MIE – U/G Health and Safety Training Course

1. Introduction

The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects workers against health and safety hazards on
the job.

Workers and employers must share the responsibility for occupational health and safety. This
concept of an internal responsibility system is based on the principle that the workplace parties
themselves are in the best position to identify health and safety problems and to develop
solutions.

Ideally, the internal responsibility system involves everyone, from the company chief executive
officer to the worker. How well the system works depends upon whether there is a complete,
unbroken chain of responsibility and accountability for health and safety.

Several provisions for the Act are aimed at fostering the internal responsibility system. Two
important provisions:

(1) The requirement for employers to have a health and safety policy and program; and

(2) The direct responsibility that supervisors have for health and safety. The joint health and
safety committee’s role is to monitor the internal responsibility system. The Act sets out the
basic rules of operation for joining the committee.

The Rights of Workers

Within the University of Toronto, “worker” means graduate students, undergraduate students,
Post-Doctoral Fellows, Visitors to the University, summer students, volunteer students and any
other person supervised.

To balance the employer’s general right to direct the work force and control the production
process in the workplace, the Act gives four basic rights to workers.

The right to participate

Workers have the right to be part of the process of identifying and resolving workplace health
and safety concerns. This right is expressed through worker membership on joint health and
safety committees, or through worker health and safety representatives.

The Right to Know

Workers have the right to know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed. This
means the right to be trained and to have information on machinery, equipment, working
conditions, processes and hazardous substances. The parts of the Act that implement the
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System(WHMIS) play an important role in giving
workers the right to know.

The right to refuse work

Workers have the right to refuse work that they believe is dangerous to either their own health
and safety or that of another worker. The Act describes the exact process for refusing dangerous
work and the responsibilities of the employer in responding to such a refusal.

The right to stop work

In certain circumstances, members of a joint health and safety committee who are “certified”
have the right to stop work that is dangerous to any worker. The Act sets out these circumstances
and how the right to stop work can be exercised.

Responsibilities of Managers/Supervisors

Within the University of Toronto, the term “Supervisor” means:

i) employees with supervisory responsibility over other employees,

ii) Academic supervisors with supervisory responsibility over graduate students, undergraduate
students, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Visitors to the University, summer students, volunteer students
and any other person supervised.

Attention Managers/Supervisors

You should be aware of the legislated training needs for yourself and your staff. Please ensure
that the training is received.

Definition: Supervisor

“Supervisor means a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker”; OHSA,
sect. 1 (1)

Supervisors shall ensure that those activities over which they have control are conducted in a
safe manner and in accordance with the University’s policies, programs and applicable
legislation. This can be achieved through:
• responding promptly to employee health and safety concerns

• attending mandatory health and safety training

• reviewing reports of job task risk assessment for their department/unit to ensure that employees
receive appropriate training and that controls are in place to prevent injuries

• conducting and recording regular (e.g., semi-annual, annual) workplace inspections

• developing, implementing and maintaining emergency response and standard operating

procedures/guidelines on work activities

• implementing and enforcing relevant safety rules and programs (e.g., use of personal protective
equipment; advising staff of the existence of any potential and existing health and safety hazards;
ensuring staff work in accordance with set instructions, procedures and guidelines; etc.)

• investigating workplace accidents that occur, identify root cause(s) and implementing remedial
and preventative action

A Supervisor should:

1. Be knowledgeable about health and safety hazards in the workplace.

2. Maintain an up-to-date inventory and proper labels for all hazardous materials.
3. Ensure availability of MSDS for all chemicals in inventory.
4. Ensure safe disposal of all hazardous materials.

Duties of supervisor (R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1, s. 27)

27. (1) A supervisor shall ensure that a worker,

(a) works in the manner and with the protective devices, measures and procedures required by
this Act and the regulations; and

(b) uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker’s employer
requires to be used or worn.

Additional duties of supervisor

(2) Without limiting the duty imposed by subsection (1), a supervisor shall:

(a) advise a worker of the existence of any potential or actual danger to the health or safety of the
worker of which the supervisor is aware;

(b) where so prescribed, provide a worker with written instructions as to the measures and
procedures to be taken for protection of the worker; and
(c) take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of a worker

Duties of Employers

The Act imposed duties on those who have any degree of control over the workplace, the
materials and equipment in the workplace and the direction of the work force.

There is a general duty on employers to take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and
safety of workers. In addition, the Act and regulations set out many specific responsibilities of
the employer. For example, there are duties that specifically relate to toxic substances,
hazardous machinery, worker education and personal protective equipment.

There is a duty on all officers and directors of corporations to ensure that their corporations
comply with the Act and regulations.

The duties of workers are generally to work safely, in accordance with the Act and regulations.

Bill 168: Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Definitions:

Workplace violence means:

 The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes
or could cause physical injury to the worker
 An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause
physical injury to the worker
 A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to
exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical
injury to the worker.

Workplace harassment means:

 Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace

that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

Workplace harassment may include bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes or innuendos,

displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidating phone calls.

U of T has developed programs to control and assess potential risks:

 Any act of workplace violence is unacceptable conduct that will not be tolerated. No one
shall subject any employee to workplace violence or allow or create conditions that
 support workplace violence. This Policy applies to activities that occur while on
University of Toronto premises and to work-related activities or social events occurring
off-campus.
 Any employee who subjects another employee to workplace harassment may be subject
to disciplinary action up to and including the termination of his/her employment.
 A student who subjects any employee to workplace harassment will be subject to
penalties under the Code of Student Conduct.
 Others who subject any employee to workplace harassment will be subject to penalties
that are appropriate in view of their relationship to the University.
 Mechanism for reporting (incident reports) and investigation.
 Summon immediate assistance if required via 82222.

References:

A Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act ISBN 0-7794-3-48-4

OH&S Codes and Standards Handbook

 Laboratory First Aid

2. Laboratory First Aid

In the case of serious injury, call emergency 416-978-2222 and 9-911 FIRST

2.1 Breathing Aid

Determine if victim is conscious. Tap her/him on shoulder and yell: “ARE YOU OKAY?” If
there’s no response, start aid at once.

The first step is to open up her/his airway. Put one hand under their neck and gently lift up, while
with the other hand you gently push down on their forehead. This “head tilt” will move tongue
away from the back of the throat.

Now check for air. Place your ear and cheek close to the mouth and nose. Listen and feel for
return of air. At the same time, look for the chest to rise and fall.

Check for about 5 seconds. If there’s still no breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Mouth-to-mouth Resuscitation

Maintaining a head-tilt, pinch the nose shut with the hand you had on the forehead; this will
prevent leakage.

Now open your mouth wide, take a big breath, seal your mouth around her/his mouth, and blow 4
full breaths as fast as you can. You should take only enough time between breaths to lift your
head slightly for better inhaling.
If this still doesn’t start an air exchange, re-position the head and try again. After 4 more quick
breaths, again monitor whether there is air exchange

If there is still nothing happening, change your rate to one breath every 5 seconds, and continue
patiently until the person starts to breathe on their own.

Mouth-to-nose Resuscitation

The same steps apply. You still keep the victim in a head-tilt position with one hand on the
forehead. With your other hand, close the mouth and blow into the nose. (Open mouth when you
check for air.)

2.2 Head Injury

Traumatic head injuries are a major cause of death, and disability.

When an injury occurs, loss of brain function can occur even without visible damage to the head.
Force applied to the head may cause the brain to be directly injured or shaken, bouncing against
the inner wall of the skull. This trauma can potentially cause bleeding in the spaces surrounding
the brain, bruise the brain tissue, or damage the nerve connections within the brain.

Most head trauma involves injuries that are minor and don't require hospitalization. However,
Call 9-911 or 9-416 978-2222 emergency number if any of the following signs or symptoms are
apparent.

 Severe head or facial bleeding

 Bleeding or fluid leakage from the nose or ears
 Severe headache
 Change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds
 Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears
 Cessation of breathing
 Confusion
 Loss of balance
 Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg
 Unequal pupil size
 Slurred speech
 Seizures
If severe head trauma occurs

 Keep the person still. Until medical help arrives, keep the injured person lying down and
quiet, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless
necessary, and avoid moving the person's neck. If the person is wearing a helmet, don't
remove it.
 Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture.
 Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of
circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.

2.3 Poisoning Aid

Conscious victim

1. Dilute poison by giving the person a glass of water or milk – if he/she is not convulsing.
2. Save the label or container of the suspected poison for identification. (If the victim
vomits, save sample for analysis.)
3. Phone Poison Control Centre or physician.
4. If victim becomes unconscious, keep his/her airway open. Give artificial respiration if
indicated. Call emergency (9-416 978-2222 and 9-911).

Unconscious victim

1. Maintain open airway.

2. Call emergency (9-416 978-2222 and 9-911).
3. Give artificial respiration and CPR if indicated.
4. Save container of suspected poison.
5. If patient has vomited, save sample.
6. Do not give fluids: do not induce vomiting in an unconscious person. If the victim is
vomiting, turn the head so that material drains.

Convulsing victim

1. Call emergency (9-416 978-2222 and 9-911).

2. Do not attempt to restrain the victim: just position her/him in such a way that they will not
injure them self by knocking against objects.
3. Loosen clothing at neck and waist.
4. Watch for obstruction of airway and correct it by head positioning. (Give artificial
respiration and CPR if indicated.)
5. Do not force a finger between her/his teeth. Do not give fluids. Do not induce vomiting.
(If the victim is vomiting, position the head so that the material drains.)
6. After the convulsion, place in prone position with head turned to allow fluids to drain.
Eye aid

Flush out with water at once. Pour luke-warm water gently into inside corner of the victim's eye
and tilt head so that water flows across eyeball and off the face. Use a container of water or a tap
that’s 2 or 3 inches above eye. Do this for 15 minutes. (Victim can also use shower to wash eyes.)
Call Poison Control Centre at 9-416 813-5900 or physician for additional advice.

Using Shower to wash the eyes

Emergency Eye Wash Station

Skin aid

Remove clothing and wash skin with large amounts of water. Call Poison Control Information
Centre at 9-416 813-5900 or a physician for advice.

2.4 Bleeding aid

Direct Pressure

This is the preferred method, since it doesn’t interfere with circulation:

Apply pressure by placing your palm on a dressing directly over the open wound. In an
emergency, you can use your bare hand – but only until compress can be obtained.

The compress, a thick pad of cloth, will absorb blood and allow it to clot. Never disturb clots
formed within the pad. If blood soaks through pad without clotting, don’t remove it. Just add
additional pads and continue pressing more firmly.

On most parts of the body a pressure bandage can be used to hold a pad on a severe wound and
free your hands. Place centre of bandage directly over pad on wound. Keep steady pull on
bandage to hold pad in place as you wrap both ends around body part. Then, tie knotting directly
over pad.

Note: if there’s no fracture, always elevate an open wound to the hand, arm or leg.

Pressure points

If the above doesn’t stop the bleeding, use this method:

Apply pressure over “brachial” artery, closing it off by forcing it against arm bone. This point is
located on inside of arm, in groove between biceps and triceps and midway between the armpit
and the elbow.

To apply, grasp middle of victim’s upper arm, with your thumb on the outside of their arm and
your fingers inside. Press fingers toward thumb, using the flat surface of fingers not tips.

For severe bleeding from leg wound, apply pressure on “femoral” artery, forcing it against pelvic
bone. This point is located front and centre on the diagonally slanted “hinge” of the leg, in crease
of the groin area, where artery crosses pelvic bone on its way to the leg.

To apply, position the victim flat on their back, and the place heel of your hand directly over
pressure point. Lean forward over your straightened arm. (You keep your arm straight to prevent
strain.) If bleeding continues, use the flat of the fingertips and exert additional pressure on them
with heel of other hand.

2.5 Shock aid

Shock from injury is also called “traumatic” shock. Body functions are depressed and death may
result even if injuries wouldn’t otherwise be fatal. Look for:

 Pale or bluish skin. (In dark-skinned victim, check mucous membranes inside mouth of
under eyelids.)
 Moist or clammy skin.
 Rapid Pulse, often too faint to be felt at wrist.
 Increased breathing rate. Shallow if there’s chest of abdominal pain.
 Weakness. If due to hemorrhage, victim may also be restless and anxious. Will complain
of deep thirst.
 Retching or vomiting.
 In late stages, victim is apathetic and unresponsive: eyes are sunken and vacant: pupils
dilated. Skin gets mottled look.

Position right

1. If any doubt about proper position based on injuries, keep victim lying flat. He/she may
improve if feet are raised 8” to 12” – BUT if they have increased trouble breathing, or
experiences additional pain, lower them again.
2. For head injury, keep victim flat or propped up; NEVER have head lower than rest of
body.
3. If unconscious, or with severe wounds of lower part of face and jaw, place them on side to
let fluids drain.
4. If you suspect neck or lower spine injury, never move.

Prevent chill

Keep victim warm enough to prevent chilling, but never add extra heat – raising the body
temperature in traumatic shock is harmful.

Give fluids

Give fluids by mouth if medical help won’t be available in an hour -or-more. Give lukewarm
water. Better yet, “salt-soda” solution (1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon baking soda, in quart of
water). Have them sip very slowly. NEVER give fluids if victim is unconscious, vomiting or
convulsing, or has abdominal injury.

2.6 Fracture aid

A fracture is a crack or break in a bone. If the victim is conscious, they can provide clues. (They
may have heard bone snap or feel a grating sensation.) You may note deformities, swelling,
and discoloration.

CLOSED fractures are more common. Since they’re “inside,” accurate diagnosis requires x-ray.
But if you even suspect a fracture, carry out aid to prevent further injury.

OPEN fractures are the result of a broken bone end that has torn through the skin and slipped
back again. Open fractures are more serious because of tissue damage, bleeding and danger of
infection. They get priority.

Treating fractures

1. Prevent motion of injured parts.

2. Maintain open airway (artificial respiration, if needed).

3. Elevate involved extremities, if possible.

4. Apply splints if there will be a delay in ambulance service or medical assistance. But never
attempt to set a fracture or push a protruding bone back!

5. If you lift or move an unconscious victim, act as though there is an injury to their neck or
spine. If ambulance will arrive shortly, do not attempt to move.

If fracture is an open one, cut away clothing. Control bleeding by applying pressure through a
large sterile or clean dressing. Never wash, probe or insert fingers. If bone fragment is protruding,
cover entire wound with a large sterile bandage, compress or pad.

Splinting fractures

Splints on arms, legs or truck will immobilize injured part and decrease pain. After splinting,
elevate limb slightly to reduce hemorrhage and swelling.

1. Emergency splints can be made from many things (newspapers, corrugated cardboard,
yardsticks, or rolled-up blankets). Or use “human” splint. That is, tape or tie injured leg to healthy
one. Or injured arm to chest, if elbow is bent. Or the injured arm to your side, if elbow is straight.
ALWAYS put padding between injured and un-injured parts.

2. Splint should extend past joints on either side of fracture.

3. Splints may be held in place by strips torn from skirts, lab coats, large handkerchiefs, neckties,
etc.

4. In arm fractures, check wrist pulse and inspect fingers often for swelling or blueness (means
bandages are too tight). If victim complaints of numbness, tingling or inability to move fingers or
toes, loosen ties at once (or risk nerve damage). Then re-apply.

5. Remember: victims can often move parts below fracture without pain – do not let them. Never
test for fracture by having them move or walk. Do not let them move (or yourself move) their
head if possible neck or spine injury is suspected.

6. In rare cases you may have to straighten and splint a bent limb. Place one hand above and one
hand below fracture to support it. In leg fracture, have someone pull the end of the leg gently and
steadily until splints are applied. Give aid for shock.

2.7 Burn aid

Burns are classified by depth (“degree”) of skin damage.

First-degree burns result from hot objects or scalding. Signs: redness or discoloration, mild
swelling, pain.

Second-degree burns result from heavier contact with hot objects or flash burns from gasoline
and kerosene. Signs: greater depth than first-degree burns; red or mottled appearance; blisters; a
“wet” look. Usually hurts more than deeper burns because nerve endings aren’t destroyed.

Third-degree burns show deep tissue destruction: white or charred look: complete loss of all
layers of skin.

First-degree aid

1. Use cold water applications or submerge burned part in cold water.

2. Apply a dry dressing if necessary.

Second-degree aid
1. Submerge part in cold water until pain subsides.

2. Apply freshly laundered clothes wrung out in ice water.

3. Gently blot dry.

4. Apply dry sterile gauze or clean cloth as bandage.

5. If arms or legs are affected, raise them.

6. NEVER break blisters or remove tissue. NEVER use an antiseptic preparation, ointment, or
spray.

Third-degree aid

1. Do not remove adhered particles of charred clothing from burned area.

2. Cover burns with thick sterile dressings or freshly laundered sheets.

3. Keep burned hands elevated above level of heart. Keep burned feet or legs elevated (don’t let
victim walk).

4. Have victim with face burns sit up or prop them up. Keep her/him under constant observation
for breathing issues. If problem develops, maintain open airway.

5. Do not submerge a large burned area or use ice-water. This may increase the risk of shock.
But, you can apply a COLD PACK to face, hands or feet.

6. Quickly arrange transportation to hospital. If an ambulance can’t come within one hour and the
victim is conscious, give them a weak “salt-soda” solution to sip (it’s 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon
baking soda in quart lukewarm water).

7. Do not apply ointment, commercial preparations, grease or any other “remedy.”

Chemical burn of skin

1. Quickly wash burn area with large amounts of water, using shower or hose for at Emergency
shower and eye wash

At least 5 minutes. Remove clothing from areas involved.

 Emergency shower and eye wash

2. If first aid directions for the specific chemicals are handy, as on reagent bottle label, follow
them.

3. Apply a dressing bandage and get medical aid.

Recommended Reference:

American National Red Cross Manual. “Standard First Aid and Personal Safety.”
 Electrical Safety

3. ELECTRICAL SAFETY

Under no circumstances is anyone to tamper with, or work with exposed wiring in the
designated work areas. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate and
permanent suspension of access privileges.

To ensure everyone's safety and to meet current Ontario legislation, all electrical
equipment must be suitable for its use and certified by:

(i) The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), or

(ii) The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).

The Ontario Electrical Safety Code recognizes certification organizations accredited by the
Standards Council of Canada to approve electrical equipment. Only equipment bearing
one of the recognized certification marks or labels is approved.

The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) warns the Ontario public that unapproved
electrical products present a high-risk of potential electrical shock and fire hazard. When
obtaining electrical products, verify that the product has a certification mark from a
recognized certification agency.

Please Note:

, CE mark, is a manufacturer self-declaration mark and is not recognized in Canada.

Electrical hazards can be avoided by following these rules:

 Only trained, qualified personnel may repair or modify electrical or electronic

equipment.
 Electrical panels and boxes should NEVER be altered or tampered with.
 Access to electrical panels should not be blocked. Minimum 1 meter clearance.
 Never remove the ground pin of a three prong plug.
  The use of extension cords should be used only as a temporary source of power. These
cords must be in good condition and protected from mechanical damage. Extension cords
on the floor can also become a trip hazard. Care should be taken to cover them with an
appropriate cable protector and make them readily visible.
 Frayed wires or cords must not be used.
 Should a circuit breaker trip, the reason it tripped should be investigated before the
power is turned on again. If the equipment is at fault or the circuit is overloaded, a
qualified electrician must be called to check out the situation.
 Replace a blown fuse with the exact type and rating.
 Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that an unsafe wiring
conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified
electrician has checked the wiring.
 Ensure that all wires are dry before plugging into circuits.
 If your equipment will be used in a damp or possibly wet environment then the circuit
being used should have ground fault protection.

GFCI receptacle GFCI power cord GFCI plug-in receptacle

(Leviton, Yellow Jacket)

Soldering

1. Soldering should always be done in a well ventilated area.

2. Soldering irons reach temperatures between 360 to 650 °F. Be very careful when
handling in order to avoid being burnt.
 Soldering Station Soldering Iron

600 Volt Cabinet Electrical Safety: Extreme Danger due to Arc Flash

In the department there are many 600 Volt 3 phase, electrical cabinets located in labs. These
electrical cabinets are padlocked, and can only be opened by university electricians or
authorized electrical contractors. The typical 600 Volt, 3 phase cabinet has 60 amp service. This
provides a very high power, in excess of 62 kW, far greater than the power at 120 V at 15 amps
or 30 amp single phase service, typical in most labs, providing 1.8 kW and 3.6 kW power
respectively.

Past Incidents:

In the past, MIE undergraduates had opened a 600 volt 3 phase electrical cabinets, by cutting
the padlock off, to install an arc welder. At the top of the 600 Volt cabinets is a large knife
switch, to de-energize the live 600 Volt 3 phase connections, found in the lower part of the
panel.

The students did this without an appreciation of the extreme danger they were exposed to. A
phenomenon known by electricians, as ‘Arc Flash’ can occur.

Arc Flash:

Arc Flash is triggered by several factors, humidity in the air, dust in the air, or liquid vapour, or
some combination of all of these factors, in proximity to live 600 V connections. Opening a soft
drink can in the vicinity of a live 600 Volt cabinet, releases a cloud of vapour, which can trigger
Arc Flash.

The Arc Flash event occurs when an electric arc is established in the air, as shown below. The
arc does not stay confined to the electrical cabinet. In the 6 images, taken from a video, a
worker dressed in a protective suit, mandatory to work on energized high voltage cabinets, in
engulfed in the Arc Flash. The bright glowing gas is plasma, heated to thousands of degrees C.
Arc Flash events are often fatal, due to extreme burns over much of the body.

Trained electricians will usually choose NOT work on energized 600 Volt cabinets, due to the
extreme danger.

The ultra-slow motion video of this Arc Flash event can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P35HRYHFz7c

Safety Precautions:

1. Never open the door of a 600 Volt electrical cabinet. Sometimes, during electrical work,
a cabinet may be left unlocked. If it is unclear whether the 600 V power is energized, do
not open the door of the electrical cabinet. Arc Flash could occur due to dust dislodged
etc.
2. If work must be done to connect equipment to high voltage i.e. 600 Volt power supply,
the only persons qualified to do this work are electricians.
 WHMIS

4. WHMIS: What Does It Mean?

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System – WHMIS – is part of your right to know
about the hazards of the chemicals you work with. It is a system that will also provide you with
information on how to safely use and handle the chemicals, and how to respond should an
emergency involving the chemical arise.

WHMIS legislation provides employees, employers and suppliers nationwide with specific vital
information about hazardous materials (called controlled products in the legislation).

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, if you work with chemicals, you must receive
training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. Your supervisor will ensure
that you are provided with WHMIS training before you start working with the chemicals.

WHMIS provides this information by means of 3 main components

(a) Labeling of chemical containers.

(b) Material Safety Data Sheets(MSDS) which contain comprehensive health and safety
information on the chemicals.

(c) WHMIS education and training.

WHMIS: Background

Exposure to hazardous materials can contribute to many serious health effects such as dermatitis,
burns, kidney or lung damage, sterility, and cancer. Some materials can cause fires or explosions.

A federal impact analysis on the use of hazardous materials in the workplace estimated the social
cost due to exposure to those materials in 1984 was about $600 million. In British Columbia, from
1982 to 1986, workplace exposure to hazardous chemicals resulted in approximately 4,300 wage-
loss disease claims, at an estimated compensation cost of $26 million.

The purpose of WHMIS is to help reduce the likelihood of disease or injury in the workplace. It
was developed through the collective efforts of labour, industry and federal, provincial and
territorial regulatory agencies. From the beginning, the Worker’s Compensation Board of BC has
been active in formulating the system and producing the written materials for its implementation.

In the early 1980’s, a recommendation for a uniform national information system was made to the
Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation (CAALL) by Canadian regulatory
agencies in occupational safety and health.
In 1983, a federal/provincial task force completed its report on the feasibility of labeling hazardous
substances in the workplace. It recommended that a comprehensive national information delivery
system on hazardous materials be established.

In 1983, government, industry and labour established a tripartite approach to WHMIS which has
seen the development of WHMIS legislation and regulations and their implementation.

WHMIS: The Legislation

Legislation to implement WHMIS has been enacted on both the federal and provincial/territorial
levels. Federal requirements deal with the importation and sale of controlled products; provincial
legislation covers the storage, handling and use of controlled products in the workplace.

More specifically, the federal Hazardous Products Act and the Controlled Products
Regulations establish the criteria for including products in WHMIS and require suppliers to
provide appropriate labels and material safety data sheets as a condition of sale and importation of
those products.

Federal legislation balances a worker’s right-to-know about hazardous products with industry’s
need to protect confidential business information. A self-financing Commission established by the
Hazardous Materials Information Review Act oversees that aspect.

Provincial legislation, through amendments to occupational safety and health regulations, covers
the responsibility of the employer to provide:

 Worker education on controlled products;

 Workplace labeling and identification; and
 A material safety data sheet where the employer produces a controlled product.

The same requirements have been adopted for federally regulated workplaces through amendments
to the Canada Labour Code.

Designated Substances

There are 11 Designated Substances that the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act has
determined to be toxic? The Act has 11 separate Regulations that have been passed, each describing
the amount of the substance that workers can be exposed to and different ways to control and
measure the substance in the workplace. It is the responsibility of building owners and employers to
properly identify the Designated Substances that are present at their site. The following is a list of
the 11 Designated Substances and their corresponding regulations:

Acrylonitrile O. Reg. 835

Arsenic O. Reg. 836

Asbestos O. Reg. 278

Benzene O. Reg. 839

Coke Oven Emissions O. Reg. 840

Ethylene Oxide O. Reg. 841

Isocyanates O. Reg. 842

Lead O. Reg. 843

Mercury O. Reg. 844

Silica O. Reg. 845

Vinyl Chloride O. Reg. 846

Exemptions of Products from WHMIS

Partially Exempted

Some products already covered by other labeling legislation have been exempted from federal
WHMIS requirements for labels and MSDS’s. They include:

Some consumer products;

 Cosmetics and drugs;

 Explosives;
 Pesticides;
 Radioactive substances.

However, provincial WHMIS regulations require employers to educate workers in the safe
handling of these products and to use workplace labeling when the contents are transferred to new
containers.

Completely Exempted

Some products are exempted from both federal and provincial WHMIS requirements; for example:

 Wood and products made of wood;

 Manufactured articles;
 Tobacco and products made of tobacco;
  Goods handled, offered for transport or transported under the Transportation of Dangerous
Goods Act.

To protect workers from any hazards resulting from the use of products which are completely
exempt from WHMIS, general occupational safety and health information and training
requirements apply.

In addition, hazardous wastes are exempted from WHMIS except that wastes must be identified at
the workplaces where they are produced and workers must be trained to safely dispose the waste.
General environmental regulations cover information requirements for wastes.

Parliament is reviewing the status of products exempt from WHMIS.

WHMIS – The Three Key Elements of Information Delivery

WHMIS is a communication system on the hazards of controlled products in the workplace – from
the suppliers of controlled products to purchasers, from employers to workers through the three key
elements of: labeling, material safety data sheets and workers education.

4.1 Labeling

All containers containing controlled products used in workplace must be properly labeled.
Labeling requirements start with the sale or import of a controlled product.

When supplier produces or imports a product for distribution and sale in Canada, that supplier must
prepare a supplier label.

Suppliers generally transport products in single containers, multi-containers or in bulk shipments.

 For shipments of single containers, the supplier must apply the applicable WHMIS label.
 For multi-container shipments, the supplier must apply labels to the inner as well as outer
containers, unless there is a written agreement with the purchaser to apply the supplier’s
labels to inner containers.
 For bulk shipments, the supplier must send either a supplier label or alternative labeling
instructions to the employer for use when the product is received.

NOTE: During transportation, additional labels may be required under the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations. With a multi-container shipment, the supplier need not
provide a WHMIS label to the outer container if a TDG label is provided on that container and all
inner containers bear WHMIS labels.

Employers are responsible for checking that supplier labels have been applied to controlled
products received at the workplace. Improperly labeled products must not be used or handled for
any purpose other than temporary storage.
  For multiple container shipments, where the employer has agreed in writing, supplier
labels are applied by the employer.
 For bulk shipments, the employer must post or apply the supplier label. Where the supplier
sends labeling instructions, the employer must apply, at a minimum, a workplace label.

Workplace labels are required on containers of controlled products in cases where the product is
produced on site or transferred from the original supplier’s containers. Workplace labels must
contain 3 categories of information:

 The product name

 Safe handling information
 Reference to MSDS

The use of Hazard symbols and warning hatch-marks are optional.

A simple means of identifying the product is all that is required for use in a laboratory, or if an
employee transfers the product to a container and uses it for only one shift.

If a controlled product is transferred to a system (piping, reaction vessel), the contents of the
system must be properly identified.

When hazardous wastes which contain a controlled product are produced their location must be
identified with clearly marked signage. This waste must also have a chemical waste label for
disposal.

Chemical Waste Label

 Workers must be instructed on how to read and understand the labels and identifiers.

No one in the workplace can remove or deface the identification label of a hazardous material.

WHMIS Symbols

Symbol Risk Precautions

Compressed MATERIALS WHICH ARE NORMALLY ENSURE CONTAINER IS ALWAYS

GASEOUS KEPT IN A PRESSURIZED SECURED
CONTAINER
Gas
 Store in appropriate areas
 Could explode due to pressure  Do not drop or allow to fall
 Could explode if heated
 Possible hazard from both the force of
explosion and the release of contents

Class A
Flammable MATERIALS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO STORE IN PROPERLY DESIGNATED
and Combustible BURN AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO A FLAME AREAS
OR OTHER IGNITION SOURCE
WORK IN WELL VENTILATED
 May ignite spontaneously AREAS
 May be a material which will release flammable
products if allowed to degrade or when exposed  Avoid heating
to water  Avoid sources of sparks / flames
Class B  Ensure electrical sources are safe

Oxidizing MATERIALS WHICH CAN CAUSE OTHER STORE IN AREAS AWAY FROM
MATERIALS TO BURN OR SUPPORT COMBUSTIBLES
COMBUSTION
Material
WEAR BODY, HAND, FACE AND EYE
 Can cause skin or eye burns PROTECTION
 Increase fire and explosion hazard
 May cause combustibles to explode or react  Store in proper containers which
violently will not rust or oxidize

Class C

Toxic POISONS / POTENTIALLY FATAL MATERIALS AVOID BREATHING DUST OR

WHICH CAUSE IMMEDIATE AND SEVERE VAPOURS AND AVOID CONTACT
HARM WITH SKIN OR EYES
 Immediate  May be fatal if ingested or inhaled  Wear protective clothing which is
 May be absorbed through the skin effective against fumes and
And Severe  Small volumes have a toxic effect vapours
 Wear face and eye protection
 Work in well ventilated areas and
wear breathing protection

Class D1
Toxic MATERIALS WHICH HAVE HARMFUL WEAR APPROPRIATE PERSONAL
EFFECTS AFTER REPEATED EXPOSURES OR PROTECTION WORK IN A WELL
OVER LONG PERIODS OF TIME VENTILATED AREA
Long Term
 May cause death or permanent injury  Store in appropriate designated
Concealed  May cause birth defects or sterility areas
 May cause cancer  Avoid direct contact
 May be sensitizer causing allergies  Use hand, body, face and eye
protection
 Ensure respiratory and body
protection is appropriate for the
specific hazard
Class D2

Biohazardous INFECTIOUS AGENTS OR A BIOLOGICAL SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIRED

TOXIN CAUSING A SERIOUS DISEASE OR
DEATH WORK IN DESIGNATED
Infectious
BIOLOGICAL AREAS WITH
 May cause anaphylactic shock APPROPRIATE ENGINEERING
 Includes Viruses, Yeasts, Moulds, Bacteria and CONTROLS
Parasites which affect humans
 Includes fluids containing toxic products  Avoid forming aerosols
 Includes cellular components  Avoid breathing vapours
 Avoid contamination of people /
Class D3 area
 Store only in special designated
areas

Corrosive MATERIALS WHICH REACT WITH METALS
AND LIVING TISSUE
Materials
 Eye and skin irritation on exposure
 Severe burns/tissue damage on longer exposure
 Lung damage if inhaled
 May cause blindness if eyes contacted
 Environmental damage from fumes
Class E
WEAR BODY, FACE AND EYE
PROTECTION
USE BREATHING APPARATUS
 Ensure protective equipment is
appropriate
 Work in well ventilated area
 Avoid all direct body contact
 Use appropriate storage containers
and ensure proper non-venting
closures
Dangerously MATERIALS WHICH MAY HAVE UNEXPECTED HANDLE WITH CARE AVOIDING
REACTIONS VIBRATION, SHOCKS AND SUDDEN
TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Reactive
 May react with water
 May be chemically unstable  Store in appropriate containers
 May explode if exposed to shock or heat  Ensure storage containers are
 May release toxic or flammable vapours sealed
 May vigorously polymerize  Store and work in designated areas
 May burn unexpectedly
Class F

4.2 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

The second element of WHMIS is Material Safety Data Sheets, usually written as MSDS. An
MSDS is a technical document which provides information on potential hazards, precautions and
emergency information about a controlled product. MSDS’s supplement the alert information
provided on labels.

