How are hazardous chemicals sorted in WHMIS 2015?
Hazardous chemicals are commonly used in workplaces across various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare. While they can be useful, they can also pose a significant risk to the health and safety of workers if not handled properly. That’s why it’s essential to have a standardized system in place for identifying and sorting hazardous chemicals.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 is a system that has been put in place by the Government of Canada to ensure the safe handling and use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This system helps to identify and classify hazardous chemicals based on their potential health and safety risks.
WHMIS categorizes hazardous products are the two main groups:
WHMIS 2015 categorizes hazardous products into two main groups: physical hazards and health hazards. Physical hazards refer to products that have the potential to cause harm due to their physical properties, such as their ability to ignite or explode. Health hazards, on the other hand, refer to products that can cause harm to an individual’s health through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact.
Once a hazardous product has been classified as a physical hazard, it is further sorted into specific hazard classes based on its properties. For example, products that have the potential to catch fire are classified as flammable or combustible. Products that can react violently with water are classified as water-reactive.
Similarly, products that are classified as health hazards are sorted into specific hazard classes based on their health effects. For example, products that can cause respiratory irritation or damage are classified as respiratory sensitizer or lung irritant. Products that can cause cancer or birth defects are classified as carcinogenic or teratogenic.
Why Categorize Hazardous Materials.
By categorizing hazardous products into specific hazard classes, WHMIS 2015 helps to ensure that workers are aware of the potential risks associated with these products. This allows workers to take the necessary precautions when handling these products, such as wearing protective equipment or working in a well-ventilated area.
Final Thoughts on Categorizing Hazardous Materials within WHMIS GHS
Sorting of hazardous chemicals in WHMIS 2015 is essential for ensuring the safety of workers in various industries. By categorizing hazardous products based on their potential health and safety risks, workers are better equipped to handle these products safely and prevent accidents and injuries. It is essential for employers to implement and enforce the guidelines set forth by WHMIS 2015 to ensure the safety of their employees.
