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As you learned, many items in our homes can be dangerous if we do not follow the directions when using them or storing and disposing of them property. The workplace can also be a dangerous place if workers are not aware of the proper way to deal with chemicals. In this activity, you will learn about the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) gives employees and workers important information about products by requiring special labels, symbols, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on all potentially dangerous chemicals in the workplace. WHMIS is Canada's national hazard communication standard.

Canadian law requires that all controlled products in schools and workplaces have WHMIS labels so that workers are aware that the product might be dangerous. WHMIS labels have some of the most important information about the product, including the hazard symbols. The MSDS must also be available in the workplace because it contains more details about the product than can be included on the label.

The key elements of the system are hazard classification, cautionary labelling of containers, the provision of MSDS, and worker education and training programs. If you decide to work at a job where there are any hazardous materials around, WHMIS will be a very important part of your j0b!

A WHMIS label provides immediate information that you need to handle a hazardous material safely and the precautions to be taken with it. The label may be a sign, stamp, sticker, or tag that is legible and is attached to the controlled product or container.

Employers who require employees to use hazardous products are responsible for providing training to the employees. This is so that the employees are aware of how to deal safely with these chemicals and of the risks of working with them.

WHMIS gives both employers and employees important information about the products they are dealing with.
The details are given on MSDS. A sheet must be available for all potentially dangerous chemicals in the workplace.

Look at the WHMIS label to the right. It gives lots of information. This is an example of a label that you could attach to hazardous materials in your workplace. You would write the name of the product and the name of the supplier. Then, you would check the type of hazard it poses and the personal protection equipment needed. Anyone in the workplace would be able to read this label and know exactly what they were working with. As well, they would know what precautionary measures and first aid steps to take in case of emergency.

What Is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity, and environmental) of a chemical product and how to work with it safely. It also contains information on the use, storage, handling, and emergency procedures all related to the hazards of the material.

The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label. MSDSs are prepared by the supplier or manufacturer of the material. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.

Click here to see a detailed Material Safety Data Sheet.

Click on the Play button to watch a video that further explains the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).