products that are used in business, workplaces, industry or schools must contain standardized labels and must be accompanied by Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) in a location convenient to the worker or student. The MSDS sheet must provide clear and precise information about the product. Clear and standardized labeling of products is an important component of WHMIS. The labels must be present on the product's original container or a label must be created and added to any container the product is added to. General safety rules: Always store materials in their proper designated areas. Always wear protective clothing, along with face and eye protection Class A Compressed Gases Material that is normally gaseous and kept in a pressurized container • explode due to pressure • could explode if heated or dropped • may be hazardous from the force of the explosion or the release of the contents • ensure container is always secured • store only in designated areas • do not drop or allow to fall B Flammable and Combustible Materials • may ignite spontaneously • may release flammable products if allowed to degrade or if exposed to water. • heating • avoid sparks and flames • ensure that electrical sources are safe Class C Oxidizing Materials • can cause skin and eye burns • increase of fire and explosion hazards • may cause combustibles to explode or react violently • oxidizers in containers that will not rust or oxidize Class D Division 1 Toxic Materials Immediate and Severe Hazard • may be fatal if ingested or inhaled • may be absorbed through the skin • small volumes have a toxic effect • avoid breathing dust and vapours • avoid contact with skin or eyes • work in well ventilated areas Class D Division 2 Toxic Materials Long Term Concealed • may cause permanent injury or death • may cause birth defects or sterility • may cause cancer • may be sensitizers causing allergies • avoid direct contact • wear appropriate personal protection • use hand, body, face and eye protection Class D Division 3 Biohazardous • may cause anaphylactic shock • special training required to handle these materials
Infectious Materials • includes viruses, yeasts, molds, bacteria, and parasites that affect humans • includes fluids that contain toxic substances • includes cellular components • avoid forming aerosols • avoid breathing vapours • avoid contamination of people and work area Class E Corrosive Materials • may irritate eyes and skin on exposure • may cause severe burns to tissue upon longer exposure • may damage lungs if inhaled • may cause blindness if contact with eyes • may cause serious environmental damage as a result of fumes • avoid all direct body contact Class F Dangerously Reactive Materials • may react with water • may be chemically unstable • may explode if exposed to heat or shock • may release toxic or flammable vapours • may vigorously polymerize • may burn unexpectedly • handle with care, avoiding vibrations, shocks, and sudden temperature changes • store in appropriate containers • ensure storage containers are sealed Department of Biological Sciences: Guidelines for Chemical Spills In case of a chemical 1. look for any injured people; make sure they are care of first. 2. get help: notify co-workers that a spill has occurred before trying to clean up. A. Small spill / low hazard: (e.g. <250 mL of flammable or corrosive material) if you know all the hazards associated with the chemical and know you can quickly and safely clean it up with adsorbent (paper towels or spill mix) and transport the waste into a fume hood; then proceed with the assistance of another person.