnecessary exposure to the
fetus.
Government of Canada's Role
As the regulator of the nuclear industry, the Government of Canada sets standards for workplace
exposure to radiation and conducts research on risk assessment to ensure that risks are kept to a
minimum. It also monitors research and trends internationally to ensure Canadian standards are up-
to-date. Currently, the federal government is participating in a worldwide effort to assess radiation
risks and pool databases of information.
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The following are general guidelines only:
1. GENERAL GUIDELINES
a. No eating, drinking or smoking in the laboratory.
b. No mouth pipetting.
d. Lab coats and gloves are to be worn.
e. Hands must be frequently washed.
2. MONITORING
a. Laboratory Monitoring with a Geiger-Mueller counter and wipe tests (benches and
equipment are "wiped" with a small cloth or Q-tip and this is checked for radiation)
must be done regularly.
b. Monitoring must be done after clean-up of a spill.
c. Personnel monitoring through the use of Dosimeters is not required for staff in RIA
departments due to the extremely small amounts of radioactivity used.
3. SPILLS AND CONTAMINATION

Spills must be immediately contained. Wearing gloves, use absorbent paper soaked in
decontaminant and wipe upwards to confine the spill. Put all refuse in a specially marked
bag. Monitor area with a Geiger-Mueller counter. A reading of less than two times the
background count is considered a complete clean up.
4. DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS

Radioactive reagents with a short half-life are poured down the sink. (Most RIA reagents, but
not most Nuclear Medicine reagents are disposed this way.)
Other disposables are put into biohazard containers and held until background counts are
reached, then treated as standard biohazard waste.
RADIATION ACCIDENTS
Accidents involving personal injury:
a. Treatment of serious injury must be the first objective and precedes decontamination.
b. With major spills:

1. Warn personnel and evacuate the area
2. Decontaminate personnel (the lab should have a policy)
3. Turn off all services except lighting and ventilation
4. Close doors and windows
5. Inform supervisor.

In the case of a radiation laboratory, the lab should have policies regarding:
a) Procedures for receipt, storage and disposal of radioactive material.

b) Methods for measuring and recording internal and external exposure to radiation
c) Description of routine survey programmes.
d) Listing of survey instruments and locations and details of calibration procedures.
e) Membership of Radioisotope Committee, their duties and responsibilities.
f) Instructions given to staff and patients where radioactive materials are used "IN VIVO".
g) Precautions and procedures concerning the use of radioactive gases.
h) Emergency procedures.
Records are extremely important in radioactive work. Receipt of material must be recorded
including date, amount, and condition of packaging, surface radiation levels and storage:
Use - amounts, purpose and date

Disposal - amounts, dates and methods
All records must be available for inspection.
Two areas that require close attention are
a. Disposal of radioactive materials
b. Clean up of spills.
The area in the laboratory where radioisotopes are used should be a specially fitted room. Lead
protection (bricks) should be readily available. Monitoring of the area with a Geiger-Mueller
counter is often undertaken. The "Q" tip swipe test is frequently used, but it should be noted that
inspectors require adequate records of these monitoring tests.
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
Medical Asepsis and Infection Control

Asepsis: Free from infection or pathogens.
Medical Asepsis: An object or area is clean and free from infection, non pathogens may still present,
but pathogens are eliminated.
Microorganisms: Tiny living animals or plants that cannot be seen by naked eye. Examples:
Bacteria, Virus, protozoa, Fungi & Animal parasites.
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Growth requirements for microorganisms:
1. Proper nutrition: a- Autotrophs (feed on inorganic or non-living)

b- Heterotrophs (feed on organic or living substance)
2. Oxygen: a- Aerobes (need oxygen)

b- Anaerobes (do not need oxygen
3. Optimum Temperature for each microorganism, most of them like body temperature (37 °C or
98°F)
4. Darkness
5. Moisture
6. pH most like neutral ( 7 )
The majority of microorganisms do not normally cause disease. Those that do, called pathogens,
invade the body, multiply and cause infection. An infection may spread from person to person and is
called a communicable disease. About 5% of patients contract an infection after being in a hospital
or health care facility. These are called nosocomial or iatrogenic infection and occur from contact
with other infected patients, employees, visitors or contaminated equipment.
“Biohazards” are infectious materials, which present a risk or potential risk to humans. Swallowing,
direct contact or indirect contact with the biohazard causes infection.
The Infection Process Cycle involves a continuous cycle:
Reservoir Host (source of Infection)
Susceptible Host
Means of Exit
Means of Entry
Means of Transmission
Source of Infection
Sources of infection in the health care environment include:

- People – patients, personnel and visitors
- Contaminated objects – bed linens, gloves, dressings, instruments, eating utensils, needles,
clothing, telephones terminals, countertops, and work surfaces.
A medical Lab Assistant comes in direct contact with many patients and objects daily and must be
fully aware of the infection process and the precautions to take to prevent infection. For instance,
phlebotomy is an invasive procedure – A foreign object (the needle) is inserted under a patient’s skin
and infection is a major concern for both the patient and the phlebotomist.

Means of Exit:
Mouth, nose, throat, ears, eye, intestinal track, reproductive track, open wounds, mucous membrane.
Means of transmission:
Ways for biohazards to be transmitted in a health care environment include:

1. Inhalation of aerosols from splashes, centrifugation, and specimen tube stoppers incorrectly
removed.
2. Ingestion by handling objects with contaminated hand: food, gum, cigarettes, drinks, the mouth
during coughing or sneezing, nail biting, licking fingers to turn book pages, chewing
pens/pencils.
3. Absorption by Skin contact through cuts, abrasions, bites, burns, sores, dermatitis, and chapped
skin. Cover open wounds with waterproof tape or bandages, even if gloves are worn.
4. Percutaneous exposure – needle sticks and injuries caused by sharp objects and broken glass.
5. permucosal contact – through mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes caused by
splashes, aerosols and using contaminated hands to rub the eyes.
Means of Entry:
Mouth, nose, throat, ears, eye, intestinal track, reproductive track, open wounds, mucous membrane.
Susceptible Host
This can be anyone. Susceptibility is affected by age, health and immune status. Newborns, elderly
patients, ill patient and people on antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs, are more at risk.
Reduction of Host Susceptibility

- Maintain good physical and mental health – good nutrition, adequate sleep, exercise,
interests.
- Learn to manage stress – workshops, seminars, literature.
- Immunization – keep them up-to-date
Work to break the chain of Infection

Stop infection at the source.
Eliminate means of transmission.
Reduce susceptibility of a potential host.
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Protective Mechanisms of the body:
Skin, mucous membrane, cilia in the nose & respiratory track, coughing, sneezing, stomach secretes
HCL, tears & sweat, urine & vaginal secretion are acidic.
Hand washing
Thorough hand washing is the most important way to prevent and control the transmission of
infection. It will remove the transient flora picked up on the hands during daily work activities, but
will generally not disturb the normal flora of the hands unless an antimicrobial agent is used. Soaps
or detergents, and water is usually effective for most clinical situations. An antimicrobial may be
preferred if the skin comes in direct contact with blood or body fluids. Do not fall into a trap
thinking that gloves are an adequate substitute. Gloves can be a prime source of infection if used
incorrectly.
Perform hand washing
• Between each patient contact

• Immediately after gloves are removed
• Before going to lunch or break
• Before and after using the washroom
• Before leaving the laboratory
• After touching blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions and contaminated items
Procedure
1. Remove watch and rings

2. Use warm running water. Wet hands, apply soap, work up a lather. Scrub between the
fingers, around knuckles and under nails. Use friction to loosen dirt, debris and dead skin.
3. Wash for at least 15 seconds. Rinse from wrists to fingertips using a downward motion
4. Dry the hands with a clean paper towel
5. Turn off the water using the same paper towel. Do not re-contaminate hands on the faucet
Note:
• Soap: clean the skin mechanically (friction)
• Detergent: emulsify dirt & oil
• Antimicrobials: chemical agents that inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms
• Normal flora or resident: bacteria that normally exist on our body
• Transient flora: picked up bacteria during daily activity can be pathogenic.

Infection control
In an acute or long-term care facility, isolating patients with transmissible disease, such as measles,
chickenpox, pneumonia, tuberculosis, mumps, gangrene, cholera, salmonelliasis, prevents the spread
of infection to other patients, and limits contact with hospital personnel and visitors.
Isolation Procedures
Patients are commonly isolated in a private room. A card is posted on the door – it is the nursing
staff’s responsibility to check off any necessary precautions. A supply cart is usually placed outside
the room.
Canadian recommendations are outlined in the “Infection Control Guidelines “published by the
Canadian Health and Welfare Department.
Isolation techniques
Infection control plays an important role in any acute or long-term care facility. Nosocomial
infections (infections acquired while the patient is in hospital) are kept at a minimum by practising
good safety techniques as well as isolation of patients with infectious disease. The purpose of
isolation is to keep infectious agents from spreading outside the patient's room. However, there is
also another type of isolation procedure that actually protects the patient from the outside
environment. A sign describing the type of isolation, and the type of protective clothing to be worn
by anyone entering the isolation room is displayed on the door.
An example of a card posted on the isolation room door follows:
INSOLATION PRECAUTIONS
SINGLE ROOM GOWN

yes yes
no no
only if contamination
likely
MASK GLOVES
yes yes
no no
for those close to patient only if touching
ineffective material
DURATION OF PRECAUTIONS SPECIAL COMMENTS
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Note:
1. All visitors must report to report to nursing station before entering the room
2. Contaminated articles and linen are bagged and labeled before being sent to
appropriate department as per infection control manual
The following types of isolation are commonly used:
Strict Isolation
Strict isolation prevents the spread of highly contagious or virulent infections that may be spread by
both air and contact i.e., chickenpox. A private room is necessary and the door is kept closed. All
persons entering the room must wear gowns, gloves and masks. Articles must be discarded in the
room or decontaminated before removal from the room.
Enteric Isolation
Enteric isolation is used to prevent infections that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with
feces i.e., Salmonella. A private room is necessary only if patient hygiene is poor. A patient with
poor hygiene is one who cannot or will not wash their hands after touching infective material,
contaminates the environment with infective materials, or shares contaminated articles with other
patients. This is especially true of children and the mentally incompetent. Gowns and gloves are to
be worn by all persons entering the room, however masks are not necessary. Your hands must be
washed before taking care of another patient. Articles contaminated with infective material should
be discarded in the room or decontaminated before removal from the room.
Wound and Skin Precautions Isolation

Wound and skin precautions isolation is designed to prevent transmission of infections by direct
contact. A private room is desirable. All persons entering the room must wear gowns and gloves. A
mask is not necessary except during dressing changes of the infected area. Your hands must be
washed on entering and leaving the room. Contaminated articles must be discarded in the room or
decontaminated before removal from the room.
Respiratory Isolation
Respiratory isolation is designed to prevent transmission of infections through droplet or airborne
means. A private room is necessary. Masks are to be worn by all persons entering the room,
however gowns and gloves may not be necessary. (This is dependent upon the likelihood of soiling).
Your hands must be washed upon entering and leaving the room. Contaminated articles must be
discarded in the room or decontaminated before removal from the room.
NOTE: In some institutions the term "Contact Isolation" designations are used. The term "Contact
Isolation" is designed to prevent transmission of infections through droplet-transmission or by direct

contact. In these cases, hand washing and disposal of articles is the same as for strict isolation and
masks, gloves and gowns are to be worn.
Reverse Isolation
Reverse isolation is designed to protect the patients from infection. It is used for a patient whose
immune system may not be functioning (i.e., AIDS) or the immune system is weakened (i.e.,
Chemotherapy) so that the patient cannot effectively fight off disease. Patients with extensive burns
or many open wounds may be placed in reverse isolation to prevent infection as well. A private
room is necessary and the door must remain closed. Gowns, gloves and masks must be worn. Your
hands must be washed upon entering and leaving the room. Articles must be sterile when brought
into the room.
Nursery and Neonatal ICU Infection Control – Newborns have immature immune systems and are
more susceptible to infection than healthy older children or adults. Most pediatric areas have a
separate room just outside the nursery or ICU so that hand washing may be done prior to entering.
Put on clean gloves, gown and mask. Bring only those items necessary for specimen collection.
Blood Specimen Collection Techniques for Isolated Patients
1) Follow all precautions as listed on the isolation room sign including hand washing and
protective clothing.
2) Take only the equipment you need into the room.
i.e. Needle or lancet
Tubes necessary
Alcohol swab
Needle holder*
Rubber tourniquet*
Cotton balls
Band aid
* In some cases, a needle holder and rubber tourniquet may be left in the room from a previous
venipuncture or as part of the room set-up. Or may be disposed after each use.
DO NOT TAKE YOUR BLOOD COLLECTION TRAY INTO ROOM
3) Procure specimen, label appropriately and affix an "ISOLATION" sticker on the tubes.
4) Place the specimen into a clean plastic specimen bag located just outside the room. Do not
step outside the room or contaminate any area outside the room.
5) Dispose of needle or lancet in the Sharp Objects Box located in the isolation room. Leave the
tourniquet and needle holder in the room. Throw away any extra supplies (appropriately) in
the room. Do not remove anything other than the specimen from the room. Everything that is
brought into the room must remain in the room.
6) Remove your protective clothing, seal the specimen bag, and wash your hands.
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7) Take the specimen to the laboratory.

8) Traditionally most other specimens (i.e., urine or feces) are collected by nursing staff and sent
to the laboratory.
Specimen Collection Techniques for Patients in Operation Room
Remember that the operating room is a sterile environment. If at all possible, specimens should be
collected by surgery assistants or nurses and given to the Medical Laboratory Assistant through the
door. If you must go into the operating or recovery room you must first do a surgical scrub of your
hands.
Put on a gown, mask, gloves, shoe protectors and cap. Sterile (usually pre-packaged) equipment is
used. Bring only the equipment you need into the room. (YOUR BLOOD COLLECTION TRAY
IS NOT STERILE).
1) Collect specimen and label appropriately.

2) Remove surgical clothing.
3) Take specimen to the laboratory.
Guidelines outlined by OSHA to eliminate or minimize risk of exposure:
1- Engineering Controls
• Readily accessible hand washing Facilities
• Self-capping needles
• Biohazard Containers and Bags
• Biohazard Cabinets
• Autoclaves
2- Work Practice Controls

Perform procedures involving blood and body fluids safely to minimize aerosols. Aerosols are
potentially infections microscopic droplets in air which can be inhaled or may land on broken
skin. Aerosols can be created by:
• Filling centrifuge tubes or removing caps after centrifuging.
• Pouring off supernatant and/or re-suspending cells.
• Inserting a hot loop into a liquid culture or inserting a wet loop into a hot flame.
• Opening vials containing lyophilized material.
• Centrifuging un-stoppered tubes.
• Forceful ejection of fluid from a pipette or syringe.
To reduce risk of infection due to aerosols:

• Centrifuge tubes with caps on. Close centrifuge lid properly.
• Wear a face shield, gloves, arm protection and an apron.

General guidelines for safe work practice

• Observe biohazard symbols on containers, equipment and in work areas.
• Cover open cuts or scratches with a waterproof covering.
• Practice good hand washing at appropriate times.
• Discard sharp objects (needles, lancets, broken glass) into puncture-proof containers
which are decontaminated before disposal. Needles cannot be broken, recapped or bent.
• Eating, drinking and smoking are forbidden anywhere specimens are present.
• Tie long hair back. Wear personal protective equipment appropriately. Wear closed toe
leather (or simulated leather) shoes.
• Use safety equipment appropriately. Mouth pipetting is forbidden - use a safety bulb.
• Chemical disinfection must be done on all surfaces in contact with biological hazards.
• All accidents which involve injury or biological contamination MUST be reported, in
writing, to the lab supervisor within 24 hours of the accident.
3- Personal Protective Equipment
Gloves (Latex, Synthetic, etc)
Wear gloves if touching blood, body fluids, secretions or contaminated items. This includes:
• Opening specimen containers
• Open cuts or sores are present on the hands.
• Handling serum of known Hepatitis, HIV, or jaundiced patients.
• Before contact with patient mucous membranes or non-intact skin.
• Cleaning up spills or accidents.
• Discarding biological waste.
• Preparing glassware or plastic ware for disinfection and wash-up.
• Reconstituting quality serum.
• Loading serum into automated instrument cups.
• Repairing or doing maintenance on automated instruments.
• Wear gloves pulled over the cuffs of lab coats or gowns to give adequate protection.
• Remove gloves promptly after use, before the next patient and before touching any
item/surface.
• Wash hands immediately after glove removal.
Remove gloves when answering the phone, using a computer keyboard, leaving a biohazardous
area, or any situation where an unprotected co-worker or patient could be exposed.
Mask, eye shields (goggles), face shield, respirator
A mask and eye shields (goggles), or a face shield will protect the eyes, nose and mouth from sprays
and splashes of body fluids or chemicals. Eye shields are worn to handle strong acids, bases, or toxic
chemicals, or if splashing of biohazardous material is a possibility. The face shield offers protection
for the face and eyes without restricting vision or movement. The window is made of chemical
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resistant plastic, and attaches to an adjustable headband. A respirator is worn during contact with
patients having active tuberculosis or other airborne transmission disease.
Lab coat or Gown
A lab coat must be worn when handling chemicals and biohazards. Most are knee-length with a
number of pockets. Some may be water resistant and chemical resistant. Lab coats are worn
buttoned. Lab coats worn in the laboratory must not be worn in other areas (ie. cafeteria, patient
areas, bathrooms, etc.) and should be laundered onsite.
Safety Gloves
Heavy rubber gloves are worn to handle strong acids, bases or toxic chemicals.
Protective Apron
This full-length rubber garment must be worn over a lab coat when acids, bases or any dangerous
chemicals are handled.
4- Housekeeping Controls
• Maintain written schedules for sanitation and decontamination.
• Use mechanical safety devices to clean up broken glass.
• Use chemical spill kits to clean up chemical spills.
• Discard biohazard waste appropriately.
• Discard all sharps into a puncture-proof, leak-proof biohazard sharps container.
Guidelines to handle biohazards comes under two separate infection control programs.
5- Standard precaution
(Formerly Known as Universal Precautions or Blood and Body Fluid Precautions)

“Standard Precautions” is a term used to describe a set of procedures for dealing with patients,
under the assumption that every direct contact with body fluids is infectious. and that all patients are
potentially positive for blood-borne pathogens such as the Hepatitis B (Hep B) and Human
Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV).
Standard precautions do not take the place of other precautions when the patient is known to have
diseases such as those which present respiratory exposure (e.g., tuberculosis); but they do attempt to
ensure that carriers of blood-borne pathogens who may or may not be known positives are treated in
a way as to prevent occupationally acquired infection.
If standard precautions are adopted in your institution, the following should be provided to
laboratory workers.

a) Assistance in evaluating work procedures and developing safe working procedures.

b) Pre-placement medical examinations and immunizations.
c) Safety equipment in the laboratory consistent with prescribed precautions.
d) Training in the proper use of safety equipment.
e) Periodic medical examinations.
f) Emergency procedures after an accidental exposure, which should include the awareness of a
"known infective" status of source patient.
g) Post-accident follow-up and counselling.
Body Substance Precautions (BSP)
BSP were implemented in 1989 by Canadian Federal Health Officials. These regulations state that
all specimens, fluids, tissues, smears, blood, serum, plasma, swabs, etc must be considered
potentially infectious. The focus is mainly on protection from Hepatitis B Virus and HIV, with
lesser emphasis on pathogens causing CMV, syphilis, malaria, etc. the term “ biohazard “refers to
any infections material that presents a risk to human health. All lab specimens are considered
biohazards. Biohazards are identified by a special biohazard symbol.
6-Hepatitis B vaccination
Within 10 days of initial assignment to a position with occupational exposure.
Not given if:
• individual has previously received the vaccine

• antibody testing reveal person is immune
• vaccine is contra-indicated for medical reasons
Procedure for accidental Needle stick / Membrane Exposure
Needle stick: immediately milk the wound to cause it to bleed freely. Decontaminate with iodine-
povidone for a minimum of 30 seconds. Cover with a waterproof bandaid.
Mucous membrane exposure: flush the site with water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
• Report all exposure incidents, in writing, to an immediate supervisor within 24 houre.

• The employer must provide confidential medical evaluation and treatment to the employee.
• The source patient and the employee are tested for HIV and HBV. If the source patient is
HBV positive, the employee’s immune status is determined. Immune globulin shots may be
given.
• If the source patient is HIV positive, the employee is counseled and tested at 6 weeks, 12
weeks, 6 months and 1 year after exposure. AZT or other HIV therapy may be given.
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Biological Hazard or Biohazard and infection Control : Biosafety levels
A biohazardis an organism, or substance derived from an organism, that poses a threat to (primarily)
human health. This can include medical waste, samples of a microorganism, virus or toxin (from a
biological source) that can impact human health.
The term and its associated symbol is generally used as a warning, so that those potentially exposed to the
substances will know to take precautions.
Biohazard Symbol
Hazardous microorganisms are ranked by “Biosafty Levels” according to their potential danger to
humans.
Biosafety Level 1:
This is suitable for work involving well-characterized agents not known to consistently cause disease
in healthy adult humans, and of minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel and the
environment.
Includes several kinds of bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis,
Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria.
At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are:
 Wear Disposable gloves.

 Soak paper towels in disinfectant and place over spill.
 Place towels in a plastic bag for disposal.
 Clean up spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
Biosafety Level 2:
This is similar to Biosafety Level 1 and is suitable for work involving agents of moderate potential
hazard to personnel and the environment. Includes various bacteria and viruses that cause only mild
disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and
C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, HIV, scrapie. At this level precautions
include:

 Alert people in immediate area of spill.

