WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Unit 1 Hazardous Chemicals
Let s Do an Experiment Let s take two safe chemicals and mix them together. Potassium permanganate Glycerin Both of these are available at any pharmacy.
Reasons for WHMIS Designed after the government model called the Right to Know law. Conveys knowledge of hazardous chemicals to workers who use them in their jobs. Designed to reduce injuries and time lost due to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Some Hazardous Chemicals Undercoats & Topcoats Hardeners Buffing Compounds Cleaners Solvents Body fillers Welding gases Adhesives
Overexposure Effects Acute Exposure Burns Dizziness Nausea Coughing Chronic Exposure Nerve Damage Lung Scarring
Hazardous Materials Categories Irritants Corrosives Toxins Poisons Carcinogens Chemicals that cause cancer Allergenics Chemicals that cause an allergic reaction
Lung Irritants Chemicals that affect the: Lungs and nasal passages Skin Eyes
Upper Respiratory Irritants Affect the nose and throat Dissolved by water Normally not life-threatening Can make breathing difficult after long exposure Found in: Thinners, plastic cleaners, urethane reducers, body fillers, polishes, weld-through primers, sodium hydroxide powder (from airbag deployment)
Middle Respiratory Irritants Cause coughing and wheezing Partially dissolved by water Normally not life-threatening Can make breathing difficult after long exposure Found in: Thinners, plastic cleaners, urethane reducers, body fillers, polishes, weld-through primers, sodium hydroxide powder (from airbag deployment)
Lower Respiratory Irritants Travel deep into the lung Not dissolved by water Can be life-threatening Found in: Adhesives, rubberized undercoatings, paints that contain isocyanates
Irritant Reaction Itching Burning Rashes Found in: Epoxy repair materials, plastic bonding adhesives, undercoatings, cleaners, hardeners and reducers, body fillers
Corrosive Materials Can cause skin burns and respiratory problems Are found in many cleaning products and metal preparation materials Are either highly acidic or highly alkaline Examples include: Paint strippers, prep solvents, wire wheel cleaners, sulphuric acid in batteries, oxalic acid, full-strength degreasers
Nervous System Effects Dizziness Headaches Nausea Blurred vision Poor coordination
Nervous System Depression Ingredients that cause central nervous system depression include: Benzene Toluene Xylene These chemicals are added as thinning agents, allowing the product to be sprayed or flow easier.
Toxins Toxins can be broken down into: Mild neurotoxins Liver toxins Reproductive toxins Blood toxins
Mild Toxins Mild neurotoxins cause central nervous system depression and destroy nerve endings. The effects of this condition are similar to drinking too much alcohol. Effects include: Dizziness, headaches, nausea, blurred vision, poor coordination
Liver Toxin Exposure Exposure to liver toxins comes from breathing vapors while:
Liver Toxin Chemicals Examples include: Toluene, xylene, butyl acetate, lead chromates, nickel compounds, methylene chloride. Found in some: Urethane enamels Adhesives
Reproductive Toxins May cause birth defects Birth defects can vary from minor to severe Materials that may contain reproductive toxins include: Products containing toluene Gasoline Products containing lead compounds Acrylic lacquers Urethane enamels
Blood Toxins Destroy or deform red blood cells Red blood cells carry oxygen through the blood stream. Destroying or deforming red blood cells reduces the amount of oxygen being carried through the blood stream Overexposure may cause difficult breathing or loss of consciousness Materials that may contain blood toxins include: Some aerosol cleaners and enamel clear coats
Carcinogens Examples of carcinogenic materials include:
Allergens May cause people to react to certain chemicals. Normally do not cause a reaction when first exposed. The reaction starts with the second exposure. Each person will have a different reaction to different materials. Some materials contain chemicals that are more likely to cause reactions than others.
Examples of allergens Acrylic sealers Adhesives Sealers Epoxy resins Clear coats Hardeners Activators
Routes of Entry Breathing Swallowing Absorption through skin Injection through skin
Breathing Hazardous Materials Most common way of entering the body. Starts when products being mixed, poured, or used, give off vapors or dust particles. Causes them to collect in the lungs and be absorbed into the blood stream. Can be prevented by wearing a proper respirator.
