Have you ever wondered about those mysterious labels on chemical containers in factories or workplaces? If you are a Canadian citizen or have any close connection with Canada, you must have heard about WHMIS. Are you already trying to make a connection between labels and WHMIS? Then, you are going on the right path.

WHMIS-Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is a Canadian system developed in 1988. Now, the question arises: why was this system developed?

Imagine a time when workers risked their lives without realizing it. They were oblivious to the dangers posed by the chemicals they handled, leading to tragic accidents and even fatalities. There was something that needed to be changed.

WHMIS was developed to bring change; this system revolves around the health and safety of workers in Canada’s various industries and factories. It provides necessary information about the hazardous products they are coming in contact with at their workplace.

The development of WHMIS brought about a revolutionary change in the industrial sector. The industries have now become federally regulated workplaces.

The safety of the workers has been given more priority after the implementation of WHMIS. Since the introduction of WHMIS, Canada has prospered a lot in manufacturing products. The number of accidents caused by using hazardous products was greatly reduced, and the workers appreciated the system.

Implementation of WHMIS:

The implementation of the WHMIS is essential, and there are several steps that need to be taken in this respect.

According to WHMIS, the risk imposed by hazardous products can be conveyed to workers using three methods:

• Labels
• Material safety data sheets
• Education and training programs

Other methods, such as hazard classification and identification, have also been implemented in other industries. Overall, the above methods are the backbone of WHMIS and work towards the overall development of workers by providing them with knowledge about various hazards.

1. Workplace Label

The first method of implementation of WHMIS is through the use of workplace labels. Workplace labels include symbols, pictures, or short phrases written on the container of the hazardous product.

By looking at the labels, the workers can get an idea of the hazards associated with using the hazardous product and the safety precautions that must be taken to be safer.

The labels also contain information on how the products should be handled and stored.  For example, flammable and combustible materials must be kept away from fire or its sources, and oxidizing materials must not be kept in the open air; otherwise, rust formation may take place

If not kept in the desired manner, such hazardous products can cause severe damage to the factory as well as its workers.

Nowadays, various labels in symbols and sentences are used to denote the type of chemical used in the industries. For instance, separate labels or symbols are used for oxidizing materials, compressed gases, and flammable and combustible materials. Hence, the labels present in hazardous product containers protect the industry from dangerous accidents.

2. Material Safety Data Sheet

A material safety data sheet provides information about occupational health and safety measures that must be adopted when using hazardous products.

The list of information included in safety data sheets –

• the properties of the hazardous products,
• the chemical hazards associated with the products,
• instructions regarding the safe use,
• handling and disposal of hazardous materials,
• First aid measures must be taken if workers or their co-workers are exposed to hazardous materials. 

The safety data sheets are an important step towards spreading health and safety information among workers about the hazardous products used in the workplace.

3. Worker Education and Training Programs Related to WHMIS

No doubt the labelling of chemical products and the safety data sheets are one of the most effective methods of implementation of WHMIS.

But how will the workers get to know that such systems exist to guide them about chemical safety and appropriate control measures to be taken in case of exposure? To create awareness among workers about the necessity of knowing all about the hazardous products used in the workplace, workplace-specific training programs must be conducted.

Under these education programs, workers are given proper training for the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous products that can cause damage to the workplace. WHMIS training program also includes information such as how to read the labels present in the containers of hazardous products and how to read the safety data sheets.

The main purpose of the WHMIS education and training program is to make sure that all the employees in the workplace are aware of the hazards associated with the chemical products they are using and can instantly take appropriate safety measures to protect themselves as well as their co-workers if are overexposed to these chemicals.

However, learning everything instantly is not possible. The health and safety training for WHIMS education should be repeated at frequent intervals so that the employees can brush up on their knowledge and also remain updated with everything.

Hence, it can be concluded that the introduction and implementation of WHMIS was necessary to maintain the peace and integrity of the industry and the country. Canada has set a benchmark for other countries, and industrialists worldwide are working to implement WHMIS in their workplaces.

If you plan to secure your future in any industry, you must have a basic knowledge of WHMIS. This knowledge will help you excel in your career and prevent you from sustaining deadly injuries.

Last Updated on April 14, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani