Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Lesson At A Glance
1 hour

Length

Students will:
explain what WHMIS stands for
recognize WHMIS symbols and classes
identify safety rules in the science classroom

Learning Objectives

Teaching Strategies

in-class discussion
personal reflection
critical thinking
questioning
cooperative groups

Equipment/Instructional
Aids

flipchart/whiteboard
Student Handouts (photocopy for students)
optional: WHMIS booklet and cards (order from WCB)

Assessment Strategy

presentation
WHMIS worksheets

Lesson Breakdown
10 min.

Introductory Activity - What does WHMIS stand for?

25 min.

Learning Activity - WHMIS Symbols

20 min.

Group Learning Activity - Safety in the Science Classroom

5 min.

Conclusion

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Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Purpose
This module is designed to introduce students to the WHMIS classifications
for hazardous substances. Although students should take responsibility for
recognizing labels, the employer is ultimately responsible for training. This
lesson stresses...If You Dont Know...Ask.

Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
explain what WHMIS stands for

recognize WHMIS symbols and classes

identify safety rules in the science classroom

Duration
1 hour
Instructional Materials
Student Handouts

1. What is this thing called WHMIS

(photocopy for students)

2. WHMIS Symbols (5 pages) &

3. WHMIS and Safety Worksheet (2 pages)
4. Safety in the Science Classroom
5. Safety in the Science Classroom Exercise
Order from WCBs
Publications & Videos
(604)276-3068 or
1-800-661-2112 loc 3068 or
visit www.worksafebc.com

WHMIS Booklet & Cards

1. WHMIS At Work Booklet

(optional)

2. WHMIS Cards

Equipment

1. White board or flipchart and paper

2. Markers

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Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Note to Teacher
WHMIS is a federal Canadian regulation which applies to products used in
Canadian workplaces, therefore it is essential that youth joining the workforce
understand this classification system of hazardous materials and substances.
The activities in this module help students to focus on:
safe handling of materials and substances
safe storage of materials and substances
safe clean-up of materials and substances
using personal personal protective
Refer to WCBs WHMIS At Work Booklet for more information.

Introduction - 15 min.

Comment
WHMIS is a federal Canadian regulation which applies to products used in
Canadian workplaces.

Ask
What does WHMIS stand for?

Explain
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
It is an information system designed to help students know more about
safety and health hazards of materials that they use in the workplace.
WHMIS gives workers and employers key safety and handling information
in the form of special labels, symbols and Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS) on potentially dangerous chemicals that are used on the job.

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Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Introduction - continued

What is this thing called WHMIS?

To benefit from WHMIS, you must know what it is and how the system works.
1. WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
2. It is an information system implemented in 1988, that is designed to help students
know more about safety and health hazards of materials that they use in the workplace.
3. WHMIS gives workers and employers key safety and handling information in the form
of special labels, symbols, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on potentially
dangerous chemicals that are used on the job.
4. You will come across controlled products that fall under the WHMIS legislation at
school (for example, the chemicals used in your science and shop class), and at any
workplace where chemicals are used.

Distribute Student Handout #1- What

is this thing called WHMIS?.

WHMIS Labels
All controlled products at school or the workplace must
have WHMIS labels.
The purpose of a WHMIS label is to identify the product as
controlled and alert workers or handlers to the hazards and
safe handling procedures of the product. A WHMIS label is
just a first alert, as the amount of information in it is limited by
its size. The MSDS provides more detailed information.

SA
MP
LE

It is i mportant that you read the whole label before using a

product for the first time. T he label will give a brief summary
of the most important things to know about the chemical.
This includes:

Discuss contents of handout.

Name of the chemical: may be the common name, trade

name, generic name, brand name, code name.

The WHMIS hazard symbols: hazard symbols representing the WHMIS hazard classes.

Risks and precautions: Short phrases describing the hazards to supplement the
information provided by the symbols, and precautions to be taken when using, handling
or being exposed to the product.

First Aid instructions: These statements indicate immediate first aid measures that can
be taken by the victim or others in case of an accident or emergency.

Suppliers name and address.

A reference to the matching MSDS stating that more information is available.

