University of Manitoba

WHMIS
Revised November 2011

WHMIS Stands for

Workplace
Hazardous
Materials
Information
System
2

WHMIS is
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System is a Canada-wide system designed to
give employers and workers information about
hazardous materials used in the workplace.
WHMIS standards are coordinated between both
Federal and Provincial governments.
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and
Regulations sets the WHMIS requirements.

WHMIS has 3 Main Parts

Labels provide information about the

hazards of the product
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
provide further detailed information
Education how to use the information
provided

The GOAL is

Identify 6 Classes of Controlled Products

Understand the Main Hazards associated
with each class
Recognize and understand the two types of
WHMIS labels
Understand how to use Material Safety Data
Sheets

A Controlled Product is

A Controlled Product is any substance or

material which meets any of the criteria for
inclusion in one or more of the six WHMIS
Hazard Classes as defined in the Federal
Controlled Product Regulation.
Under WHMIS , there is no comprehensive list
of controlled products but only a list of hazard
criteria.

WHMIS Does Not Apply

When WHMIS does not apply there may be
another Act or regulation that does.
WHMIS does not apply to controlled
products that are:
Wood or a product made of wood
Tobacco or a product made of tobacco
A manufactured item that will not release
chemicals
Products transported under the Transportation
of Dangerous Goods Act for more information
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/ehso/emanageme
regarding TDG:
nt/tdg.html

WHMIS Does Not Apply

WHMIS does not apply to products covered
by:
Explosives Act
Food and Drugs Act
Pest Control Products Act
Certain products in the Hazardous Products

Act
Nuclear Safety and Control Act

WHMIS Applies for

WHMIS labels and MSDS are still required
for:
Mixtures of radioactive nuclide(s) and a nonradioactive carrier material where:
The carrier material is greater than 1.0 ml / 1 g
The carrier material poses a carcinogenic, toxic,
reactive, or infectious hazard

For more information regarding Radiation Safety:

http://umanitoba.ca/admin/human_resources/ehso/rad_safety
/index.html

Hazard Classes & Symbols

There are 6 Hazard Classes

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class A : Compressed Gases

Risks
Physical hazard
(120kg)
Explosive hazard
Content hazard

Examples
CO2
cylinders
N2
cylinders
O2
cylinders
acetylene

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class A : Compressed Gases
Handling and Use
Secure cylinder upright with
valve cap on when not in use
Use gas specific regulator
Test connections for leaks
Avoid heat & ignition sources
Transport using specialized cart
Store in cool ventilated area

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class A : Liquid N2 & Dry Ice

Risks
Frostbite
Samples may
explode
Asphyxiation

Handling and Use

Avoid skin contact
Wear insulated gloves and eye
protection
Store in a well ventilated room
Transport securely to prevent
accidental spillage
Store Liquid N2 in a vented
dewar

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class B : Flammable & Combustible

Six Subdivisions
1. Flammable gas
2. Flammable liquid
3. Combustible liquid
4. Flammable solid
5. Flammable aerosol
6. Reactive flammable material

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class B : Flammable & Combustible

Risks
Fire hazard will burn if ignited
Could ignite spontaneously
Could ignite upon mixing with water or other
chemicals
Many are poisonous

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class B : Flammable & Combustible
Examples
1. Flammable gas hydrogen, methane
2. Flammable liquid [flash pt <37.8C] gasoline,
ether
3. Combustible liquid [flash pt >37.8C] kerosene,
varsol
4. Flammable solid magnesium metal, aluminum
dust
5. Flammable aerosol propane, butane, isobutane
6. Reactive flammable material phosphorus,
sodium metal

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class B : Flammable & Combustible
Handling and Use
Avoid contact with flames, heat, & ignition
sources
Cap tightly for storage, vapours are
flammable
Avoid inhalation and skin contact
Ground and bond when dispensing from 25L
container
Store in flammable storage cabinets if in
excess of 50L
Transport separate from oxidizing materials

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class C : Oxidizing Material

Risks
Increase fire and explosion
hazard

Examples

May cause combustibles to

explode or react violently

Nitrates

May burn skin and eyes on

contact
Most are corrosive and
poisonous

Peroxides
Persulfates
Hypochlorites
(bleach)

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class C : Oxidizing Material
Handling and Use
Wear the recommended protective equipment
and clothing
Store away from sources of heat and ignition
Many oxidizers are shock sensitive, handle
carefully
Store and transport separately from flammables
and organics
Store in non-corroding containers
Transport securely

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class D : Poisonous and Infectious
Division 1 Materials Causing
Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects
(acute)

Division 2 Materials Causing

Other Toxic Effects (chronic, delayed)

Division 3 Biohazardous
Infectious Material

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Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class D : Poisonous and Infectious
Division 1
Risks
Small quantities may
be harmful or lethal

