WHMIS Training Ensures Worker Safety Around Hazardous Materials

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Training (WHMIS Training) provides information about the handling of potentially hazardous materials in the workplace. By providing product labels, Materials Safety Data Sheets and worker education programs, WHMIS provides Canadian workers with full information about the types of dangerous materials they may encounter in the workplace. Suppliers, employers and workers each have important responsibilities associated with maintaining a healthy and safe work environment.

WHMIS became law in 1988. The information requirements and exemptions are part of the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act. The law covers controlled products regulations, ingredient disclosure lists, hazardous information review regulations and appeal board procedures and regulations.

According to the Hazardous Products Act, suppliers, employers and workers all have specific duties. Suppliers, or those who sell or import hazardous products, must clearly label the product and supply a Materials Safety Data Sheet. Employers are required by law to establish training and education programs for workers and to keep labels and MSDSs available at all times. Workers are required to participate in training programs and to inform employers when labels are no longer readable.

Product labels are an important component of WHMIS. Suppliers must label all hazardous products that enter the workplace, identifying the product and supplier, supplying hazard symbols and risk phrases, describing first aid measures and stating the availability of an MSDS. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety supplies a list of universal hazard symbols that must be included on supplier labels. The labels must include text both in French and in English and must have the WHMIS hatched border for easy identification.

All hazardous materials must also have workplace labels. Workplace labels must appear on all controlled products and may be left in placard form beside bulk shipments of products. Workplace labels must identify the product, describe safe handling of the product and state the availability of the MSDS. If materials are poured into a different container that is to be immediately used, and it remains under the control of the decanter throughout the work shift, then only a product label is required.

MSDSs contain information about hazardous chemicals. With these sheets, workers learn about potential hazards associated with a product, such as fire, health, environmental and reactivity as well as how to safely handle the product. MSDS also contain information about storage, use and emergency procedures associated with a chemical product. A MSDS will tell workers what to do in the event of an accident as well as how to recognize signs of overexposure to the chemical.

The CCOHS offers a variety of worker education programs. Courses may be delivered onsite, in the classroom or online along with presentations, webinars and podcasts. Also, CCOHS offers special programs geared toward young workers, academic institutions, educators and training centres.

Certain hazardous materials in the workplace may be associated with cancer, burns, rashes, lung and kidney problems and effects on the nervous system. Other materials may cause fires and explosions. WHMIS training was created to stop the illnesses, injuries and medical costs associated with hazardous materials in the workplace.

Our TDG online program will provide certification upon successful completion, whmis training online will help you prevent accidental exposure to hazardous materials. Act First Safety, 385 Rouge Hills Dr., Toronto, Ontario M1C 2Z4 (416)283-7233

Our http://www.actfirstsafety.ca/ TDG online program will provide certification upon successful completion, http://www.actfirstsafety.ca/ whmis training online will help you prevent accidental exposure to hazardous materials. Act First Safety, 385 Rouge Hills Dr., Toronto, Ontario M1C 2Z4 (416)283-7233

Author Bio: Our TDG online program will provide certification upon successful completion, whmis training online will help you prevent accidental exposure to hazardous materials. Act First Safety, 385 Rouge Hills Dr., Toronto, Ontario M1C 2Z4 (416)283-7233

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