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #1

Class D
Division 2
continued

Includes materials that can cause ill health

effects that are not immediate; such as allergies,
asthma, cancer, organ damage, birth defects,
sterility,
other seriousMATERIALS
illness or disease.
Class
C or OXIDIZING
Avoid skin andThe
eyematerial
contactisbya wearing
all
fire or explosion
risk near
protective equipment
necessary
including
eye, May burn skin
flammable
or combustible
material.
face and handorprotection
and protective clothing.
eyes on contact.
Avoid inhaling
byoxidizing
working in
well-ventilated
An
material
may or may not burn itself,
areas. Use respiratory
equipment.
but will release
oxygen or another oxidizing
Store in designated
areas.
substance, and thereby causes or helps a
The shapes of the symbols used on labels have been chosen to show the nature of the
flammable or combustible material to burn. E.g.
hazard they represent.
Division 3: Biohazardous
sulfuri c acid,Infectious
perchloric material.
acid, hydrogen peroxide,
This includes organisms
(like bacteria
andGAS
Class
A COMPRESSED
sodium
peroxide,
benzyl
peroxide, permanganates,
viruses) and the dichromates,
toxins they may
produce that
chlorine
and bleach.
It isperchlorates,
a gas kept under
pressure.
are believed to
disease.
E.g.
anthrax
(in
cause
Keep the
away
from
combustible
material
Heat may
cause
the
container tomaterials
explode.
meat handling), salmonella,
hepatitis B virus,
AIDS the material
and store
areas.
in
A designated
drop or impact
mayKeep
cause the container to explode. E.g.
virus, certain fungi
andfrom
moulds,
contaminated
away
sources
of ignition.
Never smoke
when
steel
cylinders
of acetylene,
oxygen,
hydrogen, helium,
blood and pathogenic
bacteria
cultures,
etc.
working
near
the
material.
chlorine, nitrogen, neon, argon etc. and fire extinguishers.
Wear proper
protective gases
equipment,
including
eye,simply because they
CORROSIVEMATERIAL
Compressed
can be
hazardous
face
and hand
protection
and
protective
clothing.
Caustic or acid
materials
that
can eat
are
under
highthrough
pressure,
and the
gas itself can also be
Class
D or POISONOUS
AND
INFECTIOUS
the skin
corrode metals
like aluminum
or MATERIAL
hazardous
(like chlorine
gas). If the gas itself is hazardous,
steel. E.g. chromic
acid,
sulfuric
acid,
nitric
it will
other
appropriate
hazard symbols along wi th the
The material
is ahave
potentially
fatal poisonous
acid, sodium hydroxide,
hydrofluoric
acid,
some
gasor
symbol.
substance.compressed
It may be fatal
cause permanent
household cleaners,
chemicals,
if Handle
with swallowed
care,
do notordrop.
damagewater
it istreatment
inhaled,
absorbed
photographic through
chemicals,
lye.May
skin.
Keep
away
from
or potential
sources of ignition. Store
burn
skinheat
or eyes
on contact.
This class also includes in
corrosive
gasesarea.
such as
a designated
Large cylinders must be properly
ammonia and
the acids
hydrogen
fluoride,
secured with
a chain.
Division
1: Materials
Causing
Immediate and
hydrogen chloride,
iodide and
Serious
Toxic
Effects.
Class Bhydrogen
FLAMMABLE
AND COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS
hydrogen bromide.
These materials
are immediately
dangerous
to lifeIt may burn at
The material
is a potential
fire hazard.
and
health.
They
can
kill
you
fast!
DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE
MATERIAL
relatively
low temperature. Sparks, flame or friction could
Handle
theignite
material
extreme caution. Avoid
Products which
undergo
dangerous
reactions
it. with
contact with
theburst
skin into
or eyes,
proper protective
(such as polymerization,
decomposition
or use
May
flame
spontaneously
in air or release a
clothing.
condensation),
when subjected
to heat,
flammable
gas on contact with water.