The minimum requirements for a MSDS are:

 Nine content sections as shown on the MSDS Sample.

MSDS Sample

 No section may be left blank.

 Data Sheets cannot be more than 3 years old.
  All Hazardous ingredients must be disclosed. In the case of proprietary ingredients, access
to information, for medical personnel in an emergency, must be made available.

Suppliers must have MSDS’s available in both languages for the controlled products they sell or
import. Information must be current and prepared no more than 3 years from date of sale.

A copy of the current MSDS must be sent to the purchaser on or before the date of sale of the first
purchase of a controlled product.

Employers must ensure that MSDS’s are received for all controlled products purchased. The
employer must contact the supplier for an updated MSDS when the preparation date on workplace
data sheet is 3 years old.

If the employer produces a controlled product for use at the workplace, the employer must develop
an MSDS for that product, and make it available to workers.

Copies of supplier and employer MSDS’s must be readily accessible to employees during each
work shift. Workers must be trained to understand the basic requirements of an MSDS as well as
the applicable information in it.

Employers may computerize the MSDS information as long as all employees have access to and
are trained on how to use the computer, the computers are kept in working order, and that the
employer makes a hard copy of the MSDS available to the employee or safety and health
committee/representative upon request.

4.3 Worker Education

The third element of WHMIS is worker education. Employers must establish education and
training programs for workers. Training must include:

 How WHMIS works

 The hazards of controlled products
 Procedures for safe storage, use and disposal
 Emergency procedures

Workers require training if they use or work near controlled products.

4.4 WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015 – Making the transition

WHMIS is changing to adopt new international standards for classifying hazardous materials and
providing information on labels and safety data sheets. These new standards are part of the
Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) being
phased in across Canada between February 2015 and December 2018. The GHS standards have
been endorsed by the United Nations. They are also being implemented in many other countries
including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and members of the European
Union. The original WHMIS requirements are generally referred to as “WHMIS 1988” and the
new
ones are called “WHMIS 2015.” To give suppliers, employers and workers time to adapt to the
new system, the transition from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015 has been taking place in three
phases.

Phase 1
Phase 1 began on February 11, 2015 and ends on May 31, 2018. During Phase 1:

• suppliers who are chemical manufacturers or importers may sell hazardous products with
either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 labels and safety data sheets; and,

• employers may receive and use hazardous products with either WHMIS 1988 or
WHMIS 2015 labels and safety data sheets.

Phase 2
Phase 2 begins on June 1, 2018 and ends on August 31, 2018. During Phase 2:

• chemical manufacturers and importers must comply with the WHMIS 2015
requirements for labels and safety data sheets;

• suppliers who are chemical distributors may continue to sell hazardous products with
either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 labels and safety data sheets; and,

• employers may continue to receive and use hazardous products with either
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 labels and safety data sheets.
Phase 3
Phase 3 begins on September 1, 2018 and ends on November 30, 2018. During
Phase 3:

• the transition period for suppliers and distributors is over – they must be in full
compliance with WHMIS 2015 requirements for labels and safety data sheets;

• employers should only receive hazardous products with WHMIS 2015 labels and safety
data sheets; and,

• employers will have these final six months of the transition to bring their existing
inventories of hazardous products into compliance with WHMIS 2015.

By December 1, 2018, the transition to WHMIS 2015 must be complete for all parties. There
should be no hazardous products in the workplace with WHMIS 1988 labels and safety data
sheets.

Phases of WHMIS transition

Phases Timing Manufacturers Distributors Employers

and importers acting as
acting as suppliers
suppliers

Phase 1 February 11, Comply with Comply with Comply with

2015 to May 31, WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 1988 or
2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015

Phase 2 June 1, 2018 to Comply with Comply with Comply with

August 31, 2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 1988 or
WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015

Phase 3 September 1, Comply with Comply with Comply with

2018 to WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 1988 or
November 30, WHMIS 2015
2018
 End December 1, Comply with Comply with Comply with
Date 2018 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015 WHMIS 2015

During the transition

For an individual hazardous product, both the label and safety data sheet must comply with either
WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015, not a combination. For example, it would not be acceptable for
a supplier to sell, or an employer to use, a hazardous product with a
1988 label and a 2015 safety data sheet.

Please Watch

Updated WHMIS GHS Video

The main elements of WHMIS 2015 are:

Product classification – products intended for use in the workplace are classified based on
their hazardous properties.

Labels – provide basic information that a worker needs to know to safely use a
hazardous product.

Safety data sheets (SDSs) – supplement the label with more detailed information about a
product’s physical and chemical characteristics, its hazardous properties and necessary
handling precautions.
Worker education – ensures workers understand the information on labels and safety data
sheets and can apply this knowledge on the job.

4.4.1 Classification

WHMIS 2015 introduces a new system for classifying hazardous products. There are at least
three possible levels of classification for an individual product. Moving from the most general
classification to more specific ones, these levels are: hazard “group” hazard “class” hazard
“category” and, in some cases, hazard “subcategory.”

There are two broad hazard groups: physical hazards and health hazards. Products in the physical
hazards group are classified based on characteristics such as flammability or reactivity. Health
hazards are grouped based on their ability to cause a health effect, such as cancer or skin
irritation. Both groups are divided into classes of materials with similar properties. There are 19
distinct classes in the physical hazards group and 12 classes in the health hazards group.

Classes in the Physical Hazards Group are:

1. Flammable gases
2. Flammable aerosols
3. Oxidizing gases
4. Gases under pressure
5. Flammable liquids
6. Flammable solids
7. Self-reactive substances and mixtures
8. Pyrophoric liquids
9. Pyrophoric solids
10. Self-heating substances and mixtures
11. Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
12. Oxidizing liquids
13. Oxidizing solids
 14. Organic peroxides
15. Corrosive to metals
16. Combustible dusts*

17. Simple asphyxiants*

18. Pyrophoric gases*
19. Physical hazards not otherwise classified*

Classes in the Health Hazard Group are:

1. Acute toxicity
2. Skin corrosion/irritation
3. Serious eye damage/eye irritation
4. Respiratory or skin sensitization
5. Germ cell mutagenicity
6. Carcinogenicity
7. Reproductive toxicity
8. Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure
9. Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure
10. Aspiration hazard
11. Biohazardous infectious materials*
12. Health hazards not otherwise classified*

* These hazard classes are part of WHMIS 2015 but are not part of the GHS.

Most hazard classes are further subdivided into categories and subcategories based on the
severity of the hazard. Most categories are identified by a number and subcategories by a
number and letter. The lower the category number, the more severe the hazard, for example, a
product classified as a Flammable Liquid-Category 1 is more hazardous than a Flammable
Liquid-Category 2.

Determining if a product is a “hazardous product”

To determine if a particular product intended for use in the workplace is a hazardous product,
a supplier should:
 • identify the physical and toxicological properties of the product;

• consult Parts 2, 7 and 8 of the HPR, which set out the definitions and
classification criteria relevant to each WHMIS hazard class, category and sub-
category;

• compare the properties of the product to the criteria in the HPR.

A product is a “hazardous product” as defined in the HPA if it meets the criteria to be classified
in at least one category or subcategory of any of the physical or health hazard classes listed
above. Product classification is a complex process. Products should be evaluated in accordance
with established scientific principles and using all available hazard data. Both suppliers and
employers may need help from external experts. Appendix 5 lists some available resources.

Pictograms used with WHMIS 2015 hazard classes and

categories

The following pictograms will be associated with these hazard classes and categories.

