Topic 1: Lab Safety, WHMIS, HHPS, MSDS
1. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous
Materials Information System)
Purpose of WHMIS
● Provides information on storage, handling, use, and disposal of hazardous
workplace chemicals
● Includes first aid procedures
● All hazardous materials have a WHMIS label
● Users must recognize symbols rather than memorize procedures
Three Main WHMIS Hazard Categories
1. Flammability
○ Materials that easily catch fire and burn in air
2. Reactivity
○ Materials that release large amounts of heat or energy
3. Health Hazard
○ Materials that have harmful or toxic effects upon exposure
WHMIS Symbols
, Know the meanings of:
● Flammable
● Toxic / Poisonous
● Corrosive
● Oxidizing
● Compressed Gas
● Biohazard
(Use your teacher’s chart for visuals)
2. HHPS (Hazardous Household Product
Symbols)
What is HHPS?
● Used for household products, not workplace chemicals
● Designed like traffic signs to make danger levels easy to understand
● Use shapes, colors, and symbols to show type and severity of hazard
Common HHPS Shapes
● Octagon = Danger
● Diamond = Warning
● Triangle = Caution
Common HHPS Hazards