Introduction This section identifies the requirements for identifying pertinent information about chemical, physical, and biological hazards and communicating that information to employees. Hazardous materials may cause serious health problems in workers or fires or explosions in the workplace, WHMIS provides information on hazardous products, as defined and described in the federal Hazardous Products Act and Hazardous Products Regulations, so workers can protect themselves. Scope This section includes the following major sections: Safety Data Sheets Labeling Training Responsibilities Classification of Hazardous Products Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) These documents provide detailed hazard and precautionary information. Under WHIMIS 2015, SDSs use a 16-section format. The information required in each section has been standardized. WHMIS Labels Labels on hazardous products alert workers to the identities of the products, their hazards, and precautions to be taken. Under WHMIS 2015, these labels must display some elements in a certain order. The hazard statements and precautionary statements have been standardized. There are two main types of WHMIS labels: supplier labels and workplace labels. A supplier label is provided for each hazardous product by the supplier. Supplier labels will appear on all hazardous products received at a workplace in Canada. If a hazardous product is always used in its original container with a supplier label, no other label is required. A workplace label is required when any of the follow apply: A hazardous products is produced (made) at the workplace and used in that workplace. A hazardous product is decanted (for example, transferred or poured) into another container A supplier label becomes lost or illegible (unreadable) February 8, 2017 Page 1
In general, all hazardous materials must have labels, must be legible and must be replaced if they become damaged. Annual refresher training is to be provided to all TNRD employees to ensure they are educated to recognize and understand the information provided on supplier labels, workplace labels, and other means of identification (such as warning signs, colour codes, and place cards). Supervision are responsible to ensure their employees receive this training. WHMIS Education and Training Programs TNRD will provide education and training to workers likely to be exposed/working with hazardous materials so that they can work safely with and near hazardous products safely. Workers who may come in contact with chemicals or hazardous materials must be given information and training regarding those materials. Training must include, but is not limited to the following: Knowledge of the local Health Hazard Inventory Understanding of the labeling system Ability to access and use the MSDSs/SDSs Ability to identify and recognize the presence or release of hazardous chemicals Ability to identify hazard controls, including engineering methods, personal protective equipment (PPE), work practices, and emergency procedures. February 8, 2017 Page 2
Responsibilities Suppliers: Ensure the appropriate classification of hazardous products. Obtain or prepare up-to-date labels and SDSs for all hazardous products they sell or produce. Provide these labels and SDSs to purchasers of hazardous products intended for use in a workplace. TNRD (Employers) Educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of hazardous products in the workplace. Ensure that hazardous products are properly labelled. Prepare workplace labels and SDSs (as necessary). Ensure that up-to-date SDSs (as necessary). Ensure that up-to-date SDSs are readily available to workers. Ensure effective control measures are in place to protect the health and safety or workers. February 8, 2017 Page 3
Workers Participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs. Take necessary steps to protect themselves and their co-workers. Participate in identifying and controlling hazards. Classification of Hazardous Products Hazardous products are divided into two hazard groups: Physical hazards, based on the physical or chemical properties of the product, such as flammability, reactivity, or corrosivity to metals The physical hazards group includes the following hazard classes: Combustible dusts Oxidizing solids Corrosive to metals Pyrophoric gases Flammable aerosols Pyrophoric liquids Flammable gases Pyrophoric solids Flammable liquids Self-heating substances and mixtures Flammable solids Self-reactive substances and mixtures Gases under pressure Simple asphyxiants Organic peroxides Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, Oxidizing gases emit flammable gases. Oxidizing liquids Physical hazards Health hazards, based on the ability of the product to cause a health effect, such as: - Eye irritation - Respiratory sensitization (may cause allergy or asthma symptoms, or breathing difficulties) - Carcinogenicity (may cause cancer) February 8, 2017 Page 4
The health hazards group includes the flowing hazard classes: Acute toxicity Serious eye damage/eye irritation Aspiration hazard Skin corrosion/irritation Biohazardous infectious materials Skin corrosion/irritation Carcinogenicity Specific target organ toxicity Germ cell mutagenicity - Single exposure Reproductive toxicity Specific target organ toxicity Respiratory or skin sensitization - Repeated exposure Health hazards not otherwise classified Overview of physical hazard classes: Physical hazard class Flammable gases; Flammable aerosols; Flammable liquids; Flammable solids Oxidizing gases; Oxidizing liquids; Oxidizing solids Gases under pressure Self-reactive substances and mixtures Pyrophoric liquids; Pyrophoric solids; Pyrophoric gases Self-heating substances and mixtures Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases General description There four classes cover products that have the ability to ignite (catch fire) easily. The main hazards are fire or explosion. There three classes cover oxidizers, which may cause or intensify a fire or explosion. This class includes compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases, and refrigerated gases. Compressed gases, liquefied gases, and dissolved gases are hazardous because of the high pressure inside the cylinder or container. The cylinder or container may explode if heated. Refrigerated liquefied gases are very cold and can cause severe cold (cryogenic) burns or injury. These products may react on their own to cause a fire or explosion, or may cause a fire or explosion if heated. These products can catch fire very quickly (spontaneously) if exposed to air. These products may catch fire if exposed to air. These products differ from pyrophoric liquids or solids in that they will ignite only after a longer period of time or when in large amounts. As the name suggests, these products react with water to release flammable gases. In some cases, the flammable gases may ignite very quickly (spontaneously). February 8, 2017 Page 5
