Professional Documents
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Practices
Table of Contents
5
2.0 SUMMARY 6
3.0 IBM CANADA LTD. MANAGEMENT DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 7
4.0 IBM CANADA LTD. PROJECT MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISION
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 7
5.0 SUPERVISOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 7
6.0 CONTRACTOR & TENANT DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES 8
7.0 INTRODUCTION 9
7.1 ACCIDENT (FIRST-AID) 9
7.2 COMPUTER ROOMS 9
7.3 CONTAMINATION CONTROL 9
7.4 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 9
7.5 SECURITY 10
7.6 SMOKING 10
7.7 TELEPHONE CALLS 10
7.8 VEHICLE PARKING AND SPEED LIMITS 10
8.0 SAFETY RULES AND STANDARDS 11
8.1 ASBESTOS 11
8.2 BREACH OF WALL 11
8.3 CHEMICAL PROCEDURES 11
8.4 COMBUSTION ENGINES - INDOORS 12
8.5 COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS 12
8.6 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 13
8.7 CUTTING, WELDING, BURNING OR SOLDERING 15
8.8 ELECTRICAL SAFETY 16
8.9 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 20
8.10 EXCAVATIONS AND TRENCHES 20
8.11 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 21
8.12 FLOOR OPENINGS/MANHOLES 21
8.13 HOUSEKEEPING 21
8.14 INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE 22
8.15 LADDERS 22
8.16 MATERIAL HANDLING 23
8.17 MOBILE CRANES 24
8.18 OPEN FLAMES 24
8.19 OVERHEAD WORK 24
8.20 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 24
8.21 PORTABLE HEATERS 26
8.22 POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS 26
8.23 ROOF WORK 26
8.24 SCAFFOLDS 27
8.25 TARPAULINS 27
8.26 TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT 28
8.27 UTILITIES 28
8.28 WARNING SIGNS 27
8.29 WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION
SYSTEM (WHMIS) 28
1.0 INTRODUCTION
IBM Canada Ltd. believes that safety is an important component of every job and
operation. Therefore, any work done at an IBM site or on IBM’s behalf at a customer's
premise must be performed in a safe manner. It must comply with IBM Canada Ltd. Safety
Standards, with your employer's and the customer's safety requirements, and with the laws
of the respective province.
This guide has been prepared to assist you in the safe completion of your work while on
IBM Canada Ltd. premises. It should be referred to at all times when performing work.
However, this guide does not cover all of the site specific or project specific health and
safety issues that may arise. If you have ANY questions advise your employer and/or the
IBM Project Coordinator prior to the start of work.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are familiar with these specifications and that
you adhere to them at all times during your presence on a IBM Canada Ltd. premise.
All sub trades will comply and conform to all appropriate Acts, Regulations, and Site
Rules.
2.0 SUMMARY
This is a summary of some of the key rules of safety and conduct, which apply to you and
your job.
Each day, you must sign in, obtain a badge and wear the badge visibly at all times.
Observe the speed limits posted on the customer's premise. No parking in restricted
areas.
Do not enter a confined space until the atmosphere has been checked and deemed to be
safe.
Do not perform any work directly over the heads of people or leave any tools and
equipment overhead.
Isolate your work area with safety markers, tape, barriers, etc.
If you are not sure of the safety rules that apply to your job, contact your employer.
The rules and regulations covered in this booklet are not all inclusive. Ask your employer
for the additional safety instructions and standards required by law that apply to your job
(such as, Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations, the Worker's Compensation
Act, etc.).
2. To ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (and other
relevant legislation).
1. The IBM Canada Ltd. Representative is the sole interface between your supervisor
and IBM. Instructions and direction should be accepted by your supervisor only from
the IBM Representative.
2. Any IBM employee has the authority to stop work which is unsafe or effects the
safety or security of IBM personnel.
4. To work with site supervisor (i.e. supervisor) to ensure compliance with the
appropriate Acts, Regulations, and Site Rules.
6. To ensure Subcontractors and Suppliers receive and adhere to IBM Canada Ltd.
Contractor & Tenant Guide.
(*Hereafter Supervisor means person with authority over other workers or a work site,
e.g. lead hand, service person.)
2. Supervisor's knowledge of Act will ensure appropriate laws, regulations, and safety
policies are followed.