 Put on protective equipment. This may include a laboratory coat with long sleeves, back-
fastening gown or jumpsuit, disposable gloves, disposable shoe covers, safety goggles,
mask or full-face shield.
 Cover spill with paper towels or other absorbent materials.
 Carefully pour a freshly prepared 1 to 10 dilution of household bleach around the edges
of the spill and then into the spill. Avoid splashing.
 Allow a 20-minute contact period.
 Clean up the spill area with fresh towels soaked in disinfectant.
 Place towels in a plastic bag and decontaminate in an autoclave.
Biosafety Level 3:
This is applicable to clinical, diagnostic, teaching, research, or production facilities in which work is
done with indigenous or exotic agents which may cause serious or potentially lethal disease as a
result of exposure by the inhalation route. Includes various bacteria and viruses that can cause severe
to fatal disease in humans, but for which vaccines or other treatment exist, such as anthrax, West
Nile virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, SARS, smallpox, tuberculosis, typhus, Rift Valley
fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, yellow fever.
Laboratory personnel have specific training in handling pathogenic and potentially lethal agents, and
are supervised by scientists who are experienced in working with these agents. In case of a spill,
follow the facility’s specific safety protocole
Ideally laboratories handling these kinds of agents should be constructed with special features such
as double-door access zone and sealed penetrations. It is recognized, however, that some existing
facilities may not have all the facility features recommended for Biosafety Level 3. In this
circumstance, an acceptable level of safety for the conduct of routine procedures, may be achieved in
a Biosafety Level 2 facility, providing
1. the exhaust air from the laboratory room is discharged to the outdoors,
2. the ventilation to the laboratory is balanced to provide directional airflow into the room,
3. access to the laboratory is restricted when work is in progress, and
4. the recommended Standard Microbiological Practices, Special Practices, and Safety
Equipment for Biosafety Level 3 are rigorously followed.
Biosafety Level 4:
This is required for work with dangerous and exotic agents that pose a high individual risk of
aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections, agents which cause severe to fatal disease in humans for
which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic
fevers, dengue fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo
hemorrhagic fever, and other various hemorrhagic diseases. When dealing with biological hazards
at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance
and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light
room, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks
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are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air
and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 lab will undergo similar
decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.
The following guidelines will assist reducing exposure of Laboratory personnel to blood-borne
pathogens:
1) When drawing a blood sample, wear gloves if you are learning the procedures. If you have
cuts or abrasions on your hands or if you are dealing with an uncooperative patient. Avoid
recapping needles. Dispose of used needles into a rigid-sides sharps container nearby.
2) If leaking specimens arrive at the laboratory, discard them appropriately and request a new
specimen. In some cases, this may not be feasible. Consult the section on biological spills for
a procedure to render a leaking specimen safer for handling.
3) Eliminate procedures that generate aerosols or find means to reduce exposure to aerosols. (See
the section on aerosols). Perform any procedure that may generate high levels of aerosols in a
biological safety cabinet.
4) Use closed-tube testing systems when feasible.
5) When open tube testing is done, place a clear plastic shield between the sampling probe and
yourself.
6) Keep specimens capped for centrifugation; if possible, use sealed centrifuge cups, which may
be loaded and unloaded in a biological safety cabinet.
7) Open specimens by placing gauze over the cap of the tube and gently twisting or opening the
top in the direction away from you. Open tubes in a biological safety cabinet if possible.
8) Wear gloves when handling all specimens; change these gloves when visibly contaminated and
periodically through the day. Do not wash, disinfect, and reuse gloves.
Remove gloves when touching non-contaminated items such as telephones or computer
terminal keyboards.
GLOVES DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF HAND WASHING. ALWAYS WASH HANDS
AFTER REMOVING GLOVES.
9) Wear face shields, or masks and goggles when performing any procedure that may generate
splashing or aerosols.
10) Use disinfectants liberally; learn the proper choice and use of disinfectants.
11) Develop and communicate procedures regarding the treatment and disposal of contaminated
items that are consistent with institutional policies.

12) Wear lab coats or gowns in the laboratory, but remove them when leaving the laboratory.
Keep street clothes and clean lab coats away from used lab coats. Store personal items away
from the laboratory.
13) Learn the biological spill response procedure and the location of the necessary equipment to
respond to a spill or exposure.
14) Familiarize yourself with the occupational health program, particularly policies related to
immunization and emergency post-exposure follow-up.
15) Learn safe working procedures, as well as mechanisms of disease transmission and the hazards
associated with various biological agents.
BIOHAZARD SPILLS
Biological spills outside biological safety cabinets will generate aerosols that can be dispersed in the
air throughout the laboratory. These spills can be very serious if they involve Biosafety Level 3
microorganisms containment, since most of these agents have the potential for transmitting disease
by infectious aerosols. To reduce the risk of inhalation exposure in such an accident, occupants
should leave the laboratory immediately. The laboratory should not be re-entered to decontaminate
or clean up the spill for at least 30 minutes. During this time the aerosol may be removed from the
laboratory via the exhaust ventilation systems, such as biological safety cabinets or chemical fume
hoods, if present.
Dealing with Biohazardous spills
1. General Information
Standard precautions must be observed. Cleaning of blood spills should be limited to those persons
who are trained for the task. If an untrained person encounters a spill, he/she should limit access to
the area and immediately call the personnel assigned to this duty. Only disposable towels should be
used to avoid the difficulties involved in laundering. If a spill involves broken glassware, the glass
should never be picked up directly with the hands. It must be cleaned up using mechanical means,
such as a brush and dustpan, tongs, or forceps. The efficient and effective control of a biological spill
requires that all staff members are trained and practised in the established response techniques.
Preparation for the potential response should include the provision and easy accessibility of
materials necessary for clean up and decontamination. A biological spill kit should contain:
a) Disinfectant - small quantities, made fresh daily if phenolic or hypochlorites, made fresh
weekly if activated glutaraldehyde.
b) Forceps for picking up broken glass.
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c) Paper towels, swabs, disposable and heavy-duty gloves.

d) Metal or polypropylene (autoclavable) dust pan.
e) Heavy-duty polyethylene bags.
f) HEPA filter masks, shoe covers or rubber boots and full protective clothing if large spills may
occur.
2. Personal Protective Equipment
Persons who clean biohazard spills should wear appropriate Personal protective equipment such as
deposable gloves, laboratory coat, face shield etc if splashing is suspected.
3. Disinfectants
All spills of blood and blood-contaminated fluids should be properly cleaned using products
registered by the Canadian Environmental Protection Agency (CEPA) as being effective against
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and such as:
1% Hypochlorite or 1% Haz-tab solution: Universal intermediate chemical disinfectants. Sodium

hypochlorite is readily available, also known as Bleach/Javex (household bleach), or Haz-Tablets
can be used. Most commercial solutions are concentrated at 5-6% - a dilution of 1 part hypochlorite
to 4 part water meets World Health Organization (W.H.O.) recommendations of 10,000 ppm (10,000
parts chlorine per million parts water). Hypochlorite has been recommended for use in both hospital
and community settings. This solution must be made daily. 1% hupochlorite effectively kills HIV,
HBV, HBC, bacteria and fungi, but is inactivated by organic material. Since it is corrosive on metal
surfaces, metal objects should be soaked for 15 minutes then rinsed thoroughly with running water
for 3-5 minutes.
2% Glutaraldehyde: A High-level and very potent disinfectant may be used on metal surfaces. Not
recommended as it is considered a toxic product. The concentrated stock solution is kept in the
refrigerator. The 2% working solution must be made fresh weekly and stored at room temperature.
Glutaraldehyde – phenate (spoicidine) kills HIV, HBV and HCV.
Formaldehyde: Also a high level disinfectant and sterilant used in both liquid and gaseous
states.10% formalin liquid is bacteriocidal, tuberculocidal, fungicidal, virucidal and sporicidal.
As a vapour, formaldehyde is used to disinfect large areas. A full mask must be worn, and two
people must be present at all times.
Phenols: such as Lysol, Dettol, Pine sol, are low level disinfectants and should not be used in the
laboratory to disinfect work areas, as they do not kill “non-enveloped viruses” and spores.
1. Spills on the Body:
a) Remove contaminated clothing.

b) Vigorously wash exposed area with soap and water for one minute.

c) Obtain medical attention if open cuts are present.

d) Report the incident to the laboratory supervisor.
2. Cleaning Blood Spills on Hard Surfaces
1. Isolate the area, if possible

2. Wear gloves and other protective equipment as needed.
3. Remove visible blood with disposable towels in a manner that will ensure against direct
contact with the blood.
4. The area should then be decontaminated with an appropriate germicide applied according to
manufacturer’s directions.
5. Dispose all contaminated towels and gloves in biohazard waste container.
3) Small Spills
1. Cover the spilled material with paper towels to avoid splashing.

2. Gently pour disinfectant onto the paper towels, working in a circular motion, from the
outside to the centre.
3. Wait 30 minutes.
4. Remove the towels with forceps.
5. Repeat steps 1 – 4.
4) Larger Spills
1. Hold breath, inform others in area, and move away from the area for 10-30 minutes to allow
aerosols to disperse and settle.
2. Follow procedures for small spills.
5) Spills In A Biological Safety Cabinet
1. Leave fan on.

2. Follow procedures for small spills.
3. If spilled material goes through perforated work surface or grilles to catch tray beneath, pour
disinfectant to dilute spill tenfold.
4. Let stand, drain tray through drain cock and clean.
6) Broken Tubes In Centrifuge
1. Turn off centrifuge.

2. If in sealed safety buckets, go to step 7; if in unsealed cups, inform others in vicinity and
leave area for 30 minutes to allow aerosols to disperse or settle.
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3. Slowly open centrifuge lid, remove all broken tubes, buckets, rotors, etc. to a basin of
disinfectant that is non-corrosive; let stand 24 hours. Alternatively, these items may be
autoclaved.
4. Place any unbroken capped specimens in disinfectant for 60 minutes and then remove, rinse
and process.
5. Wipe down the bowl of the centrifuge twice with disinfectant and rinse with water; dry.
6. Dispose of wipe-down cloths as infectious.
7. Remove sealed bucket to biological safety cabinet.
8. If any tubes are broken, leave in bucket, replace lid of bucket loosely and autoclave entire
contents or place in disinfectant (see steps 3 and 4).
7) Leaking Specimens
Many laboratories now have the policy of refusing to accept leaking specimens. In
extraordinary circumstances where a new sample cannot be obtained, it may be decided to
process the leaking sample. Should this decision be made, the leaking specimen should be
handled as follows:
1. Inform others in the laboratory.

2. With protective equipment, place specimen in a new tray in a large plastic zip-lock bag and
remove to a biosafety cabinet (Laminar Flow Hood).
3. Cover the surface where the specimen was initially received with paper towels, pour
disinfectant gently on the paper towels, wait 30 minutes; remove disinfectant-soaked towels
with gloves; repeat
4. In a safety cabinet, use a Pasteur pipette or spatula to transfer the specimen to a clean
container.
5. If the requisition is contaminated, place it in a flat plastic bag until the information can be
copied onto a clean requisition.
6. After transferring the specimen to a new container, flood the tray and contents with
disinfectant; leave several hours, then pour away liquid and autoclave solids.
8) Contaminated requisitions processing
Requisitions and all other patient information sheets/forms must be free from visible signs of
contamination with hazardous substances (e.g., blood, urine, and/or contents of transport containers
such as formalin).
If a spill or leak occurs, do the following:
1. Print "CONTAMINATED" on the requisition using BLOCK letters.

2. Place each contaminated requisition in a separate clear plastic bag.
3. Photocopy the requisition through the plastic.
4. Write a "dummy " requisition.
5. Attach the photocopy of the original requisition to the back of the "dummy" requisition.

6. Place the photocopy of the original lab requisition or the re-printed "dummy" requisition with
the other lab requisition and process as you would normally.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES FOR WORKING WITH HUMAN BLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIALLY

INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
1. Standard precautions shall be observed at all times. Standard precautions apply to blood, any
other body fluid containing visible blood, and other potentially infectious material.
Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or

impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials.
Standard precautions do not apply to feces, nasal secretions, sputum, saliva, sweat, tears, urine,
or vomitus unless they contain visible blood.
Other potentially infectious materials means the following human body fluids:
 Semen
 Vaginal secretions
 Pericardial fluid
 Cerebrospinal fluid
 Synovial fluid
 Pleural fluid
 Peritoneal fluid
 Amniotic fluid
 Any body fluid that is visibly contaminated with blood
 All body fluid in situations where it is difficult or impossible to differentiate between
body fluids
 Any unfixed tissue or organ (other than intact skin) from a human, living or dead
 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-contaminating cell or tissue cultures, organ
cultures, and HIV or Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-containing culture medium or other
solutions
 Blood, organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV, HBV,
or other diseases infectious to humans.
2. Employees must wash their hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removal of gloves or
other personal protective equipment, and following contact with blood or other potentially
infectious materials.
3. Contaminated needles or other contaminated sharps must not be recapped, sheared, bent,
broken or re-sheathed by hand. Contaminated sharps must be placed in appropriate
biohazard sharps container until properly reprocessed or disposed. These containers shall be:
a) Puncture-resistant
b) Labelled or colour-coded
c) Leak-proof on the sides and bottom.
4. Specimens of blood or other potentially infectious materials should be placed in a labelled or

colour-coded container, which prevents leakage during collection, storage, transport, or
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shipping. A secondary container must be used if the primary container is contaminated,

punctured or leaking.
5. Equipment, which has been in contact with blood or other potentially infected material, must
be examined and decontaminated by laboratory personnel as necessary prior to servicing or
shipping.
6. If the equipment cannot be completely decontaminated, a readily observable label must be

attached to the contaminated equipment and all parties who will be in contact with the
equipment should be notified.
7. Gloves must be worn when there is potential for contact with blood, or other potentially
infectious materials. Disposable (single use) gloves such as surgical or examination gloves
must be replaced as soon as possible when visibly soiled, torn, and punctured or when their
ability to function as a barrier is compromised.
8. Additional appropriate protective clothing should be selected and worn based upon the task and
degree of exposure anticipated.
i) Gowns, laboratory coats, aprons or similar clothing should be worn if there is a potential for
soiling of clothes with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
j) Fluid-resistant clothing should be worn if there is a potential for splashing or spraying of
blood or other potentially infectious materials.
k) Surgical caps or hoods should be worn if there is a potential for splashing or spraying of
blood or other potentially infectious materials.
l) Fluid-proof shoe covers should be worn if there is a potential for shoes to become
contaminated and/or soaked with blood or other potentially infectious materials.
9. Work surfaces must be decontaminated with an appropriate disinfectant after completion of

procedures.
10. All bins, pails, cans, and similar receptacles intended for reuse that have a potential for
becoming contaminated with blood or other potentially infectious materials should be
inspected, cleaned, and disinfected on a regularly scheduled basis and cleaned and disinfected
immediately or as soon as possible upon visible contamination.
11. Broken glassware, which may be contaminated, must not be picked up directly with the hands.
It shall be cleaned up using mechanical means such as a brush and dustpan, a vacuum cleaner,
tongs, cotton swabs or forceps.
General Rules Followed When Handling Biological Hazards
All specimens; fluids, tissues, smears, blood, serum, plasma, swabs, etc., must be considered
potentially contagious. Standard Precautions are always used.
a) Gloves must be worn when handling body fluids.

b) Protective shields and gloves are used if aerosols are possible. i.e., opening a Vacutainer tube,
centrifugation, inserting a hot loop into a culture.
c) Laboratory coats worn in the laboratory must not be worn in other areas, i.e. cafeteria, patient
areas, bathrooms, etc. They are to be washed onsite, not taken home and washed.
d) Eating, drinking, and smoking are forbidden in the laboratory or anywhere specimens are
processed.
e) Mouth pipetting is forbidden.
f) Any specimen container contaminated on the outside with a body fluid, must be
decontaminated with 1% hypochlorite.
g) All sharp objects (needles, broken glass, lancets, etc.) must be discarded into rigid puncture-
proof containers and decontaminated.
h) Biohazardous waste must be discarded into properly labelled waste container. This waste is
then terminally decontaminated.
i) Long hair must be tied back, lab coats are buttoned and closed toed leather (or simulated
leather) shoes are to be worn.
j) Any open cuts or scratches on the skin must be covered with a waterproof covering.
k) All specimens are centrifuged with the tubes stoppered to prevent aerosol formation.
l) Lyophilized (freeze dried) vials must be opened carefully. Dusting can occur and the dust may
be infectious. To add diluent to a powder, wear gloves and open container in a safety cabinet
or use a needle and syringe through the stopper.
As a member of the laboratory team, the laboratory assistant must know and abide by the safety rules
as determined by the laboratory's management. The following are rules that must be followed by
laboratory personnel:
1. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking or gum chewing in all laboratory and patient areas.
2. Wear a laboratory coat whenever you are in the work area. Make sure that it is worn closed at
all times. It must never leave the lab unless decontaminated.
3. Long hair should be pulled back, away from the face and neck, to avoid contact with
chemicals, equipment or flames.
4. Wear closed toe shoes
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5. Avoid wearing chains, bracelets, rings or other loose hanging jewellery.
6. Use protective gloves (latex or other types) if cuts or open sores are present on hands.
7. Clean your work area properly before beginning laboratory procedures and at the end of each
work period.
8. Wash hands before and after laboratory procedures and at any other time that it is necessary
(e.g., after performing a phlebotomy).
9. Wipe up spills promptly and appropriately.
10. Follow manufacturer's instructions for operating equipment.
11. Handle all equipment with care.
12. Store equipment properly.
13. Report any accident immediately to your supervisor.
14. Refrain from horseplay.
15. Allow visitors only in non-work area of the laboratory.
Responsibility for safety
Responsibility for safety within a laboratory must be considered to exist at three different levels:
1) Individual
2) Supervisor or instructional
3) Organization or institutional
1) Each individual who works in the laboratory has a responsibility to learn the health and
safety hazards of the chemicals or materials he or she is using and also the hazards, which
may occur from the equipment and techniques employed. The individual should investigate
as far as possible any accident that occurs and be prepared to make suggestions for
prevention of similar accidents.
2. The Supervisor has the responsibility of giving the necessary directions including safety
measures to be used and the responsibility of seeing that employees carry out their individual
responsibilities. Any person who has the responsibility of supervising others has the added
duty of preventing accidental injuries from occurring as a result of these activities.

3. The Institute or organization of which the laboratory may be a part has the fundamental
responsibility to provide safe facilities and equipment and to maintain these in a safe working
environment. An organized program to make improvements is also essential.
Safety Officer
Most laboratories have a safety officer appointed from the laboratory staff. The safety officer
should:
m) Ensure adequate fire fighting equipment and facilities are available at all times.
n) Monitor the use of hazardous materials in the laboratory.
o) Arrange a safety education program periodically.
p) Indoctrinate new employees re: health and safety.
q) Report to laboratory management any noted unsafe conditions.
r) Arrange safety meetings for staff at regular intervals.
s) In the case of an institution (hospital), serve on the institution's health and safety committee.
BIOMEDICAL WASTE DISPOSAL
Whether the method of disposals is on-site or off-site, biomedical waste must be segregated from
the general waste stream at the point of generation. If biomedical waste were mixed with general
refuse, the total waste stream would require special treatment and handling. Biomedical waste must
be segregated into the following waste categories: human anatomical waste: animal waste:
microbiology laboratory waste; human blood and body fluid waste; and waste sharps. These types
of waste are defined in Subsection 2.2.
Although not considered a biomedical waste, cytotoxic waste and pharmaceutical waste must also be
segregated from the remainder of the waste stream.
Packaging
Waste must be safely contained during handling and to the point of its disposal. The packaging must
remain intact throughout handling, storage, transportation and treatment.
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When selecting packaging, the following factors should be considered: the type of waste being
contained: appropriate colour coding and labelling; special transportation requirements; the
method of disposal; local regulatory requirements; and requirements of the disposal facility.
To simplify their selection and use, waste containers should be classified as reusable or single
use/disposable.
Reusable Containers
Reusable waste containers must be made of metal or rigid plastic and able to withstand exposure to
common cleaning agents. They must be colour-coded according to the type of waste for which they
are intended and labelled with the biohazard symbol.
Reusable waste containers should be inspected for holes or leaks each time they are emptied and
their colour-coding and labelling renewed if necessary. Holes or leaks must be repaired or the waste
container replaced.
Reusable waste containers must be cleaned regularly to prevent odours and as soon as possible if
waste materials leaks or spill within the containers.
The facility's infection control committee, biosafety officer, or other appointed person(s) should be
consulted about the frequency of cleaning and the type of cleaning agent to be used.
Refer to CSMLS Safety Manual and Transportation of Dangerous Goods Course
Single-Use/Disposable Containers
Single-use waste containers should be classified as one of the following types: sharps container,
waste-holding plastic bag or cardboard container.
a) Sharps Containers:
The critical characteristic of any sharps container is that it be sturdy enough to resist puncture
under conditions of use and to the point of disposal. Until a method is devised to determine
this objectively, sharps containers should be tested and evaluated under actual conditions of
use.
Sharps containers must also be colour-coded yellow and labelled with the biohazard symbol
have lids that can be tightly secured and if used for containing cytotoxic wastes, the
cytotoxic hazard symbol must be displayed clearly and visibly.

CYTOTOXIC HAZARD SYMBOL
Structural features of a sharps container:
 It may be useful to users if sharps containers have a fill line.