Examples

May be toxic not only

if ingested but also if
inhaled or absorbed
through skin or eyes

All halogens

Many acute toxic

compounds act as
carcinogens at lower
levels

Carbon
monoxide
Cyanides

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class D : Poisonous and Infectious
Division 2
Risks

Materials which have

harmful effects after
repeated exposures or
over long periods of
time
Damage could include:

Permanent injury or death

Birth defects
Cancer
Organ damage
Sensitization and allergies

Examples
Asbestos
Formaldehyde,
benzene
Ammonia

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class D : Poisonous and Infectious
Division 3
Risks
Infectious materials
which may cause disease
resulting in illness or death

Examples
Blood, tissue,
and body fluids
Tissue culture
Experimental
cultures

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class D : Poisonous and Infectious
Handling and Use
Wear protective clothing to avoid

all exposures: skin, inhalation,

ingestion, and injection
Work in a fume hood or BSC
Avoid creating dust, vapours, and
aerosols
Obtain appropriate immunizations
Handle exterior containers as
though it is contaminated
Store and transport securely to
prevent accidental spillage

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class E : Corrosive Material

Risks
Will burn human
tissue including skin,
eyes, nose mouth,
throat & lungs

Examples

Will corrode many lab

related materials
particularly metals

Hydrogen
fluoride

Fumes may damage

the environment

Strong
acids & bases

Hydrogen
chloride

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class E : Corrosive Material
Handling and Use
Wear appropriate protective clothing
When possible work in the fume hood
Open containers slowly
When diluting acids, always add acid to water
Store in non-corroding containers, on noncorroding trays (secondary containers )
Store away from combustibles, organics, and
sources of heat and ignition
Transport separate from flammables
Transport securely using secondary containment

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class F : Dangerously Reactive

Risks
May be unstable or vigorously
polymerize
May react with water to release
a toxic or flammable gas
May self-react when shocked or
heated
Highly reactive with
incompatible materials
May burn eyes and skin on
contact

Examples
Ether
Acrylates
1,3-butadiene
Metal azides

Hazard Classes & Symbols

Class F : Dangerously Reactive
Handling and Use
Follow MSDS recommendations for use and
storage
Wear protective clothing, especially eye
protection
Open slowly and carefully & use in fume hood
Ensure lab equipment is clean and free of
impurities
Store away from incompatible chemicals
Keep away from heat and ignition sources;
avoid sudden temperature changes
May require inhibitors to prevent reaction
during storage
Examine storage containers frequently

Label Types

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Labels
Supplier Labels
The following must be
included on a supplier
label:
Product Name
WHMIS Symbols
Risk Phrases
Precautionary Measures
First Aid Measures
MSDS Reference
Supplier Name
All information must be

Labels
Laboratory Supply House - Supplier Label
3) Symbol

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Labels
Workplace Labels
The following must be
included on a workplace
label:

Methanol
Product Name
Safe Handling
Instructions
MSDS Reference

Flammable, poisonous, harmful vapor

Keep away from heat, sparks, flames
Avoid contact with eyes and skin

Labels

Methanol
x

Workplace Labels

x
x

x
x

Must be present on:

Products decanted or transferred
from an original container
Product where original label is lost or
becomes illegible
Products produced and used at the
workplace
You can print your own WHMIS workplace labels

Labels
Workplace Labels Hazardous Waste
The following must be
included on a hazardous
waste label:
Product Name
Concentration
Hazard

Labels
Workplace Labels Hazardous Waste
Waste Tags must:
Be present on containers that do not have a
correct supplier label
Must list any chemical over 1% or any quantity if
it poses a significant hazard
Use only chemical names (no trade names,
abbreviations, or formulas)

Print your own hazardous waste labels

Material Safety Data

Sheets (MSDS)
Provides detailed information on the hazards of a
controlled product
An important element for developing safe work
procedures and control measures
Must be provided by the supplier, or If you have
created a product, you must prepare a MSDS
Risk Group 2 and higher biological agents also
require a MSDS or a Pathogen Safety Data Sheet
(PSDS)

Must be replaced every 3 years

All MSDS must be kept for 30
years

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MSDS
Information Provided
Product Information
This section identifies product name, manufacturer and
suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone
numbers, and the intended use of the product.

Hazardous Ingredients
This section lists All potentially hazardous ingredients,
with the approximate amount (percent), and toxicity
data for the individual ingredients. Information regarding
the LD50 and LC50 (the amount of a chemical that is
expected to kill 50% of a test animal population within a
specified time) will also be given. The lower the value
the greater the poisoning potential.

MSDS
Information Provided
Physical Data
Provides information on the physical and chemical
properties such as odour, boiling point, and vapour
density.

Fire or Explosion Hazard Data

Provides the conditions under which the product may
catch fire or explode, as well as information for
developing strategies and procedures to deal with fire
and explosion hazards.