4. Ensure correct Material Safety Data Sheets are on site and available to site personnel.
5. Ensure appropriate tools and equipment are on site and in good/safe working
condition.
3. Abide by all site specific rules and regulations (e.g. protective eye wear, no smoking,
etc.)
5. Assist in the investigation and report immediately to your immediate supervisor any
injury requiring medical or first aid attention.
Report any accidents and near-miss incidents to both your supervisor and the IBM Canada
Ltd. Representative.
Any activity (drilling, sawing, moving existing equipment, or services, etc.) that generates
dust, dirt, etc. can contaminate and damage sensitive equipment in offices, laboratories,
computer rooms, etc. Contractors/Tenants are required to take all necessary steps to
prevent the contamination of equipment and processes while performing their work.
3. The use of drugs during working hours, including rest or lunch breaks, is prohibited
without written clearance from a physician that the drug will not impair the person's
ability to work safely.
7.5 Security
For Security reasons, entrance and exit of IBM Canada Ltd. buildings / projects is restricted
to those designated by the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative.
Entrance to an area other than where you are working is prohibited. Emergency exits
should be used only in the event of an emergency. Doors locked from the outside
(emergency exits) are not to be propped open without prior approval by management. Prior
arrangements with the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative must be made for any work to be
performed during off-hours.
7.6 Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all IBM Canada Ltd. buildings /
projects.
8.1 Asbestos
Approval must be obtained from the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before initiating any
work that involves asbestos. Notify the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative immediately, if
material resembling asbestos is encountered.
You shall utilize the Asbestos Working Procedure (AWP - Provincial Regulations) in all
areas where asbestos may be encountered. All the requirements of AWP are applicable
and mandatory where contact with any asbestos material is likely during renovation,
maintenance, or custodial work. In particular, it applies to all work where asbestos piping
or boiler insulation is present.
The AWP shall be an enforceable requirement of all contracts and compliance with all
applicable government legislation is mandatory.
If in doubt of any procedure or work practice contact the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative.
Obtain prior approval from the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before bringing any
chemical substance (gas, liquid, solid) on to IBM Canada Ltd. owned or leased property.
You must submit a list of all chemicals along with acceptable Manufacturer's Material
Safety Data Sheets to the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative to obtain this approval.
Contractor/Tenant chemicals cannot be stored on site without prior approval from the IBM
Canada Ltd. Representative. For special jobs where large quantities of chemicals are
needed, a request for a designated temporary chemical storage area must be submitted to
the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative for approval by the chemical coordinator. On site
storage must be kept to an absolute minimum.
Certain contractual jobs on site may require that you use special protective
equipment/clothing. Such equipment/clothing shall be provided by your employer.
Adequate ventilation must be maintained at all times when paints, solvents, or adhesives
are used.
Flammable solvents and materials must not be used when possible sources of ignition exist.
Flammable paints and solvents may be stored in the building if, and only if, they are
contained in an approved flammable storage cabinet. Incompatible chemicals must never
be stored together, e.g. acids and flammables.
Flammable liquids must be dispensed in approved safety cans with flash arrestors bearing
a Factory Mutual, Underwriters', or CSA Approval. These containers must be clearly
identified as to their contents with a contractor's chemical label.
Report a chemical spill or an accident immediately to the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative.
Designated substances
Your employer is responsible for all medical surveillance and medical records of your
exposure to a designated substance. Refer to the specific exposure type section of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act for detailed instructions on each substance.
2. Cylinder valves must be closed when work is finished, when cylinders are empty, are
moved, or are not in use.
5. Oxygen and gas regulators must be in proper working order while in use. Hose lines
must be periodically inspected and tested for leaks.
working area. If the leak cannot be corrected, the cylinder must be removed to a safe
location outdoors.
7. Cylinders must be permanently marked or stenciled to identify the type of gas in
the cylinder and properly identified with a contractor chemical label - available from
the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative.
8. Regulators must also be labeled for a specific compressed gas and only be used with
that particular gas cylinder. They must never be interchanged.
9. Never trace gas leaks with matches, candles, or open flames. In the event of a gas
leak in piping systems, report the leak immediately, by calling the emergency
number. Soapy water is excellent for detecting gas leaks.
10. Oil and oxygen under pressure react violently, therefore, never use grease
or oil to lubricate the valve or joints of compressed gas cylinders. A drop
of grease in an oxygen valve can cause an explosion.