Respirators Used to protect against: Grinding and sanding dust Undercoating and rust proofing mists Paint sprays Asbestos Welding fumes Glass fibers
Types of Respirators Dust respirators Air-purifying respirators Fume respirators Vapor respirators Combination fume and vapor respirator Fresh-air supplied respirator
Dust Respirators Generally used for dust that is non-toxic. Should not be used for fumes or chemical vapors. Should only be used if approved by NIOSH.
Air-purifying Respirators Used when working with products that produce vapors, toxic dusts, asbestos, fumes, etc. Consist of a filter media, activated charcoal, or a combination of both.
Vapor Filters Have an absorbent material, usually activated carbon, contained in a cartridge. Do not provide any protection from welding fumes.
Fume Filters Made of layers of filter material. Do not provide any protection from chemical vapors.
Combination Filters Combine a charcoal cartridge with a particle pre-filter. Provide protection from both chemical vapors and welding fumes.
Choosing the Proper Respirator Cartridge-type filters are color coded to indicate the type of material each is designed to filter. Black color code is designed to protect against organic vapors. Orange color code is designed to protect against dust, fumes, and mists. Purple color code is designed to protect against fumes generated during welding operations.
NIOSH Classifications National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health Identifies a series of 3 particulate filters: 100-rated filters (99.97% efficiency). This filter offers similar protection to HEPA filters. 99-rated filters (99% efficiency). 95-rated filters (95% efficiency). Divided in to 3 categories: N for non-oil resistant, R for oil resistant, P for oil proof.
Cartridge-type Respirators Must be regularly cleaned and disinfected. Must be properly maintained: Check for cracks, tears, or holes before use. Replace clogged particle filters. Replace vapor cartridges if contaminates can be smelled or tasted. If the respirator is disposable, throw it away.
Effects of Welding Fumes Welding requires wearing a welding fume respirator. Failure to wear a respirator could result in a sickness characterized by: Sore throat Fever Chills Nausea Headaches
Effects of Welding Fumes These symptoms will usually occur within 4-8 hours of exposure and can last as long as 24 hours. Fumes which can result in fume fever include: Zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, copper, cadmium, chromium, and lead.
Effects of Welding Fumes Long-term exposure to these fumes may cause such illnesses as: Cancer of the kidneys, larynx, or urinary tract. Diseases of the heart, blood, stomach, and intestines. Skin sensitivity, hearing loss, or eye problems. Birth defects.
Fit-testing Respirators To fit-test a respirator: Fasten the respirator around your head and neck. Make sure the fit is snug, but not too tight. Check the fit by covering the exhalation valve and gently exhaling. There should be a slight pressure inside the respirator without leaking at the seal. With cartridge-type respirators, cover the cartridges with your hands and inhale gently until the respirator collapses slightly. Hold your breath. The respirator should stay slightly collapsed and not leak from the sides.
Air-supplied Respirators Must be able to supply Grade D breathing air. Should be worn whenever using products containing isocyanates. Must be used when abrasive-blasting with silica sand. Can be supplied with air from the shop compressor or an air pump.
Using Compressor Air To ensure Grade D air from a shop compressor, a 3-stage filter is generally used: Bulk liquids and visible particles (stage 1) Particles and liquid droplets larger than.01 microns (stage 2) Hydrocarbons and odors from the compressed air (stage 3)
Full-face Coverage Since isocyanates can enter the body through the eyes, a hood or full-face mask is recommended. Safety glasses do not offer enough protection for painters.
General Respirator Rules Must be NIOSH approved. Employees must be trained on their use. May not be altered in any way. Must be stored in a location that prevents deformation of the face piece and exhalation valve and protects them from: Dust, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive moisture, and damaging chemicals.
Ingesting Hazardous Chemicals Swallowing is the second most common way hazardous materials enter the body. Ingestion can occur by: Not washing before eating. Eating or drinking in an area where hazardous materials are used. Biting fingernails. Touching the mouth while coughing or sneezing. Smoking after handling hazardous materials.
Preventing Hazardous Ingestion To prevent ingesting hazardous materials: Wear gloves when handling hazardous materials. Wash hands after any contact with hazardous materials. Keep hands away from the face. Eat and smoke only in designated areas.
Absorption Through Skin Hazardous materials can be absorbed through the skin. Skin is porous, like a sponge.
Skin Cutaway
Absorption Through Skin Absorption occurs by: Skin contact, such as picking up a solventsoaked cloth. Washing hands with gasoline or other solvent. Floor cleaning materials splashing into shoes. Always wear protective equipment such as: Gloves Aprons Boots
Absorption Through Eyes Hazardous materials can also enter eyes through exposure to hazardous: Vapors Dust Spills Wear safety goggles to help prevent eye exposure.
