Workplace_Hazardous_Materials_Information_System Workplace_Hazardous_Materials_Information_System

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - Definition and Overview
Related Words: Cobol, Esp, Fortran, Acquaintance, Advice, Answer, Arraignment, Assembler, Bail, Bit, Blame

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is a detailed system of labelling and information designed to inform workers who deal with hazardous goods. It is enforced by a number of governmental agencies in different localities.

There are two basic types of label from WHMIS; the supplier label and the workplace label. Both have symbols on them, but the supplier label is far more detailed.

All WHMIS labels have symbols on them; a list follows:

  • A flame - The substance is flammable and should be kept away from sparks or flame. It might also be explosive.
  • A flaming O - The substance is an oxidant.
  • Drops from a vial corroding a hand and a metal bar - The substance is corrosive. Care should be kept to keep it away from skin and to prevent spillage.
  • A skull and crossbones - The substance is poisonous and should not be taken internally.
  • A T-like symbol with a dot below - The substance has "other toxic effects"
  • An R which is being destroyed with a test tube in it - The substance is dangerously reactive with other substance.
  • A tube-like canister - A compressed gas is contained
  • A circle with three claw-like things coming out of it - Biohazard

WHMIS labels contain reference to the MSDS sheet associated with the product.

Material Classifications There are 6 classes of WHMIS materials:

  • Class A Compressed Gas
  • Class B Flammable and Combustible Material 
   Division 1: Flammable Gas
   Division 2: Flammable Liquid
   Division 3: Combustible Liquid
   Division 4: Flammable Solid
   Division 5: Flammable Aerosol
   Division 6: Reactive Flammable Material
  • Class C Oxidizing Material
  • Class D Poisonous and Infectious Material 
   Division 1: Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects 
       Subdivision A: Very toxic material 
       Subdivision B: Toxic material 
   Division 2: Materials causing other toxic effects 
       Subdivision A: Very toxic material 
       Subdivision B: Toxic material 
   Division 3: Biohazardous Infection Material
  • Class E Corrosive Material
  • Class F Dangerously Reactive Material

further WHMIS Classification info (http://www.rccdsb.edu.on.ca/safety/whmis_classifications.htm)


Example Usage of Information
deannaifsx5: Using Small Fonts: Information from Answers.com http://tinyurl.com/yj5kp2k
bebewave: For anyone who wants to keep having adventures and discoveries with their children we hopefully provide useful Information along the way!
yelvocom: Sharkproof Waterbeds: Information about Sharkproof Waterbeds, Alameda. http://awe.sm/21OCH
Copyright 2009 WordIQ.com - Privacy Policy  :: Terms of Use  :: Contact Us  :: About Us
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the this Wikipedia article.