WHMIS in the Workplace: Understanding the Hazards Before You Work
Many workplaces use products that can be hazardous if they are not handled, stored, or disposed of properly. From cleaning products and solvents to fuels, paints, and industrial chemicals, workers need to understand the hazards associated with the products they use.
This is where WHMIS—the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System— plays an important role.
WHMIS provides workers and employers with information about hazardous products and helps workers understand how to work with these products safely.
What Is WHMIS?
WHMIS is Canada’s national system for communicating information about hazardous products in the workplace.
The system is based on several key elements, including:
- Hazard classification
- Labels
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Worker education and training
Together, these elements help ensure that important hazard information is available to workers before they use a hazardous product.
Why Are WHMIS Labels Important?
A WHMIS label provides important information about a hazardous product.
Depending on the product, a label can identify:
- The product name
- Hazard pictograms
- Signal words
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
- Supplier information
Workers should never use an unfamiliar hazardous product without first understanding the information provided on its label and the applicable workplace procedures.
If a product is transferred from its original container into another container, workplace procedures should ensure that the required hazard information remains available.
Understanding WHMIS Pictograms
WHMIS uses standardized pictograms to communicate different types of hazards.
For example, pictograms can indicate hazards related to:
- Flammability
- Corrosive materials
- Acute toxicity
- Health hazards
- Compressed gases
- Oxidizing materials
- Environmental hazards
Recognizing these symbols can help workers quickly identify the type of hazard they may be dealing with.
However, pictograms are only one part of the information available. Workers should also understand the product label and Safety Data Sheet.
Safety Data Sheets Provide More Information
Safety Data Sheets, commonly called SDSs, provide detailed information about hazardous products.
An SDS can provide information about:
- Product hazards
- Safe handling and storage
- Required personal protective equipment
- First-aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release procedures
- Exposure controls
- Physical and chemical properties
- Disposal considerations
Workers should know where SDSs are located and how to access them when needed.
WHMIS Training Is More Than Reading a Label
Simply telling employees to “read the label” is not enough.
Workers need appropriate education and training so they understand the hazards associated with the products they work with and the procedures used in their workplace.
Training should help workers understand how to:
- Recognize hazardous products
- Read WHMIS labels
- Understand pictograms and hazard information
- Locate and use SDSs
- Follow safe handling and storage procedures
- Use required personal protective equipment
- Respond to spills and exposures
- Report hazards and concerns
Training should also be appropriate for the actual products and hazards present in the workplace.
Safe Storage Matters
Proper storage is an important part of chemical safety.
Products should be stored according to their hazards and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Incompatible products may need to be separated to prevent dangerous reactions.
Containers should be properly identified, closed when not in use, and stored in appropriate areas.
Regular inspections can help identify damaged containers, missing labels, leaks, or improperly stored products.
Don’t Forget About Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment, or PPE, may be required when working with hazardous products.
Depending on the hazard, this could include:
- Safety glasses
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Protective clothing
- Respiratory protection
- Face shields
- Protective footwear
PPE should be selected based on the hazards present and used according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions.
PPE is an important part of hazard control, but it should not replace other appropriate controls where those controls are available and required.
What Should You Do If You Find an Unlabelled Container?
An unidentified or unlabelled container can create a serious safety concern.
Workers should not assume they know what a substance is based on its appearance, smell, or where they found it.
Follow your workplace procedures, report the concern, and make sure the product is properly identified before it is handled or used.
Building a Strong WHMIS Culture
WHMIS works best when it becomes part of everyday workplace safety rather than simply being a training requirement.
Employers should regularly review hazardous products, keep safety information accessible, provide appropriate worker education and training, and make sure safe handling procedures are being followed.
Workers also have an important role by following procedures, using required PPE, reporting hazards, and asking questions when they are unsure.
Know the Hazard Before You Work
Hazardous products are common in many workplaces, but understanding the risks can help prevent injuries, exposures, fires, and other incidents.
WHMIS provides the information workers need to recognize hazards and work safely with hazardous products.
Know the product. Understand the hazard. Follow the procedures. Work safely.