ChemistryChemistryWHMIS and SafetyWHMIS and Safety

Hazardous Material SymbolsHazardous Material Symbols

Labels & Symbols are used to Labels & Symbols are used to indicate hazardous materials.indicate hazardous materials.

Why Symbols?Why Symbols?

They are universalThey are universal– All languages understandAll languages understand

What do these symbols What do these symbols mean?mean?

2 Sets of Symbols2 Sets of Symbols

1.1. HHPS (hazardous household HHPS (hazardous household product symbols)product symbols)

2.2. WHMIS (workplace hazardous WHMIS (workplace hazardous material information system)material information system)

HHPS - 4 Different SymbolsHHPS - 4 Different Symbols

= Poison= Poison

= Flammable= Flammable

= Explosive= Explosive

= Corrosive= Corrosive

HHPS – Degree of DangerHHPS – Degree of Danger

= = CautionCaution= least dangerous= least dangerous

= Warning= Warning= medium level danger= medium level danger

= Danger= Danger= most dangerous= most dangerous

Putting it all together…Putting it all together…

(WHMIS)(WHMIS)

Used in Used in allall workplaces to indicate workplaces to indicate dangerous materials.dangerous materials.

WHMISWHMIS

= Compressed Gas= Compressed Gas

– May explode near heat or fire.May explode near heat or fire.

Examples – aerosol cans, Examples – aerosol cans, propane tankpropane tank

WHMISWHMIS

= Flammable= Flammable

– May burst into flames.May burst into flames.

Examples – gasoline, natural Examples – gasoline, natural gasgas

WHMISWHMIS

= Oxidizing Material= Oxidizing Material

– May explode when it comes May explode when it comes in contact with combustible in contact with combustible materials.materials.

Examples – bleachExamples – bleach

WHMISWHMIS

= Corrosive Material= Corrosive Material

– May cause eye and skin May cause eye and skin irritation or burns.irritation or burns.

Examples – battery acid, Examples – battery acid, hydrochloric acidhydrochloric acid

WHMISWHMIS

= Dangerously Reactive= Dangerously Reactive

– May cause severe reactions May cause severe reactions when exposed to water or when exposed to water or heat.heat.

Examples – nitroglycerine Examples – nitroglycerine (dynamite), potassium(dynamite), potassium

WHMISWHMIS

= Poisonous & Infectious = Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Immediate and Materials – Immediate and Serious Toxic EffectsSerious Toxic Effects

– May cause deathMay cause death

Examples – cyanide, arsenicExamples – cyanide, arsenic

WHMISWHMIS

= Poisonous & Infectious = Poisonous & Infectious Materials – Other Toxic EffectsMaterials – Other Toxic Effects

– May eventually cause death May eventually cause death birth defects, cancer or birth defects, cancer or sterility.sterility.

Examples – lead, mercuryExamples – lead, mercury

WHMISWHMIS = Poisonous & Infectious = Poisonous & Infectious

Materials -Biohazardous Materials -Biohazardous Infectious MaterialInfectious Material

– May cause an infectious diseaseMay cause an infectious disease

Examples – coronavirus (SARS), Examples – coronavirus (SARS), HIV (AIDS)HIV (AIDS)

What is an MSDS?What is an MSDS?

Material Safety Data SheetMaterial Safety Data Sheet

Has more information on each Has more information on each individual chemicalindividual chemical