Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Chemical Hazards
Summary:
Chemicals are found in almost every workplace and it is important to understand that even commonly used chemicals can cause serious harm if their properties are not understood and they are not used, stored and handled properly:
Consumer chemicals: Assessed by Health Canada for hazards they may pose in foreseeable use, chemicals sold for consumer use in Canada are easily identified by their unique hazards symbols and the bilingual precautionary warnings on their labels.
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System): In Canada, if you work with or near one or more hazardous materials you must complete WHMIS training. Established in 1988, WHMIS requirements are being updated to include the international GHS (Globally Harmonized System) requirements. The new requirements are now known as WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 1988 training is available on Blackboard.
Exposure limits: Ontario Regulation 833 establishes exposure limits for more than 700 chemical and biological agents. Assessments and control programs may be required for work that produces airborne hazardous materials.
Designated substances: Ontario currently has 11 designated substances. If you work with one or more of these substances you must prepare a written assessment in consultation with the University’s Joint
Health and Safety Committee. For more information contact Risk Management.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods: In Canada, if you are involved with the transportation of hazardous materials, including preparing materials for transport or receiving such shipments, you must complete Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training. Certification is valid for 3 years. For more information contact Risk Management.
For Information See:
Consumer chemicals, Health Canada
Ministry of Labour: Toxic substances
Canadian Centre for Health and Occupation Safety, Chemical Factsheet
Additional Resources:
Elaws: Occupational Health and Safety Act, Part IV, Toxic Substances
Last Revised: October 29, 2015