Whmis Research Paper
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System WHMIS logo
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS, known as SIMDUT, Système d'information sur les matières dangereuses utilisées au travail in French, Canada's other national language) is Canada's national workplace hazard communication standard. The key elements of the system, which came into effect on October 31, 1988, are cautionary labelling of containers of WHMIS controlled products, the provision of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education and site-specific training programs.
WHMIS is an example of synchronization and cooperation amongst Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments. The coordinated approach avoided duplication, inefficiency …show more content…
through loss of scale and the interprovincial trade barriers that would have been created had each province and territory established its own hazard communication system.
| CLASS A: COMPRESSED GASThis class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.
| | CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALThis class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions. | | CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIALThese materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials. | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic EffectsThese materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTSThese materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts. | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious MATERIALThese materials contain an organism that has been shown to cause disease or to be a probable cause of disease in persons or animals.
| | CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIALThis class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid | | CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIALThese products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water. |
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS, known as SIMDUT, Système d'information sur les matières dangereuses utilisées au travail in French, Canada's other national language) is Canada's national workplace hazard communication standard. The key elements of the system, which came into effect on October 31, 1988, are cautionary labelling of containers of WHMIS controlled products, the provision of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education and site-specific training programs.
WHMIS is an example of synchronization and cooperation amongst Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments. The coordinated approach avoided duplication, inefficiency …show more content…
through loss of scale and the interprovincial trade barriers that would have been created had each province and territory established its own hazard communication system.
| CLASS A: COMPRESSED GASThis class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.
| | CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALThis class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions. | | CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIALThese materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials. | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic EffectsThese materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTSThese materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts. | | CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL
Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious MATERIALThese materials contain an organism that has been shown to cause disease or to be a probable cause of disease in persons or animals.
| | CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIALThis class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid | | CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIALThese products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water. |