 Features permitting simplified movement and handling of filled containers before disposal,
means by which unauthorized individuals are prevented from removing items from the
container or from removing the container itself.
 Design that allows stacking, to decrease storage space, and allow the sharps container to be
attached to medication and/or treatment carts.
NOTE: If sharps containers are to be autoclaved before disposal, they must remain functionally
intact at high autoclaving temperatures.
Use and handling of Sharps containers:
 Sharps containers should be conveniently located close to the point of disposal to reduce
the likelihood of injury from sharps being carried significant distances for the purpose of
disposal.
 Sharps containers should not be filled to more than three-quarters of their usable volume
in order to prevent injuries due to overfilling. Sharps should never be forcibly pushed into
the container.
 Staff responsible for collecting and replacing sharps containers should be trained in proper
handling methods.
 During use, sharps containers should not be filled or partially filled with liquid disinfectant
solution.
Note: Although this practice is intended to decontaminate sharps as they are placed into the
container, it has the following problems:
1. The solution rarely has the required contact with all items placed with the container, resulting
in a failure to achieve the degree of decontamination intended
2. The liquid in the container presents a spill hazard if the container is knocked over and
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3. Before disposal, the liquid is usually decanted, presenting an unnecessary opportunity for
staff contact with aerosols
The use of second-hand containers as sharps containers, (e.g., bleach and germicide bottles),
must be formally approved by the person(s) responsible for the facility's biomedical waste
management program. Such containers are only acceptable if they meet the requirements
outlined in this subsection. The random, unsupervised use of second-hand sharps containers is
unacceptable.
b. Plastic Waste-Holding bags
The critical characteristic of any plastic waste-holding bag is that it be sturdy enough to resist
puncture under conditions of use and to the point of disposal. Each facility should fully test
and evaluate their bags under actual conditions of use. While this may be the most appropriate
method determining the suitability of plastic waste-holding bags, if local authorities specify a
minimum bag thickness, bags of that specified thickness must be used.
Note: For the purposes of in-house collection and movement of waste, it is inappropriate to
specify a minimum thickness of plastic bags or plastic sharps containers as plastic materials
vary extensively in their physical and mechanical properties. A 25.4 um thick-film of one
plastic material may be more resistant to puncture, impact and abrasion than a 50.8 um thick
film of a different plastic material. The manufacturing process, i.e., extrusion versus
injection moulding, can further affect these properties.
Plastic waste-holding bags must also be colour-coded and comply with any other regulatory
performance standards.
c. Cardboard Containers:
Cardboard containers must be colour-coded and labelled with the biohazard symbol, rigid,
closable, leak-resistant and capable of being sealed.
Notes:
1. The use of cardboard containers that contain recycled fibres is encouraged.
2. If cardboard containers are to be shipped off-site and are not to be supplemented with an
additional outer packaging meeting the requirements of the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Regulations, then the cardboard container itself must meet the requirements of the
Regulations.
Colour-Coding and Labelling
Containers for biomedical waste must be colour-coded and labelled with the biohazard symbol.
This must be implemented as part of each health care facility's biomedical waste management
program.

Segregation and colour-coding of the various types of waste is vital to ensure that the wastes
are handled and disposed of properly.
If a sharps container is mounted in a cabinet on some other type of holder, only the actual
sharps container must be colour-coded and labelled with the biohazard and cytotoxic
symbols, as appropriate. The outer cabinet or holder must, however, be labelled as
containing sharps, using the words "CAUTION: WASTE SHARPS", or an equivalent.
In-House Movement of Wastes
The handling and transport of waste containers should be minimized to reduce the likelihood of
exposure to the waste.
Note: From their point of generation, wastes are moved within the facility to storage areas to await
disposal. Wastes should be moved through the facility in such a manner as to prevent
unnecessary exposure to staff and others.
WASTE TYPE COLOUR-CODING

Human Anatomical RED
Animal Waste ORANGE
Microbiology YELLOW
Laboratory Waste
Human Blood & Body Fluid YELLOW
Waste (if applicable)
Waste Sharps YELLOW
Careful selection of waste containers greatly reduces the likelihood of breakage and leakage during
use. In anticipation of such accidents occurring, however, a material-handling system should be
devised to minimize the possibility of inadvertent exposure by limiting the amount of handling.
Specific routes must be planned through the facility to minimize the passage of loaded carts
through patient care and other clean areas.
To minimize the possibility of waste handlers incurring injuries while handling filled waste
containers, the facility's health and safety committee or other appointed person(s) should establish
size and weight criteria for the waste loads.
Carts used for moving biomedical waste through the health care facility should be designed to
prevent spills, and made of materials able to withstand exposure to common cleaning agents. The
biohazard symbol should be clearly displayed on these carts.
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These carts must be thoroughly cleaned before any maintenance work is performed on them. They
should be cleaned regularly to prevent odours as soon as possible if waste materials leak or spill in
the carts.
The facility's infection control committee, biosafety officer, or other appointed person(s) should be
consulted about the frequency of cleaning and the type of cleaning agent to be used.
Storage
After biomedical waste has been collected and moved from its point of generation, it may be held in
storage areas to await disposal. These storage areas must be totally enclosed, and separate from
supply rooms or food preparation areas. They must be lockable and access must be restricted to
authorized personnel. Storage areas must be identified as containing biomedical waste, with the
biohazard symbol clearly displayed. It is unacceptable for materials other than waste to be placed in
the same storage area as biomedical waste.
Floors, walls, and ceilings of storage areas must be thoroughly cleaned in accordance with the
facility's established procedures. These procedures should be prepared in consultation with the
facility's infection control committee, biosafety officer or other appointed person(s)
Anatomical wastes must be stored at 4°C or lower if stored for more than four days. Provincial or
territorial regulatory authorities should be consulted for specific time requirements, as the
recommended four-day limit may vary among jurisdictions. Health care facilities should determine
the maximum storage time of refrigerated or frozen biomedical waste based upon its storage
capacity, rate of waste generation and any applicable provincial or territorial regulatory
requirements.
Facilities refrigerating or freezing stored waste should use a lockable, closed cold storage facility
or a lockable, domestic type freezer unit. Either type must be used only for storing biomedical
waste, visibly display the biohazard symbol and be identified as containing biomedical waste.
If the health care facility generates only waste sharps, waste storage areas need not be refrigerated.
NOTE: While both refrigeration and freezing serve to reduce the rate of microbial growth and
putrefaction, caution should be exercised when freezing waste containing glass or plastic
items that may contain infectious agents, e.g., culture tubes. Such glass or plastic items
may fracture at lowered temperatures.
Contingency plans must be prepared for storing refrigerated biomedical waste if excess waste is
produced, or if either refrigeration or disposal facilities or equipment become inoperative.
The compaction of untreated biomedical waste destined for off-site disposal is not permitted.

NOTE: The compaction of biomedical waste is potentially hazardous to staff as containers

could burst or leak and sharps could protrude through containers. Furthermore,
compaction of untreated biomedical waste may also aerosolize infectious agents.
Treatment Options for Biomedical Waste
The appropriate treatment options for the different types of biomedical waste are summarized in the
table on the next page.
NOTE: The treatment options described in these guidelines may vary among provinces and
territories. Local environmental regulatory authorities should be consulted for acceptable
practices based upon the principles presented in these guidelines.
Waste Type Steam Autoclaving Chemical New Technology

Decontamination
Human Anatomical Waste No No Regulatory Approval

Required
Animal Anatomical No No Regulatory Approval

Waste Required
Non-Anatomical Yes* No Regulatory Approval

Required
Microbiology Laboratory Yes Regulatory Approval Regulatory Approval

Waste Required required
Human Blood and Body Yes Yes Regulatory Approval

Fluid Waste Required
Waste Sharps Yes Yes** Regulatory Approval

Required
* Only if followed by incineration under strict control
** Chemical treatment alone does not render sharps safe for additional handling. This treatment
option applies to filled sharps containers that may undergo further treatment after chemical
decontamination, as part of a process, e.g., chemical decontamination coupled with mechanical
shredding.
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Steam Autoclaving
Steam autoclaving is an appropriate method for treating microbiology laboratory waste, human
blood and body fluid waste (if applicable), waste sharps and non-anatomical animal wastes. It must
not be used for treating either human or animal anatomical waste.
Personnel who operate steam autoclaves must be thoroughly trained in the use of the equipment.
Specific guidelines and regulated requirements for operating and using autoclaves already exist in
some provinces and territories.
The effectiveness of decontamination of biomedical waste is dependent upon the temperature to

which the waste is subjected as well as the length of time it is exposed to steam. Because the waste
is heated by both steam penetration and heat conduction, all air must be displaced and containers
holding the waste must have good steam permeability.
• NOTE: Typical operating conditions for decontamination are a temperature of at least 121°C
at a pressure of 15 PSI (lbs/in2)(105 kPa) for more than 60 minutes. Size of the autoclave
and of the bags greatly effect sterilization time. Large bags in a small autoclave may
require 90 minutes or more.
The penetration of steam into the waste is crucial to the effectiveness of the autoclaving process.
For this reason, particular attention must be given to packaging to ensure effective steam
penetration.
Special consideration must be given to the type of plastic bags used within the autoclave cycle.
Plastic bags should therefore be assessed under actual working conditions to assure their
effectiveness and integrity throughout the autoclave cycle.
The effectiveness of decontamination is also affected by the volume and size of the waste load in
the autoclave. For small-capacity laboratory autoclaves, two separate small loads may be more
effective for treatment than a single large load. Also, since there is no "standard load" for an
autoclave, the operator may need to adjust to the autoclaving parameters. As with other treatment
technologies, proper operation of the autoclave is essential to its effectiveness.
To monitor the effectiveness of the autoclaving cycle, either chemical indicators or biological
indicators are typically used. Chemicals are not recommended, however, as they indicate only the
attainment of a temperature, not its duration. Biological indicators, such as the presence of Bacillus
stearothermophilus, are typically found to be more reliable. The effectiveness of the autoclave
should be verified regularly, based on its frequency of use.
The facility should keep records of the time, temperature, and pressure to which each load of
decontaminated waste is subjected as evidence that the load has been treated. Such records may be
useful if landfill operators require a certificate, signed by an official of the waste generator, stating
that the waste has been treated in a steam autoclave. Records must also be kept of routine

preventative maintenance and problem maintenance for the steam autoclave. These records must be
available at all times.
NOTE: Wastes containing cytotoxic agents, such as chemotherapy drugs and other chemical
wastes, must not be subjected to autoclaving. Such wastes are not degraded at normal
autoclave temperatures.
Chemical Decontamination
Chemical decontamination may be appropriate for treating microbiology laboratory waste,

(regulatory approval required), human blood and body fluid waste (if applicable), and waste sharps.
It must not be used for treating anatomical waste.
NOTE: Chemical decontamination is most often applied to liquid wastes before disposal. It may
be useful in decontaminating spills when they occur.
Chemical treatment alone does not render sharps safe for additional handling. This treatment
option applies to filled sharps containers that may undergo further treatment after chemical
decontamination as part of a process, e.g., chemical decontamination coupled with mechanical
shredding.
If chemical decontamination is used, the following factors should be considered: 1. type of

microorganism; 2. degree of contamination, 3. type of disinfectant used, 4. concentration and
quantity of disinfectant. Other relevant factors include temperature, pH, degree of mixing, and the
length of time the disinfectant is in contact with the contaminated waste.
Sodium Hypochlorite (household bleach) is often used as an intermediate-level disinfectant, with

the undiluted commercial product normally being between 5.25% - 6% solution of sodium
hypochlorite (50,000 mg/L of free available chlorine). If a diluted Hypochlorite solution is used, it
should be made up daily to prevent loss of germicidal action.
NOTE: 1% Sodium Hypochlorite solution is recommended for disinfecting blood spills and
soiled equipment. (A 5000 mg/L or 5000 ppm)
Records of the chemical decontamination protocol to which each load of waste was subjected
should be kept by the facility as evidence that the load has been treated. Such records may be useful
if landfill operators require a certificate, signed by an official of the waste generating facility, stating
that the waste has been appropriately treated.
The disposal of chemically treated waste must comply with applicable federal, provincial or
territorial and municipal regulations.
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New Technology
Innovative, new techniques may be used for treating biomedical waste, subject to the approval of
provincial or territorial regulatory authorities. Health care facilities should consult these authorities
before purchasing products or implementing new approaches to waste treatment.
DISPOSAL OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE
Waste Type Landfill Sanitary Sewer Incinerator New Technology

Human Anatomical No No Yes Regulatory Approval
Waste Required
Animal Waste No No Yes Regulatory Approval
Required
Microbiology Lab No* No* Yes Regulatory Approval
Waste Required
Human Blood and No If permitted by Yes Regulatory Approval
body fluids Regulatory Required
Authorities
Waste Sharps No* No Yes Regulatory Approval
Required
* Microbiology laboratory waste and waste sharps can be disposed of in this way if they are first
decontaminated by a treatment process deemed to be acceptable by the local authority.
FIRST AID
The following are very basic first-aid procedures. For further information and practical training it is
suggested that you attend a recognized First Aid Program.
1. First Aid for Chemical Injury of Skin

a. Wash away the chemical with large amounts of water for at least 5 minutes. Use a
safety shower or hose. Remove the victim's clothing from the areas involved.
b. Do not apply ointments, creams, etc.
c. Apply a clean dressing bandage and get medical aid.
2. First Aid for Chemical Injury to Eyes

a. Wash the eye, eyelids and affected face area with water for at least 15 minutes. Use
an eyewash station if possible, if not, turn patient's head to the side, hold the eyelids

open and pour from the inner corner of the eye outward. Make sure the chemical
does not wash into the other eye.
b. Cover the eye with a dry, clean, protective dressing (do not use cotton) and bandage
in place.
c. Caution victim against rubbing his eye.
d. Get medical attention.
3. First Aid for Heat Injury (BURNS)

a. Apply cold water applications or submerge the burned area in cold (not ice water)
until pain subsides. (Do not follow this step if extensive charring [3rd degree burn] is
evident. Skip step b).
b. Apply a wet dressing of 2 teaspoons of sodium bicarbonate in 1 quart of warm water.
c. Do not break blisters or remove tissue.
d. Do not use antiseptic, ointment, spray or home remedy.
e. If arms or legs are affected, keep them elevated.
f. Seek medical attention.
4. First Aid for Trauma

a. There is need for immediate action due to the possibilities of shock.
b. Apply direct pressure, by placing a hand over a dressing.
c. Do not disturb blood clots after they have formed (i.e., do not remove dressing, as this
may cause bleeding to start again).
d. Apply pressure bandage.
e. Elevate wound above the level of the patient's heart
f. Seek medical attention.
5. First Aid for Electrical Shock

a. Remove patient from electrical source only if your own safety is guaranteed. Use a
non-conductive (wood, plastic) device to push or pull patient away.
b. Administer CPR if patient is not breathing or has no heart beat.
c. After re-establishing heart and lung function, elevate the patient's feet
d. Cover the patient to keep them warm.
e. Seek medical attention.
6. First Aid for accidental needle stick

a. Immediately milk the wound to cause it to bleed freely.
b. Decontaminate with iodine-povidone for a minimum of 30 seconds.
c. Cover with a waterproof band-aid.
7. First Aid for mucous membrane exposure:

a. Flush the site with water for a minimum of 10 minutes.
b. The employer must provide confidential medical evaluation and treatment to the
employee.
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c. The source patient and the employee are tested for HIV and HBV. If the source
patient is HBV positive, the employee’s immune status is determined. Immune
globulin shots may be given.
d. If the source patient is HIV positive, the employee is counseled and tested at 6 weeks,
12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after exposure.
LATEX ALLERGIES
The use of latex products (for example, gloves, and tourniquets) has grown dramatically in the
laboratory setting, due to the awareness of AIDS, Hepatitis and the implementation of standard
predictions. However, some people develop various degrees of allergic reactions to latex.
Allergic Reaction Types
The most common "latex" allergy is not caused by rubber proteins but by various chemical additives
used in the manufacture of the gloves and tourniquets. The reaction is a (type IV) delayed
hypersensitivity, which causes a contact dermatitis with an itchy rash.
WHAT TO DO
A. If you feel or know that you have a latex/glove allergy...
1. Avoid contact with latex products and wear alternative non-latex gloves.
2. Notify you immediate supervisor.
3. If you have had a severe reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling, or similar) consult your
physician about the advisability of carrying an "EpiPen" or other emergency adrenaline
kit for treating anaphylactics.
WHETHER YOU ARE ALLERGIC OR NOT...
1. Do not "snap" off gloves as it can raise an aerosol.

2. Do avoid touching co-workers with gloves and other latex materials.
B. If your patient feels or knows that he or she has a latex allergy...
3. Avoid patient contact with latex tourniquet or gloves.

4. Use another type of tourniquet and non-latex gloves.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND BODY

FLUIDS
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV
Health care workers may become exposed to the blood and body fluids of a patient in the course of
their work. Accidental exposure to the blood or body fluids of a patient has been associated with the
transmission of a variety of infectious agents including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. This guide
will provide you with information on the prevention, risk and management of occupational exposure
to HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
HEPATITIS B
What Is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is an infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which results in inflammation of
the liver. Most infections go unnoticed by the individual, as symptoms are absent or very mild and
non-specific. Most infected individuals recover fully and develop immunity to HBV. Rarely acute
Hepatitis results in fulminant Hepatitis, which may lead to death. However, approximately 10-15%
of infected individuals become chronic carriers of the virus. Being a carrier means that this
individual will always carry the virus and be at risk of transmitting it to other persons. Up to 50% of
chronic carriers may develop chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
How Is Hepatitis B Transmitted?
Hepatitis B is transmitted through exposure to infectious blood and body fluids (i.e., needle stick
injury, mucous membrane exposure, sexual intercourse etc.) and from an infected mother to the
unborn child.
What Is The Risk If I Get Exposed?
The risk of infection after an exposure has been reported to be up to 330/1000 depending on the level
of virus in the patient’s blood (infectivity).
How Can I Avoid Getting Hepatitis B?

HBV is preventable in the workplace by following Standard Precautions and by immunization with
Hepatitis B vaccine.
Should I Be Vaccinated?
All staff who have contact with blood or body fluids and who are at risk for needle-stick or sharps
injury should receive Hepatitis B vaccine as they are at increased risk of being infected with HBV.
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This will provide the worker with long-term protection from Hepatitis B. Workers who have no
contact with blood and body fluids (i.e., secretaries) are at no greater risk for HBV infection than the
general population.
FACTS ABOUT THE VACCINE
The Hepatitis B vaccine, is a synthetic vaccine (it is not derived from human sera). This is a safe
vaccine with no serious side effects. There may, however, be minor local reactions such as soreness,
redness, or swelling at the injection site.
The vaccine will provide protection against HBV in over 95% of vaccinated persons who are
immunocompetent (those who have a normal immune response). Routine boosters every five years
are presently not recommended.
The vaccine is usually given as 3 injections intramuscularly in the deltoid (shoulder) muscle. The
first dose is followed by a second dose one month later and the third dose is given five months after
the second dose. Six weeks after the last dose, a blood test will be taken to see if you are now
protected against HBV.
Hepatitis B Immune Globulin?

When you are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B from a patient due to an exposure and have not yet
had the vaccine to protect you against Hepatitis B, you may need to take Hepatitis B Immune
Globulin (HBIG). This product is prepared from human plasma and offers immediate short-term
antibody protection. You will still need to be vaccinated with the Hepatitis B vaccine to develop
long-term immunity.
HEPATITIS C
What Is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is an infection due to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Similar to the Hepatitis B virus,
HCV causes inflammation of the liver. Approximately 8-12 weeks after exposure, symptoms occur
such as loss of appetite, nausea, fever or jaundice. Symptoms range from unnoticed (90% of the
individuals), to mild to acute illness. Fulminant state is rare.
An important fact to remember is that the majority of the individuals with HCV infection will
become carriers. These individuals are at risk of developing chronic liver diseases on a long-term
basis (i.e., cirrhosis, liver cancer).
How Is Hepatitis C Transmitted?
Hepatitis C is transmitted in the same way as Hepatitis B through exposure to infectious blood and
body fluids (i.e., needle-stick injury, mucous membrane exposure) but the frequency of transmission
is not the same. Transmission has been mainly reported in intravenous drug users. The magnitude

of the risk of sexual transmission needs to be accurately defined but appears to be much lower than
HIV or Hepatitis B. Transmission from mother to infant is rare and the rate is still unknown.

The occurrence of the infection after a needle-stick injury has been reported to be approximately
33/1000. Further studies are needed to determine the rate of infection from other types of exposures
(i.e., to mucous membranes, from body fluids).
How Can I Avoid Getting Hepatitis C?
Since there is no vaccine or no effective prophylaxis for post-exposure to infectious blood or body
fluids, it is important for health care workers to protect themselves by rigorous compliance to
Standard Precautions with all patients.
Comparative Features of Hepatitis Viruses

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hepatitis D Hepatitis E
Common Name “Infectious” “Serum” “Non A-Non B “Delta” “Enteric
post-transfusion” Non A-Non
B”
Virus structure Picornavirus Hepadnavirus Flavivirus Viroid-like Calicivirus-
Capsid, RNA Envelope, DNA Envelope, RNA Envelope, like
circular RNA Capsid, RNA
Transmission Fecal-oral Parenteral, Parenteral, sexual Parenteral, Fecal-oral
Onset Abrupt (varies) sexual Insidious (varies) sexual Abrupt
Incubation 15 - 50 days Insidious 14 - 180 days Abrupt (varies) (varies)
period (varies) 15 - 64 days 15 - 50 days
Mild 45 - 160 days Usually subclinical
Severity Co-infection
Occasionally with HBV Normal
severe occasionally patients:
severe; mild;
superinfection pregnant
with patients:
HBV often severe
severe
Mortality <0.5% 1% - 2% 0.5% - 1% High to very Normal

high patient:
1% - 2%;
pregnant
patients:
20%
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Comparative Features of Hepatitis Viruses

Chronicity/carrie No Yes Yes Yes No
r state
Other disease None Primary hepato- Primary hepato- Cirrhosis, None

associations cellular cellular carcinoma, fulminant
carcinoma, cirrhosis hepatitis
cirrhosis
Laboratory Symptoms and Symptoms and Symptoms and Anti-HDV

diagnosis anti-HAV IgM serum levels of anti-HCV ELISA ELISA -
HbsAg, HbeAg,
and anti-HBc
IgM
HIV/AIDS
What Is HIV/AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the terminal stage of infection caused by the
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
The HIV virus infects and destroys a specific white blood cell (T4 or CD4) resulting in the
breakdown of the body’s immune system. The individual is then vulnerable to infections and
cancers, which a healthy immune system can prevent.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
The HIV virus is found in the blood and certain body fluids of an infected individual. It is
transmitted from person-to-person by exposure to infectious blood and body fluids through sexual
intercourse, inoculation of blood/body fluids (i.e., needle-stick injury, mucous membrane/non-intact
skin exposure) and perinatally from an infected mother to the unborn child. Fluids containing visible
blood or other potentially infectious fluids include semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid,
synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, inflammatory exudates or tissue. Feces,
nasal secretions, sputum, tears, urine and vomitus are not implicated in the transmission of HIV,
HBV or HCV unless visibly contaminated with blood.