11. Acetylene should not be used at more than 15 pounds gauge pressure.
12. Acetylene cylinders must not be stored or used with the cylinder lying down. This
can result in the release of liquid acetone. If acetone release occurs, shut off the
cylinder, remove it, and tag it "unsafe".
13. Hydrogen cylinder valves must be cracked open to blow out possible dirt
accumulations; hydrogen gas can self-ignite. Compressed gas cylinders must not be
dropped, bumped, or exposed to excessive temperatures.
Before entering a "Confined Space", your employer must notify the IBM Canada Ltd.
Representative of your intention. The IBM Canada Ltd. Representative will obtain a
"Confined Space Entry Work Permit" and you must read and abide by the rules and
regulations stated on the permit, which include:
1. Removal of contents
Confined space must be clean, free of hazardous materials/chemicals, and where
necessary, purged by water or other equivalent means.
2. Isolation
All input lines that discharge into the confined space shall be disconnected and capped
or isolated. The use of a single in-line valve shutoff as the sole means of isolating the
confined space from any input line is prohibited. However, the use of double in-line
valving arrangement with a vent in between the two valves is acceptable provided that
dangerous air contaminants are not introduced by such venting. All valves used for
isolation shall be properly tagged. The person performing the job and only this person
is authorized to remove the tag upon completion of the job.
3. Electrical lockout
When electrical devices located within the confined space (motors, switches, etc.) are
to be repaired or worked on, the line disconnect switches supplying the
power must be tagged and locked in the "Off” position. The lock key is
to be kept by the person performing the job, and only this person is
authorized to unlock the switch and remove the tag upon completion of
the job. Where more than one person is working on the line, each must
place a lock on the switch and retain his own key.
Line disconnect switches supplying power to any mechanical apparatus in the confined
space (mixers, conveyors, etc.) must also be tagged and locked in the "Off'” position.
This must be done for any entry even though work may not be performed on the
apparatus itself.
4. Security of covers
All manhole and cleanout covers shall be removed and the openings maintained clear
of any obstruction. Floor openings are to be properly marked and barricaded. When
hinged doors or lids are provided, they shall be secured so that they cannot be
accidentally closed.
5. Testing atmosphere
6. Continuous monitoring
If the nature of the work to be performed introduces or has the potential to introduce
harmful air contaminants, continuous monitoring of the atmosphere is required. If
tests indicate evidence of dangerous air contaminants, and/or the oxygen content
drops below 18% or exceeds 23%, all personnel must evacuate the confined space
immediately.
7. Ventilation
All confined spaces, unless the requirement is specifically waived by the IBM Canada
Ltd. Environmental Health & Safety Department, must be ventilated by the use of a
positive mechanical exhaust system arranged so as to avoid recirculating
contaminated air. Your employer must contact the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative
to obtain approval not to ventilate.
8. Buddy system
At least one standby fellow employee shall be stationed just outside the access
opening of any confined space while such space is occupied.
This person must:
a) maintain continuous awareness of the activities and well-being of the occupant of
the confined space;
b) be able to maintain verbal communication at all times;
c) be alert and fully capable of quickly summoning help;
d) be physically able and equipped to assist in the rescue of an occupant from a
confined space under emergency conditions. Do not enter confined space until
properly equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus.
1. Permission must be obtained from the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before any
welding, cutting, burning or soldering equipment is used.
3. Ensure that a fire watch is maintained and all adjacent combustible materials are
protected or removed.
2. Extension cords must be the 3-wire type and must be protected from damage, i.e., do
not fasten with staples or extend across an aisle or walkway. Worn, frayed or
damaged cords/plugs must not be used.
4. Receptacles for attachment plugs must be of the CSA approved, concealed contact
type. Where different voltages, frequencies, or types of current are supplied,
receptacles must be of such design that attachment plugs are not interchangeable.
5. Do not operate any "in service" switches, breakers, etc., without prior approval from
the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative. Switching orders and tagging are required
before any work can begin. The IBM Canada Ltd. Representative will advise your
supervisor as to switching order procedure.
6. Electrical systems must be locked out before working on them. The responsibility for
locking out electrical circuits rests with the contractor working on the circuit. Always
check with the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before locking out power to the
system. Circuits must be checked with a voltage tester, meter, or other suitable
equipment before starting to work. The IBM Canada Ltd. Representative must be
present when power is restored.
