Topic – WHMIS
Learning Outcomes – Participants will be able to: recognize the WHMIS symbols and other related warning systems; explain the dangers associated with each WHMIS symbol; recognize the label for a “controlled product” (WHMIS label); find information in a material safety data sheet
Time Steps Activity Materials
 

Introduction

Introduce WHMIS

 

15 min

Explain the Importance

There are many chemicals that we work with and can be exposed to in the workplace. WHMIS is an information system consisting of symbols, labels, material safety data sheets, along with education and training to warn of hazardous ingredients that may be present in some of the chemical products we work with or could be exposed to. Some of these can cause serious health problems such as cancer or damage to our reproductive health.

  

2.5 hrs

Show Learners

  • Review handout.
  • Hand out the chemical products 1 to each or a pair of participants. Have the participants to read the container or product label and explain the hazard information found on the label. Note that some of the products have WHMIS labels, some have the HMIS system from USA, and some are consumer labelled. Explain that containers not provided with a WHMIS label, must be properly labelled by the employer according to the WHMIS requirements, and the material safety data sheet for the product must be available at the work site.
  • Distribute the handout and discuss it with participants
  • Explain what WHMIS is [section 1 - What is WHMIS]. Ask what is the most important word in the title? Answer – information! That is all WHMIS is – an information system. Note the substances not covered by WHMIS.
  • Review other warning systems – Consumer Products & the HMIS system from USA. Note that both systems use a “hazard rating system” – one is by shape, the other by a numbering system. If there is no symbols on the container – use the magic phrase – “RTL” = Read the Label! And emphasize the need to read all of the label – some of the hazard warning information may be buried in the small print on the back of the container.

Chemical products: Have a number of chemical products - some with WHMIS labels, some with consumer labels, and some – if possible – with no label or with the HMIS label from USA (example – contact cement, caulking, glues, body filler putty, aerosol spray cans, labels from products such as fibreglass insulation, concrete, silica sand.