WHMIS

So, what's WHMIS?

WHMIS is Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS is used by students and workers to inform them (using special labels and symbols) of the safety and health hazards of the substance they're working with.

WHMIS LABELS

All products that students or workers work with MUST HAVE WHMIS labels. This label tells the handlers the name of the product, what hazards this product is responsible for and how to work with it. YOU MUST READ THE LABEL BEFORE USING THE PRODUCT.

WHMIS SYMBOLS

These symbols are separated into 7 classes; class A, B, C, D, E, F.

Class A
Compressed Gas

• Gas kept under pressure.
• Adding heat or dropping it may cause it to explode. You must handle it with care.
• If the gas itself is dangerous, it will have another hazard sign along with this sign.
• Examples are fire extinguishers, argon, neon, and etc.

Class B

Flammable and Combustible Materials

• The material is a potential fire hazard.
• It may burn at a relatively low temperature.
• May burst into flame spontaneously in air or release a flammable gas on contact with water.

Class C

Oxidizing Materials

• The material is a fire or explosion risk near flammable or combustible material. This can potentially burn theskin or eyes on contact.
• This material may not burn by itself, but it can release oxygen or other oxidizing gases which could have the potential of being flammable.

Class D

Poisonous and Infectious Material

• A potentially fatal poisonous substance.
• Can cause permanent damage if it in inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through skin.
• May burn skin or eyes on contact
• May burn skin or eyes on contact

Materials Causing other Toxic Effects

• The material is poisonous but not immediately dangerous to health.
• Repeated exposure may cause death or permanent damage.
• This includes materials that cause immediate irritation.

Biohazardous Infectious Material

• This includes any organisms and the toxins they may produce that believed to cause disease.

Class E

Corrosive Material

• Caustic or acid materials that can eat through the skin or corrode metals like aluminum or steel.
• This also includes corrosive gases, such as ammonia and the acids hydrogen fluoride.

Class F

Dangerously Reactive Material

• Products undergo dangerous reactions such as polymerization, decomposition, or condensation.
• Subject to heat, pressure, shock, or allowed to contact water.

 

Sources : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yclOrqEv7kw&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOGUjPn6764&feature=related