Injection in Skin Hazardous material can enter the body through injection. This can be caused by a material: Entering through a broken cut or a skin rash. Being forced through the skin by air tools or cleaning equipment. Prevent injection by: Covering and protecting open cuts or sores. Following recommended safety procedures when working with tools and cleaning equipment.
Review Question #1 Technician A says that lethal exposure to hazardous materials can occur from biting fingernails or not washing before eating. Technician B says that lethal exposure can occur from breathing the vapors or dust of a hazardous material. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
Review Question #2 Technician A says that overexposure effects are classified as either acute or chronic. Technician B says that acute exposure is repeated exposure over a long time and chronic exposure is a one-time sudden, high exposure to a chemical. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
Review Question #3 Technician A says a supplied air respirator should always be worn whenever painting for proper protection against isocyanates. Technician B says any respirator will provide adequate protection against welding fumes as long as it is approved by both NIOSH and MSHA and properly maintained. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
Review Question #4 The most harmful type of lung irritant is the: A. Upper respiratory irritant B. Middle respiratory irritant C. Lower respiratory irritant D. None of the above
Review Question #5 Hazardous materials can enter the body by: A. Swallowing the material B. Absorbing the material through the skin C. Injecting the material into the skin D. All of the above
Product Labels Unit 2
Product Labels All materials in the workplace are required to have a label. Labels are an important source of information that may include: The name of the material Part number
Product Labels (Cont d) Possible hazards when using the material Hazard symbols A statement that the MSDS is available How to safely handle the material Suggestions for first aid treatment The manufacturer s name, address, and emergency telephone number The intended use of the product
Minimum Label Requirements Labels for hazardous materials are required to provide: A product identifier or name. Hazard warnings. A statement that the MSDS is available.
What If There Is No Label? Do not handle the product. Determine the nature of the material from the shop manager. Place a label on the container once the material has been identified.
Hazard Symbols Hazard symbols on product labels are in picture form so they can be read in any language. The symbols show an immediate hazard warning about the contents of the container. Examples are: Cylinder Flame Skull and crossbones inside a circle Hand being corroded by a chemical
Compressed Gasses White cylinder on a green background
Flammable and Combustible Flame on a red background
Oxidizing Material Flame over a circle on a yellow background
Immediate Toxic Effects Causes immediate and serious (acute) toxic effects Skull and crossbones on a white background
Other Toxic Effects Causes other toxic effects. Letter T with a dot below it.
Biohazardous Materials Four overlapping circles.
Corrosive Materials Hand and piece of material being corroded by a liquid.
Dangerously Reactive Materials Letter R with a test tube in the middle.
Types of Labels There are 3 types of labels commonly used for identifying hazardous materials. These are: Supplier labels Workplace labels Other Means of identification labels
Supplier Labels Must contain: Product name Supplier identifier Statement of MSDS availability Hazard symbols Handling, use & storage instructions First aid measures Risk phrases explaining possible dangers of the material
Risk Phrases Examples of risk phrases: Explosive Flammable Lung irritant Causes burns May cause birth defects Reacts violently with water May cause cancer
Container Label Requirements The supplier does not have to label: An inner container if the outer container is properly labeled and the workplace agrees to apply labels to the inner container. The package liner of a hazardous material. The outer container if the inner container label can be seen and read through the outer container.
Limited Vs. Detailed Label Supplier labels can be either detailed or basic depending on the size of the containers as long as the minimum requirements are met.
Workplace Labels Labels created and attached in the workplace. Usually a result of pouring material into a smaller container. Example of mixing paint using a mixing system Only 3 items required on the label: Product identifier Hazard warning information Reference to MSDS
Workplace Label Format Can be a premade format or something as simple as masking tape.
Personal Protection Symbols Some workplace labels include personal protection symbols that can be checked.
Code Symbols Some workplace labels may also have a system of codes to show the level of certain elements in a hazardous material. The system measures: Health hazards Flammability Reactivity Personal protection required
Code Symbols Code system has 5 numbers (0-4). The higher the number, the higher the danger level. 0 is very low danger 1 is slightly dangerous 2 is moderately dangerous 3 is seriously dangerous 4 is severely dangerous
Code Symbols For example, a material with a: Flammability of 0 is not likely to catch fire. Flammability of 4 will catch fire very easily. Health hazard of 2 is moderately hazardous to your health. The code numbers can usually be found on the MSDS.