Avoid
inhaling
by
working
in
well-ventilated
areas.
pressure, shock or contact
with
water
.
Keep
any
of these
materials away from heat sources and
Wear respiratory
equipment. materials. Never smoke when working
Examples:
other combustible
Washsuch
and with
shower
thoroughly
after using.
Plastic monomers
as
butadiene
undergo
or near
the
materials.
Store in a cool, fire-proof area.
Store inDivision
designated
only. Gases: E.g. hydrogen, methane,
1: areas
Flammable
hazardous self-polymerization
unless
inhibitors
propane.
are added,
Materials
Other
ToxicFlashpoint
Effects less than 37C.
Division
2: Causing
Flammable
Liquids
Copper andDivision
mercury2:acydes,
acetylides,
ether,
The peroxide,
material
poisonous
but
Theseispicric
liquids
catch
onnot
fireimmediately
easily and have highly flammable
peroxides,benzyl
acid
and
dangerous
health.
It mayshock.
cause
death
or
E.g. gasoline,
ethanol,
methanol,
diethyl ether.
isopropyl nitrates
canfumes.
be to
explosive
under
permanent
damage
result of repeated
Division
3: as
Combustible
Liquids: Flashpoint > 37C E.g.
Calcium carbide
reacts
with
water
to a
release
over fuel,
time.kerosene.
Usually theThese
effects
diesel
areresult
less from
easily ignited than
acetylene gas.exposure
repeatedflammable
exposureliquids.
to the substance in the
workplace
over a 4:
long
period of time.
E.g.E.g.
repeated
Division
Flammable
Solids:
magnesium, sodium,
exposure
to benzene, asbestos.
beryllium.
Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #2C
IncludesDivision
materials5:that
can causeAerosols:
immediate E.g. most aerosol cans
Flammable
irritationcontain
(to the eyes,
skin, propellants,
or lungs). also butane, propane in
flammable
aerosol containers.
Division 6: Flammable ReactiveGrade
Materials:
that
8 - WHMIS - Materials
Student Handout
#2B
could spontaneously ignite in air (celluloid, lithium aluminum
hydride) or in water (sodium).

WHMIS Symbols

Distribute Student Handout #2A to

2E. Briefly review with class.

Class E

Class F

Show examples of items that contain

a WHMIS label that may be kept in
your classroom.
If no items in the classroom, either
bring items from home or refer to the
WHMIS AT WORK booklet.

-4-

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #2A

Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

WHMIS MATERIALS
FREE

Introduction - continued

WHMIS Wallet Cards

WHMIS Poster
WHMIS At Work Booklet

Optional: Distribute WCBs WHMIS cards

and booklets to students.

To order call:
Publications & Videos Section
Workers Compensation Board
of B.C.
Telephone: 604 276-3068
Toll Free: 1 800 661-2212,
local 3068
Fax: 604 279-7406
E-mail: pubvid@wcb.bc.ca

Ask
What hazardous chemicals you have used
either at home, school, or work?
Have you ever been injured or know of
someone who has been injured by a
hazardous chemical?
Why is knowledge and training in hazardous
substances so important?

Elicit responses from students. Record

responses on flipchart.

Comment
At the worksite employers are required by WCB regulations to provide
instruction for workers using hazardous materials. Also, if hazardous
contents are transferred to a new container, workplace labeling must be
used.
This is called WHMIS.

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Grade 8

WHMIS

WHMIS Symbols Learning Activity - 25 min.

Module 3

6. What is an MSDS, and what kind of information would be found on it?

7. Identify the following International Safety Symbols.

A ________________________
B ________________________
C ________________________

D ________________________
E ________________________
F ________________________

Distribute Student Handouts 3A and 3B to

students. Have students complete the
WHMIS worksheets.
Review answers to worksheets with students.

-6-

G ________________________
H ________________________
I

________________________

J ________________________
K ________________________
L ________________________

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #3B

Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

WHMIS and Safety Worksheet - Answer Key (continued)

-7-

Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Group Learning Activity - 20 min.

Comment
When we think about hazards in our classroom or at work, we do not
always think about hazardous materials and substances. If we come upon
a spill, we often think about the necessity to clean it up so that no one will
slip and fall but we do not always ask ourselves What is this substance?
or Is this substance toxic and could it harm me if I come into contact with
it?.
Safety in the Science Classroom Page 1

Distribute Student Handout #4A and 4B.

1.

Never begin an experiment or lab without your teachers permission.