First Aid Measures

Lists the procedures for emergency first aid.

MSDS
Information Provided
Reactivity Data
Provides information regarding stability, self-reactivity,
hazardous decomposition products, and conditions to
avoid when using the product.

Toxicological Properties
Identifies how the substance can enter the body and the
possible health effects from short term (acute)
exposures such as irritation, sensitization; and long-term
(chronic) such as liver or kidney damage, sensitization,
cancer, or reproductive effects. Known exposure limits
will also be given.

MSDS
Information Provided
Preventative Measures
Provides preventive measures you can take to protect
yourself from exposure including: extra ventilation,
personal protective equipment (PPE), safe use, handling,
storage, disposal, transport, and spill control.

Preparation information
Indicated who was responsible for preparation and date
of preparation of MSDS. It is 3 years from this date when
the MSDS needs to be renewed.
Information may be labeled as Trade Secret if a claim
has been filed. The information is released to medical
professionals in case of emergency.

MSDS
Example

MSDS
Location, Location, Location

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Procedures
The University has well established guidelines
and procedures to deal with hazardous waste
disposal
EHSO provides hazardous waste disposal services
at no charge to the University faculties and
departments
Incorporate waste disposal into lab procedures or
experiments
NO disposal of Hazardous Waste is permitted
down the drain or regular trash can
Remember that your end point is someones
starting point
Refer to the EHSO webpage for details

Spill Clean-up
Chemical, Radiological, or Biological
If a spill occurs that poses an immediate risk to people,
or if someone is injured it is an EMERGENCY call 555
Minor spills should be cleaned up by trained staff
Spills must never be cleaned up by untrained staff
Under no circumstance shall caretakers be instructed to
clean up any lab spills
The best time to learn about and practice cleaning up a
spill is before it happens read the MSDS
EHSO is also available to assist with the cleanup of nonemergency spills beyond the capabilities of available staff

Chemical Storage
General Chemical Organization

Organize by compatibility not alphabetically

Separate each compatible group
In separate cabinets or on separate
shelves
Or in secondary containers in same
cabinet or shelf

Make sure all containers are properly closed

Containers must be labeled and tightly
capped

Chemical Storage
General Chemical Organization

Flammables
Bases
Oxidizers
Acids

Store in flammable storage cabinets

Store separately
Store separately
Store in corrosive resistant acid
cabinet
EXCEPT: chromic, nitric, and
perchloric acids which should be
stored separately
Glacial acetic acid should be stored
as a flammable

Chemical Storage
Potentially Explosive Chemicals
Picric Acid and Nitro Compounds
Dry picric acid may explode if subjected to heat, shock,
or friction (opening the lid)
Picric acid must be stored under wet.
Some nitro compounds may have similar requirements

Peroxide Forming Compounds

Example ethers, dioxanes, sodium amide
Peroxide formation may be initiated by light or air
Peroxides are prone to explosive decomposition when
subjected to heat, shock, or friction (opening the lid)

Evaluate the conditions of these chemicals

regularly

Chemical Storage
General Chemical Segregation
Do Not Store:
Oxidizers
Alkali metals
Acetic Acid
Acetone
Hypochlorites
Chlorine
Cyanides (Alkaline)
Potassium chlorate
Chlorates (ClO3)
Hydrogen Sulphide
H2O2
Chromic Acid
Annhydrous
Ammonia
Acids (conc.)

With:
Flammables
Water, CO2, CO, or CCl4
Chromic, nitric or perchloric acid, peroxides, permanganates,
or hydroxides i.e. KOH
Concentrated sulphuric or nitric acids
Acids
Ammonia, acetylene, butadiene, benzene, petroleum
derivatives, or sodium carbides
Acids
Acids
Ammonium salts, acids, metal powders, sulphur, or carbon
Nitric acid
Flammables, Cu, Cr, Fe, or respective salts
Acetic acid, alcohol, naphthalene, glycerine, or other
flammable liquids
Halogens, Hg, HF, or CaClO4
Bases (conc.)

Chemical Storage
General Chemical Organization & Segregation
Do Not:

Do not place heavy materials, liquid chemicals,

and large containers above eye level
Do not store chemicals on the floor
Do not store items in fume hoods
Do not expose stored chemicals to direct heat
or sunlight

Chemical Inventory
U of M Chemical Inventory Database

As part of the Manitoba

Workplace Safety and
Health Act and Regulations,
an inventory of chemicals is
required at the University.
The University provides the
EHS Assistant database. It
can be accessed from the
EHSO website.

53

Your supervisor or a designate is

responsible for worksitespecific
education that includes:
Hazard information for the controlled products

used at your work site

Safe use, storage and handling of specific
controlled products used at your work site
Dealing with fugitive emissions and
emergencies at your work site
MSDS location