Understanding WHMIS 2015 Hazard Classification System

Introduction to WHMIS and its origin

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), also known as the 'Right to Know' law, is Canada's national hazard communication standard. The WHMIS system includes hazard classification, cautionary labelling of containers, safety data sheet (SDS), and worker education and training programs. WHMIS was established in 1988 to protect Canadian workers by providing essential information regarding hazardous materials in the workplace. The initiative took a notable shift towards global harmonization in 2015 when Canada adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) to form WHMIS 2015.

Detailed explanation of WHMIS 2015

The key elements of WHMIS 2015 include product classification, SDS, and labels. The classification is based on definitive criteria for each hazard class to categorize hazardous products. The SDS is used to document more detailed hazard and precautionary information. Labels include important information for immediate workplace safety while the SDS serves as additional information for further clarification and as an emergency preparedness reference.

Importance of the WHMIS 2015 hazard class and category

The WHMIS 2015 hazard class and category offer businesses and employees critical information about the substances or mixtures' physical and health hazards. From these classifications, workers can understand what precautions, safety measures, storage rules, and emergency procedures should be taken when handling such substances. This segregates hazardous materials, aiding in the decision regarding which Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is suitable for a particular category.

Types of Information Provided by the WHMIS 2015 Hazard Class and Category

Information on Physical Hazards

WHMIS 2015 hazard class and category provide definitive information about a substance's physical hazards. Physical hazards reflect the chemical's or mixture's ability to undergo a vigorous chemical reaction like combustion or explosion. The subclasses under physical hazards involve flammable liquids, gases, solids, corrosive to metals, self-reactive substances, and organic peroxides, etc.

• Flammable substances are those that become easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames.
• Corrosive substances can cause destruction to metals, causing the structuring and stability of working conditions to impair over time.
• Self-reactive substances and mixtures are thermally unstable and can undergo chemical reactions spontaneously.

Information on Health Hazards

The WHMIS 2015 hazard class and category also offer essential information about health hazards. Health hazards are classified by the potential harm they can cause to individuals by inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. The subclasses under Health hazards involve acute toxicity, skin corrosion/irritation, sensitization, and specific target organ toxicity, etc.

• Acute toxicity refers to substances that can cause adverse effects after single exposure or repeated exposures over a short period.
• Skin corrosion/irritation imply substances that can induce skin corrosion/burns, eye damage, or irritation to skin and eyes.
• Sensitization refers to substances that can lead to hypersensitivity of the immune system, causing allergic reactions when the person is re-exposed to the same substance.

Environmental Hazards Information

The WHMIS 2015 hazard class and category provide criteria to designate substances that can pose threats to the environment, particularly aquatic and ozone layer. The subclasses under Environmental hazards include hazardous to the aquatic environment and hazardous to the ozone layer.

• Hazardous to the aquatic environment criteria involve substances that can be harmful, long-lasting, and toxic to the aquatic life with long term effects.
• Hazardous to the ozone layer criteria contain gases that can contribute to the thinning of the ozone layer when released to the atmosphere, leading to environmental implications such as global warming.