At the workplace, team members often engage with potentially hazardous products. Exposure to these materials can lead to injuries or diseases, depending on the type of hazard present and the specific work conditions. Some common hazards include:
- Fire and explosion
- Exposure to gas, fumes or vapours
- Chemical burns
- Chronic and acute illness
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a key safety system designed to provide workers with the necessary information to work safely with hazardous materials. It ensures that hazards are properly communicated through:
- Hazard classification
- Cautionary labelling of containers
- The provision of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Worker education and training programs
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The type of PPE required depends on the specific hazardous product being handled and the work environment. Always consult the SDS to determine the appropriate PPE. Examples of PPE that may be required include:
- Chemical-resistant or task-specific gloves
- Eye and face protection
- Respirators
- Protective clothing and chemical-resistant aprons
WHMIS program components
A WHMIS program consists of three main components that all employees working around hazardous materials must understand:
1. Labels
WHMIS 2015 requires two types of labels:
- Supplier labels: Provided by the supplier and affixed to all hazardous products received at the workplace. These labels must contain all required WHMIS information.
- Workplace labels: These labels are typically provided by employers when a hazardous product is made in the workplace and used within the same location, or when a hazardous product is transferred into another container.
Never accept or handle any hazardous material without the appropriate labels. If a label is worn or damaged, it must be replaced with a label containing all the required information.
2. Safety data sheets (SDSs)
An SDS provides detailed information on:
- The hazards associated with the product
- Safe usage practices
- Potential consequences of not following safety instructions
- Symptoms of exposure
- Emergency procedures
Each product classified under WHMIS must have an up-to-date SDS, which should be accessible at all times in locations where hazardous products are handled or stored. It is critical to ensure that an SDS is available for all hazardous products in the workplace.
3. Education and training
Training is mandatory and must be completed annually to ensure employees understand the hazards of materials in use and how to read and interpret labels and SDSs. Training should include:
- The contents of supplier and workplace labels
- The layout of an SDS
- Safe handling, storage and disposal procedures
- Emergency protocols for handling hazardous products
Chemical handling and storage
To ensure safety, assess the work area and identify the best storage options for hazardous chemicals. Store chemicals in secure, climate-controlled environments, such as dedicated chemical storage cabinets. Do not store chemicals in aisles or high-traffic areas.
Regular inspections of chemical storage areas are crucial. Keep these areas clean and address any spills immediately.
Before ordering new chemicals, consult the SDS to ensure proper storage capabilities. Keep chemical stocks to a minimum, avoiding excessive quantities of hazardous substances. Always store chemicals in undamaged containers with tightly closed lids.
Ensure that chemicals are stored based on compatibility. Refer to the SDS for information about incompatibilities. Flammable chemicals should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight and ignition sources. Smoking is prohibited in these storage areas.
Empty, degraded, cracked or leaking containers must be disposed of in accordance with the WHMIS label or SDS instructions. In the event of a spill, apply the spill kit substance to absorb the spill. After absorbing the material, wear the appropriate PPE, clean up the absorbent material and place it in a sealed container for proper disposal.
Compressed gas handling and storage
Before use, always inspect cylinders and equipment for the following:
- Leaks, corrosion, pitting, cuts, gouges, bulges, neck defects or general distortion
- Damage or cracks in mounting and restraining devices, connections and hoses
- Defects in regulators and valves
Ensure the proper regulator is used for the cylinder.
Use appropriate equipment to transport gas cylinders, such as hand trucks. Do not drag or roll cylinders. Always transport cylinders upright, particularly acetylene cylinders, which must always remain in an upright position. Ensure the area is well ventilated and wear the necessary PPE when using compressed gases.
Store gas cylinders in a dry, well-ventilated area away from doorways and aisles. All cylinders must be stored upright and secured from tipping, using chains or straps attached to solid, fixed surfaces like walls or racking. Do not store cylinders in areas with forklift or vehicle traffic. Always separate flammable and oxidizing gases.
Oxygen and acetylene cylinders must be stored at least 20 feet apart, unless they are on a welding cart.
Propane cylinders, including empty tanks and BBQ tanks, must be stored outdoors in a locked cage, away from vehicle or equipment traffic. The cage should be at least 10 feet from building access points and display a “No Smoking” sign.
Emergency procedures
In the event of an emergency involving hazardous materials, always follow the emergency response plan for your location. This plan must include procedures for managing situations that may involve hazardous chemicals, as well as emergency procedures outlined on the SDS for the materials involved.