2.

Read and study the procedure

from in
startthe
to finish
before beginning
any
Safety
Science
Classroom
Page 2
experiment. If you have any questions, ask your teacher. Make sure you
understand any safety symbols on materials you will be using, and the hazards
they represent.
Follow
theyour
procedure
exactly
as specified.
12. Make
sure
hands are
dry when
using electrical equipment. Unplug
electrical cords by pulling on the plug, not the cord. Dont use equipment with
Always wear safety goggles throughout a lab that requires chemicals. Keep
frayed wires or cords. Report any defective equipment or outlets to your
the goggles on for as long as there are any chemicals being used by anyone in
teacher.
the lab. Do not take your goggles off or move them from your eyes (for
13.write
When
cutting
materials,atfollow
the following
guidelines:
example, to
down
observations)
any time
during the
lab. Wear other
- Do
not as
cutaprons,
anything
with alab
scalpel
oras
razor
blade by holding it in one
safety equipment,
such
gloves,
coats,
required.
hand while cutting it with the other. Always put the item down (for example,
Never eat or drink
in the
lab.onDo
notsurface.
chew gum
during
labs.
into anything
a dissecting
tray)
a flat
Hold
it down
with pins or clamps, not
your fingers.
Never inhale chemicals.
Use the wafting technique if you need to smell a
- Always
cutsubstances
away from yourself
from
others
when
chemical. Do not
taste any
or draw and
any away
material
into
a tube
withusing a scalpel.
your mouth. - When walking with or handling over a scalpel or sharp or pointed object,
keep the sharp or pointed surface facing the floor away from others when
If you are taking
chemicals
from one container and putting them into smaller
using
a scalpel.
containers, make sure you label all the containers.
14. Tie back long hair and loose clothing.
When pouring
hold theacontainers
yourgoing
face.toPut
test
tubes
15. liquids
When holding
bottle fromaway
whichfrom
you are
pour
chemicals,
keep the
in a test tube rack
pouring
liquids
into them.
labelbefore
against
the palm
of your
hand. If everyone does this, any drips will only

3.

4.
5.

6.
7.

the opposite
side of the
bottle,
and not
get on
your
hand.or
Use only Pyrextouch
or Kimax
glass containers
when
heating.
Never
use
chipped
16. WhenNever
dilutingallow
acid,a always
addtosmall
amounts of acid to large amounts of
cracked glasswear.
container
boil dry.
water.
Report all chemical spills to your teacher. All chemical spills must be cleaned
17. and
Know
the location Wipe
and proper
of the fire
extinguisher,
up completely
immediately.
up anyuse
splashes
or spills
of water safety shower, fire
blanket,
first
aid
kit,
and
fire
alarm.
immediately.
18. If your clothing catches on fire, smother it with the fire blanket or a coat. Stop,
10. Use test tube holder
slant test
tubes away from yourself and others
Drop, and
and always
Roll NEVER
RUN.
when heating them. Keep materials away from flames. Follow all instructions
19. Report any accident or injury, no matter how small, to your teacher.
for using Bunsen burners carefully.
20. When cleaning up, be sure to:
11. Take caution with
hotplates
-- ifyou
cant
tell by looking if they are hot, but they
- Turn
off gas
it was
used.
can remain hot-forDisconnect
up to one electrical
hour afterapparatus.
being turned off. To see if one is still
hot, dont touch- it!Return
Instead,
carefully put
a drop
of water
on its surface. If the
all materials
to their
proper
places.
water bubbles or
boils,
hot plate
is too
hot to touch!
- Do
notthe
return
unused
chemicals
to the original containers. Your teacher

8.

Divide students into groups of 2 to 3.

9.

will tell you what to do with the unused chemicals and how to dispose of
any other materials. Never pour unused chemicals down the drain without
permission from your teacher.
- Place any broken glass in the container(s) reserved for broken glass.
Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #4A
Do not put broken glass in the regular garbage.
- Clean and dry your work area. Do not leave water on the counter or floor
- The last thing you should do after a lab is wash your hands with soap
and water.
Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #4B

Distribute Student Handout #5 to each

group and have each brainstorm to answer
each of the questions.