7. All voltages should be considered dangerous, even though the voltage may not be
great enough to produce serious shock. Contact with low voltages may cause a reflex
reaction, which could result in serious injury.
8. Cables and power supply cords must not be run across aisleways and corridors where
they create a tripping hazard. They must be hung overhead to reduce the possibility
of traffic cutting or fraying the cord.
No worker shall work on or around live exposed parts of the equipment or conductors
unless:
If work must be done under sub section (a or b) noted above, the following rule must be
adhered to:
The entrance to a room or similar enclosure containing exposed live electrical parts
shall have a conspicuous sign, warning of the danger, and forbidding entry by
unauthorized persons.
If work must be done under sub section (b) noted above, the following rules must be
adhered to:
1. In-plant procedures specified by the customer or client take precedence over the
procedures outlined here, providing there is no contravention of existing codes or
statutes.
4. Test the system with a CSA-certified potential test indicator to ensure that all
components are de-energized and de-activated, including interlocking or dependent
systems which could feed into the system being isolated, either mechanically or
electrically. Potential test indicators should not be used beyond the voltage limits for
which they are rated.
5. Observe the following safe guards for locking out and tagging:
a) After the circuit has been de-energized and locked out by the person in charge,
you must be protected by personally placing your own safety lock on the
disconnect device. The key for your lock must be retained on your person while
your lock is in place. The locks provided shall not be mastered.
b) Where several workers or trades are working on the circuit, provision for
additional locks must be made through the use of a lock-out bar. This
arrangement can accommodate any number of locks by placing another lock-out
bar in the last tile hole of the previous bar.
c) Each worker must attach to his or her lock a durable tag filled out with the
information indicated on the following sample. The danger tag will be used
only to supplement the lock and to identify the purpose of the locks. It will not
be used as a substitute for a lock.
d) You must recognize that, even though the disconnect device may be already
locked, you are not protected until you attach your personal safety lock.
6. The electrical system must be de-energized and temporarily grounded. All hydraulic
and pneumatic systems must be de-pressurized and tested before work commences.
10. After the assigned work is completed and the equipment is to be energized, remove
your lock(s) and other lock-out devices from the machinery/equipment.
11. Follow prescribed procedures for the proper start-up of a particular piece of
equipment or machinery.
12. Look to make sure there are no hazards to personnel or workers. Restart the
equipment.
ALWAYS REMEMBER!!!
✓ Only ONE lock on each energy source for each worker on the job.
✓ When the power is on, never place yourself in a hazardous position in relation to a
machine.
✓ Never stand in front of a disconnect when shutting off or on the energy source.
✓ Use "Extreme Caution" with possible stored energy sources usually found in forms of
gravity, momentum, and residual energy under tension.
1. Before doing any excavation work, the existence and location of underground pipes,
electrical conductors, etc., must be determined. To obtain this information, your
employer must contact the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative. Such services should be
rendered inoperative before any work is performed.
2. The walls and faces of all excavations and trenches more than 1.2 meters (4 ft.) deep
must be guarded by shoring, sloping of the ground, or some other equivalent means.
4. Trenches more than 1.2 meters (4 ft.) deep are confined spaces and must have ladders
or steps located so as to require no more than 15.2 meters (50ft.) of lateral travel
between means of access.
Portable Fire Extinguishers are classified for handling specific types of fires.
CLASS "A" Used for fires of ordinary combustibles (i.e. wood, paper, etc.)
CLASS "B" Used for flammable liquids and gas fires (i.e. gas, oil, paint, etc.)
CLASS "C" Used for fires involving electrical equipment and wiring.
1. Floor openings and manholes must be guarded by substantial and properly secured
barriers, railings, or covering material substantial enough to sustain twice the load of
pedestrian or vehicular traffic and must be approved by the IBM Canada Ltd.
Representative.
2. Where a danger of falling exists, elevated floor areas must be provided with
guardrails. In addition, toe-boards should be provided when the possibility of falling
objects striking personnel below exists.