It is difficult to predict the exact degree of risk of acquiring HIV following an exposure. The risk
depends on the type of exposure, the severity of the injury and the stage of illness of the HIV
positive patient.
To date, the risk of transmission with a percutaneous injury is estimated to be approximately 3/1000.
The possibility of HIV transmission occurring is highest when:
1. The injury is deep.

2. The injury involves a hollow bore needle (i.e., venipuncture needle).

3. There is visible blood on the device.
4. The device has been directly in the patient’s vein or artery.
5. The patient has a very high concentration of HIV in the blood.
The risk from mucous membrane or non-intact skin exposure would be approximately 1/1000.
How Can I Avoid Getting HIV?

Adherence to Standard Precautions reduces the risk of contracting HIV infection. A recent study
suggests that the rate of transmission of HIV could be reduced if you take special drugs within a few
hours of exposure.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO DO WHEN YOU ARE EXPOSED TO BLOOD OR BODY

FLUIDS
What Should I Do If I Am Exposed?
Following these simple steps when you are exposed to blood or body fluids at work will ensure that
you injury is treated efficiently.
1. Clean the injury site immediately by:

i) Flushing the exposed mucous membrane or eye well with water or saline solution
ii) Washing the exposed skin with water and soap or an antiseptic solution
iii) Encourage bleeding at the site of injury and then washing it well with soap and
water or an antiseptic solution.
2. Report your injury to your supervisor when it occurs.

Complete an Employee Incident Report Form. If possible, have it signed immediately by your
supervisor but do not delay treatment if your supervisor cannot be located.
3. Seek medical advices immediately after the injury occurs. You must be seen immediately
following your injury in case medication is necessary. Information about the patient involved
in your exposure may be needed.
Frequently you will not know the HIV or Hepatitis status of the patient at the time of your
injury. The manager responsible for you area will be asked to approach the patient to obtain
consent to draw blood for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. You will also have to have
baseline bloodwork done.
You will need to have the follow-up blood tests at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months if:
i) The patient is HIV or Hepatitis C positive.
ii) You do not know which patient was involved in you exposure (i.e., needle in a sharps
box)
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iii) The patient does not consent to be tested.
NOTE: The patient cannot be forced to have these tests done.
If you are not immune to Hepatitis B, you may require Hepatitis B Immune Globulin to
provide you with immediate short-term protection. A tetanus shot may also be required
if your tetanus vaccination is not up to date. Antiretroviral drugs may be prescribed to reduce
your chances of contracting HIV.
4. While you are awaiting test results, be sure to take the following precautions:
i) Abstain from sexual intercourse or use a latex condom with a non-petroleum lubricant
during sexual intercourse.
ii) Do not donate blood, plasma, organs, tissue or sperm.
iii) Do not share toothbrushes, razors or needles that may be contaminated with blood or
body fluids.
iv) Do not become pregnant.
v) Discontinue breastfeeding. Breast milk can be pumped and discarded until blood
results become available.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PEP
What Is PEP?
PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. This the name given to treatment with three drugs
following an exposure to blood or body fluids potentially infected with HIV.
What Are The Drugs And What Do We Know About Them?

The drugs involved are called Zidovudine (ZDV), Lamivudine (3TC) and Indinvir (Crizivan). These
three drugs are antiretroviral drugs which slow down the reproduction of the HIV virus. One case-
control study among health care workers taking ZDV after injury showed a decrease of
approximately 79% in the risk for HIV seroconversion after percutaneous exposure to HIV-infected
blood. Because there is some evidence indicating that the combination of 3TC and ZDV makes
them more effective, they are usually given together. Adding Indinavir, a powerful drug, provides
even greater activity against the HIV virus. Most of the information about the efficacy and toxicity
of these drugs is based on studies done on HIV positive patients. It is not certain to what extent this
information can be applied to health care workers receiving three-drug therapy.
How Long Will I Take These Drugs?
A 3-day supply of medication may be given to you while waiting for the patient’s blood result. If
the patient’s HIV test result is negative, medication may be discontinued immediately. If the result
is positive or the source blood is unknown, PEP is generally prescribed for a total of four weeks in
these cases.

What Testing Is Required Before I Start PEP?
Prior to starting PEP, baseline blood work will be done which includes CBC, ALT, AST, Bilirubin,
Creatinine, a urine test and a pregnancy test.
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Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Overview
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's

national hazard communication standard. The key elements of the system are
cautionary labelling of containers of WHMIS "controlled products", the provision of
material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education and training programs.
A Model of Federal, Provincial, Territorial Synchronization
WHMIS represents an excellent example of synchronization and cooperation amongst

the federal, provincial and territorial governments. This coordinated approach avoided
duplication, inefficiency through loss of scale and the interprovincial trade barriers that
would have been created had each province and territory established its own hazard
communication system. The federal Hazardous Products Act established the national
standard for chemical classification and hazard communication in Canada and is the
foundation for the workers' "right-to-know" legislation enacted in every province and
territory. A single national system for a mobile labour force also minimized confusion
and facilitated implementation of the system.
Public Engagement / Shared Responsibility
Consistent with this synchronized approach, the WHMIS initiative also represents an
excellent example of consensus-building public engagement. Industry, organized
labour and all governments actively participated in the development of WHMIS, and
this national program represents a consensus amongst stakeholders. The program, a
shared responsibility, continues to evolve through consensus.
A Federal, Provincial, Territorial Partnership
WHMIS is implemented through coordinated federal, provincial and territorial

legislation. Supplier labelling and MSDS requirements are set out under the federal
Hazardous Products Act and associated Controlled Products Regulations. All of the
provincial, territorial and federal agencies responsible for occupational safety and
health have established WHMIS employer requirements within their respective
jurisdictions. These requirements obligate employers to ensure that controlled
products used, stored, handled or disposed of in the workplace are properly labelled,
that MSDSs are made available to workers, and that workers receive education and
training to ensure the safe storage, handling, use and disposal of controlled products
in the workplace.
Government of Canada's role
The National Office of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

operates through Health Canada. The Office serves as the national coordinator for
the panoptic governance and administration of the WHMIS program in Canada. Also,
the Office is the national secretariat for this federal, provincial and territorial
government partnership program.
About WHMIS:
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is Canada's hazard

communication standard. The key elements of the system are cautionary labelling of
containers of WHMIS "controlled products", the provision of material safety data
sheets (MSDSs) and worker education programs.
WHMIS is implemented through coordinated federal, provincial and territorial

legislation. Supplier labelling and MSDS requirements are set out under the Hazardous
Products Act and associated Controlled Products Regulations. The Hazardous Products
Act and its regulations are administered by the Government of Canada Department of
Health, commonly referred to as Health Canada.
The Controlled Products Regulations establish a national standard for the

classification of hazardous workplace materials. In addition to setting out criteria for
biohazards, chemical and acute hazards, the regulations specify criteria for chronic
health hazards including mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, embryo and reproductive
toxicity, respiratory tract and skin sensitization.
Each of the thirteen provincial, territorial and federal agencies responsible for
occupational safety and health have established employer WHMIS requirements within
their respective jurisdiction. These requirements place an onus on employers to
ensure that controlled products used, stored, handled or disposed of in the workplace
are properly labelled, MSDSs are made available to workers, and workers receive
education and training to ensure the safe storage, handling and use of controlled
products in the workplace.
WHMIS balances workers' right-to-know with industry's right to protect confidential

business information and includes a mechanism for ruling on claims for exemption
from disclosure of confidential business information as well as appeals to these
rulings.
1. Overview of WHMIS
What is WHMIS?
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a Canada-wide

system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous
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materials used in the workplace. Under WHMIS, there are three ways in which
information on hazardous materials is to be provided:
1. labels on the containers of hazardous materials;

2. material safety data sheets to supplement the label with detailed hazard and
precautionary information; and
3. worker education programs.
The supplier of the hazardous material provides the labels and material safety data
sheets to the employer. The employer passes the information on to the worker and
provides education programs.
Why was WHMIS developed?
The purpose of WHMIS is to give all working Canadians a uniform and appropriate
quantity and quality of information about hazardous materials used in the workplace.
Many Canadian workers are exposed to hazardous materials on the job. In the past,
information about these materials has often been incomplete, inconsistent or not
available at all. This means that employers and workers were often unaware of the
hazards of a material in the workplace, and of the necessary handling precautions.
This lack of awareness can cause serious occupational illness and injury.
By setting standards for the type and amount of information to be given to the users
of hazardous materials, it is expected that accidents and diseases caused by
hazardous materials in the workplace will be reduced.
Who developed WHMIS?
WHMIS was developed jointly by labour, industry and federal, provincial and territorial
governments.
To what workplaces does WHMIS apply?
In Ontario, WHMIS applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Health and
Safety Act, and to all federal government workplaces.
To what hazardous materials does WHMIS apply?
WHMIS applies to hazardous materials known as controlled products. For more

information on what a controlled product is, see Chapter 3, under Classification.
How is WHMIS put into effect across Canada?
WHMIS is put into effect by a combination of federal and provincial laws.

Who enforces the WHMIS legislation?
In Ontario, both the federal and provincial WHMIS legislation is enforced by provincial
Ministry of Labour inspectors, except in federal government workplaces, where Labour
Canada inspectors enforce the legislation.
2. The WHMIS Legislation
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is implemented by a

combination of federal and provincial legislation. The main purpose of the federal
WHMIS legislation is to require the suppliers of hazardous materials used in the
workplace to provide health and safety information about their products as a condition
of sale. The main purpose of the provincial WHMIS legislation is to require employers
to obtain health and safety information about hazardous materials in the workplace
and to pass this information on to workers.
The Federal WHMIS Legislation
There are 5 pieces of federal legislation that implement WHMIS.
1. The Hazardous Products Act, which places duties on suppliers, who sell or
import a hazardous material for use in a workplace in Canada, to provide labels
and material safety data sheets to their customers.
2. The Controlled Products Regulation, passed on January 20, 1988, under the
authority of the Hazardous Products Act. This regulation defines what a
controlled product is, and also sets out in detail the information that the
supplier is required to put on a label and a material safety data sheet.
3. The Ingredient Disclosure List, issued on January 20, 1988, under the
Hazardous Products Act. This list contains the names of chemicals which must
be identified on a material safety data sheet, if they are ingredients of a
controlled product, and present above a specified concentration.
The Ingredient Disclosure List is not a finite list of chemicals to which WHMIS
applies. Although most of the chemicals on the list are controlled products,
WHMIS applies to many more chemicals than are on the list.
4. The Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, passed on June 30, 1987.
This Act establishes the Hazardous Materials Information Review
Commission, which is the federal agency that will rule on claims for exemption
from disclosing confidential business information. The Act also defines the type
of information that a supplier or employer may withhold from a label or material
safety data sheet.
5. The Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations passed on
January 20, 1988, under the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. This
regulation sets out the criteria that the Commission will use when assessing the
validity of a claim for exemption, and also sets out the fees to be paid when
filing a claim for exemption, or appealing a decision of the Commission.
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Ontario's WHMIS Legislation
There are 2 pieces of provincial legislation that implement WHMIS in Ontario:
1. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, which places duties on employers in
charge of workplaces where hazardous materials are used, to obtain labels and
material safety data sheets from their suppliers and to provide worker
education programs.
2. The WHMIS Regulation, Ontario Regulation 644/88 (now R.R.O. 1990,
Regulation 860), which came into effect on October 31, 1988. This regulation
sets out in detail the employer duties respecting labels, material safety data
sheets and worker education.
Ontario's WHMIS Regulation is based on a model regulation. All other provinces and
territories based their WHMIS regulations on the same model. This procedure was
followed in order to ensure consistency across Canada, of the provincial and territorial
WHMIS legislation.
Note:
The provincial WHMIS legislation does not apply to federal workplaces such as banks,
post offices and airports. Instead, certain sections of the Canada Labour Code and the
Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations implement WHMIS in federal
workplaces. These sections are not covered in this guide.
3. WHMIS and the Supplier
The duties of the supplier in order to comply with WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System) are set out in the federal Hazardous Products Act and
the Controlled Products Regulation. This chapter describes those duties, and where
applicable, references the relevant sections of the federal law. In this chapter, all
references:
 to "the Act" mean the Hazardous Products Act

 to "the regulation" mean the Controlled Products Regulation
More detailed information is available in a publication entitled WHMIS Core Material, A

Resource Manual for the Application and Implementation of WHMIS. It can be ordered
for $15.00 from:
Publications and Videos

Workers' Compensation Board of B.C. (www.worksafebc.com)
P.O. Box 5350 Stn. Terminal
Vancouver, BC
V6B 5L5
Telephone: (604) 276-3068

General Information
Who is a supplier?
A supplier is a person who manufactures, processes, packages, sells or imports a

hazardous material intended for use in the workplace.
What are the duties of a supplier?
A supplier has three duties.
1. To determine which hazardous materials intended for use in the workplace are
controlled products. This is the "classification" step.
2. To label all controlled products as a condition of sale [section 13(b) of the Act] or
importation [section 14(b) of the Act].
3. To provide material safety data sheets for controlled products as a condition of
sale [section 13(a) of the Act] or importation [section 14(a) of the Act].
Classification
What is a controlled product?
A controlled product is any product that can be included in any of the following 6
classes:
1. Class A Compressed Gas

2. Class B Flammable and Combustible Material
3. Class C Oxidizing Material
4. Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material
5. Class E Corrosive Material
6. Class F Dangerously Reactive Material
Two of the classes, Class B and Class D, are subdivided as follows:
 Class B Flammable and Combustible Material
Division 1 Flammable Gases

Division 2 Flammable Liquids
Division 3 Combustible Liquids
Division 4 Flammable Solids
Division 5 Flammable Aerosols
Division 6 Reactive Flammable Materials
 Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material
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Division 1 Material Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

Subdivision A Very Toxic Material
Subdivision B Toxic Material
Division 2 Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

Subdivision A Very Toxic Material
Subdivision B Toxic Material
Division 3 Biohazardous Infectious Material
How does a supplier determine if a product that he/she sells is a controlled product?
The supplier must refer to Part IV of the Controlled Products Regulation, [sections 32 -
66]. This part of the regulation has a very detailed definition, or criteria, for each
WHMIS class, division and subdivision. The supplier must compare the characteristics
or properties of the product in question, to the criteria in Part IV. If the properties of
the product meet the criteria for any of the classes, divisions or subdivisions, it is a
controlled product.
Is the supplier required to test a material to determine whether it is a controlled product?
To determine if a material is a controlled product, the supplier is allowed to use

someone else's test results on the material, or where appropriate, someone else's test
results on a material that has similar properties. However, if no test results on the
material or a material with similar properties are available, the supplier is required to
test it to determine if it falls into Classes A, B, C, E, or F.
The supplier is not required to test the material to determine if it falls into Class D,
even if no test data exist. To classify a material as belonging to Class D, the supplier
is allowed to use information that he/she is or ought to be aware of [section 33 of the
regulation].
The Supplier Label
What is a label?
A label can be any mark, sign, device, stamp, seal, sticker, ticket, tag or wrapper.

What information is the supplier required to put on a label?
Illustration 1: Supplier Label
There are 7 items of information that the supplier must put on the label of a controlled
product [section 19(1) of the regulation].
1. The name of the product, which can be any one of the chemical name,
common name, generic name or trade name.
If the name of the product is a trade secret, the supplier can use a code name
or code number to identify the product [section 19(2)(a) of the regulation].
2. The name of the supplier.
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3. A reference to a material safety data sheet, which is a statement alerting

the user of the controlled product that more information is available. Examples
include:
 See Material Safety Data Sheet, or
 Consult Material Safety Data Sheet.
Hazard symbol(s) as shown in Appendix I.
Each WHMIS class has a corresponding hazard symbol, except for Class D,
which has 3 hazard symbols, 1 for each of its Divisions.
In general, the label should include a hazard symbol for each WHMIS class that
the controlled product falls into. There is one exception to this general rule,
namely, when a controlled product falls into both Divisions 1 and 2 of Class D,
only the hazard symbol for Division 1 is required on the label [section 19(5) of
the regulation].
Risk phrases, which are short statements describing the hazardous properties
of a controlled product. Examples of risk phrases include:
 rapidly absorbed through skin,
 eye irritant,
 causes severe burns,
 explosive when dry,
 reacts violently with water.
The exact wording of the risk phrases is up to the supplier.
Precautionary measures, which are short statements describing the

precautions to be taken when handling a controlled product. Examples of
precautionary measures include:
 wear face protection,
 avoid prolonged contact with skin,
 store away from heat,
 when using, do not smoke, or
 keep container dry.
The exact wording of the precautionary measures is up to the supplier.
First aid measures, which are short statements describing the immediate
steps to be taken, either by the victim or by co-workers, when an accident with a
controlled product has occurred. The statements should be specific to the product.
First aid measures do not include additional steps to be taken only by a medical
professional.

Note:
If the container of the controlled product has a volume of 100 millilitres or less, the
supplier is allowed to make an abbreviated label that includes items 1 to 4 only
[section 19(1)(a) - (d) of the regulation].
What are the design requirements of the supplier label?
The design requirements of the supplier label concern language, a border, layout and
colour.
1. Language The supplier label must be in English and French. The supplier can
make one bilingual label or two separate labels, one in English and one in
French [section 24(3) of the regulation].
2. Border The supplier label must have a border, as shown in the sample supplier
label in Appendix II. The shape and slant of the hatch marks must be the same
as in the sample but the size and spacing of the marks can vary. The border
may be on the label or on the container. The border can be any colour that
contrasts with the background [section 20(a) of the regulation].
3. Layout Appendix II shows one of many acceptable formats for the supplier
label. As long as all the required information is present, the individual items
such as the product name, or the first aid measures, can be located anywhere
within the border.
There is no minimum or maximum size specified for the supplier label. There is
only a general requirement that the label be easily legible [section 21(1) of the
regulation].
4. Colour In addition to the requirement that the border be in a colour that

contrasts with the background, there is a requirement concerning the colour of
the hazard symbols. In general, hazard symbols on the label must be "in a
colour that is not likely to create confusion" with a safety mark required by
transportation of dangerous goods legislation [section 22(b) of the regulation]. For
an explanation of what this means, and the colours that are permitted for
hazard symbols, see Chapter 8.
Outer and Inner Containers
What are the duties of the supplier when labelling a controlled product that is packaged in outer
and inner containers (for example, a box containing 4 cans of a controlled product)?
As a general rule, every container must have a WHMIS supplier label; however there
are 4 exceptions. The supplier does not have to label:
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1. an inner container, if the outer container has a supplier label, and the supplier
has a written agreement with the employer that the employer will label the
inner container;
2. an inner container that is actually a package liner, for example, a plastic bag
used to contain powder in a box;
3. an outer container, if the label on the inner container can be seen and read
through the outer container, for example, inner containers shrink wrapped in
clear plastic; and
4. an outer container, if the outer container is labelled according to transportation
of dangerous goods legislation and all inner containers have WHMIS labels
[section 14 of the regulation].
Bulk Shipments
What is a bulk shipment?
"Bulk shipment" means a shipment of a controlled product that is contained without

intermediate packaging in
a. a vessel with a water capacity of more than 454 litres,

b. a freight container, a road vehicle, a railway vehicle, a portable tank, a freight
container carried on a road vehicle, railway vehicle, ship or aircraft, or a
portable tank carried on a road vehicle, railway vehicle, ship or aircraft,
c. the hold of a ship, or
d. a pipeline.
How should the supplier label a bulk shipment?
When a controlled product is shipped in bulk it is usually transported to a worksite and

then transferred to a storage container at the worksite. For the supplier to label the
container or vehicle in which the shipment is transported does not achieve the
purpose of providing a label for the controlled product once it is at the employer's
worksite. Therefore, for a controlled product that is shipped in bulk, the supplier can
provide the labelling information to the employer in any one of 3 ways [section 15(1)(a)
of the regulation].
1. The supplier can send a label with the shipping documents.

2. The supplier can send the labelling information in the form of a written
statement, for example, in a letter.
3. The supplier can add the labelling information to the material safety data sheet
for the controlled product.
If the supplier chooses option 2 or 3 above, are the hazard symbols required?
No. If the supplier sends the employer the labelling information in a written statement
or material safety data sheet, the hazard symbols can be replaced by a reference to
the Class, and where applicable the Division, into which the controlled product falls
[section 15(2) of the regulation].