Code Symbols Codes are shown in different colored boxes. Blue for health hazard Red for flammability hazard Yellow for a reactivity hazard White for personal protection information The 4 categories are usually shown in the form of a diamond.
Code System Example
Hazard Code Information
Other Means Label Used when labels are not visible due to something covering the labels Labels covered in paint Large storage containers where labels are hidden from view Examples: A mark or symbol on the container Special colour coded area A sign or placard above or off to one side that indicates what the material is
Paint-Covered Container Paint waste containers Paint containers Large storage containers
Review Exercise
Technician A says that workplace labels are normally created when the contents of a larger container are transferred into a smaller container. Technician B says that workplace labels do not need to meet the minimum label requirements. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
Technician A says workplace labels are required to follow a code system that measures a material s flammability, shelf life, and reactivity. Technician B says workplace labels can take any form as long as they contain the basic information. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
The supplier label: A. Must be attached to any hazardous material that comes into the shop. B. Needs only to contain the product name, statement that a MSDS is available, and risk phrases. C. Needs to have black text over a white background. D. All of the above.
The blue section of the code system indicates: A. Fire hazards. B. Reactivity. C. Specific hazards. D. Health hazards.
Examples of other means of identification labels include: A. Marks or symbols. B. Special color coded areas. C. Signs or placards above or off to the side of the material. D. All of the above.
Unit 3 Material Safety Data Sheets
Label vs. MSDS MSDS: More detailed Overexposure effects Detailed steps to avoid overexposure Emergency information
Employer-Written MSDS
MSDS Includes: Product information Hazardous ingredients Physical data Fire and explosion hazards Reactivity data Health hazard data Preventive measures First aid measures MSDS preparation information
Product Identification
Hazardous Ingredients
Physical Data
MSDS - Paint
Fire & Explosion Data
Fire Extinguishers A Ordinary combustibles B - Flammable liquids C - Electrical fires D - Combustible metals
Reactivity Data
MSDS - Wax & Grease Remover
Health Hazard Data
Exposure Limits Must be comfortable Know your physical limits Maintain equipment Know signs of respirator failure Store properly
Preventive Measures
Respirators
Types of Hazardous Waste Thinners Cleaning solvents Metal-etching acid Used batteries Waste oil Antifreeze
First Aid Measures
MSDS Preparation Information
MSDS - Acid Clean
Unit 4 Workplace Education
Supplier Responsibilities Classify and label supplied materials Provide current MSDS Provide source for data on toxicity of a material
Employer Responsibilities Labels MSDS Training
Inventory Roster
Hazardous Materials Inventory Count materials Refer to purchase invoices Look at MSDS sheets
Employer Responsibilities Make sure MSDS is up-to-date Add new information Have MSDS available Make sure workers understand Have MSDS information available for medical personnel
Employee Education Program Assign ownership Set up check system Make sure copy of program is available Schedule employees for training Set up training records Review program once per year
Employee Testing Procedures Give employees a written test Conduct a hands-on demonstration Set up a mock emergency and test the response
Employee Responsibilities Know and understand labels Follow label directions Follow safe-use procedures Know MSDS information Know emergency procedures Avoid removing or defacing labels Inform employer of missing information Wear required equipment Help develop safety plan
Hazardous Program Requirement List
Review Exercise (Page 75)
Technician A says that the MSDS provides information on hazardous material handling, storage, and use. Technician B says that the MSDS can be used in place of a label. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
Technician A says that manufacturers and suppliers are responsible for supplying training to those who work with hazardous materials. Technician B says the employer needs to supply training for each hazardous material used in the workplace. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
The section of the MSDS that explains what conditions, such as heat or shock, make the hazardous material unstable is: A. Hazardous Ingredients B. Fire and Explosion Data C. Reactivity Data D. Physical Data
Technician A says that the First Aid Measures section of the MSDS explains how to treat a worker who has been overexposed to a material. Technician B says medical or emergency personnel generally need the First Aid Measures section. Who is right? A. Technician A only B. Technician B only C. Both Technician A and Technician B D. Neither Technician A or Technician B
The section of the MSDS that explains how to control the material during a spill or leak is: A. Hazardous Ingredients B. Fire and Explosion Data C. Reactivity Data D. Preventive Measures