Facilitate group activities. Have each group

present 2 or more answers to the questions
on Student Handout #5. Answer Key on
following page.

-8-

Safety in the Science Classroom Exercise

For each of the following safety rules, give one GOOD reason why we have that safety
rule.
a)

Never begin an experiment or lab without your teachers permission.

Sample Answer:
The teacher m ight have som e impor tant info rmation you n eed to m ake the
exper iment work properly and safe.

b)

Keep your safety goggles on as long as there are any chemicals being used in the lab, ev en if y ou
yourself are finished.

c)

Never eat, drink, or c hew gum during a lab.

d)

Put test tubes in a test tube rack before pouring liquids into them.

e)

Make sure your hands are dry when using electrical equipment.

f)

Report any injuries, no matter how minor, to your teacher.

g)

Always cut away from yourself and away from others w hen using a scalpel.

h)

When diluting acid, always add small amounts of acid to large amounts of water.

i)

If y our clothing catches on fire, never run.

j)

When holding a bottle from which you are going to pour chemical, keep the label against the palm of
your hand.

k)

If a chemic al gets in your eye, flush it with running water for at leas t 15 minutes.

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #5

Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Safety in the Science Classroom - Answer Key

For each of the following safety rules, give one GOOD reason why we have that safety
rule.
a)

Never begin an experiment or lab without your teachers permission.

Sampl e An swer:
The teacher might have so me im portan t inform ation you need to make the
exper iment work prop erl y and safe.

b)

Keep your saf et y goggles on as long as there are any chemic als being used in the lab, even if y ou
yourself are f inished.
A classmate still completing the lab mi ght spill ch em icals on you .

c)

Never eat , drink, or chew gum during a lab.

Chem ical s o r bio hazardo us materi als could be swallowed accidentall y and poisonous
substan ces coul d get on your fingers wh ile eating .

d)

Put t est tubes in a test tube rack bef ore pouring liquids int o them.
The test tube wi ll b e h eld mor e steadi ly so ther e will be less chance that a spill wi ll o ccur and
sin ce you are not hol ding the test tube, ther e wil l be l ess chance of the chemi cal spil ling on
you.

e)

Make sure your hands are dry when using electrical equipment.
Water on hand s coul d conduct el ectricity into your body if there is short cir cui t in the electri cal
device.

f)

Report any injuries, no matter how minor, to your teacher.

The teacher shoul d know so that h e o r she can corr ect a potenti al ly haz ard ous si tuation and
you wil l be pr otected if compl ications arise later on fro m the inj ury (e. g. i nfection).

g)

Always cut away f rom y ourself and aw ay from ot hers when using a sc alpel.
If you cut toward your self, the scalp el cou ld suddenly slip and you could severely cut yo urself.

h)

When diluting acid, always add small amounts of acid to large amounts of water.
If you add water to a l ar ge am ount of aci d, the w ater could react wi th the acid even to the poi nt
of causing the gl assware to break o r an expl osi on to o ccur.

i)

If y our clothing catches on f ire, never run.

Running wi ll fan the flames causing them to spread faster. Therefore, stop, dr op, roll or
sm other the fl am es w ith a bl anket.

j)

When holding a bottle from which you are going t o pour chemical, keep the label against the palm of
your hand.
If everyone does thi s, ther e wil l never be chemi cals dip ped or spil led onto the l abel o f the
bottl e and ther efore, when your skin touches th e l abel, it w ont com e i nto contact with any
chemi cals.

k)

If a c hemical gets in your ey e, flus h it with running water for at least 15 minut es.
Chem ical s absorbed deep into th e eye wil l onl y be drawn to th e surface and fl ushed o ut by
washi ng it with fl owi ng water for at l east 15 mi nutes.

-9-

Grade 8

WHMIS

Module 3

Conclusion - 5 min.

Comment
When you get a job, your employer has responsibilities to ensure
your safety. Your employer must ensure that all equipment and
materials (such as cleaning chemicals) are properly handled, stored
and maintained and must teach you how to store, handle, use and
dispose of any controlled material.
Remember, before you use an unknown substance, you have the
right to know what it is and the responsibility to find out how to use it.

- 10 -