Does the supplier have to send a label, or labelling information, with every bulk shipment of a
controlled product?
No. If the employer received the labelling information with an earlier shipment, and
that information is still current, the supplier is not required to send the labelling
information with subsequent bulk shipments [section 15(1)(b) of the regulation].
Note: This differs from the requirements for controlled products that are not
shipped in bulk, in which case labels are required on containers every
time the controlled product is sold.
The Supplier Material Safety Data Sheet
What is a material safety data sheet?
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a technical document or bulletin that

summarizes the health and safety information available about a controlled product. It
supplements the warning information on the label.
Note:
A supplier MSDS is not intended to provide all the information needed for the safe use
of a product. The way a controlled product is used, and consequently the hazard to
the worker, can vary from plant to plant. The supplier is not expected to anticipate
every required protective measure for every workplace to which the product is sold.
The employer, through the worker education program, is expected to tailor the
supplier's information to the conditions in the employer's workplace.
What information is required on a supplier MSDS?
A supplier MSDS must have at least 9 sections with the following or similar headings
[section 12 (1) and Schedule I of the regulation].
1. Product Information to identify the product, the supplier/manufacturer, and

to describe the use of the product.
2. Hazardous Ingredients to provide information on the name, concentration
and toxicity of each hazardous ingredient of a controlled product.
3. Physical Data which means information that describes the physical properties
of the product, such as whether the product is a solid, liquid or gas.
4. Fire or Explosion Hazard which includes information on how likely the
product is to ignite or explode under various conditions.
5. Reactivity Data to provide information on the chemical stability of the product,
and how likely it is to react with other chemicals.
6. Toxicological Properties to provide information on how the product enters
the body and what its short- and long-term health effects are.
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7. Preventive Measures to provide information on the measures to protect

worker health and safety during the transportation, storage, use and disposal of
the product, as well as emergency procedures.
8. First Aid Measures to provide information for the safe evacuation and
immediate treatment of anyone overexposed to a controlled product.
9. Preparation Information which means the name and phone number of the
person or group who prepared the MSDS, and the date of preparation.
Within these 9 sections, about 60 specific items of information must be included, if

available to the supplier and applicable to the controlled product [section 12(2) of the
regulation]. Appendix III shows the 9 sections of the supplier MSDS and the specific
information required in each section.
What is the required format of the supplier MSDS?
With a few exceptions, the supplier may adopt any format or design for the MSDS as
long as the 9 required sections are included. The following points summarize these
exceptions and give some general guidelines for completing the MSDS.
1. Each of the 9 sections must have a heading the same as or similar to the one
shown in Appendix III [section 12(l) of the regulation]. For example, the Product
Information section could be entitled Product Information or Product
Identification and Use.
2. Headings cannot be combined to form one heading. There must be 9 separate
headings. However, one heading may appear as a subheading under another
heading. For example, Fire or Explosion Hazard may appear as a subheading
under Physical Data.
3. The information items shown in Appendix III do not necessarily have to be in
the sections or categories shown, but can be put in other sections if it makes
sense to do so. For example, it would be acceptable to put the LD50 value for
the hazardous ingredients of a controlled product in the Hazardous Ingredients
section (as shown in Appendix III) or in the Toxicological Properties section.
However, it would not be appropriate to put conditions of flammability in the
Toxicological Properties section.
4. The name and concentration of hazardous ingredients must always appear in
the Hazardous Ingredients section as opposed to any other section on the
MSDS [section 12(3] of the regulation).
5. The name and phone number of the person or group who prepared the MSDS,
and the date of the MSDS must always appear in the Preparation Information
section [section 12(3) of the regulation].
6. It is not acceptable to replace a required heading with a variety of other
headings. For example, the supplier cannot replace the heading Preventive
Measures with the headings:
 Special Protection Information,
 Special Precautions, and
 Spill or Leak Procedures.
If for any of the 9 sections, none of the required information is available or
applicable, the MSDS must have the words "not available" or "not applicable", as the

case may be, under the section heading. The supplier is not permitted to leave a
section blank [section 12(6) of the regulation].
In addition to the information shown in Appendix III, is any other information required on the
supplier MSDS?
Yes. The MSDS must have any other hazard information about the controlled product
of which the supplier is aware or ought to be aware [section 12(11) of the regulation].
For the purpose of completing the MSDS, what is a hazardous ingredient?
A hazardous ingredient is any one of the following:
1. an ingredient that can be classified as a controlled product;

2. an ingredient that is on the Ingredient Disclosure List;
3. an ingredient for which the toxicological properties are unknown; or
4. an ingredient that the supplier has reasonable grounds to believe may be
harmful.
Are there any exemptions to the requirement to list the hazardous ingredients of a controlled
product on an MSDS?
Yes. There are 4 circumstances in which hazardous ingredients do not have to be

listed on the MSDS.
1. Concentration Cut-off A hazardous ingredient does not have to be listed on

the supplier MSDS if it is present below a concentration of
a. 0.1% and is a teratogen, embryotoxin, carcinogen, reproductive toxin,
respiratory tract sensitizer or mutagen*; or
b. 1%, unless it is on the Ingredient Disclosure List and the cut-off specified
in the list is 0.1% [section 4 of the regulation].
* These terms are defined in Part IV of the Controlled Products Regulation,

[sections 53-57].
2. Complex Mixtures Hazardous ingredients do not have to be listed on an MSDS

if the controlled product is a complex mixture and if the supplier discloses the
generic name of the complex mixture on the MSDS [section 5 of the regulation].
Turpentine and petroleum distillates are examples of complex mixtures. A

complex mixture contains many ingredients whose concentrations may vary
from batch to batch. In addition, a complex mixture
a. has a commonly known generic name;

b. is naturally occurring;
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c. is a fraction of a naturally occurring mixture that results from a

separation process; or
d. is a modification of such a mixture or fraction.
3. Research and Development Hazardous ingredients do not have to be listed

on an MSDS if the controlled product is actually a laboratory sample being
tested for research and development purposes, and if the generic chemical
identity of the ingredients is disclosed [section 9(2) of the regulation].
4. Confidential Business Information A hazardous ingredient does not have to
be listed on an MSDS if its identity is a valid trade secret.
Are disclaimer statements permitted on the supplier MSDS?
Yes, but only certain types of disclaimers. The regulation [section 25] does not allow
the use of disclaimers that contain information that is
a. not required, and

b. contradicts information that is required.
The purpose of this requirement is to prohibit the use of disclaimers that could
confuse the user about the hazardous properties of a product. For example, the
following disclaimer would not be permitted:
"Although this product meets the carcinogenicity criteria there is no substantial proof
that it causes cancer."
Examples of disclaimers that would be permitted are:
"The information contained herein is based on data considered accurate. However, no

warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the data or the results
obtained from the use thereof."
or
"This company assumes no responsibility for personal injury or property damage to

vendees, users or third parties caused by the material. Such vendees or users assume
all risks associated with the use of the material."
These disclaimers do not diminish the duty of the supplier to provide accurate
information.
Does the MSDS have to be updated?
Yes. The MSDS has to be updated if new information becomes available, for example,
as the result of further testing of the product [section 29(1) of the regulation]. The MSDS
should be updated as soon as reasonably practicable after the new information
becomes available.
If no new information becomes available in the 3 years after the MSDS was prepared,
the supplier has to review the MSDS to make sure the information is still accurate and
re-date the MSDS.
The supplier should provide the updated MSDS to customers buying the controlled
product after the change to the MSDS was made. The supplier is not required to send
the updated MSDS to previous customers [section 29(2) of the regulation].
What are the language requirements of the supplier MSDS?
The supplier MSDS must be available in French and English at the time of sale or
importation. There can be one bilingual document or separate French and English data
sheets [section 24(1) of the regulation].
Where 2 separate data sheets exist, the supplier does not have to send both to the
employer unless so requested. If no request is made, the supplier would send an
MSDS to the employer in the language normally used in the course of the business
transaction [section 24(2) of the regulation].
What is a generic MSDS and when is the supplier permitted to prepare one?
A generic MSDS is one that applies to a group of controlled products instead of just
one. Its use is permitted when the chemical composition of a group of controlled
products is similar, for example, a group of paints where the only difference between
products is the pigment used.
For any one product, if either the concentration of an ingredient or the hazard
information differs from that of other products in the group, these differences must be
disclosed on the MSDS.
A generic MSDS must include the names of all products to which it applies, exactly as
those names appear on the labels of the products [section 7 of the regulation].
Imported Controlled Products
What are the duties of the supplier respecting imported controlled products?
For an imported controlled product, the supplier (i.e. importer) must either prepare,
or if possible obtain from the off-shore source, a supplier label and MSDS on
importation [section 14 of the Act].
There is an exemption to this general requirement [section 23(1) of the regulation]. The
supplier does not have to provide a label or MSDS on importation if 2 conditions are
met:
1. the controlled product is to be labelled or repackaged in Canada; and
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2. the supplier provides certain information about the product, and where
requested a sample of the product, to an inspector in each province into which
the product is imported.
What information must the supplier provide to an inspector?
The supplier must provide an inspector with a written statement that has the following
information:
1. the intention to import the controlled product;

2. the name and type (for example, acid, base, biological hazard, flammable gas,
etc.) of controlled product;
3. the address of the workplace where the imported controlled product is to be
labelled or repackaged; and
4. the names of all provinces into which the controlled product is to be imported
[section 23(1)(a) of the regulation].
This written statement is valid for 3 years [section 23(2) of the regulation].
In addition to the written statement, the inspector also has the right to request the
following from the supplier:
1. a sample of the controlled product, on or before importation;

2. the dates and places of importation; and
3. the approximate quantity of the controlled product to be imported [section
23(1)(b) of the regulation].
The imported controlled product cannot be used or sold without a label or MSDS
[sections 23(3) and (4) of the regulation].
What are the labelling duties of the supplier if the imported controlled product is delivered
directly to the workplace of the buyer?
In general, the supplier is responsible for making sure that the controlled product is
labelled, before it is used by the buyer. There is one exemption to this general rule.
The supplier does not have to label the controlled product if he/she has a written
agreement with the buyer, that the buyer will apply a supplier label to the controlled
product [section 23(5) of the regulation].
Exemptions
Are there any exemptions from the federal WHMIS legislation?
Yes. The federal WHMIS legislation does not apply to the sale or importation of any
 restricted products when packaged as consumer products;

 explosives within the meaning of the Explosives Act;

 cosmetics, drugs, food and devices within the meaning of the Food and Drugs
Act;
 pest control products within the meaning of the Pest Control Products Act;
 prescribed substances within the meaning of the Nuclear Energy Act;
 wood or products made of wood;
 manufactured articles;
 tobacco or products made of tobacco;
 hazardous wastes.
What is a restricted product?
A restricted product is a product that is sold to the public but its sale is regulated by
the federal Hazardous Products Act. Paint stripper is an example of a restricted
product. It is sold to consumers but must be packaged and labelled according to
requirements set out in the Hazardous Products Act.
What does "packaged as a consumer product" mean?
A product is packaged as a consumer product when
1. it is in a container that is available for sale to the general public, and

2. it meets the labelling and other packaging requirements for consumer products
under the Hazardous Products Act.
What is a manufactured article?
A manufactured article is any article which meets three conditions:
1. it is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture;

2. its intended use when in that form depends in whole or in part on its shape or
design as manufactured;
3. under normal conditions of use it will not release or otherwise cause a person to
be exposed to a controlled product.
Note:
"Normal conditions of use" does not include the release of a controlled product during
the installation, maintenance or misuse of a manufactured article.
The following examples are given to further explain the exemption for manufactured
articles.
 Welding rods are not manufactured articles because, although formed to a

specific design, during use they release controlled products previously
contained in the rods.
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 Piping, whether made of mild, galvanized or stainless steel, is a manufactured

article because it does not release controlled products during its intended use of
conveying fluids from one point to another.
 Sheets of friction materials which contain asbestos and which are manufactured
with the intent of later being cut or shaped to form specific friction products are
not manufactured articles.
 Specific friction products which contain asbestos, such as brake shoes fitted
with pre-arced linings, disc brake pads and clutch friction plates are
manufactured articles. While workers may be exposed to asbestos fibres during
installation or maintenance of these articles, exposure is not likely during their
use for the purposes of braking or engaging moving parts.
 A cylinder produced for the purposes of containing acetylene is a manufactured
article. Once filled with acetylene, however, the cylinder is a container for a
controlled product and, when sold as such, must be provided with labels and
data sheets.
 A refrigerator is a manufactured article made up of various components
including a system for containing compressed gases. Unlike the compressed gas
cylinder, the refrigerator is not considered to be a container of a controlled
product.
4. WHMIS and the Employer
In Ontario, the duties of the employer in order to comply with WHMIS (Workplace
Hazardous Materials Information System) are set out in the Occupational Health and
Safety Act and the WHMIS Regulation. This chapter describes those duties and
where applicable, references the relevant sections of the provincial law. In this
chapter, all references to "the Act" mean Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety
Act, and all references to "the regulation" mean Ontario's WHMIS Regulation.
Earlier chapters of this guide state that the WHMIS legislation applies to products that
can be classified as "controlled products", and this is the term used throughout the
federal WHMIS legislation. Ontario's WHMIS legislation uses both the terms
"hazardous material" and "controlled product" to refer to products that are covered by
WHMIS. The term "hazardous material" is used in the Act, while the term "controlled
product" is used in the regulation. For the purpose of implementing WHMIS, these
terms mean the same thing.
General Information
What are the duties of an employer in charge of a worksite where controlled products are used?
An employer in charge of a worksite where controlled products are used has 3 duties:
1. to ensure that controlled products are labelled or identified,

2. to obtain material safety data sheets for controlled products, and

3. to educate workers.
Labelling and Information
The Supplier Label
What are the duties of the employer respecting the labelling of a controlled product
purchased from a supplier?
1. The employer must ensure that every container of a controlled product received
from a supplier has a supplier label [section 8(1) of the regulation].
A proper supplier label is shown in Appendix II.
2. The employer must also ensure that until the supplier container is empty, the
supplier label is not deliberately removed, destroyed or changed [section 37(2) of
the Act and section 8(2) of the regulation].
What should the employer do if the supplier has not provided an appropriate label for the
controlled product?
The employer is allowed to store a controlled product but not to use it until proper
labels are obtained [section 5(1) of the regulation].
The employer should notify the Ministry of Labour in writing, if after making
reasonable efforts such as telephoning and/or writing the supplier, he/she is unable to
obtain proper labels [section 37(4) of the Act].
What should the employer do if the supplier label is accidentally removed or destroyed?
The employer must replace the supplier label. To do this the employer has 2 choices.
1. The employer can use a new supplier label if extras are on hand. For example,
at the time of purchase the employer can ask the supplier to include some extra
labels with the shipment in case the employer has to replace any of the supplier
labels.
or
2. The employer can make a workplace label [section 8(3) of the regulation].
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The Workplace Label
What is a workplace label?
A workplace label is a label that the employer produces, for use in the employer's
workplace only, and that contains the following information:
1. the identity of the product;

2. information for the safe handling of the product; and
3. a statement that a material safety data sheet, if supplied or produced, is
available.
These requirements for the workplace label are very general, unlike the federal
requirements for the supplier label, which are very specific. The workplace label does
not require a border, hazard symbols or specific wording. However, in spite of the
flexibility given to the employer, there are some commonly understood expectations
as to what makes an acceptable workplace label.
First, in identifying the product, the workplace label must indicate one of the
following: the brand name, chemical name, common name, generic name, trade
name, code name or code number of the controlled product.
Second, "information for the safe handling of the product" means precautions that the
worker must take to minimize the risks of adverse health effects or physical injury.
These precautions can be conveyed by using pictures, words, symbols or any other
mode of communication. Whatever mode of communication is used, it must be
combined with worker education to ensure that the information on the workplace label
is understood.
Third, if a material safety data sheet is available for the controlled product, the
workplace label must say so. This material safety data sheet may be one provided by
the supplier of the product, or one prepared by the employer. Note that for some
controlled products, no data sheet will be available, for example, for the controlled
products referred to in Partial Exemptions. In such cases the workplace label does
not have to have any statement regarding a material safety data sheet.
METHANOL
FLAMMABLE—DO NOT USE NEAR AN OPEN FLAME OR PROCESSES THAT GENERATE

SPARKS
AVOID INHALING VAPOURS.
READ THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET BEFORE USING THIS COMPOUND

Decanted Controlled Products
What are the labelling requirements for a controlled product that is transferred from the supplier
container into another container?
In general, if a controlled product is transferred from the supplier container into

another container at the workplace, then the second container must have a workplace
label [section 10(1) of the regulation].
There are 2 instances when a controlled product can be transferred from a supplier
container to another container, and the second container will not require a workplace
label. This is the case when the second container is a portable one, and
1. the controlled product transferred into it is used immediately, in which case no label
or identification of any kind is required [section 10(2)(b) of the regulation];
or
2. all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) the controlled product is used only by the worker who filled the portable container;
(ii) the controlled product is used only during the shift in which the portable container
was filled; and
(iii) the contents of the portable container are identified [section 10(2)(a) of the
regulation].
To identify the contents of a portable container, as referred to in 2(iii) above, the

employer can use any means of identification. For example, colour coding, a chemical
formula, or a product name, would all be acceptable.
Outer and Inner Containers
What are the duties of the employer respecting the labelling of a controlled product that is
received in outer and inner containers (for example, a box containing 4 cans of a controlled
product)?
The duties of the employer depend upon whether the employer and supplier have a
written agreement that the employer will label inner containers of a multi-container
shipment. Under the federal Controlled Products Regulation, the supplier does not
have to label the inner containers of a multi-container shipment if two conditions are
met:
1. the outer container has a WHMIS label, and

2. the supplier has a written agreement with the employer, that the employer will
label the inner containers.
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Under Ontario's WHMIS Regulation, if the 2 conditions above apply, the employer is
required to fulfill his/her part of the agreement, and to label the inner containers of a
multi-container shipment with supplier labels [section 8(4) of the regulation].
It should be emphasized that the employer's duty to label inner containers only comes
into effect if a written agreement exists. The employer is under no obligation to have
such an agreement with the supplier.
(For a full explanation of the supplier's duties respecting the labelling of a controlled
product that is packaged in outer and inner containers, see Chapter 3 and [section 14
of the Controlled Products Regulation].
Imported Controlled Products
What are the duties of the employer respecting the labelling of imported controlled products?
The duties of the employer depend upon arrangements made between the employer
and the supplier/importer. In general, under the federal WHMIS legislation it is the
duty of the supplier/importer to provide a supplier label before the product can be sold
in Canada. However, there is an exception to this general requirement. The supplier
does not have to label an imported controlled product if 2 conditions are met:
1. the imported controlled product is shipped directly to the employer's workplace;

and
2. the supplier has a written agreement with the employer, that the employer will
label the controlled product.
Under Ontario's WHMIS Regulation, if the 2 conditions above apply, the employer is
required to fulfill his/her part of the written agreement, and to label the imported
controlled product with supplier labels [section 8(5) of the regulation].
It should be emphasized that the employer is under no obligation to have a written

agreement with the supplier.
Bulk Shipments
How should the employer label a controlled product that is received at the workplace as a bulk
shipment?
For a controlled product that is received at the workplace as a bulk shipment, the
employer is required to label the containers into which the shipment is off-loaded. The
employer can use either
a. a supplier label; or
b. a workplace label,
depending upon the way in which the supplier has provided the labelling information

Under the federal Controlled Products Regulation, the supplier can provide the
labelling information for a bulk shipment, in any one of 3 ways:
a. by sending a label with the shipping documents that accompany the bulk
shipment, or sending a label to the employer on or before receipt of the bulk
shipment;
b. by sending the required labelling information in the form of a written
statement; or
c. by adding the required labelling information to the material safety data sheet.
If (a) is the case, the employer would use the supplier label for the bulk shipment. If
(b) or (c) is the case, the employer would use the information provided by the
supplier to make a workplace label for the bulk shipment.
The employer will not receive a label or labelling information with every bulk shipment
of a controlled product. If the employer already has up-to-date labelling information,
for example, from a previous shipment, the supplier is not required to send the
labelling information with subsequent bulk shipments.
If the bulk shipment is not off-loaded into a container, the employer is permitted to
use a placard to identify the shipment. The placard must contain the information
normally required in a workplace label [section 12(a)(i) of the regulation].
Controlled Products Produced in the Workplace
What are the labelling requirements for a controlled product that is produced in the workplace,
rather than being purchased from a supplier?
The employer is required to make a workplace label for controlled products produced
in the workplace [section 9(1) of the regulation].
There is an exception to this general rule. A workplace label is not required on a

controlled product that the employer has produced if that controlled product is
packaged for sale, and is already, or is about to be, appropriately labelled. An
example would be a controlled product that is in a container, ready for sale or
distribution to retail outlets, and is appropriately labelled as a consumer product
In addition, no label or identification is required for a fugitive emission, or for a

controlled product that exists only as an intermediate and is undergoing further
reaction within a process or reaction vessel [section 1(2) of the regulation].
Note:
"Fugitive emission" refers to a small amount of a controlled product that is known to

escape from process equipment or from emission control equipment. It does not refer
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to an escaped amount that would require any type of containment or clean-up

measures to be taken.
How will the employer determine whether a chemical or biological agent produced in the
workplace is a controlled product?
1. To determine whether a material produced in the workplace, for further use in

that workplace, is a controlled product, the employer must go through the same
steps that a supplier goes through when classifying products intended for sale
to workplaces. The employer should first refer to Part IV of the federal
Controlled Products Regulation which sets out the criteria for the classification
of controlled products and then determine which of the materials produced in
the workplace meet any of the criteria [section 39(1) of the Act] and [section 3 of
the regulation].
Assistance to the employer to properly classify controlled products produced for

use in the workplace is available through private consultants and through the
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
2. In the Act and the WHMIS Regulation, the process of determining whether a
material produced in the workplace is a controlled product is called an
assessment. The assessment should be in writing and a copy made available to
workers as well as given to the joint health and safety committee if any, or a
worker representative [section 39(2) of the Act].
Some employers may be familiar with the term "assessment", if they are
subject to any of Ontario's designated substance regulations. The term has a
different meaning in the WHMIS legislation than in the designated substance
regulations. Under WHMIS, an assessment refers only to deciding whether a
product produced in the workplace is a controlled product. In the designated
substance regulations, an assessment refers to evaluating worker exposure to
the designated substance.
Controlled Products in Piping Systems
What are the identification requirements of controlled products in piping systems

and vessels?
When a controlled product is contained or transferred in,
a. a pipe,
b. a piping system including valves,
c. a process vessel,
d. a reaction vessel, or
e. a tank car, tank truck, ore car, conveyor belt or similar conveyance,
the employer can use any means to identify the controlled product. As long as the
means of identification is understood by the worker, such devices as warning signs,

symbols, piping diagrams or colour coding would all be acceptable [section 11 of the
regulation]. There is no requirement for a workplace label.
Notes:
1. The worker education program must explain the means of identification, as well
as procedures for the safe handling of controlled products contained in (a)
through (e).
2. Material safety data sheets are required for controlled products contained in (a)
through (e) unless the controlled product is an intermediate undergoing further
reaction.
Placard Identifiers
When is the employer permitted to use a placard instead of supplier or workplace

labels?
The employer is allowed to post a placard to meet the labelling requirements of these
regulations in three circumstances,
a. if the controlled product is not in a container,

b. if the controlled product is intended for export, or
c. if the controlled product is already packaged for sale or distribution, and the
containers will be appropriately labelled within the employer's normal course of
business, but not immediately.
The placard posted must contain the information normally required on a workplace
label, and be clearly visible and legible to workers [section 12 of the regulation].
Summary of Labelling Requirements
Laboratory Label
[1]
Supplier Label
Workplace Supply
Requirements Placard Sample
Label House
< 100 > 100 < 10
< 10
ml ml kg.
kg.
Product Identifier x x x x x x
Supplier Identifier x x x
MSDS Statement x x x x x
Hazard Symbol(s) x x
Risk Phrase(s) x x
Precautionary Measures x x
First Aid Measures x x
Safe Handling Info. x x
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Ingredients [2]
x
Hazard Statement [3]
x
Border x x x
Bilingual x x x x
[1]
See Chapter 6. Special Applications of WHMIS
[2]
Chemical identity or generic chemical identity, if known.
[3]
"Hazardous Laboratory Sample. For hazard information or in an emergency, call
(emergency number)."
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The Supplier MSDS
What are the duties of the employer regarding MSDSs for controlled products
purchased from a supplier?
An employer who buys a controlled product is required to obtain an unexpired MSDS
from the supplier on or before the first shipment [section 37(1)(b) of the Act] and
"Unexpired" means dated within the last 3 years [section 37(5) of the Act].
What should the employer do if he/she is unable to obtain a supplier MSDS?

