Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC
12
Months
of Safety
July 2024
Chemical Safety

Exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause acute and long-term adverse effects to a person’s health. The exposure, or occupational hazard, can be significantly reduced using protective personal equipment (PPE)However, long-term exposure or exposure without PPE can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and even some cancers Other health issues can also arise. 

Reducing the risk of unsafe exposure is the key to keeping workers, or yourself, away from harm. It is important to understand the various ways in which chemicals are harmful, or pose a risk to an employee, and how to reduce the potential for harm. 

Some ways to reduce risk include: 

  • Where applicable, having WHMIS training provided to all members of the JHSC, with one trained member per shift 
  • Maintaining and regularly updating the company’s list of chemicals 
  • Ensuring floor signage provides emergency response actions for chemical incidents 
Basic Training
Course
Available by e-Learning
This course investigates WHMIS fundamentals, legislation, proper use of labeling, product warning identifiers, description and understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), worker training requirements and supplier, employer and worker responsibilities.
Course
Instructor-Led Classroom Training
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) education course provides essential training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in the workplace.
Course
Instructor-Led Classroom Training
The WHMIS Train the Trainer course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively train others on Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulations and practices.
Chemical Safety Resources and Tools
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) was created to protect workers from chemical exposure; however, many we can find many of the same chemicals used in the workplace in our homes. Although these household chemicals do not display the WHMIS symbols that you may be familiar with, they are just as dangerous and can cause […]
Toolbox Talk
When dealing with hazardous products in Canada (in-use, handling, storage) you need a WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) program. WHMIS is aligned with the GHS – the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. This is a global program developed by the United Nations.
We have chemicals in our homes and in our workplaces.  Have you ever thought about the life cycle of chemicals? How we buy, store, use and dispose of chemicals.  What laws are in place to control their use—and if we spill a chemical, who do we have to call?  Can you throw old chemicals into […]
Watch on Demand
Conference Session
Noise-induced hearing loss is among the most common occupational hazards people face at work—and poor (or toxic!) air quality is among the most dangerous. In this essential JHSC session, we cover the basics of air quality and noise exposure that every committee member should know. Find out how noise damage happens in our ears, what […]
Watch on Demand
Use this self-assessment tool from WorkSafeBC to better understand the risk that anhydrous ammonia (ammonia) in industrial refrigeration systems can present to the workplace. It will help you determine whether your facility has effective controls in place to protect workers from exposure to ammonia.
Common health hazards of anhydrous ammonia arise from its inhalation and corrosive effects. These effects can harm workers if there is an accidental release. In addition to the health hazard, at higher concentrations — for example, during a significant release in an enclosed area — and with ineffective controls, a fire or explosion may occur.
Every day we encounter hazards. Some are easily identified but others may be difficult to identify. A hazard is something that puts a worker at risk of injury or occupational disease. Hazards can also damage equipment and property, increase insurance premiums and lead to serious injury or death.
Quick Reference Card
A hazard is any work‐related condition or behavior that has the potential to cause injury, illness, property or environmental damage.
Information on flammable and combustible substances from the B.C. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
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Hazardous materials may cause serious health problems in workers or fires or explosions in the workplace. WHMIS provides information on hazardous products, as defined and described in the federalHazardous Products Actand Hazardous Products Regulations, so workers can protect themselves. While WHMIS was updated in 2015, responsibilities for employers, workers, and others remain unchanged.
News & Blog Articles
Safety Meta World trains workers on real situations in real time—without the risks of the real world. Today, the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC announces the launch of a new subsidiary, Safety Meta World. Safety Meta World is a leading-edge...
Who does this impact? WorkSafeBC has announced that in 2024, as part of their Planned Inspections Initiative, they will be focusing inspections on the following manufacturing classification units (CUs). Historically, workers in these CUs are at higher risk for serious injury....