Spot The Safety Violation: Is This a Proper WHMIS Label?

Spot the Safety Violation

Is this a Proper GHS/WHMIS Label’

What’s wrong with this picture’

The answer, of course, is not a proper WHMIS label. And while it may be better than no label at all, this makeshift ‘UNKNOWN’ tag is appallingly inadequate’especially when you consider that this photo comes from a chemical laboratory.

The Moral: Hazardous products must have a proper GHS/WHMIS label. If you’re not sure what’s inside a container, either find somebody who does or get rid of the thing. And please, please DO NOT keep the container in a pantry!!

WHAT’S AT STAKE

4 Reasons Your Workers Need to Know about GHS/WHMIS Labels

1. They work with or near hazardous products that can make them seriously ill or even kill them
2. OHS and company rules guarantee workers the Right to Know about these products
3. Putting labels on containers of hazardous products that list key information about the product, why it’s dangerous and what workers can do to protect themselves is a crucial element of the worker’s Right to Know
4. Even if workers are already familiar with WHMIS product labels, the new GHS/WHMIS 2015 rules change the label they may be used to

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OLD & NEW WHMIS 2015/GHS LABELS

CHEMICAL SAFETY DO’s & DON’Ts

• DO store chemicals in their original containers
• DON’T use chemicals that aren’t properly labeled like the one in the photo above
• DO follow the label instructions and safe work procedures when working with chemicals
• DON’T keep chemicals in lunchrooms or other areas where people eat and drink
• DO use the recommended PPE when working with a chemical
• DON’T mix chemicals unless you’re sure they won’t react
• DO ask questions if you’re not sure about a chemical’s dangers or how to work with it safely
• DON’T use flammable chemicals near a source of ignition