The employer is allowed to store the controlled product but not to use it until an MSDS
is obtained [section 5(1) of the regulation].
The employer should notify the Ministry of Labour in writing, if after making
reasonable efforts, he/she is unable to obtain an MSDS on or before the first shipment
[section 37(4) of the Act].
What should the employer do when the supplier MSDS has expired?
If the employer has a supplier MSDS that has expired, that is, is more than 3 years
old, but the controlled product is still used in the workplace, the employer is obligated
to try and obtain a current data sheet from the supplier [section 17(3) of the regulation].
The obligation is on the employer to ensure the currency of the data sheet, because
under the federal Controlled Products Regulation, the supplier is not obligated to
send an updated or revised data sheet to previous customers.
It is recognized that at times an employer may not be able to obtain an up-to-date

supplier material safety data sheet. This may be the case, for example, if the supplier

has gone out of business or if the supplier no longer produces the material in
question. In such cases, the employer is expected to make reasonable efforts to
update the data sheet him/herself. Reasonable efforts mean, for example, consulting
the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for assistance.
It may be that the CCOHS already has an updated data sheet for that controlled
product on file. The employer would only be responsible for adding new hazard
information on the ingredients already listed in the expired data sheet [section 17(4) of
the regulation].
Can the employer provide workers with an MSDS other than the supplier's MSDS?
Yes. The employer is allowed to provide workers with an MSDS that has a different
format than the supplier's MSDS on 2 conditions:
1. that except for trade secret information, the MSDS provided by the employer
does not contain less information than the supplier's MSDS; and
2. that the supplier's MSDS is available at the workplace and the data sheet
provided by the employer states that fact [section 17(5) of the regulation].
The Employer MSDS
What are the duties of the employer respecting MSDSs for a controlled product
produced in the workplace rather than purchased from a supplier?
The employer is required to prepare material safety data sheets for controlled
products that are produced in the workplace, rather than purchased from a supplier
The employer is required to disclose the same information on a workplace data sheet,
that the supplier is required to disclose on a supplier data sheet [section 18(3) of the
regulation]. In addition, the employer is required to disclose, upon request, the source
of any toxicological data used to prepare the MSDS. The parties that can request the
employer to disclose the source of toxicological data include an inspector, a worker, a
member of the joint health and safety committee, a health and safety representative,
or a worker representative [section 25 of the regulation]. The employer can withhold the
source of toxicological data if such information is a valid trade secret.
The employer is required to update the workplace data sheet every three years,
unless new hazard information becomes available, in which case the data sheet must
be updated within 90 days of the new information becoming available [section 18(4) of
the regulation].
The employer is not required to prepare a data sheet for a fugitive emission, or for a
controlled product that exists only as an intermediate, and is undergoing further
reaction within a process or reaction vessel [section 1(2) of the regulation].
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Availability of MSDSs
What are the employer's duties respecting availability or distribution of MSDSs at

the workplace?
The employer is required to make copies of MSDSs readily available to workers, and to
the joint health and safety committee, if any, or to a health and safety representative,
if any [sections 38(1)(a) and (b) of the Act].
As a rule, readily available means located close to the workers, in a physical copy
form (i.e. printed on paper), and accessible to workers during each shift. It would not
be acceptable, for example, to keep data sheets in an office that is remote from the
shop floor, or that is locked during the night shift.
Can the employer make MSDSs available on a computer terminal?

Yes. The employer is permitted to make data sheets available to workers by means of
a computer terminal, if the employer,
a. takes all reasonable steps to keep the computer terminal in working order;
b. provides a paper copy of the MSDS if requested by an employee; and
c. provides training on how to access computer-stored data sheets, to all workers
working with or in proximity to controlled products, and to members of the joint
health and safety committee or a health and safety representative [section 38
(5) of the Act].
Note: When an employer makes MSDSs available on a computer terminal, this is

considered to be in addition to having a paper copy of each MSDS on hand at the
workplace.
Worker Education
The employer has a general duty to educate workers who are exposed or likely to be
exposed to a controlled product on the job [section 42(1) of the Act].
In addition, the employer is obligated to consult the joint health and safety committee
if there is one, or a worker health and safety representative, about the content and
delivery of the education program [section 42(2) of the Act].
What information should the employer provide to workers?

If the controlled product is purchased from a supplier, the employer should inform the
worker about all hazard information received from the supplier. In general, this means
the information provided on supplier labels and data sheets, but it can also include
other information such as letters from the supplier in response to inquiries from the
employer. The employer should also pass on to workers any other hazard information
that the employer is or ought to be aware of [section 6(1) of the regulation].

If the controlled product is produced in the workplace, the employer should inform the
workers about all hazard information of which the employer is aware, or ought to be
aware [section 6(2) of the regulation].
What does "information the employer ought to be aware of" mean?

For the purpose of interpreting what information the employer "ought to be aware of",
the following are considered to be sources of occupational health and safety
information that the employer should know about:
 publications and computerized information available from the Canadian Centre

for Occupational Health and Safety;
 publications available from industry or trade associations of which the employer
is a member and from labour organization(s) representing workers at the
workplace; and
 publications from the Ontario Ministry of Labour.
It is not expected that the employer would have to consult all of the above sources,
nor is the employer limited to the above.
What specific topics or areas must be covered in a worker education program?

The worker education program must cover the following 6 areas [section 7(1) of the
regulation]:
1. labels–the information required, the purpose of the information and the

significance of the information;
2. modes of identification when used at the workplace instead of labels;
3. MSDSs–the information required, the purpose of the information and the
significance of the information;
4. procedures for the safe use, storage, handling and disposal of a controlled
product, including a controlled product in a piping system or vessel;
5. procedures to be followed where fugitive emissions are present; and
6. procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving a controlled
product.
Does the education program have to include instruction on every controlled

product in the workplace?
No. Under the WHMIS Regulation, so-called "generic instruction" is permitted. Generic
instruction refers to the instruction of workers without reference to specific controlled
products or workplaces.
Generic instruction is acceptable in the following cases:
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a. instruction in the content required on supplier labels, workplace labels and

material safety data sheets;
b. instruction in how WHMIS works;
c. instruction in the hazards of a group of products which have similar properties
and for which it is acceptable to use a generic material safety data sheet,
provided there is instruction in hazards peculiar to any one product in the
group;
d. instruction in work procedures for a group of products if the procedures are
basically the same for all the products in the group;
e. instruction in work procedures that apply to a variety of worksites if the work
procedures are basically the same at each site; and
f. preliminary stages of instruction in a multi-stage instruction program. For
example, a construction industry education program might involve initial
generic instruction of workers in trade schools or through programs provided by
construction industry health and safety organizations, followed by on-site
instruction in specific product hazards and procedures through extended tool-
box meetings and the like.
Who needs to be educated?

The law requires that the employer educate "a worker exposed or likely to be
exposed" to a controlled product [section 42(1) of the Act]. The phrase "a worker
exposed or likely to be exposed" is open to interpretation and may cause problems for
the workplace parties and for regulators when determining the actual number of
workers to be educated.
The following points are suggested as guidelines when determining who needs to be
educated.
1. An "exposed worker" is any worker who stores, handles, uses or disposes of a

controlled product, or who supervises another worker performing these
activities.
2. A worker "likely to be exposed" is any worker who could be at risk during:
 the storage, handling, use or disposal of a controlled product;
 maintenance operations; or
 emergencies, such as an accidental leak or spill.
The following examples are also offered to help employers determine the scope of
their worker education programs.
Examples
1. Bulk quantities of chlorine are piped above ground from the receiving point at a
pulp and paper mill to a storage location on site for use as a bleaching agent.
Education about the hazards of chlorine will be required for all workers at the
plant, at minimum, for the purposes of emergency evacuation.
2. A container of benzene is received at a hospital for transfer to and use in a
laboratory. Instruction on the product will be required for the shipper/receiver,

the worker who takes the container to the laboratory, lab personnel who
handle, store or use the product, workers responsible in event of an emergency
with the product and appropriate supervisors.
3. Boxes of welding rods are received at an auto manufacturing plant that employs
six hundred workers for use by five welders in an assembly area. No workers
other than the welders are likely to be exposed to welding fumes. Instruction
will be required only for the five welders and appropriate supervisors (and for
first aid personnel if exposure could produce acute ill health effects).
4. In a retail store, education must be provided to those workers who routinely
handle large quantities of controlled and consumer products, and who may be
exposed as the result of a spill or other accident (e.g., warehouse staff).
After a worker has completed the education program, is any follow-up required?
Yes. The employer is expected to try and ensure that the worker has understood the
training material, and is able to put into practice, on the job, what he/she has learned.
It is left to the individual employer to devise the means to ascertain that a worker has
been properly trained. For example, the employer may ask the worker to take some
form of written or oral test, or to participate in a practical demonstration [section 7(3)
of the regulation].
In the regulation, the phrase "so far as is reasonably practicable", has been included
with respect to the above employer duty. It has been included in recognition of the
fact that there will be cases when the employer will have difficulty ascertaining what
workers have learned, because of language or literacy problems in the workforce.
After the education program has been developed, is any follow-up of the program
required?
Yes. The employer must review the education program at least once a year, or more
often if:
 conditions at the workplace change; or

 new information on a controlled product becomes available.
The review must take place in consultation with the joint health and safety committee,
if any, or the worker health and safety representative, if any. There are a variety of
means of demonstrating that reviews have been conducted as required by law; for
example, through the minutes of a health and safety committee meeting.
The requirement for a review of the education program does not necessarily mean the
retraining of workers. The review is meant to identify whether updating of the
education program and retraining of workers are necessary.
An example of a case where retraining of workers is not necessary is as follows:
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An updated material safety data sheet received at the workplace provides new hazard
information. Management and the health and safety committee conclude that existing
control procedures provide adequate protection against the newly identified hazard.
After a review of the education program, it is decided that the new information can be
adequately communicated by posting a copy of the revised data sheet on the staff
notice board and making announcements at tool-box meetings.
Is the employer required to pay workers for time spent in worker education
programs?
This issue is not restricted to WHMIS, nor is it directly addressed in any of the WHMIS
legislation. It is the Ministry of Labour's position that time spent at training sessions
should be considered work time, and that therefore workers should be paid at the
regular or premium rate in accordance with their collective agreement, if any, or the
Employment Standards Act.
Exemptions
Are there any exemptions from Ontario's WHMIS legislation?
Yes. The application of Ontario's WHMIS Regulation is related to the exemptions in the
federal WHMIS legislation.
1. Complete Exemption Ontario's WHMIS legislation does not apply to a

controlled product that is [section 4(3) of the regulation]:
a. wood or a product made of wood;
b. tobacco or a product made of tobacco;
c. a manufactured article; or
d. being transported or handled pursuant to the requirements of the
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.
2. Partial Exemption The WHMIS Regulation has limited application to a
controlled product that is [section 4(2) of the regulation]:
a. an explosive within the meaning of the Explosives Act;
b. a cosmetic, device, drug or food within the meaning of the Food and
Drugs Act;
c. a control product within the meaning of the Pest Control Products Act;
d. a prescribed substance within the meaning of the Nuclear Energy Act;
or
e. a material that is packaged as a consumer product and in quantities
normally used by the consuming public.
The employer is not required to obtain a supplier label or any material safety
data sheet if any of the above are used in the workplace.
The employer is required to ensure that the above are labelled with a label that
meets the requirements of a workplace label. In most cases, the existing label
on the product will meet these requirements. The employer is also required to
provide worker training respecting these products. In many cases, the training

will be limited to ensuring that workers understand the information on the

existing product label.
3. Hazardous Waste The WHMIS Regulation has limited application to hazardous

waste. Where hazardous waste is generated in the workplace, and stored on
site before disposal, the employer is expected to identify all containers of
hazardous waste, and to train any workers who may be exposed to the
hazardous waste, regarding its safe storage and handling [section 4(4) of the
regulation].
Any means of container identification would be considered acceptable, as long

as it is understood by the workers. Examples include:
1. colour coding of hazardous waste containers (in combination with

education to ensure that workers will recognize the meaning of the
colour);
2. a warning sign with the words, "Caution–Hazardous Waste"; and
3. a warning sign with a picture that conveys the appropriate message.
The employer is not required to provide a workplace label or a material safety

data sheet for containers of hazardous waste.
5. WHMIS and the Worker
Worker Rights
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) gives workers the right
to know about the hazardous materials they are exposed to on the job. This includes
the right to review labels and MSDSs, and to receive instruction and training. Workers
also have the right to be consulted regarding the development and implementation of
the instruction and training. This means that workers have the right to be included in
discussions of the content of the program, the amount of training, who is to receive
what training, who delivers the training, etc. While the Occupational Health and
Safety Act does not require workers, or give them the right, to actually do the
training, the Ministry of Labour regards the principle of workers training other workers
as a good one, which should be encouraged where appropriate.
Worker Responsibilities
Neither the Occupational Health and Safety Act nor the WHMIS Regulation places
direct duties on the worker regarding the implementation of WHMIS. However, the
general duties of the worker as originally set out in the Act [section 28] are very
important to the successful implementation of WHMIS. One of these duties is the duty
of the worker to report to the employer any violation of the Act or regulations. With
respect to implementing WHMIS, the worker should inform the employer if the worker
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does not have the proper information on a controlled product. For example, the
worker would report the absence of an MSDS for a new product, or the fact that a
label had become illegible.
6. Special Applications of WHMIS
Laboratories
This section describes the application of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials

Information System) to laboratories. Laboratories are treated separately in this guide
because both the federal Controlled Products Regulation (CPR) and Ontario's
WHMIS Regulation (Ont. Reg.) have sections that apply only to labs and not other
workplaces.
Controlled Products from Laboratory Supply Houses
Is a full supplier label, as shown in Appendix II, required on a controlled product sold to a
laboratory?
Not necessarily. A full supplier label is not required on a controlled product that meets
the following 3 conditions [section 17(a) of the CPR]:
1. the product comes from a laboratory supply house;

2. the product is intended for use in a laboratory; and
3. individual containers of the product hold less than 10 kilograms.
Instead, the supplier is permitted to apply a label that
1. identifies the product;

2. gives the appropriate risk phrases, handling precautions and first aid measures;
and
3. indicates that an MSDS is available, if there is one.
This label does not require a border, hazard symbols or a supplier identifier [sections
17(b) and 20(2) of the CPR].
Where the supplier does not have to provide a full supplier label for a controlled
product sold to a lab, the employer does not have to obtain a full supplier label
[section 13 of Ont. Reg.].
What are the labelling requirements if a controlled product from a laboratory supply house is
transferred from its original container to another container?
No label is required but the second container must be identified through a combination
of any means of identification and worker education. The combination of identification
and education used should enable lab employees to identify the product in the second
container and know where to obtain more information about the product if needed

Is an MSDS required for a controlled product sold to a laboratory?
The supplier does not have to provide an MSDS if all of the following conditions are
met [section 10 of the CPR]:
1. the product has a label that contains all the information that would be required
on the MSDS for that product;
2. the product comes from a laboratory supply house;
3. the product is intended for use in a lab; and
4. individual containers of the product hold less than 10 kilograms.
Where the supplier does not have to provide an MSDS for a controlled product sold to
a lab, the employer does not have to obtain one [section 17(6) of Ont. Reg.].
Laboratory Samples of Controlled Products
The requirements respecting a laboratory sample of a controlled product depend upon

whether the sample is sent off the workplace premises to an independent lab for
testing, or whether the sample is tested in an in-house laboratory that is part of the
same company or organization from which the lab sample originates.
If the sample is sent to an independent lab for testing, the requirements of the
Controlled Products Regulation apply to the supplier of the sample and the
requirements of Ontario's WHMIS Regulation apply to the receiver of the sample (i.e.,
the employer).
If the sample is tested in an in-house lab, only the requirements of Ontario's WHMIS
Regulation apply.
What is a laboratory sample?
A "laboratory sample" is a sample of a controlled product that is intended solely to be

tested in a laboratory for purposes such as routine analysis, research and
development, etc. It does not include a controlled product that is to be used,
 for testing other products, materials or substances, or

 for educational or demonstration purposes.
Is a full supplier label required on a laboratory sample sent to an independent lab?
Not necessarily. A full supplier label is not required on a lab sample if the following
conditions are met [section 16(a) of the CPR]:
1. no MSDS is available for the controlled product from which the sample was
taken; and
2. the sample of controlled product is less than 10 kilograms.
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Instead, the supplier is allowed to apply a label to the lab sample that [section 16(b) of
the CPR]:
1. identifies the product;

2. identifies the supplier;
3. gives the chemical identity, or generic chemical identity of any hazardous
ingredients, if known;
4. includes the statement "Hazardous Laboratory Sample" and a telephone
number to be called for more information or for emergency purposes; and
5. has a border as shown in Appendix II.
Where the supplier does not have to provide a full supplier label for a lab sample, the
employer is not required to obtain one [section 14 of Ont. Reg.].
Is an MSDS required for a lab sample sent to an independent lab?
The supplier is not required to provide an MSDS for a lab sample if the following
conditions are met [section 9(l) of the CPR]:
1. no MSDS is available for the controlled product from which the sample was
taken;
2. the sample is less than 10 kilograms; and
3. the sample has a label that meets the requirements of the Controlled Products
Regulation [section 16(b) of the CPR], as outlined in the answer to the previous
question.
What type of label is required on a lab sample tested in an in-house lab?
No label is required but the lab sample must be identified by a combination of any
means of identification and worker education. The combination of identification and
education used should enable lab employees handling the sample to identify it, to
identify its ingredients and to know where to get more information about the sample if
needed [section 15 of Ont. Reg.].
Is an MSDS required for a lab sample that is tested in an in-house lab?
No [section 18(2) of Ont. Reg.].
What type of label is required if a lab sample received from a supplier is transferred from its
original container to another container?
No label is required, but the second container must be identified through a

combination of any means of identification and worker education. The combination of
identification and education used should enable lab employees handling the sample to
identify it, to identify its ingredients and to know where to get more information about
the sample if needed [section 15 of Ont. Reg.].

Controlled Products Produced in the Laboratory
What requirements apply to a controlled product that is produced in the lab and intended for
regular use in the lab, for example, a reagent used in routine testing?
The employer is required to make a workplace label and an MSDS for a controlled
product produced for use in the lab [sections 9(1) and 18(1) of Ont. Reg.]. These
requirements are identical to the requirements for controlled products produced in
non-laboratory workplaces.
These requirements are intended to apply to a controlled product whose properties

and attendant hazards are sufficiently different from those of its parent compounds
that the new product warrants such treatment.
These requirements are not intended to apply to a controlled product that is, for
example, a dilution. The hazardous properties of the dilute solution would be
sufficiently similar to the parent compound that the dilution could be treated as a
decanted controlled product (i.e., identification plus education). Any variation in
degree of hazard between the dilution and the parent compound could be explained in
the worker education program.
What requirements apply to a controlled product that is produced in the lab for research and
development purposes?
Neither a workplace label nor an MSDS is required for a controlled product that is
produced in a lab for research and development purposes, and that will not be
removed from the lab. Instead the employer is permitted to use any combination of
identification and education that enables workers to identify the product and obtain
such information as is needed for the safe use, storage and handling of the product
Construction Projects
This section describes the application of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials

Information System) to construction projects. Unlike the previous section on labs,
there are no requirements in the WHMIS legislation [R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 860] that apply
only to construction projects. However, they are still treated separately in this guide
because there are differences between construction projects and other workplaces
that affect the division of employer responsibilities. Specifically, a construction project
may be a multi-employer site. The constructor is an employer, but so is every
contractor or sub-contractor associated with a building trade, such as the employer of
the electricians, the employer of the painters, etc.
The information in this section has been prepared in consultation with the Ontario
Construction Industry's Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee. It is
intended to clarify the responsibilities of the constructor, who is the "employer" with
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respect to the whole project, and the responsibilities of the contractor or sub-
contractor who employs a group of tradespeople who may be on site for only part of
the duration of the entire project.
What are the responsibilities of the contractor or sub-contractor on a construction project?
1. To ensure that any controlled product brought on site by the contractor or sub-
contractor is labelled.
2. To maintain and make available to workers, MSDSs for controlled products
brought on site by the contractor or sub-contractor.
3. To give the constructor copies of all MSDSs for controlled products brought on
site by the contractor or sub-contractor.
4. To train own workers about WHMIS, and about the controlled products that
they use on site.
5. To inform other contractors, sub-contractors and workers who may be affected
by the controlled products that the contractor or sub-contractor brings on site.
6. To inform the constructor of WHMIS-related conflicts among contractors or sub-
contractors on the project.
Responsibilities 3, 5 and 6 above are not in the WHMIS legislation. They are
suggested here as important to the successful implementation of WHMIS on
construction projects, and may be considered to fall under the employer's general
duty in the Occupational Health and Safety Act to take every precaution reasonable
in the circumstances for the protection of a worker [section 25(2)(h)].
What are the responsibilities of the constructor?
1. To ensure that all controlled products on the project are labelled.