Physical hazard class Organic peroxides Corrosive to metals Combustible dusts Simple asphyxiants Physical hazards not otherwise classified General description These products are unstable, highly reactive, or explosive. They may cause a fire or explosion if heated. These products may be corrosive (chemically damaging or destructive to metals). This class is used to warn of products that are finely divided solid particles. If dispersed in air, the particles may catch fire or explode if ignited. These products are gases that may displace (take the place of oxygen) in air and cause rapid suffocation. This class is meant to cover any physical hazards that are not covered in any other physical hazard class. These hazards involve chemical reactions that result in serious injuries or deaths when the reactions occur. If a product is classified in this class, the hazard statement on the label and SDS will describe the nature of the hazard. Overview of health hazards Health hazard class Acute toxicity Skin corrosion / irritation Serious eye damage / eye irritation Respiratory or skin sensitization Germ Cell mutagenicity General description These products are fatal, toxic, or harmful if inhaled, if in contact with skin, or if swallowed. Acute toxicity refers to effects occurring following: Skin contact or ingestion exposure to: - A single does, or - Multiple doses given within 24 hours An inhalation exposure of four hours Acute toxicity could result from exposure to the product itself. It could also result from a product that, upon contact with water, releases a gaseous substance that can cause acute toxicity. This class covers products that cause severe skin burns (i.e., corrosion) and products that cause skin irritation. This class covers products that cause serious eye damage (i.e., corrosion) and products that cause eye irritation. A respiratory sensitizer is a product that may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. A skin sensitizer is a product that may cause an allergic skin reaction. This hazard class includes products that may cause or are suspected of causing genetic defects. Genetic defects are permanent changes (mutations) to body cells that may cause an allergic skin reaction. February 8, 2017 Page 6
Carcinogenicity Reproductive toxicity Specific target organ toxicity single exposure Specific target organ toxicity repeated exposure Aspiration hazard Biohazardous infectious materials Health hazards not otherwise classified This hazard class includes products that cause or are suspected of causing cancer. This hazard class includes products that may damage or are suspected of damaging fertility or the embryo fetus, or offspring. Note: there is no additional category that includes products that may cause harm to breast-fed children. This hazard class covers products that cause or may cause damage to organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, or blood) following a single exposure. This class also includes a category for products that cause respiratory irritation, drowsiness, or dizziness. This hazard class covers products that cause or may cause damage to organs (e.g., liver, kidneys, or blood) following prolonged or repeated exposure. This hazard class is for products that may be fatal if they are swallowed and enter the airways. These material are micro-organisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, or fungi), nucleic acids (e.g., DNA or RNA) or proteins that cause or are probable causes of infection, with or without toxicity, in humans or animals. This class covers products that are not included in any other health hazard class. These hazards occur following acute or repeated exposure and have adverse effects on the health of a person exposed exposure and have adverse effects on the health of a person exposed to them including injury or death. If a product is classified in this class, the hazard statement will describe the nature of the hazard. Pictograms Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show you what type of hazard a hazardous product present. Pictograms show the type of hazard at a glance. There are 10 pictograms Most pictograms have a red, diamond-shaped border Pictograms are assigned to specific hazard classes or categories. February 8, 2017 Page 7
Hazard categories Pictogram Hazard Classes and categories The flame pictogram is used for the following classes an categories: Flammable gases (Category 1) Flammable aerosols (Categories 1 and 2) Flammable liquids (Categories 1, 2, and 3) Flammable solids (Categories 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 (Categories 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 (Categories 1, 2, and 3) Oxidizing solids (Categories 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 (Categories 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: - Oral (Categories 1, 2, and 3) - Dermal (Categories 1, 2, and 3) - Inhalation Categories 1, 2, and 3) February 8, 2017 Page 8
