WHMIS

WHMIS: Identification of Site-specific Chemical Hazards

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This inspection will assist you in analyzing chemical hazards in your workplace, including the safe handling and use of these hazardous materials. Once you are aware of potential hazards to your workers and infrastructure, you can adequately prepare your workforce to work smart and safely.

TIPS

Walk around your workplace. Take photos or make a list of the hazards you see.
For each hazard identified, consult your relevant SDS for proper storage procedures.

EXPLODING BOMB Identified in: Explosives Self-reactives Organic peroxides
FLAME Identified in: Flammables Pyrophorics Self-reactives Organic peroxides Properties: Self-heating Emits flammable gas
FLAME OVER CIRCLE Identified in: Oxidizers
GAS CYLINDER Identified in: Gases under pressure
CORROSION Causes: Skin corrosion/burns Eye damage Corrosion of metals
SKULL AND CROSSBONES Properties: Acute toxicity May be fatal
HEALTH HAZARD Properties: Carcinogenicity Mutagenicity Reproductive toxicity Respiratory sensitization Target organ toxicity Aspiration toxicity
EXCLAMATION MARK Properties: Irritant (skin & eye) Skin sensitizer Acute toxicity Narcotic effects Respiratory tract irritant Hazardous to ozone layer
ENVIRONMENT Causes: Aquatic toxicity
BIOHAZARDOUS INFECTIOUS MATERIALS Identified in: Live bacteria Viruses

Identify Related Items and Their Locations at Your Facility

ITEM	LOCATION
Emergency showers
Eye-wash stations
Fire extinguishers
First aid blankets
First aid kits
Muster points
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Spill Kits

Identify Existing Plans and Procedures

ITEM	DETAILS
Control point for hazardous materials (Shipping & Receiving)
Emergency phone numbers
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
Emergency signaling (horns, alarms, etc.)
Incident reporting procedures
Safe Job Procedures (SJPs)
Safe Work Practices (SWPs)

Identify Required PPE: Location, Application and Proper Use

PPE REQUIRED	LOCATION	APPLICATION	PROPER USE
Eye Protection E.g.: spectacles, goggles, shields, visors
Foot Protection E.g.: CSA-approved steel-toed shoes or boots
Hand Protection E.g.: gloves, barrier creams
Head Protection E.g.: CSA-approved hard hats, helmets, caps and/or hoods
Hearing Protection E.g.: ear muffs and/or plugs
Respiratory Protection E.g.: disposable, cartridge, air line, half-face, full-face
Skin Protection E.g.: hats, sun screen, insect protection, long sleeves, rain gear
Working from Heights E.g.: harness, fall-arrest devices
Other PPE E.g.: disposable clothing, radiation protection, welding gear, painting gear, etc.

Follow up on Your Findings – Educate & Train Your Workers

ASK YOURSELF	ANSWER	FOLLOW-UP ACTION(S)
Have you performed hazard assessments to determine the degree of risk each controlled product at your workplace represents?	YES NO
Have you assigned someone to monitor the receiving of goods, and is this worker checking to ensure supplier labels and SDSs are received with all hazardous materials?	YES NO
Do all workers know where these SDSs are located?	YES NO
Do you know your workers' degree of exposure (i.e., how often they work with hazardous materials, under what conditions and for how long)?	YES NO
Do you include WHMIS training in safety meetings and/or tailgate meetings?	YES NO
Do you monitor your workers' certifications, to ensure they are being updated as required?	YES NO
Do you ensure workplace labels are provided, or that workers know how to make them or can get help to do so?	YES NO
Do you have a Health and Safety Committee that can assist you in the review of your WHMIS program?	YES NO
Do you continuously monitor your WHMIS program, ask for feedback from your workers and seek to constantly improve?	YES NO
Do you review and update your WHMIS program at least annually?	YES NO

With these questions answered, you are ready to:

EDUCATE your workers in WHMIS regulations, and
TRAIN your workforce in WHMIS site-specific policies and procedures

We hope you find this information helpful. It is our mission to assist you developing a workforce that WORKS SMART & WORKS SAFELY.

Please contact KIGG @ 780.434.0553 for more information about how we can assist you in developing your site-specific training program. Our templates and strategies will ensure you achieve cost-effective and timely training, development and worker management.