2. To maintain and make available to workers, copies of all MSDSs received from
contractors and subcontractors at the project.
3. To train own workers about WHMIS and about the controlled products that the
constructor brings on site.
4. To resolve any WHMIS-related conflicts among contractors and sub-contractors
on site.
Responsibility 4 is not in the WHMIS legislation but is suggested as important to the

successful implementation of WHMIS on construction projects. It may be considered
to fall under the employer's general duty in the Occupational Health and Safety Act to
take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker
[section 25(2)(h)].
If a construction project is being carried out in an operating workplace (e.g. renovation to an

existing plant) what are the responsibilities of the constructor and the client (i.e. the employer at
the workplace)?
1. The client should give the constructor copies of MSDSs for any controlled
products in the client's workplace that the constructor's workers may be
exposed to.

2. The constructor should ensure that all controlled products brought into the
client's workplace by the constructor are labelled.
3. The constructor should give the client copies of MSDSs for all controlled
products that the constructor brings into the client's workplace.
4. The constructor must train his/her own workers respecting the controlled
products used on the construction project, and the controlled products likely to
be encountered in the client's workplace.
Note:
In some cases the constructor and the client may be one and the same.
What training programs on WHMIS are available to people in construction?
The Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) offers 2 training programs on

WHMIS. One is 5-8 hours in duration, and provides basic training for anyone in the
construction industry. Wallet cards are issued to those who satisfactorily complete the
performance reviews.
The second program is a 3-day workshop intended to provide the participants with a
better understanding of the WHMIS program, and the training materials and support
systems so that they can, in turn, train others. A certificate and wallet card are
provided for successful completion of the workshops.
CSAO also provides educational materials to those who wish to develop or conduct
their own training, or to workers who wish to expand their knowledge on an individual
basis.
For more information on these WHMIS training programs contact the CSAO
(www.csao.org) at 416-674-2726 or 1-800-781-2726.
How does WHMIS apply to construction materials such as sand, gravel or limestone?
The application of WHMIS to materials like sand, gravel and limestone is a special one.
These materials meet the definition of a controlled product because of their silica
content; however, because of their physical size and shape, they are not necessarily
hazardous to worker health. For example, aggregate that is piled on a construction
site or used in road building is not likely to endanger worker health or safety. On the
other hand, aggregate that is being crushed and sized for use as an abrasive cleaner
could endanger worker health because of the dust released during the processing of
the aggregate.
Neither the federal nor provincial WHMIS legislation specifically addresses materials
such as sand or gravel, which may or may not be hazardous depending upon the
circumstances. It is therefore the policy of the regulators that the WHMIS
requirements (labels, MSDSs and training) will apply only when such materials are
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packaged or processed for a specific purpose as described above, and there is a

likelihood of endangerment to worker health or safety.
7. Confidential Business Information
Confidential business information is protected under WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous

Materials Information System) Both the supplier and employer can file a claim to be
exempted from disclosing information normally required on a label or MSDS. The
requirements respecting confidential business information are spread among several
pieces of legislation:
 the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA);

 the Hazardous Materials Information Review Regulations (HMIRR);
 the Controlled Products Regulation (CPR);
 the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA);
 and the Ontario WHMIS Regulation (Ont. Reg.).
This chapter provides an overview of the WHMIS requirements respecting confidential

business information. More detailed information is available in the WHMIS Core
Material, or from the
Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission

427 Laurier Avenue West, 7th Floor
Ottawa, ON
K1A 1M3
Telephone: 613-993-4331
Fax: 613-993-4686
Claims for Exemptions
What is confidential business information?
Confidential business information means technical information on a product or its

manufacturing process that has economic value and that is usually known only to the
producer.
What information can the supplier claim as confidential business information?
The supplier can claim 2 pieces of information [section 11(1) HMIRA]:
1. the chemical identity or concentration of any ingredient of a controlled product;

and
2. the name of any toxicological study that identifies any ingredient of a controlled
product.

What information can the employer claim as confidential business information?
The employer can claim 4 pieces of information [section 20 Ont. Reg.]:
1. the chemical identity or concentration of any ingredient of a controlled product;

2. the name of any toxicological study that identifies any ingredient of a controlled
product;
3. the name of a controlled product; and
4. the name of a supplier.
Who decides if a claim for exemption is valid?
The Hazardous Materials Information Review Commission decides whether a

claim for exemption is valid, and whether the proposed label and MSDS for the
controlled product meet WHMIS requirements. The Commission is a federal agency
reporting to the Minister of Health.
What steps should a claimant (i.e. a supplier or employer) take in order to file a claim?
1. Obtain and fill out a Claim for Exemption form. The form and instructions for
filling it out are available from the Commission and the Ministry of Labour. The
form includes a section where the information that is being claimed as
confidential must be disclosed.
2. Calculate the fee for filing the claim and make out a certified cheque or money
order in Canadian funds for the appropriate amount, payable to the Receiver
General of Canada.
3. Make a copy of the label and MSDS for the controlled product in question (or
submit originals).
4. Send the completed claim, the fee and the proposed label and MSDS by
registered mail, or deliver in person, to the Commission [section 9 HMIRR].
What does the Commission do upon receiving the claim?
The Commission
1. gives the claimant a registry number;

2. publishes a notice in the Canada Gazette that a claim has been filed;
3. waits for written submissions from affected parties in response to the notice in
the Canada Gazette;
4. reviews the claim and rules on its validity;
5. reviews the product label and MSDS to ensure that the health and safety
information provided meets WHMIS requirements;
6. notifies the claimant, affected parties who made written submissions and
enforcement agencies whether the claim has been accepted or rejected; and
7. publishes the decision in the Canada Gazette.
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What factors are taken into account when deciding upon the validity of a claim?
The Commission must take the following factors into account [section 3 HMIRR and
section 21 Ont. Reg.]:
1. the number of people other than the claimant who know the information;
2. the measures taken by the claimant to protect the confidentiality of the
information;
3. the economic value (actual or potential) of the information to the claimant;
4. the economic value of the information to the claimant's competitors; and
5. the amount of money and other resources invested by the claimant in order to
develop the information.
Information on the above 5 factors must be provided by the claimant as part of the
Claim for Exemption form [section 8 HMIRR].
Can a supplier sell a controlled product for which a claim is pending?
Yes. A supplier can sell or import a controlled product for which a claim has been filed,
while withholding the information considered confidential, as long as the MSDS, and
where applicable, the label, show the date the claim was filed and the registry number
assigned to the claim [section 26(1) CPR].
The same requirements apply to an employer wishing to use a controlled product for
which a claim has been filed [section 22(1) Ont. Reg.].
What must a claimant do if the claim for exemption is granted?
The claimant is required to revise the MSDS, and where applicable, the label, to
include:
1. a statement that an exemption has been granted;

2. the date of the decision granting the exemption; and
3. the registry number assigned to the claim.
If the claimant is an employer, these requirements are in the Ontario Regulation,

[section 23]. If the claimant is a supplier, these requirements are in the CPR, [section
27].
What can a claimant do if the claim for exemption is rejected?
A claimant has 3 options:
1. accept the decision of the Commission and revise the MSDS, and where
applicable, the label, to include the confidential business information that was
the subject of the claim;
2. appeal the decision of the Commission; or

3. withdraw the product in question from the market without revealing the
information considered confidential.
Can confidential business information be revealed?
Yes, in 2 circumstances. First, in an emergency, suppliers and employers must provide

any information they have about a controlled product, including confidential business
information, if a medical professional asks for that information in order to make a
diagnosis or give treatment [section 30(1) CPR and section 24 Ont. Reg.].
Second, certain government officials have access to confidential business information

where that access is necessary in order to administer or enforce legislation [section
46(2) HMIRA]. For example, inspectors of the Ministry of Labour may need to know
confidential business information from time to time. Consider a workplace where the
following is true:
1. a chemical is used, to which exposure is strictly regulated under provincial

occupational health and safety law; and
2. the identity of the chemical has been withheld from labels and material safety
data sheets, on the grounds that that information is a trade secret.
In such a situation, an inspector would need to know the identity of the chemical, to
ensure that worker exposure to it is properly controlled. The inspector would be able
to find out the identity of the chemical through the Hazardous Materials Information
Review Commission.
Appeals
Decisions of the Commission on claims for exemption can be appealed. An appeal can
be launched by the owner of the confidential business information (i.e. the claimant),
or by any other party, such as a worker, who may be affected by the Commission's
decision.
Who hears an appeal?
Appeals are heard by Appeal Boards. Each Appeal Board is a 3 member panel that
includes a representative of labour, a representative of industry and an independent
chairman. The Commission appoints the chairman who in turn appoints the other 2
members from lists of potential candidates that have been submitted by labour and
industry. Appeal Boards are completely independent of the Commission when deciding
upon the outcome of an appeal.
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What steps are involved in the appeal process?
1. The appellant files a statement of appeal with the Commission. The statement
must be in writing and include the grounds for the appeal, any documents
supporting the appeal and a filing fee.
2. The Commission convenes an Appeal Board in the province where the claimant
carries on most of his or her business.
3. The Appeal Board reviews the ruling on the original claim for exemption, the
statement of appeal and any supporting documents.
4. The Appeal Board rules on the appeal and notifies the claimant, the appellant
and any other affected parties.
5. The ruling is published in the Canada Gazette.
Fees
The Commission is intended to be self-financing and therefore charges fees to cover

the costs of reviewing claims for exemption and hearing appeals. The fees presented
here are for the first 3 years of the Commission's operation.
What is the fee for filing a claim for exemption?
The fee for filing a claim can vary and depends on the type and amount of information
being claimed. The explanation given here is a summary only and for full information
claimants should refer to the Claim for Exemption Instructions Guide.
If the information being claimed is the name of the controlled product or the name of
the supplier, the fee is $1000.00 [section 5 HMIRR].
If the information being claimed is the identity or concentration of any ingredients, the
basic fee is $1200.00, plus $100.00 for each additional ingredient, MSDS or label
[section 4 HMIRR]. These fees apply to claims that involve:
1. one controlled product containing one or more confidential ingredients;

2. more than one controlled product, all covered by a generic MSDS, and
containing one or more confidential ingredients;
3. more than one controlled product, all of which contain the same confidential
ingredient(s); and
4. any combination of confidential ingredients in any combination of controlled
products.
If the information being claimed is the identity or concentration of any ingredients,

plus any of the following,
1. the name of the controlled product,

2. the name of the supplier, or
3. the name of any toxicological study that identifies that ingredient,
there is no fee in addition to the one for ingredient identity or concentration [section 6
HMIRR].
The fees for small businesses are half of the above [section 7 HMIRR]. A small business
is defined as
1. having 100 or fewer employees, and

2. having a gross annual revenue of $3,000,000 or less in the previous fiscal year.
What is the fee for filing an appeal?
It costs $2000.00 to file an appeal [section 12 HMIRR] Changes to section 12 of the

HMIRR have been proposed that will reduce the appeal fee for small businesses and
for certain affected parties, such as an individual worker who is not a member of a
trade union.
8. WHMIS and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods: A Comparison
The requirements under WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

and under the TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) legislation are for
complementary information systems. TDG legislation sets out information
requirements for products being shipped to and from workplaces. WHMIS applies to
products inside workplaces. No overlap is intended. One system takes over where the
other leaves off.
Worker exposure to dangerous goods that are in transit is most likely to occur during
an emergency such as a vehicle accident or spill. Therefore, information provided
under TDG requirements addresses short-term exposures and uses symbols on labels
and placards.
Worker exposure to controlled products in the workplace can occur in a wider variety
of circumstances and over longer periods of time. WHMIS requirements are more
extensive than TDG and include the use of explicit labels and material safety data
sheets.
This chapter provides information on 3 areas:
1. the exemption from WHMIS for products that are handled or transported
pursuant to TDG legislation;
2. the classification of products under WHMIS and TDG; and
3. the colour restrictions for WHMIS hazard symbols to avoid confusion with TDG
safety marks.
WHMIS Exemption for Products Covered by TDG
The WHMIS legislation does not apply to products being "handled or transported"
under TDG legislation. The following interpretations are given in order to clarify when
TDG requirements apply.
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 "Handling and offering for transport" refer to activities such as assembling,

packaging, storing, loading and unloading for transport. For example, WHMIS
does not apply to products that are in temporary storage in a distribution
warehouse, that is, in a warehouse that is operated solely as a trans-shipment
point.
 "Storing for transport" is storage in which goods will not be handled any
further at the workplace other than to load them directly onto a transport
vehicle for the purposes of removal from the workplace.
 "Transportation" generally means to and from workplaces. WHMIS applies to
all circumstances where goods are transported from one point to another within
a workplace, except for radioactive substances and explosives, in which case
TDG applies.
In general, the exemption for products being transported means that an employer in
the transport industry does not have to provide WHMIS labels, material safety data
sheets or education to drivers of vehicles transporting controlled products. An
exception arises if a driver is exposed to a controlled product by being actively
involved in its loading or unloading, for example, while filling an oil or gasoline tanker
truck. In such cases, a driver should have access to a data sheet at the point of
loading or unloading, and should undergo training.
Controlled Products Not Covered by TDG
It is possible to have a product that is covered by WHMIS but not TDG. This will likely
be the case for controlled products in WHMIS Class D, Division 2 - Materials Causing
Other Toxic Effects. There may be some confusion about the requirements that apply
to these products while they are in temporary storage in a distribution warehouse. At
present, it is the policy of the regulators that a WHMIS label on the outside of a
container is all that is necessary for in-transit storage of controlled products not
requiring a TDG label.
WHMIS and TDG Classification Systems
The classification of products under WHMIS and TDG is similar but not identical.
WHMIS has 6 Classes, designated A to F and TDG has 9 Classes, designated 1 to 9.
WHMIS Classes A to E have comparable Classes in TDG, but Class F has no equivalent
in TDG. On the other hand, TDG has 2 Classes that have no equivalent in WHMIS,
namely, Class 1, Explosives and Class 7, Radioactive Materials. An overview of the
classes used in the two systems is shown in Table 1.

Table 1. An Overview of the Classes used in the WHMIS and TDG Systems
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information

Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
System (WHMIS)
Class 1 Explosives
Divisions 1-5 differentiated on the basis of hazard
Class A Compressed Gases Class 2 Compressed Gases
Division 1: Flammable Gases

Division 2: Non-flammable, Non-toxic, Non-corrosive
Gases
Division 3: Poisonous Gases
Division 4: Corrosive Gases
Class 3 Flammable Liquids
Class B Flammable and Combustible Material

Divisions 1-3 differentiated on the basis of flashpoint and
form of transport
Division 1: Flammable Gases

Class 4 Flammable Solids, Spontaneously Combustible,
Division 2: Flammable Liquids
Dangerous When Wet
Division 3: Combustible Liquids
Division 4: Flammable Solids
Division 5: Flammable Aerosols
Division 6: Reactive Flammable Materials Division 1: Flammable Solids
Division 2: Substances Liable to Spontaneous Combustion
Division 3: Substances Which Emit Flammable Gases on
Contact with Water
Class 5 Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides
Class C Oxidizing Material

Division 1: Oxidizing Substances
Division 2: Organic Peroxides
Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material Class 6 Poisonous and Infectious Substances
Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Division 1: Poisonous Substances

Toxic Effect Division 2: Infectious Substances
Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects
Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material Class 7 Radioactive Materials
Class E Corrosive Material Class 8 Corrosives
Class 9 Miscellaneous Products or Substances
Class F Dangerously Reactive Material

Division 1: Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods
Division 2: Environmentally Hazardous Substances
Division 3: Dangerous Wastes
Colour Restrictions for WHMIS Hazard Symbols
Under the Controlled Products Regulation, hazard symbols on the WHMIS supplier
label must be "in a colour that is not likely to create confusion" with a safety mark
required by TDG legislation [section 22(b)]. These four rules will help prevent confusion
between the two systems.
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1. The colour orange must not be used for any WHMIS symbol because it is
reserved for TDG Class 1, Explosives.
2. The WHMIS symbol may be in the same colour(s) required under TDG for that
product. For example, the TDG background colour for most flammables is red,
and for oxidizers, yellow. It is permissible to use red for WHMIS Class B,
Flammable and Combustible Material, and yellow for Class C, Oxidizing
Materials.
3. Except for the colour orange, the WHMIS symbol may be in any colour(s) not
required under TDG for that pictogram. For example, TDG does not use colours
such as brown, purple, etc. These colours can be used for WHMIS symbols.
4. The WHMIS symbol must not be in a colour combination that is possible under
TDG for that pictogram but not permitted by TDG for the product. For example,
one TDG colour combination for the cylinder pictogram is green on white, which
applies to non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive compressed gases. The
pictogram for WHMIS Class A, Compressed Gases, is the cylinder. The
combination green and white must not be used in WHMIS for any compressed
gas which is flammable, toxic or corrosive.
The application of rules 1-4 permits the use of black on white for all WHMIS hazard
symbols, except that the cylinder pictogram used to depict a non-corrosive
compressed gas must not be a solid black cylinder on a white background. A black
outline of a cylinder is acceptable.
Table 2 summarizes the colour restrictions for each of the WHMIS hazard symbols.
Table 2. Colour Restrictions for WHMIS Hazard Symbols
WHMIS
Hazard Symbol Restrictions [1]
Class
Green and white cannot be used if gas is flammable, poisonous
A Cylinder (toxic) or corrosive. A solid black cylinder on white background
may only be used, if the gas is corrosive.
Yellow cannot be used. Blue may only be used for a product that
B Flame
emits flammable gases on contact with water.
C Flame with an "O" Red and blue cannot be used.
1. Skull and
Crossbones
D 2. Stylized "T" No restrictions except as noted below. [1]
3. Biohazard
E Corrosive No restriction except as noted below. [1]
Stylized "R" (Dangerously

F No restriction except as noted below. [1]
Reactive)
The colour orange must not be used for any WHMIS Class because it is reserved for
[1]
TDG Class 1, Explosives.

9. WHMIS and the Ontario Ministry of Labour
In Ontario, the Ministry of Labour is responsible for the administration and

enforcement of both the federal and provincial WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System) legislation. This is the result of an agreement between
the federal and provincial governments that only the latter would enforce the
legislation so that employers and suppliers would not be subject to inspections by
both federal and provincial inspectors. This means that for the purpose of enforcing
WHMIS, inspectors of the Ministry's Operations Division have the duty to monitor
compliance with the Hazardous Products Act, the Controlled Products Regulation,
the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Ontario WHMIS Regulation.
It should be pointed out that the above is true only for workplaces under provincial
jurisdiction. For federal workplaces such as banks, post offices and airports, inspectors
of Labour Canada will enforce the WHMIS legislation.
Enforcement of Ontario's WHMIS Legislation
To enforce the provincial WHMIS legislation, inspectors will primarily be checking that
controlled products are properly labelled or identified, that material safety data sheets
are present in the workplace, and that worker education programs have been carried
out. Inspectors will monitor compliance with WHMIS during the course of their regular
workplace health and safety inspections, or during the investigation of related
complaints, accidents or work refusals.
Where non-compliance is found, the inspector will enforce the WHMIS legislation by
issuing an order to correct the violation within a specified time period. This is no
different than the way in which all other occupational health and safety legislation has
been enforced to date.
Ontario's WHMIS legislation gives the inspector one new power, and that is the power
to stop the use of a particular controlled product.
For a violation of the WHMIS provisions in either the Occupational Health and Safety
Act or Ontario's WHMIS Regulation, the penalties on summary conviction are the same
as the penalties for any other violation of the Act or its regulations, namely, a fine of
up to $25,000 and/or a term of up to 12 months in jail.
Enforcement of the federal WHMIS Legislation
To enforce the federal WHMIS legislation, inspectors will primarily be checking that
supplier labels and material safety data sheets have been provided and that they meet
the content and design requirements outlined in Chapter 3. WHMIS and the
Supplier. If judgements need to be made about the classification of a controlled
product, or about the accuracy of technical information on the MSDS, these will
2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-115

generally be referred by the inspector to scientific or medical staff located in the

district offices or at the head office.
Inspectors will monitor compliance with the federal legislation during routine
inspections of the supplier's workplace, and in response to particular questions or
complaints from employers who buy controlled products from the supplier.
Where non-compliance with the federal legislation is found, the inspector will use the
enforcement tools available under the Hazardous Products Act. These are different
than the enforcement tools available under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Specifically, under the Hazardous Products Act the inspector does not have the power
to issue an order to a supplier for a violation of the federal WHMIS legislation. The
inspector would first give the supplier the opportunity to comply voluntarily. If
unsuccessful, the inspector would use the "power of seizure" to achieve compliance,
and in some cases prosecution would also be pursued. These actions are explained
below.
Voluntary Compliance
After being informed of a particular violation of either the Hazardous Products Act or
the Controlled Products Regulation, the supplier has several options to correct the
violation. For example,
1. removal from sale—the supplier can withdraw the controlled product in

question from sale until the violation is corrected;
2. recall—the supplier can stop selling and recall a controlled product that has
already been distributed. This may involve return of the product for correction,
or correcting the violation on site;
3. disposal—if the supplier does not want to correct the violation, the supplier can
dispose of the controlled product in question. Disposal can take place at the
supplier's workplace or at the customer's workplace if the product has already
been distributed.
The Power of Seizure
If the supplier does not agree to any of the above courses of action, the inspector has
the power to seize the controlled product [section 22(1)(e) of the Hazardous Products
Act]. The inspector is likely to use this power in cases where the nature of the violation
warrants strict control of the product.
The inspector can have the seized product stored on site or removed and stored
elsewhere. Once seized, the supplier is not allowed to change or interfere in any way
with the controlled product unless permitted to do so by the inspector.
Within two months of the seizure, the supplier can apply to a Provincial Court judge to
have the controlled product returned. In so doing, the supplier has to provide
evidence that the supplier is entitled to have the controlled product returned, for
example, evidence that the violation that led to the seizure has been corrected.
Whether the controlled product is returned to the supplier depends upon the evidence
presented to the Provincial Court judge and also on whether the Ministry of Labour
intends to prosecute the supplier in addition to seizing the controlled product.
Prosecution
Prosecution of the supplier is an action that would be considered in the following

circumstances:
 a violation of the Hazardous Products Act or Controlled Products Regulation that

presents a serious risk to worker health or safety;
 interference with a controlled product that has been seized;
 obstruction of an inspector;
 repeated violations, usually despite repeated warnings; and
 where other enforcement options have proven unsuccessful.
The penalties on summary conviction are a fine of up to $100,000 and/or a term of up

to 6 months in jail. On proceedings by way of indictment, a fine of up to $1,000,000
and/or a term of up to 2 years in jail may be imposed.
10. WHMIS Frequently Asked Questions
Do I require an MSDS and a label for a can of WD-40® that was purchased at the local
hardware store?
No. Aerosol cans sold and packaged as retail products are classified as restricted
consumer products under Part II of Schedule I of the Hazardous Products Act.
Restricted consumer products do not require a WHMIS label and data sheet as a
condition of sale. Additionally, the Ontario WHMIS regulation exempts employers from
having to acquire a label and MSDS for any consumer product that is purchased from
a retail outlet.
Does this exemption still apply if I receive my WD-40® from an industrial supply house?
Yes. As long as the restricted consumer product is sold to the employer in the same
packaging that is available to the general public it is exempt from the WHMIS
requirements. If the packaging is different than that available to the public, and if the
product is a controlled product it will require a WHMIS label and MSDS as a condition
of sale.
A contract janitorial service does the cleaning in our office. Who is responsible for training
the cleaning staff?
The owner or employer of the janitorial service is responsible for training his or her
employees regarding the controlled products they use. If the cleaning staff work in
proximity to any controlled products used in the office, then the owner or employer of
2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-117

the office would be required to give information about the products to the janitorial
service. The employer of the janitorial service would then be required to train his or
her employees on these additional controlled products.
If I use a pesticide in my workplace are there any WHMIS requirements that I have to comply
with?
If the pesticide is also a controlled product, the employer is required to train the
workers who use or work in proximity to the pesticide. Additionally, any time the
product is transferred into another container, such as a sprayer, a workplace label
would be required for the second container.
If our company makes a controlled product for our own use, do we have to make supplier
labels and data sheets if we ship this product to another one of our plants?
No. A shipment of a controlled product within a company organization is not

considered to be sale or distribution as defined by the Hazardous Products Act,
therefore, supplier labels would not be required. The employer is responsible for
producing a workplace label and an MSDS.
Do all individual samples of blood being sent to an independent laboratory for analysis
require labelling?
If the blood samples are classified as controlled products each individual sample would
require a label. The label required for these samples would have to meet the lab
sample label requirements.
Are controlled products that are shipped from an American parent company to a Canadian
subsidiary required to be labelled?
Shipments between American and Canadian divisions of a company are not considered
to be internal transfers. As such the Canadian division is required to meet the duties
of an importer under the Hazardous Products Act. This means that supplier labels and
MSDSs are required before the product can be used or sold in Canada.
As a manufacturer of a controlled product that is only sold as a bulk shipment, am I still

required to produce a label for my product?
Not if you do not want to. The information required on the label does have to be
transmitted, however, this can be accomplished by putting the information on the
material safety data sheet or in a separate letter.
Do fire extinguishers require WHMIS labels?
Depending upon what type of extinguisher it is, a fire extinguisher may be classified
as a controlled product. Many extinguishers will meet the compressed gas criteria and
will therefore require a WHMIS label. Additionally, the characteristics of the
extinguishing medium need to be addressed.