The health hazard pictogram is used for the following classes and categories: Respiratory or skin sensitization Respiratory sensitizer (Categories 1, 1A and 1B) Germ cell mutagenicity (Categories 1, 1A, 1B and 2) Carcinogenicity (Categories 1, 1A, 1B, and 2) Reproductive toxicity (Categories 1, 1A, 1B and 2) Specific target organ toxicity Single exposure (Categories 1 and 2) Specific Target toxicity Repeated exposure (Categories 1 and 2) Aspiration hazard (Category 1) Pictogram Hazard Classes and categories The exclamation mark pictogram is used for the following classes: Acute toxicity Oral, Dermal, Inhalation (Category 4) Skin corrosion/irritation Skin irritation (Category 2) Serious eye damage/eye irritation Eye irritation (Categories 2 and 2A) Respiratory or skin sensitization Skin sensitizer (Categories 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) Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Appropriate PPE must be worn when handling toxic chemicals or hazardous materials. Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations Safety showers and eyewash stations are important safety devices in case of exposure to potentially hazardous materials. Characteristics of acceptable safety showers or eyewash stations include: Located near the hazardous operation or hazardous material Easy unobstructed access Clearly marked Function-tested at least once per month, for a sufficient length of time to completely flush the branch of the water line supplying the eyewash. Tested prior to using hazardous chemicals Protected from freezing February 8, 2017 Page 9
TNRD must ensure, except where it is not practicable to provide a permanent water supply, such as at a remote or transient worksite, that emergency eyewash and shower facilities are provided and located as specified in Table 1b. TNRD management must ensure that the selection of emergency washing facilities is based upon an assessment of the risks present in the workplace, according to Table 1a. Portable self-contained units at these transient worksites must be capable of delivering a minimum flush duration of 15 minutes (or more if required by the nature of the material) if there is a high or a moderate risk of injury to the eyes or skin. Table 1a: Risk Assessment Risk Level Description of the workplace Examples High Risk Workplaces at which corrosive chemicals or other materials are used in a manner, concentration and quantity which present a risk of irreversible tissue damage to the eye or skin, or of serious illness resulting from rapid absorption of a toxic substance through the eyes or skin, or where the work activity presents a risk of ignition of the clothing. b. Serious eye damage (1) Moderate Risk Low Risk Workplaces at which chemicals or other materials are used in a manner, concentration and quantity which present a risk of irritation or other reversible harm to the eyes or skin, or of illness resulting from absorption of a toxic substance through the eyes or skin. Workplaces at which chemicals or other materials are used in a manner and quantity which present a risk of mild eye or skin irritation. Maintenance of ammonia refrigeration equipment or chlorine bleaching or disinfection equipment, handling corrosive materials such as corrosive cleaning products or chemical reagents where there is a high risk of skin or eye contact, filling chemical storage batteries. The following health Hazard Classes and Categories in the HPR are included: a. Skin corrosion (1A), (1B), (1C); Paints, finishes, operating solvent degreasing equipment, handling irritant materials such as cleaning products or chemical reagents where there is a moderate risk of skin or eye contact. The following Health Hazard Classes and categories in the HPR are included: a. Eye irritation (2A), (2B); b. Skin irritation (2) Using detergents, silicone-based moldrelease agents, welding and grinding, working in dusty areas. February 8, 2017 Page 10
Table 1b: Provision and location of emergency washing equipment Eye Equipment Location Skin Equipment Location High Risk Moderate Risk Low Risk Tempered, continuous flow Effective means to flush eyewash facility with a the eyes. minimum duration of 15 minutes. Tempered, continuous flow eyewash facility with a minimum duration by the nature of the material). Within 5 seconds walking distance of the hazard area, but no further than 6 m (20ft). For high risk corrosive gases such as ammonia or chlorine, the facilities must not be located in the gas storage or use area, but rather, adjacent to it. Tempered, continuous flow emergency shower facility with a minimum duration of 15 minutes (or more if required by the nature of the material). Same location criteria as for high risk eyewash facility except that the shower may be located further than 6 m if (a) a supplementary emergency washing facility such as a non-tempered drench hose is located within 5 seconds walking distance of the hazard area but no further than 6 m, and (b) a tempered shower facility is available within the building to start emergency washing within 5 minutes of the contact Within 10 seconds walking distance of the hazard area, but no further than 30 m (100 ft). May be located further than 30 m, provided that (a) a supplementary eyewash facility such as a personal eyewash unit or a non-tempered drench hose is located within 10 seconds walking distance of the hazard area but no further than 30 m, and (b) first aid services are maintained to start treatment of an affected worker within 5 minutes of the contact. Tempered, continuous flow emergency shower facility with a minimum duration of 15 minutes Same location criteria as for moderate risk eyewash facility except that the supplementary emergency washing facility for locations beyond 30m must be a unit such as non-tempered drench hose. Within 10 seconds walking distance of the hazard area but no further than 30 m (100 ft). Emergency flushing equipment, such as a non-tempered drench hose. February 8, 2017 Page 11