The flame pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Flammable gases (Category 1)

 Flammable aerosols (Category 1 and 2)
 Flammable liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
 Flammable solids (Category 1 and 2)
 Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1)
 Pyrophoric solids (Category 1)
 Pyrophoric gases (Category 1)
 Self-heating substances and mixtures (Category 1 and 2)
 Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (Category 1, 2
and 3)
  Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types B*, C, D, E and F)
 Organic peroxides (Types B*, C, D, E and F)

The flame over circle pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Oxidizing gases (Category 1)

 Oxidizing liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
 Oxidizing solids (Category 1, 2 and 3)

The gas cylinder pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Gases under pressure (Compressed gas, Liquefied gas, Refrigerated liquefied gas, and
Dissolved gas)

The corrosion pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Corrosive to metals (Category 1)

  Skin corrosion/irritation - Skin corrosion (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 1C)
 Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Serious eye damage ( Category 1)

The exploding bomb pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types A and B*)

 Organic peroxides (Types A and B*)

The skull and crossbones pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Acute toxicity -
o Oral (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Dermal (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Inhalation (Category 1, 2 and 3)

The health hazard pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
  Respiratory or skin sensitization - Respiratory sensitizer (Category 1, 1A and 1B)
 Germ cell mutagenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2)
 Carcinogenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B, and 2)
 Reproductive toxicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2)
 Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single exposure (Category 1 and 2)
 Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Repeated exposure (Category 1 and 2)
 Aspiration hazard (Category 1)

The exclamation mark pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Acute toxicity – Oral, Dermal, Inhalation (Category 4)

 Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin irritation (Category 2)
 Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Eye irritation (Category 2 and 2A)
 Respiratory or skin sensitization – Skin sensitizer (Category 1, 1A and 1B)
 Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure (Category 3)

The biohazardous infectious materials pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:

 Biohazardous Infectious Materials (Category 1)

* Both the Flame and Explosive pictogram are used for Self-reactive substances and mixtures
(Type B) and Organic peroxides (Type B)

NOTE: Physical Hazards Not Otherwise Classified and Health Hazards Not Otherwise Classified
classes are required to have a GHS pictogram that is appropriate to the hazard identified.
Do all hazard classes and categories require a pictogram?
No. There are hazardous products that meet the criteria for a hazard class or category, but these
classes and categories do not require a pictogram. The product label and Section 2 (Hazards
Identification) of the SDS still require the signal word, hazard statement(s), and other required label
elements.

WHMIS 2015 classes and categories that do not require a pictogram are:

 Flammable gases – Category 2

 Flammable liquids – Category 4
 Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type G
 Organic peroxides – Type G
 Combustible dusts – Category 1
 Simple Asphyxiants – Category 1
 Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Eye Irritation – Category 2B
 Reproductive toxicity – Effects on or via lactation

Pictogram comparison of WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015

Symbol Risk Precautions

WHMIS 1988 WHMIS 2015

Compressed The gas cylinder MATERIALS WHICH ARE ENSURE CONTAINER

pictogram: NORMALLY GASEOUS KEPT IN A IS ALWAYS SECURED
PRESSURIZED CONTAINER
Gas
 Store in
 Could explode due to pressure appropriate
 Could explode if heated areas

Possible hazard from both the force of Do not drop or allow to

explosion and the release of contents fall
Class A
 MATERIALS WHICH WILL STORE IN PROPERLY
CONTINUE TO BURN AFTER DESIGNATED AREAS
BEING EXPOSED TO A FLAME OR
Flammable and The flame pictogram: OTHER IGNITION SOURCE WORK IN WELL
VENTILATED AREAS
Combustible  May ignite spontaneously
 May be a material which will  Avoid heating
release flammable products if  Avoid sources of
allowed to degrade or when sparks / flames
exposed to water  Ensure electrical
sources are safe
Class B

Oxidizing The flame over circle MATERIALS WHICH CAN CAUSE STORE IN AREAS
pictogram: OTHER MATERIALS TO BURN OR AWAY FROM
SUPPORT COMBUSTION COMBUSTIBLES
Material
 Can cause skin or eye burns WEAR BODY, HAND,
 Increase fire and explosion FACE AND EYE
hazard PROTECTION
 May cause combustibles to
explode or react violently Store in proper containers
which will not rust or
Class C oxidize

POISONS / POTENTIALLY FATAL AVOID BREATHING

MATERIALS WHICH CAUSE DUST OR VAPOURS
IMMEDIATE AND SEVERE HARM AND AVOID
Toxic Skull and Crossbones CONTACT WITH
pictogram:  May be fatal if ingested or SKIN OR EYES
Immediate inhaled
 May be absorbed through the  Wear protective
and Severe skin clothing which is
 Small volumes have a toxic effective against
effect fumes and
vapours
 Wear face and
eye protection
 Work in well
Class D1 ventilated areas
and wear
breathing
protection

MATERIALS WHICH HAVE WEAR APPROPRIATE

HARMFUL EFFECTS AFTER PERSONAL
REPEATED EXPOSURES OR OVER PROTECTION WORK
Toxic The health hazard LONG PERIODS OF TIME IN A WELL
pictogram: VENTILATED AREA
Long Term  May cause death or permanent
injury  Store in
Concealed  May cause birth defects or appropriate
sterility designated areas
  May cause cancer  Avoid direct
 May be sensitizer causing contact
allergies  Use hand, body,
 Respiratory or skin sensitization face and eye
- Respiratory sensitizer protection
(Category 1, 1A and 1B)  Ensure
 Germ cell mutagenicity respiratory and
Class D2 (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2) body protection
 Carcinogenicity (Category 1, is appropriate for
1A, 1B, and 2) the specific
 Reproductive toxicity (Category hazard
1, 1A, 1B and 2)
The exclamation  Specific Target Organ Toxicity -
mark pictogram: Single exposure (Category 1 and
2)
 Specific Target Organ Toxicity -
Repeated exposure (Category 1
and 2)
 Aspiration hazard (Category 1)
 Acute toxicity – Oral,
Dermal, Inhalation
(Category 4)
 Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin
irritation (Category 2)
 Serious eye damage/eye
irritation – Eye irritation
(Category 2 and 2A)
 Respiratory or skin sensitization
– Skin sensitizer (Category 1,
1A and 1B)
 Specific target organ toxicity –
Single exposure (Category 3)

INFECTIOUS AGENTS OR A SPECIAL TRAINING

BIOLOGICAL TOXIN CAUSING A REQUIRED
SERIOUS DISEASE OR DEATH
Biohazardous Biohazardous
WORK IN
Infectious Materials  May cause anaphylactic shock DESIGNATED
Infectious pictogram  Includes Viruses, Yeasts, BIOLOGICAL AREAS
Moulds, Bacteria and Parasites WITH APPROPRIATE
which affect humans ENGINEERING
 Includes fluids containing toxic CONTROLS
products
 Avoid forming
Includes cellular components aerosols
Class D3  Avoid breathing
vapours
 Avoid
contamination of
people / area
  Store only in
special
designated areas

MATERIALS WHICH REACT WEAR BODY, FACE

The corrosion WITH METALS AND LIVING AND EYE
TISSUE PROTECTION
Corrosive pictogram:
Materials  Eye and skin irritation on USE BREATHING
exposure APPARATUS
 Severe burns/tissue damage on
longer exposure  Ensure
 Lung damage if inhaled protective
 May cause blindness if eyes equipment is
Class E contacted appropriate
 Work in well
Environmental damage from fumes ventilated area
 Avoid all direct
body contact

Use appropriate storage

containers and
ensure proper non-
venting closures
The exploding bomb MATERIALS WHICH MAY HAVE HANDLE WITH
pictogram: UNEXPECTED REACTIONS CARE AVOIDING
VIBRATION,
Dangerously
 May react with water SHOCKS AND
 May be chemically unstable SUDDEN
Reactive  May explode if exposed to shock TEMPERATURE
or heat CHANGES
 May release toxic or flammable
vapours  Store in
 May vigorously polymerize appropriate
containers
Class F  Ensure storage
May burn unexpectedly
containers are
sealed

Store and work in

designated areas
The exclamation mark pictogram is used WEAR
for the following classes and categories: APPROPRIATE
PERSONAL
The exclamation
 Acute toxicity – Oral, Dermal, PROTECTION
mark pictogram: Inhalation (Category 4) WORK IN A WELL
 Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin VENTILATED AREA
NONE irritation (Category 2)
 Serious eye damage/eye irritation  Store in
– Eye irritation (Category 2 and appropriate
2A) designated
 Respiratory or skin sensitization – areas
Skin sensitizer (Category 1, 1A  Avoid direct
and 1B) contact
  Specific target organ toxicity –  Use hand, body,
Single exposure (Category 3) face and eye
protection
 Ensure
respiratory and
body protection
is appropriate
for the specific
hazard

WHMIS is a communication system on the hazards of controlled products in the

workplace – from the suppliers of controlled products to purchasers, from employers
to workers through the three key elements of: labeling, material safety data sheets
and workers education.

4.4.2 Labeling

All containers containing controlled products used in workplace must be properly labeled.
Labeling requirements start with the sale or import of a controlled product.

When supplier produces or imports a product for distribution and sale in Canada, that supplier must
prepare a supplier label.

Suppliers generally transport products in single containers, multi-containers or in bulk shipments.

 For shipments of single containers, the supplier must apply the applicable WHMIS label.
 For multi-container shipments, the supplier must apply labels to the inner as well as outer
containers, unless there is a written agreement with the purchaser to apply the supplier’s
labels to inner containers.
 For bulk shipments, the supplier must send either a supplier label or alternative labeling
instructions to the employer for use when the product is received.

NOTE: During transportation, additional labels may be required under the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations. With a multi-container shipment, the supplier need not
provide a WHMIS label to the outer container if a TDG label is provided on that container and all
inner containers bear WHMIS labels.

Employers are responsible for checking that supplier labels have been applied to controlled
products received at the workplace. Improperly labeled products must not be used or handled for
any purpose other than temporary storage.
  For multiple container shipments, where the employer has agreed in writing, supplier
labels are applied by the employer.
 For bulk shipments, the employer must post or apply the supplier label. Where the supplier
sends labeling instructions, the employer must apply, at a minimum, a workplace label.

Workplace labels are required on containers of controlled products in cases where the product is
produced on site or transferred from the original supplier’s containers. Workplace labels must
contain 3 categories of information:

 The product name

 Safe handling information
 Reference to MSDS

The use of Hazard symbols and warning hatch-marks are optional.

A simple means of identifying the product is all that is required for use in a laboratory, or if an
employee transfers the product to a container and uses it for only one shift.

If a controlled product is transferred to a system (piping, reaction vessel), the contents of the
system must be properly identified.

When hazardous wastes which contain a controlled product are produced their location must be
identified with clearly marked signage. This waste must also have a chemical waste label for
disposal.

Chemical Waste Label

Workers must be instructed on how to read and understand the labels and identifiers.

No one in the workplace can remove or deface the identification label of a hazardous material.

4.4.3 Safety Data Sheets (SDS), previously called Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are summary documents that provide information about the hazards of a
product and advice about safety precautions. SDSs are usually written by the manufacturer or
supplier of the product. SDS’s supplement the alert information provided on labels.

SDSs provide more detailed hazard information about the product than the label. They are an
important resource for workplaces and workers to help you learn more about the product(s) used.
Use this information to identify the hazards of the products you use and to protect yourself from
those hazards, including safe handling and emergency measures.

Every product that is classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use,
handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have an SDS.

General information requirements for supplier SDS

A supplier SDS must have at least 16 sections, presented in a standardized format. Sections
must appear with the following headings and corresponding numbers, and must be in the order
shown below.

The Hazardous Products Regulations specifies the sections and content for the SDS. The section
number and heading must be presented in the order specified, as follows:

SDS Section and Heading Specific Information Elements

1 Identification  Product identifier (e.g. Product name)

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

2 Hazard identification  Hazard classification (class, category) of substance or mixture or a

description of the identified hazard for Physical or Health Hazards
Not Otherwise Classified
 Label elements:
 o Symbol (image) or the name of the symbol (e.g., flame,
skull and crossbones)
o Signal word
o Hazard statement(s)
o Precautionary statement(s)
 Other hazards which do not result in classification (e.g., molten
metal hazard)

3 Composition/Information on  When a hazardous product is a material or substance:

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

NOTE: Confidential business information rules can apply

4 First-aid measures  First-aid measures by route of exposure:

o Inhalation
o Skin contact
o Eye contact
o Ingestion
 Most important symptoms and effects (acute or delayed)
 Immediate medical attention and special treatment, if necessary

5 Fire-fighting measures  Suitable extinguishing media

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

6 Accidental release measures  Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency

procedures
 Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

7 Handling and storage  Precautions for safe handling

 Conditions for safe storage (including incompatible materials)

8 Exposure controls/  Control parameters, including occupational exposure guidelines or

Personal protection biological exposure limits and the source of those values
 Appropriate engineering controls
  Individual protection measures (e.g. personal protective equipment)

9 Physical and chemical  Appearance (physical state, colour, etc.)

properties  Odour
 Odour threshold
 pH
 Melting point/Freezing point
 Initial boiling point/boiling range
 Flash point
 Evaporation rate
 Flammability (solid; gas)
 Lower flammable/explosive limit
 Upper flammable/explosive limit
 Vapour pressure
 Vapour density
 Relative density
 Solubility
 Partition coefficient - n-octanol/water
 Auto-ignition temperature
 Decomposition temperature
 Viscosity

10 Stability and reactivity  Reactivity

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

11 Toxicological information Concise but complete description of the various toxic health effects and the
data used to identify those effects, including:

 Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion,

skin and eye contact)
 Symptoms related to the physical, chemical and toxicological
characteristics
 Delayed and immediate effects, and chronic effects from short-term
and long-term exposure
 Numerical measures of toxicity

12 Ecological information***  Eco-toxicity

 Persistence and degradability
 Bio-accumulative potential
 Mobility in soil
 Other adverse effects

13 Disposal considerations*** Information on safe handling for disposal and methods of disposal, including
any contaminated packaging
 14 Transport information***  UN number
 UN proper shipping name
 Transport hazard class(es)
 Packing group
 Environmental hazards
 Transport in bulk, if applicable
 Special precautions

15 Regulatory information*** Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product

16 Other information Date of the latest revision of the SDS

+The supplier that must be identified on an SDS is the initial supplier identifier (i.e., the name,
address and telephone number of either the Canadian manufacturer or the Canadian importer).
There are two exceptions to this requirement. In a situation where a hazardous product is being sold
by a distributor, the distributor may replace the name, address and telephone number of the initial
supplier with their own contact information. In a situation where an importer imports a hazardous
product for use in their own workplace in Canada (i.e., the importer is not selling the hazardous
product), the importer may retain the name, address and telephone number of the foreign supplier
on the SDS instead of replacing it with their own contact information.

*These impurities and stabilizing products are those that are classified in a health hazard class and
contribute to the classification of the material or substance.

**Each ingredient in the mixture must be listed when it is classified in a health hazard class and is
present above the concentration limit that is designated for the hazard class in which it is classified
or is present in the mixture at a concentration that results in the mixture being classified in any
health hazard class.

***Sections 12 to 15 require the headings to be present, but under Canadian regulations, the
supplier has the option to not provide information in these sections.

Updating the SDS

A supplier must ensure that the SDS for a hazardous product is accurate, current and meets
requirements in the HPR every time the product is sold. If a supplier becomes aware of
significant new data about a hazardous product, the supplier must update the SDS within 90
days (subsection 5.12(3), HPR). “Significant new data” means information about a product that
would:

• change its classification in a category or subcategory of a hazard class,

• result in its classification in another class, or

 • change the ways to handle it safely.

If a hazardous product is sold during the 90-day grace period, without an updated supplier SDS,
the supplier must provide the buyer (i.e. the employer) with the significant new data in writing
and the date on which the data became available. Suppliers are not required to inform past
buyers of a hazardous product that significant new data is available.

Electronic copy
The employer is not required to provide paper copies of SDSs. Providing a SDS
in an electronic format complies with requirements in the OHSA for making a SDS
available at the workplace and to prescribed parties outside the workplace (subsection
38(5), OHSA).

Note: The OHSA provides for distribution of SDSs outside the workplace, to medical officers
of health, fire departments and the Ministry of Labour. Members of the public have access to
SDSs through their local medical officer of health (section 38).