Are the reagents in a medical diagnostic kit considered to be controlled products?
No. Under the Food and Drugs Act anything used in the diagnosis of a disease meets
the definition of a drug. Medical diagnostics fall within this definition and therefore do
not require a label or data sheet under the Hazardous Products Act.
Does any mode of identification in the WHMIS regulations include size and shape?
Yes. If the worker education program enabled a worker to identify a controlled product
by the size or shape of its container, then this would be satisfactory. As an example,
process piping in a plant could be identified by diameter, e.g. 4″ or 10″ diameter pipe.
If a drug that is a controlled product is produced in my factory, do I have to make an MSDS

even though the drug is covered by the Food and Drugs Act?
An MSDS has to be made for your own workers exposed to the drug during its
manufacture. No MSDS is required in order to sell the drug to another workplace.
If data sheets from other countries have all of the required data on them, do they meet the
WHMIS requirements?
Although many data sheets from foreign suppliers appear quite detailed, this alone
may not be sufficient. The Controlled Products Regulation requires that data sheets
be structured with nine categories of information. Unless data sheets address the
information required in these nine areas, they do not meet the requirements of
Federal law.
Am I required to make an MSDS for a compressed air system I use in a paint spray booth?
If the pressure in the compressed air system meets the requirements for inclusion in
Class A compressed gas, then a data sheet has to be prepared.
We make plating solutions in-house for our own use. If we have data sheets from our
suppliers, do we still have to make an MSDS for the solution we make up?
Yes. Provincial law requires that an employer produce a data sheet for controlled
products that are made for in-house use. The plating solutions are a combination of
two or more chemicals. The properties of the solution will be different than the
properties of the individual chemicals used to make up the plating solution. The data
sheets from the suppliers can be used as a starting point for the preparation of the in-
house data sheet.
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Lab technicians at my plant deal with over 5000 chemicals. Do I have to train each technician
on each and every chemical?
No. The training program allows for flexibility in the type of training provided to
workers. Lab workers, as an example, may be trained on groups or families of
chemicals with similar properties. The training program may also require that the first
step in any analytical procedure is to consult the MSDS for the chemicals to be used.
The success of the training program would be judged by whether or not the lab
technician could work safely with any chemical he/she was asked to use.
Am I allowed to turn the training program over to the worker side of the Health and Safety
Committee and ask them to develop it?
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the employer has a clear
responsibility to provide training to his/her workers. If the employer so wishes, he/she
may delegate the development and implementation of the training program to the
Health and Safety Committee. It must be emphasized that this in no way relinquishes
the employer from fulfilling his/her duties to ensure that the training is developed and
provided.
Do volunteer workers at a hospital require training regarding any controlled products they
may use?
No. Training on the use of controlled products is only required for workers under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act. As volunteers do not meet the definition of a
worker, no training is legally required. However, employers are strongly encouraged
to train volunteers who handle controlled products, or are exposed to any other
potential workplace hazards. Although not legally required, providing such training can
only be considered part of being a responsible employer.
Appendix I - WHMIS Classes and Hazard Symbols
Class A
Compressed
Gas

Class B
Flammable
and
Combustible
Material
Class C
Oxidizing
Material
Class D
1. Materials
Causing
Immediate
and Serious
Toxic Effects
Class D
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2. Materials
Causing
Other
Serious Toxic
Effects
Class D
3. Biohazardous
Infectious
Materials
Class E
Corrosive Material
Class F

Appendix II - WHMIS Supplier Label
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Appendix III - WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information

System) MSDS
Information items listed by Category/Section
1. Product Information
 Product identifier
 Product use
 Manufacturer's name, street address, city, province, postal code and
emergency telephone number
 Supplier identifier and the supplier's street address, city, province, postal
code and emergency telephone number
 Product identification number (PIN)
Hazardous Ingredients
 Information required by subparagraphs 13(a)(i) to (iv) or paragraph
14(a) of the Hazardous Products Act
 CAS number
 LD50 (species and route)
 LC50 (species and route)
Physical Data
 Physical state (gas, liquid or solid)
 Odour and appearance
 Odour threshold
 Vapour pressure
 Vapour density
 Evaporation rate
 Boiling point
 Freezing point
 pH
 Specific gravity
 Coefficient of water/oil distribution
Fire or Explosion Hazard
 Conditions of flammability
 Means of extinction
 Flashpoint and method of determination
 Upper flammable limit (% by volume)
 Lower flammable limit (% by volume)
 Auto-ignition temperature
 Hazardous combustion products
 Explosion data-sensitivity to mechanical impact
 Explosion data-sensitivity to static discharge
Reactivity Data
 Conditions under which the product is chemically unstable

 Name of any substance or class of substance with which the product is

incompatible
 Conditions of reactivity
 Hazardous decomposition products
Toxicological Properties
 Route of entry, including skin contact, skin absorption, eye contact,
inhalation and ingestion
 Effect of acute exposure to product
 Effect of chronic exposure to product
 Exposure limits
 Irritancy of product
 Sensitization to product
 Carcinogenicity
 Teratogenicity
 Reproductive toxicity
 Mutagenicity
 Name of toxicologically synergistic products
Preventive Measures
 Personal protective equipment to be used
 Specific engineering controls to be used
 Procedures to be followed in case of leak or spill
 Waste disposal
 Handling procedures and equipment
 Storage requirements
 Special shipping information
First Aid Measures
 Specific first aid measures
Preparation Information
 Name and phone number of group, department or party responsible for
preparation of MSDS
 Date of preparation
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Appendix IV
Employer Compliance Checklist
There are many tasks facing the employer who is trying to comply with WHMIS
(Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System). The following checklist will help
the employer to identify these tasks. The list contains questions that can be answered
either "yes" or "no". A question answered with a "no" may identify an area requiring
attention. Please note that not all questions may be relevant to all employers. (For
best results, print the PDF version of this checklist).
General
1. Do you know which materials in your workplace are controlled products?

2. Have you evaluated all biological and chemical agents produced in-house for
your own use against the criteria in Part IV of the Controlled Products
Regulation to see which ones are controlled products?
3. Have you written out this evaluation and made a copy available to workers and
the joint health and safety committee, if any, or a worker representative?
Labelling and Identification
1. Do all containers of controlled products received from a supplier have a supplier

label?
2. Do all containers of controlled products produced for internal use have
workplace labels?
3. Do you have workplace labels on controlled products that have been decanted
from the original supplier container into another container?
4. Have you applied either a supplier or a workplace label to the containers of
controlled products received as bulk shipments?
5. Have you posted a placard with workplace label information for any controlled
product not in a container?
6. Have you identified all controlled products (except intermediates) that are in
pipes, process or reaction vessels, tank cars, etc.?
7. Is all hazardous waste that is generated and stored on site identified?
MSDSs
1. Do you have supplier MSDSs on file for all controlled products received from a
supplier?
2. Have you made MSDSs for all controlled products that you produce for internal
use, and for all controlled products received before March 15, 1989, for which
you have been unable to obtain a supplier MSDS?
3. Are all your MSDSs dated within the last 3 years?
4. Do workers have easy access to MSDSs?
5. Does the joint health and safety committee, if any, or a worker representative
have copies of all MSDSs?

Worker Education
1. Did you consult your joint health and safety committee when developing the
worker education program?
2. Have all affected workers been trained?
3. Do workers know what WHMIS is?
4. Are the content and significance of information on a WHMIS label understood?
 i.e. What is a hazard symbol? What do you do if there is no label?
Are the content and significance of information on the MSDS understood?
Do workers know the proper procedures for the safe handling of controlled
products?
 i.e. Have procedures for the safe handling of controlled products been
developed? What protective equipment needs to be worn? What other
controls are used to minimize exposure or risk?
Do workers know what to do in an emergency?
Do workers know what to do in areas where fugitive emissions are present?
Do workers know how to safely store and handle hazardous waste?
For controlled products received from a supplier, are you aware of any
differences in hazard information from the supplier label and MSDS, and have you
explained these differences to your workers?
Have workers been trained respecting controlled products in pipes, reaction or
process vessels, tank cars etc.?
Do you have a mechanism for reviewing the worker education program once a
year?
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SHIPPING WITH DRY ICE

Dry ice used to ship laboratory specimen requiring refrigeration. Dry Ice is a hazardous material.
Therefore, specific procedures must be followed when packaging and shipping materials
refrigerated with dry ice. Packages refrigerated with dry ice are normally shipped by air in order to
reach their destinations rapidly.
Hazard Identification
Dry ice is classified by TDG Act & IATA as a “miscellaneous” hazard, class 9. Dry ice is considered
hazardous during transportation for three reasons:
1. Explosion hazard: dry ice releases a large volume of carbon dioxide gas as it sublimates. If
packaged in a container that does not allow for release of the gas, it may explode, causing
personal injury or property damage.
2. Suffocation hazard: a large volume of carbon dioxide gas emitted in a confined space may
create an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
3. Contact hazard: dry ice is a cryogenic material that causes severe frostbite upon contact with
skin.
Packaging dry ice properly will minimize the risk to personnel transporting the material. The
explosion hazard will be eliminated with a package designed to vent gaseous carbon dioxide.
Suffocation and contact hazards will be greatly reduced by labeling the package correctly, so those
who come in contact with it will be aware of the contents.
Packaging Dry Ice
Requirements
There are five basic requirements for shipments of dry ice:
1. Gas venting: packages must allow for release of carbon dioxide gas. Dry ice must never be
sealed in a container with an airtight seal such as a jar with a threaded lid or a plastic cooler.
2. Package integrity: a package containing dry ice must be of adequate strength for intended use.
It must be strong enough to withstand the loading and unloading normally encountered in
transport. It must also be constructed and closed in order to prevent any loss of contents that
might be caused by vibration or by changes in temperature, humidity, or altitude.
3. Package materials: do not use plastics that can be rendered brittle or permeable by the
temperature of dry ice. This problem can be avoided by using commercially available packages
intended to contain dry ice.

4. Waybill: (Packing Slip) must include the statement “Dry ice, 9, UN1845, number of packages
X net weight in kilograms.” (See Figure 2)
5. Labeling: the outermost container must be labeled with a hazard class 9 label, UN 1845, and
net weight of dry ice in kilograms (See Figure 1). The label should be affixed to a vertical side
of the box (not the top or bottom) and oriented as in Figure 1. The maximum allowable net
quantity of dry ice allowed per package is 200 kg.
Figure 1. Dry ice label.
2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-129

Figure 2. FedEx Airbill. Highlighted area properly documents 1 box containing 6 kg of dry ice.
Recommendations
Note the following recommendations when packaging and labeling dry ice shipments:
• Reusing a dry ice box is a good use of resources. If you choose to reuse a box, completely
obliterate all unnecessary marking such as hazard labels, addresses, FedEx (or other
courier) labels and barcodes. Use caution if reusing a box that has been used to ship
infectious material or diagnostic specimens. Only reuse a box if you can personally verify
it is not contaminated and its integrity is intact. A box should not be reused if it is torn,
cut, stained, or if the insulation is cracked or broken.
• Secure your samples in such a way that when the dry ice sublimates, they will not move
freely inside of the insulated box. This can be accomplished by wedging your samples in
place with cardboard or styrofoam. Fragile containers such as glass tubes or vials should
be wrapped with cushioning material.

• Minimize the volume of air to which the dry ice is exposed in order to slow the rate of
sublimation. If there is any air space after you fill your package with dry ice, fill it with
packing peanuts or other material to reduce the volume of air space.
• Shipments are generally recommended to contain 5-10 pounds (2.27-4.54 kg) of dry ice
per 24 hours. Refer to your package manufacturer’s recommendations. Make
arrangements with your consignee to make sure your package will be received on its
intended delivery date. Take into account local holidays or closings that might delay
package receipt.
• Dry ice shipments can be made with FedEx and DHL. UPS and Canada Post have
extremely restrictive policies concerning shipments of hazardous materials; do not ship
dry ice with UPS or the Canada Post.
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2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-133
GLOSSARY
Acid Any chemical that undergoes dissociation in water with the

formation of hydrogen ions, may cause a severe burn and has a
sour taste.
Acute Effect Adverse effect on a human or animal that has severe symptoms
developing rapidly and coming quickly to a crisis.
Acute Toxicity Acute effects resulting from a single dose of or exposure to a

substance.
Adenosis Any disease of the gland.
Aerosol A fine aerial suspension of particles sufficiently small in size to

confer some degree of stability from sedimentation.
Amenorrhea Absence of menstruation.
Antidote A remedy to relieve, prevent, or counteract the effect of the poison.
Atmosphere-Supplying
Respirator Respirator that provides breathable air from a source independent
of the surrounding atmosphere.
Auto-Ignition Temperature The temperature to which a closed or nearly closed container must
be heated in order that the flammable liquid, when introduced into
the container will ignite spontaneously or burn.
BCM Blood-clotting mechanism effects,
Biodegradable Capable of being broken down into innocuous products by the

action of living things.
BLD Blood effects.
Boiling Point (BP) The temperature at which liquid changes to a vapour state at a
given pressure.
Ceiling Limit The maximum allowable human exposure limit for an airborne
substance that is not to be exceeded even momentarily.
Central Nervous System The brain and the spinal cord.
Chemical An element or a compound produced by chemical reaction.

Chemical Pneumonitis Inflammation of the lungs caused by accumulation of fluids due to
chemical irritation.
Chronic Effect An adverse effect on a human or animal body, with symptoms that
develop slowly over a long period of time or that recur frequently.
Chronic Exposure Long-term contact with a substance.
Chronic Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from repeated doses of or exposures to a

substance over a relatively prolonged period of time.
Carbon Monoxide Is a colourless, odourless, flammable, and very toxic gas produced
by the incomplete combustion of carbon.
Carbon Dioxide Is a heavy, colourless gas that is produced by the combustion and
decomposition of organic substances and as a by-product of many
chemical processes.
Concentration The relative amount of a substance when combined or mixed with

other substances.
Confined Space Any area that has limited openings for entry and exit that would
make escape difficult in an emergency.
Corrosive A chemical that causes visible destruction of or irreversible

alteration in living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact.
Cytology The scientific study of cells.
Dermal Related to the skin.
Dermal Toxicity Adverse effects resulting from skin exposure to a substance.
Dysplasia An abnormality of development.
Dyspnea A sense of difficulty in breathing.
Edema An abnormal accumulation of clear watery fluid in the tissues.
Endocrine Glands Glands that regulate body activity by secreting hormones.
Evaporation Rate The rate at which a material will vaporize when compared to the
known rate of vaporization of a standard material.
Explosive A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of

pressure, gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure or
high temperature.
Fibrosis An abnormal thickening of fibrous connective tissue, usually in the

lungs.
2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-135

Flash Point The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapour in
sufficient concentration to ignite when tested by the following
methods:
a. Tagiabue closed tester
b. Pensky-Martens closed tester
c. Setaflash closed tester.
Hazardous Chemical Any chemical whose presence is a physical hazard or a health

hazard.
Hemoglobin An iron containing conjugated protein occurring in the red blood

cells of vertebrates.
Hematopoietic Systems The blood-forming mechanism of the human body.
Hematuria The presence of blood in the urine.
Insoluble Incapable of being dissolved in a liquid.
Lacrimation Secretion and discharge of tears.
Melting Point The temperature at which a solid substance changes to a liquid

state
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet.
Mutagen A substance or agent capable of altering the genetic material in a

living cell.
Nitrogen Is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that will not burn and
will not support combustion.
Narcosis A state of stupor, unconsciousness or arrested activity produced by

the influence of narcotics or other chemicals.
Neutralize To eliminate potential hazards by inactivating strong acids,

caustics and oxidizers.
Physical Hazards Means a chemical, for which there is scientifically valid evidence
that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive,
flammable, and organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable
or water-reactive.
Pulmonary Edema Fluid in the lungs.
Reaction A chemical transformation or change.

Solvent A substance, usually a liquid, in which other substances are
dissolved. The most common solvent is water.
STEL Short-term exposure limit.
Toxic Substances Any substance that can cause acute or chronic injury to the human
body or which is suspected of being able to cause disease or injury
under some conditions.
Vapour The gaseous form of a solid or liquid substance at it evaporates.
Volatility A measure of how quickly a substance forms a vapour at ordinary

temperature.
Water Disposal Methods Proper disposal methods for contaminated material, recovers
liquids or solids and their containers.
Water-Reactive A chemical that reacts with water to release gas that is either
flammable or presents a health hazard.
Work Area A room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals

are produced or used, and where employees are present.
2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-137


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Laboratory Safety and Asepsis

Laboratory Safety and Asepsis

1-2 Student Workbook

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-3

1-4 Student Workbook

LABORATORY SAFETY MEDICAL ASEPSIS AND INFECTION CONTROL

In Case of Fire - Keep Calm

Necessary equipment for general fire fighting includes:

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-5

Classifications Of Fire Extinguishers

Fire Extinguisher Ratings

Class B Extinguishers: (Red) should be used on fires involving

Class C Extinguishers: (Blue) are suitable for use on

Class D Extinguishers: (Yellow) are designed for use on

1-6 Student Workbook

The use of Fire Extinguisher:

P A S S -- Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep

1. Keep extinguisher upright.

2. Pull locking pin out.

3. Aim nozzle at base of flame. (Where flame meets fuel).

4. Squeeze operating handle.

6. Attack from up wind.

7. Keep at least 8 feet away.

9. Fire extinguishers must be re-charged yearly.

A source of serious injury if one is not aware of the potential hazard.

Steps taken to avoid such accident:

 Use only grounded plugs.

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-7

 Inspection or repair of disabled electric equipment should be left to trained

Steps taken to prevent such accidents:

 Do not use chipped, cracked or broken glassware.

Some chemicals are dangerous:

1-8 Student Workbook

Following is a list of hazardous chemicals:

Storing and handling of acids:

ALWAYS DILUTE STRONG ACIDS OR BASES BY POURING THE CONCENTRATED

Rule: Pour acid into water NOT water into acid.

Storing and handling of bases (Alkalis):

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-9

Acid Sensitive Substances

Strong Oxidizing and Reducing Substances

1-10 Student Workbook

Inorganic reducing agents - Hydrogen, metals, phosphorus, metallic catalysts.

Water Sensitive Substances

This section briefly describes the three common routes of entry:

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-11

How hazardous materials evade the lung's defences

1-12 Student Workbook

Lung Disease Caused by Dusts

Asbestosis (Asbestos) Black Lung (Coal)

Substances Suspected of Causing Lung Cancer

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-13

Sensitization Dermatitis (allergic dermatitis): is the result of an allergic reaction to a given

1-14 Student Workbook

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-15

ALWAYS REFER TO THE MSDS FOR PRECAUTIONS IN DISPOSAL

1-16 Student Workbook

SAFETY & PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

4. Automatic Pipettes And Propipettes (Safety Bulbs)

5. Acid Bottle Carriers

6. Fume Hoods And Safety Cabinets

a. FUME HOOD - not used in medical laboratories

2011 Version 1-0 2011/09/01 1-17