8.13 Housekeeping
1. Material, tools, and equipment must be carefully stacked and located so as not to
block aisles, doors, self-contained breathing apparatus, fire extinguishers, fire
blankets, stretchers, emergency eyewash fountains, emergency safety showers, fixed
3. Foam, scrap lumber, and all other debris must be kept clear of all work areas.
5. Obtain the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative's approval for the use and location of
a large disposal container.
Contractors/Tenants are responsible for the health and safety of their own employees.
Contractors shall abide by the applicable regulations of the various Provincial Health and
Safety Acts. It is the responsibility of each contractor/tenant to provide their own personal
protective equipment and to take any precautions necessary to guard against hazardous
chemical and physical agent exposure.
8.15 Ladders
1. The use of ladders with broken or missing rungs or steps, with broken or split
handrails, or with other faulty or defective construction is prohibited, they must be
tagged and removed from the site.
3. Straight ladders must be tied off or otherwise secured to prevent movement. If this is
not possible, a worker must hold the base of the ladder while it is being used. Refrain
from standing higher than the third rung or step from the top of the ladder.
4. When the ladder is not securely fastened it must be inclined so that the horizontal
distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is not less than 1 /4 and not
more than 1/3 of the length of the ladder.
5. Portable metal ladders must not be used for electrical work or where they may contact
electrical conductors.
6. All portable ladders must be equipped with non-slip feet and be placed on a firm
footing.
7. Always ensure you have the right ladder for the task on hand.
10. Ladders must extend a minimum of 90cm (3 ft.) above the landing, minimum overlap
is 90cm (3 ft.).
11. Never straddle between a ladder and another object or sit on the ladder.
12. When working on a ladder and in danger of failing 3 meters (10 ft.) or more, a safety
belt must be worn.
13. Step ladders must be fully spread and the spreader bar locked in place.
2. When manual handling is required, dollies, pump trucks, 2 wheel carts and similar
devices should be used.
3. Workers should know their physical limitations and approximate weight of materials
they are trying to lift. Workers should be encouraged to get help when the lifting task
may be more than they can safely handle.
4. Piping, conduit, and other materials over 3 meters (10 ft.) long must be carried by two
workers, each worker supporting one end of the material to be transported.
5. When transporting piping, conduit, and material under 3 meters (10 feet) in length,
the forward end of the material should be raised above head height to reduce the
possibility of striking on-coming personnel.
6. Carts, tools, materials, and equipment shall not be left unattended in aisles or
stairways.
Head Protection
All workers must wear an appropriate type of protective head wear for any hazard they
may encounter. Hard hats must not be cracked, painted or have any holes in the shell. It
is recommended that the hard hat not be over 5 years old.
Foot Protection
All workers (in construction zones) will wear a pair of green triangular patch, Grade I
C.S.A. approved footwear. If the boot has laces, it is recommended that the laces be tied.
Eye Protection
All workers must wear an appropriate type of protective eye wear for any hazard they may
encounter.
Clothing
Cotton or wool fabrics are more flame retardant and, therefore, recommended as work
clothes for trades persons.
Loose, ragged or torn clothing is usually a hazard and should not be worn.
IBM Canada Ltd. requires all workers to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves intact (full
T-shirts).
Safety harnesses must be worn when working above 3 meters (10 feet) on straight or
extension ladders when the work involves pushing, pulling or action which may
dislodge a person from the ladder.
Safety harnesses are also required on swinging or portable scaffolds when handrails
and toe boards are not provided 3 meters (10 feet) or more above ground floor level.
Safety harnesses and suitable breathing apparatus are required for all work in
confined spaces where oxygen deficiency or toxic vapours may exist.
All lifelines must be safely secured to stable and adequate supports. DO NOT secure
lifelines and safety harnesses to the sprinkler system or utility piping, since they may
not possess sufficient support strength.
A fall arrest system which is attached securely, shall be so arranged that if a worker
falls, the person will be suspended not more than 1.5 meters (5 ft.) below their location
before the fall.
If the worker is wearing a fall protection harness, it is imperative that the "D" Ring be
on the middle of the back and worn snugly. The "D" Ring on a harness shall be situated
between the shoulder blades and all straps should be tightened snugly.
A worker on a power elevated work platform shall wear at least a safety harness
attached to the platform for their protection.
Hearing
Workers who work in an area where they could be subject to loud noises that damage
hearing, must wear adequate protection.
Personal Sound Transmission Devices are prohibited by all personnel on work site.