4.4.4 Worker Education

The final element of WHMIS 2015 is worker education. Employers must establish education and
training programs for workers. Training must include:

 How WHMIS works

 The hazards of controlled products
 Procedures for safe storage, use and disposal
 Emergency procedures

Workers require training if they use or work near controlled products.

WHMIS training can be obtained through U of T Environmental Health and Safety department.

At: https://ehs.utoronto.ca/our-services/chemical-and-lab-safety/whmis-lab-safety-training/

Online SDS Resource: https://ehs.utoronto.ca/resources/hazardous-materials-information/

Ref: Widestate WHMIS training video

 Personal Protection

5. Personal Protection

5.1 Safety glasses must be worn when any kind of cutting or grinding is performed, or
when going into an area where others are doing the same type of work.

Safety glasses

5.2 Safety boots are optional, except when heavy parts are to be moved or worked on.
Open toe shoes must not worn at the work site or in the laboratories.

Safety boots

5.3 Gloves should be worn when working on sharp objects. No gloves should be worn
when working around moving machinery. Gloves can become entangled in
machinery leading to injury.

5.4 When working with chemicals appropriate gloves, apron, and face shield must be
worn according to instructions given in the MSDS.

Rubber gloves and apron

 5.5 When working a dusty environment a dust mask should be worn.

Dust masks

5.6 Good ventilation must be maintained in the work area.

5.7 Hearing protection must be worn when working in a noisy environment. Please
refer to warning labels on the equipment or consult your supervisor.

Ear protection

Compressed air safety:

It is recommended that compressed air is not used for cleaning. Other cleaning methods should
be used such as vacuuming, wet sweeping and water washing.

If there is no option other than to use compressed air, a “quiet” nozzle under 10 psi or 70 KPa
should be used and personal protective equipment (esp. eye protection) must be worn.
If using compressed air for cleaning equipment/work areas, please be aware of the following
hazards:

- Potential for eye injury (dislodged particles blowing in the eyes, air jets)

- Potential for skin injury (in rare cases, compressed air can break through the skin and cause a
serious medical condition)

- Potential for inhalation hazard (inhaling dislodge particles). Compressed air should never be
used to clean any hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, mold, etc.

Do not use compressed air to clean clothing, footwear, hands, hair, or any body part.
 Emergency Procedures

6. Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency and/or serious injury

Step 1. Call 9-911

Step 2. Call 9-416 978-2222 as soon as is possible

Procedure if a fire occurs in your lab or work area:

Note: Prior to September 2015, in the last year, there have been five small fires in labs in MIE.
These fires may have led to potentially serious consequences. Following fire safety procedures as
given below, it is critical to protecting you, and others, in the building where a fire has occurred.

If you are confronted with a fire in your environment:

1. Activate the building fire alarm, or send someone else to do it. By

activating the fire alarm, you are alerting other building occupants of a
fire. This is done to protect others in the building. There are no exceptions
to this rule.

Please note that Fire Alarm Pull Stations are located at every exit as you
leave any building, and at stairwell exits within a building.

There may be additional Fire Alarm Pull Stations at the exits from large
classrooms. Note also that when a Fire Alarm Pull Station is activated
(pulled) the location of the alarm is displayed for Firemen to see when
entering the building on a fire alarm locator panel.
 2. Only after the fire alarm is sounding, should you consider any attempt to
extinguish a fire.

You should only attempt to extinguish a fire after the alarm is sounding because,
if you succumb to smoke, or fire, and an alarm is not sounding, you may be
seriously injured. If another person goes to pull the fire alarm, the same rule
applies. That other person may not find the alarm, or may trip or fall in the
excitement, and may fail to pull the alarm, potentially endangering you, and others
in the building.

3. Do not try to extinguish the fire if you cannot safely do so. Be aware that fighting
fires is not a common activity, hence evaluation of what is safe, and not safe, is an
issue.

4. You should not try to extinguish a fire if:

It is generating a substantial amount of smoke

It is close proximity to other flammable or combustible materials

It is too large to handle with one extinguisher

You are unsure about the use of an extinguisher

5. Call 9-911

6. Leave the building, closing your lab or work area door behind you.

Fighting Fires with Fire Extinguishers

1. Determine the class of fire, e.g. A,B,C, or D

2. Verify that the extinguisher you will use is rated for the Class of fire. It can save valuable
time if you have already familiarized yourself with the extinguishers (and their class
ratings) in your area.
 3. Use the extinguisher to put out the fire.

In case of an accident:

1. Administer first aid if you are qualified to do so.

2. Phone emergency (9-911 and 9-416 978-2222).
3. Notify your supervisor immediately.

Chemical Spills:
Major Chemical Spill

1. Evacuate immediate area.

2. Call Environmental Protection Services (Hazardous Materials) at:
9-416 978-7000 (8:30 - 4:30, Weekdays)

After hours call Campus Emergency Control Centre:

9-416 978-2222 - ST. GEORGE CAMPUS

3. State your name, location, chemical(s) involved, and the amount spilled.
4. Attend to any persons who may have been contaminated.

Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet for first aid information. Refer to "Chemical Spills on
Body" for further information.

5. Wait in a safe area for the response team. Your knowledge of the area will assist the team.

6. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to enter the contaminated area.

7. Report the incident to your supervisor and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety
and to the local joint health and safety committee. Use the "Accident/Incident /Occupational
Disease Report" form.

Minor Chemical Spill

1. STOP - THINK! Do not rush. Carefully plan cleanup.

GET THE MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET AND DETERMINE APPROPRIATE

CLEANUP PROCEDURES FOR THE MATERIAL
 2. Decide if you can safely handle the spill; IF UNSURE, CALL 9-416 978-7000 FOR
ASSISTANCE.

3. If malodorous/hazardous vapours are generated from the chemical spill which can be
spread outside the local area contact:

 Environmental Protection Services (Hazardous Materials) (9-416 978-7000)

 Facilities and Services Emergency Maintenance (9-416 978-3000)

4. Eliminate all ignition sources if flammable material is involved

5. Turn on fume hoods, if present, to capture or direct flow of vapours.

6. Confine the spill to a small area. Do not allow the material to spread. Dike, block or
contain the size of spread of liquid spill by using appropriate absorbing material (vermiculite,
commercial absorbent, etc).

Should a particular chemical be used extensively in a laboratory, a spill kit is recommended.

Appropriate protective equipment and cleanup materials (e.g. neutralizers, absorbent, etc.) must
be used. Commercial spill kits are available that contain instructions, cleanup materials and
protective equipment required to safely and effectively decontaminate a minor chemical spill

7. Carefully remove other materials, containers, equipment from path of the spill.

8. Sweep solids of low toxicity into a dust pan and place into container for disposal.

9. Dispose of all cleanup materials as hazardous waste. Waste must be properly packaged in a
leak-proof container, sealed and labeled with a hazardous waste label. Call Environmental
Protection Services (Hazardous Materials) at 9-416 978-7000 for disposal.

10. After removal of spilled material, if the chemical is soluble in water, the area should be
washed with warm, soapy water to remove any remaining residue.

11. Report the incident to your supervisor and Environmental Health and Safety and to the
local joint health and safety committee. Use the "Accident/Incident/Occupational Disease
Report" form.

Emergency Numbers
All Emergencies - 24 Hours 9-416 978-2222
Fire, Police, Ambulance

TTD - Telephone for the Deaf Only 9-416 978-7385

City Emergency Phone Number 9-911

Poison Control Information 9-416 813-5900

Office of Environmental Health & Safety 9-416 978-4467

Environmental Protection Services (Hazardous Materials) 9-416 978-7000

Fire Prevention Section 9-416 978-5151

Radiation Protection Section 9-416 978-2028

Facilities and Services

Mechanical/Maintenance Problems 9-416 978-3000

References: U of T, Environmental Health and Safety

 Accident Reporting

7. Accident Reporting

Accident reporting is critical to meeting the Universities’ oversight and legal

obligations. Supervisors must fill out an online Accident Report form for all
accidents, incidents or occupational diseases that are reported to them. For guests,
students and contractors, the Risk Management form should be used. Also, report all
accidents to the MIE Joint Health and Safety Committee at safety@mie.utoronto.ca

Please read the information at the University EHS web site, then return and proceed to
take the test for this section.

University of Toronto
Student/Contractor/Visitor Incident Report Form
University of Toronto
Workplace Accident/Incident Report Form