General Information Respiratory Precautions Whenever possible, stand upwind and avoid breathing the dust, vapors, or fumes of any escaping substances. Respiratory protection may also be required as recommended in operating procedures, MSDS (SDS), or best practices. References: MSDS (SDS); Safe Work Practices for information for applicable substances. Worker Exposure Workers who suffer any adverse reactions resulting from exposure to hazardous materials must seek medical attention, and the incident must be reported to the worker s supervisor. Chemical Containers and Drums Chemical containers and drums must be properly labeled and handled according to the recommended guidelines. Containers of materials classified as hazardous must not be pressurized, cut, heated, welded, or exposed to flame unless they have been thoroughly cleaned by a method approved by the supplier. Chemicals must not be flushed into surface water. Cleaning Solvents When using cleaning solvents, the following precautions are recommended: Review the solvent MSDS/SDS or the hazard information on the container Use only nonflammable solvents to clean copy machines, printers, or tape drives Wait until the machine cools before using solvents. Contaminated Clothing Clothing contaminated with hazardous chemicals should laundered separately from other household laundry. February 8, 2017 Page 12
Hazardous Materials Communication Program Hazardous materials communication ensure that the hazards associated with substances used in the workplace are evaluated and the information concerning these hazards and control is communicated to affected workers. Two primary tools for communicating potential material hazards are: The Health Hazard Inventory Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Health Hazard Inventory Each location must maintain an inventory of health hazards using the Health Hazards Inventory form Health Hazards Inventory Form 2640.009a, or similar form. At a minimum, the inventory must include produced fluids, and the hazardous materials listed Purchased chemicals with accompanying MSDS (SDS) information do not need to be included in the Health Hazard Inventory. The Health Hazard Inventory should identify the person responsible (Key Contact) for identifying the controls for each material listed. The Health Hazard Inventory must be updated every three years and must be available to workers at the location. Health hazards awareness training must be provided to affected workers. Material Safety Data Sheets / Safety Data Sheets The Department Supervisor must maintain an inventory of purchased chemicals used at the location. This inventory must be updated at least annually. The current SDS/SDS is the primary source of hazard information for purchased chemicals. Copies of the MSDSs/SDSs must be accessible to workers in electronic or hardcopy form. The MSDS/SDS provides information for safe handling, emergency first aid instructions, and the required personal protective equipment (PPE) for handling the material. An MSDS/SDS must be provided from the supplier prior to the use of any purchased chemical. Container Labeling Manufacturer or distributor warning labels must be attached to hazardous materials containers and must be maintained until the container is safely disposed in accordance with hazardous waste disposal requirements. Other containers used for this chemical must also be labeled with the same or comparable information until properly disposed. February 8, 2017 Page 13
Hazardous Material Exposure Response Inhalation Workers overcome by toxic gas or smoke must be removed from the contaminated area when it is safe to do so. When rescuing a person who has inhaled toxic gas or smoke, follow these guidelines: Protect yourself first. Do not enter the contaminate area without respiratory protection and suitable protective equipment.! WARNING: The rescuer(s) should be trained in using personal protective equipment (PPE) and respiratory protection. Even with proper respiratory protection, it is hazardous to enter a contaminated area alone or without standby help. Workers must not try to rescue a co-worker by holding their breath and entering the contaminated area. As soon as the victim is in a safe area, follow applicable first aid procedures. Skin and Eye Contact For skin contact with potentially hazardous materials, remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin with soap and clean (potable) water. For contact with potentially harmful materials in the eye, wash the eyes with clean (potable/tempered) water for 15 minutes or until the irritation subsides. Ingestion If a person swallows a potentially toxic substance: Immediately call a physician or poison control center Keep the victim comfortable until medical help arrives Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so. Follow first aid procedures consistent with Occupational First Aid Working Alone or in Isolation Are you working in circumstances where assistance would not be readily available to you in the event of an emergency or in the event that you get injured or are in ill health? If so, you may be working alone or in isolation. Examples of employees working alone or in isolation include utilities, custodians, security guards, maintenance and administrative staff. February 8, 2017 Page 14
Before employees are assigned to work alone or in isolation, a risk assessment (hyperlink to risk assessment template) must be completed to determine if working alone or in isolation exists and to identify hazards in working alone or in isolation. Hazards include, but not limited to falls, violence in the workplace, energized equipment and materials, moving objects, hazardous materials and extreme temperatures. Once hazards are identified, measures must be in place to eliminate or minimize risks from those hazards through the use of engineering controls and or administrative controls. Engineering controls minimize the risk by modifying the physical work environment (e.g. installing a physical barrier between an employee and the public). Administrative controls minimize the risk by modifying work processes or activities (e.g. ensuring more than one employee is scheduled on shift). Once controls have been identified, they must be documented in a work procedure (hyperlink to work procedure template), which will include a procedure for checking the well-being of a worker assigned to work alone or in isolation. The development of the risk assessment and work procedure must include consultation with the employee(s) involved, supervisor and safety committee. February 8, 2017 Page 15