1. Permission must be obtained from the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before using
a portable heater.
3. Position portable heaters away from the combustible material to reduce the possibility
of an uncontrolled fire.
4. Guard portable heaters from traffic to prevent them from being overturned.
2. During all rooftop operations within 10 feet of the roof edge, the contractor doing
the work must have a properly secured safety harness or a safety railing that meets all
legal requirements along the roof edge.
4. Permission must be obtained from the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative before
entering the roof.
8.24 Scaffolds
have all uprights braced diagonally in the vertical and horizontal planes;
when scaffolds are erected 2.4 meters (8 ft.) or more, they must:
be fully planked
have a guard rail added (guard rail must be between 0.9 and 1.1 meters
(36" to 42" high)
have a proper access ladder
scaffold planks must be at least 48 millimetres ( 2") thick by 248 millimetres (10")
wide; or approved for that purpose;
scaffold planks must overhang their supports 150 to 300 millimetres (6" to 12") and
must be secured against slipping;
when a worker is on a rolling scaffold 2.4 meters (8 ft.) or more and the scaffold must
be moved, the worker must either get off or wear a full body harness attached to a
fixed support and the scaffold must be moved on a firm level surface.;
any scaffold built 15 meters (50 ft.) or higher must have engineered drawings on site;
8.25 Tarpaulins
When tarpaulins are required for the deflection of hot slag, dust, paint drippings, etc., or
as security barriers, they shall be flame resistant and in good condition.
2. Hand and power tools should be kept in safe operating condition. Mushroomed heads
on cold chisels, star drills, etc., are unsafe and should not be used. Hammers should
have handles which are not cracked, split or broken. Wrenches should not be
overstrained by extending the handle with a pipe or by other means. The jaws of pipe
wrenches should be inspected to ensure that the teeth are not worn.
3. Electrical tools must either be grounded (3-wire), double insulated or be used with
"ground fault interrupter" protection. Power tool cords and extension cords should be
inspected regularly and replaced if worn or cracked.
4. Do not leave your tools and other materials on stepladders, scaffolds, roofs, or other
places where they may be dislodged and fall or where they may create a trip hazard.
5. Non-sparking tools are necessary in certain areas where flammable chemicals are
handled or where sparks could create an explosion.
8.27 Utilities
Do not operate valves or controls to shutdown, isolate, start or adjust operating systems
or equipment without specific permission of the IBM Canada Ltd. Representative.
All appropriate valves, switches, controls, etc. must be tagged and locked out while doing
work.
Your employer has the responsibility to inform you of the applicable WHMIS
regulations, including safety precautions, when working on IBM Canada Ltd. sites with
contractor-supplied chemicals. Requirements under WHMIS include, but are not limited
to: understanding the potential health hazards; selection and use of proper protective
equipment; training in emergency procedures including first aid, response to spills and
fire situations; storage restrictions. The above information can be found on a chemical’s
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) which must be made available at the job site by the
contractor/tenant’s employer. The following is an overview of WHMIS:
Right To Know
WHMIS gives everyone the right to know about the hazards of materials they work with
and provides the means to find out that information. It does this by a three-pronged
approach involving labels, SDS's, and worker training and education.
Hazardous Materials
The most recent update to WHMIS (WHMIS 2015) applies to two major groups of hazards:
physical, and health. Each hazard group includes hazard classes that have specific
hazardous properties.
• Health hazards group: based on the ability of the product to cause a health effect
– such as eye irritation, respiratory sensitization (may cause allergy or asthma
symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled), or carcinogenicity (may cause
cancer).
• Flammable gases
• Flammable aerosols
• Oxidizing gases
• Gases under pressure
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Self-reactive substances and mixtures
• Pyrophoric liquids
• Pyrophoric solids
• Self-heating substances and mixtures
• Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
• Oxidizing liquids
• Oxidizing solids
• Organic peroxides
• Corrosive to metals
• Combustible dusts
• Simple asphyxiants
• Pyrophoric gases
• Physical hazards not otherwise classified
• Acute toxicity
• Skin corrosion/irritation
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation
• Respiratory or skin sensitization
• Germ cell mutagenicity
• Carcinogenicity
• Reproductive toxicity
• Specific target organ toxicity – single exposure
• Specific target organ toxicity – repeated exposure
• Aspiration hazard
• Biohazardous infectious materials
• Health hazards not otherwise classified
Note: GHS also defines an Explosive class and the Environmental Hazards group (not
mandatory). The WHMIS regulations do not currently include the Explosives hazard class.
