North Simcoe Muskoka Community Care Access Centre
Policy and Procedure Manual
Subject: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Page 4 of 4
Section: / N/A / Page 1 of 3Document Owner: / Human Resources Generalist / Date Issued: / 04/28/2010
Approver(s): / Sr. Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development / Date Reviewed/Revised: / 04/28/2010
Subject: / Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Purpose:
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulation was established under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to give employers, employees and the public information about hazardous materials used in the workplace.
Scope:
All employees of NSM CCAC.
Policy:
The WHMIS program will be implemented according to the requirements under the WHMIS Regulation to reduce the frequency, severity and costs associated with accidents and illness related to hazardous materials in the work environment.
The main components of WHMIS are hazard identification and product classification, labelling, material safety data sheets, and worker training and education.
1. Hazard identification/ Product Classification
WHMIS uses classifications to group chemicals with similar properties or hazards. The Controlled Products Regulations specifies the criteria used to place materials within each classification. There are six (6) classes although several classes have divisions or subdivisions. Each class has a specific symbol to help people identify the hazard quickly. The classes are:
Class A - Compressed Gas
Class B - Flammable and Combustible Material
Class C - Oxidizing Material
Class D - Poisonous and Infectious Material
Division 1: Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects
Division 2: Materials causing other toxic effects
Division 3: Biohazardous Infection Material
Class E - Corrosive material
Class F - Dangerously reactive material
2. Labelling
Label is one of the ways health hazard information is made available to anyone using the material. Labels are required by WHMIS laws. There are two different types that are used most often: the supplier label and the workplace label.
3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
A MSDS is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product. 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.
4. Worker education and training
· Education about labels, MSDSs, and other identifiers will occur at orientation and annually or as required if there is a change in job task with resulting change in potential for exposure
· Training refers to the instruction in site-specific information such as work and emergency procedures.
Record Keeping
The master copies of the MSDSs will be maintained by Human Resources.
The Human Resources office will maintain a written record of the employee’s review of the WHMIS program.
Resources
NSM CCAC will provide all employees with the necessary information, training and personal protective equipment required to perform their tasks safely.
Communication
Changes to the program will be communicated to all staff by posting the information on the Health and Safety Bulletin Board and Health and Safety Intranet Page and address it as an agenda item at the health and safety meeting.
WHMIS posters depicting the symbols and associated risks will be posted in on the health and safety bulletin boards and Health and Safety intranet page. The MSDSs will be readily available to all employees and will be located in the following locations:
Health and Safety Intranet page.
Huntsville Sick Room
Barrie Sick Room
Program evaluation & review
The Human Resources designate will consult with the JOHSC in the development, review and implementation of the WHMIS program.
Procedure:
Position Responsible / Action /Employer / 1. NSM CCAC will be responsible for implementing all elements of the WHMIS program including labels, MSDS, training and education and classification of any products produced in the workplace.
Manager / 1. Expected to work in accordance with the requirements of the WHMIS program.
2. Will deliver the job-specific component of the WHMIS orientation.
Employee / 1. Will use the WHMIS information, control equipment and personal protective equipment provided to work safety to protect themselves, their co-workers, clients and the environment.
2. Review all WHMIS materials provided and demonstrate knowledge of the program through successful completion of the training quiz.
Office Services / 1. Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets for all products.
Human Resources / 1. Post Material Safety Data Sheets on intranet and binders.
2. Coordinate training programs.
Definitions:
Controlled Product: A substance meeting the criteria of one or more of the hazard classes (i.e. compressed gas, flammable and combustible material, oxidizing material, poisonous and infectious material, corrosive, dangerously reactive material) set out in the Controlled Products Regulation under the federal Hazardous Products Act.Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): An information bulletin summarizing relevant technical information (as required by the federal Controlled Products Regulation or other legislation) on a substance, including a list of hazardous ingredients, potential hazards, safe handling procedures and first aid measures.
Supplier Label: A WHMIS label attached to the controlled product prior to shipment by the manufacturer or distributor and meeting the requirements of the federal Controlled Products Regulation, under the Hazardous Products Act.
Workplace Label: A label produced in the workplace and attached to a controlled product when it is dispensed into containers other than the original supplier container or when a supplier label becomes illegible. A workplace label contains a product identifier, information on the safe handling of the material and a reference to the material safety data sheet.
Generic Training: Training provided to employees that includes generic information as set out in the accompanying training standard including the information contained on labels and material safety data sheets, occupational health and basic concepts of control.
Product-Specific Training: Training provided to employees that includes specific information as set out in the accompanying training standard including specific work procedures, spill procedures, storage procedures, emergency procedures, personal protective equipment and first aid.
Related Documents:
WHMIS E-learning Module
References:
Occupational Health and Safety Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. 0.1)
WHMIS Regulation (R.R.O., Reg. 860)