Explosives are covered by other legislation in Canada.
All workers must be trained in WHMIS (as it relates to their job and work environment)
and be aware of the hazardous substances they are using for their own protection and for
the welfare of others as well.
Workplace Label
In general, the workplace label is required when the supplier label is damaged, or if a
worker transfers the controlled product from the supplier labeled container to another
container and does not use all the controlled product immediately.
When any assistance is required with WHMIS class products, the IBM Canada Ltd.
Representative shall provide assistance.
o
Common name and synonyms
o
CAS registry number and any unique identifiers
o
Concentration
NOTE: Confidential business information rules can apply
4 First-aid measures • First-aid measures by route of exposure:
o Inhalation
o Skin contact
o Eye contact
o Ingestion
• Most important symptoms and effects (acute or
delayed)
• Immediate medical attention and special treatment, if
necessary
5 Fire-fighting measures • Suitable extinguishing media
• Unsuitable extinguishing media
• Specific hazards arising from the hazardous product
(e.g., hazardous combustion products)
• Special protective equipment and precautions for fire-
fighters
6 Accidental release • Personal precautions, protective equipment and
measures emergency procedures
• Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up
7 Handling and storage • Precautions for safe handling
• Conditions for safe storage (including incompatible
materials)
8 Exposure controls/ • Control parameters, including occupational exposure
Personal protection guidelines or biological exposure limits and the source
of those values
• Appropriate engineering controls
• Individual protection measures (e.g. personal protective
equipment)
9 Physical and chemical • Appearance (physical state, colour, etc.)
properties • Odour
• Odour threshold
• pH
• Melting point/Freezing point
• Initial boiling point/boiling range
• Flash point
• Evaporation rate
• Flammability (solid; gas)
• Lower flammable/explosive limit
• Upper flammable/explosive limit
• Vapour pressure
• Vapour density
• Relative density
• Solubility
Hazard Symbols
The following pictograms are associated with the above hazard classes and categories.
The flame pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Flammable gases (Category 1)
• Flammable aerosols (Category 1 and 2)
• Flammable liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
• Flammable solids (Category 1 and 2)
• Pyrophoric liquids (Category 1)
• Pyrophoric solids (Category 1)
• Pyrophoric gases (Category 1)
• Self-heating substances and mixtures (Category 1 and 2)
• Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases (Category 1, 2 and 3)
• Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types B*, C, D, E and F)
• Organic peroxides (Types B*, C, D, E and F)
The flame over circle pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Oxidizing gases (Category 1)
• Oxidizing liquids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
• Oxidizing solids (Category 1, 2 and 3)
The gas cylinder pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Gases under pressure (Compressed gas, Liquefied gas, Refrigerated liquefied gas, and Dissolved
gas)
The corrosion pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Corrosive to metals (Category 1)
• Skin corrosion/irritation - Skin corrosion (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 1C)
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Serious eye damage ( Category 1)
The exploding bomb pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Types A and B*)
The skull and crossbones pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Acute toxicity -
o Oral (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Dermal (Category 1, 2 and 3)
o Inhalation (Category 1, 2 and 3)
The health hazard pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Respiratory or skin sensitization - Respiratory sensitizer (Category 1, 1A and 1B)
• Germ cell mutagenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2)
• Carcinogenicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B, and 2)
• Reproductive toxicity (Category 1, 1A, 1B and 2)
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single exposure (Category 1 and 2)
• Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Repeated exposure (Category 1 and 2)
• Aspiration hazard (Category 1)
The exclamation mark pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Acute toxicity – Oral, Dermal, Inhalation (Category 4)
• Skin corrosion/irritation – Skin irritation (Category 2)
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Eye irritation (Category 2 and 2A)
• Respiratory or skin sensitization – Skin sensitizer (Category 1, 1A and 1B)
• Specific target organ toxicity – Single exposure (Category 3)
The biohazardous infectious materials pictogram is used for the following classes and categories:
• Biohazardous Infectious Materials (Category 1)
* Both the Flame and Explosive pictogram are used for Self-reactive substances and mixtures (Type B) and
Organic peroxides (Type B)