NCSO EXAM PREP
Define WHIMS - Answer-Workplace Hazardous Material Information System
When did WHIMS come into effect in Canada? - Answer-1988
Define GHS - Answer-Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Will GHS replace WHIMS? - Answer-GHS will not replace WHIMS, rather WHIMS will be modified to
incorporate the new GHS elements
What is the goal of GHS for suppliers? - Answer-To help facilitate international trade, increase alignment
across countries on labels and SDS's and reduce need for testing across classification systems.
What is the goal of GHS for employers? - Answer-To help create a safer work environment, reduce costs
from compliance and reduce training costs over time
What is the goal of GHS for workers? - Answer-Improve Safety and provide greater hazard awareness
Why are some products exempt from WHIMS 2015? - Answer-Since they are covered under other
legislation. Even if they are exempt from labels and SDS's employers need to train workers on health
effects and safe storage.
What are the 9 products categories exempt from WHIMS 2015? - Answer-1. Explosives
2. Cosmetics, drugs & Food
3. Pest Control Products
, 4. Consumer Products
5. Wood or products made of wood.
6. Atomic Substances
7. Hazardous Waste
8. Tobacco & Tobacco Products
9. Manufactured Articles
Define SDS - Answer-Is the term used by WHIMS 2015/GHS for Material Safety Data Sheets
Define Hazard Group - Answer-WHIMS 2015/GHS divides hazards into two major groups
1. Health Hazards
2. Physical Hazards
Define Class - Answer-Class is the term used to describe the different types of hazards. (EX: Explosives
are an example of a class in the physical hazard group)
Define Category - Answer-Category is the name used to describe the sub-sections of a class. (EX: Self-
Reactive Chemicals have 7 categories. Each category has rules of criteria to determine what chemicals
are assigned to that category. Categories are assigned numbers or letters with Category 1 or A being the
most hazardous.)
Define Hazard Statement - Answer-This is a phrase assigned to a category or sub-category of a class. It is
a standardized statement that describes the nature of the hazard. (EX: For asphyxiates the hazard
statement "may displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation" would appear on both the label and SDS.
Define Precautionary Statement - Answer-Standardized phrases that describe the recommended steps
to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to or resulting from improper
handling or storage of a hazardous product.
Define WHIMS - Answer-Workplace Hazardous Material Information System
When did WHIMS come into effect in Canada? - Answer-1988
Define GHS - Answer-Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
Will GHS replace WHIMS? - Answer-GHS will not replace WHIMS, rather WHIMS will be modified to
incorporate the new GHS elements
What is the goal of GHS for suppliers? - Answer-To help facilitate international trade, increase alignment
across countries on labels and SDS's and reduce need for testing across classification systems.
What is the goal of GHS for employers? - Answer-To help create a safer work environment, reduce costs
from compliance and reduce training costs over time
What is the goal of GHS for workers? - Answer-Improve Safety and provide greater hazard awareness
Why are some products exempt from WHIMS 2015? - Answer-Since they are covered under other
legislation. Even if they are exempt from labels and SDS's employers need to train workers on health
effects and safe storage.
What are the 9 products categories exempt from WHIMS 2015? - Answer-1. Explosives
2. Cosmetics, drugs & Food
3. Pest Control Products
, 4. Consumer Products
5. Wood or products made of wood.
6. Atomic Substances
7. Hazardous Waste
8. Tobacco & Tobacco Products
9. Manufactured Articles
Define SDS - Answer-Is the term used by WHIMS 2015/GHS for Material Safety Data Sheets
Define Hazard Group - Answer-WHIMS 2015/GHS divides hazards into two major groups
1. Health Hazards
2. Physical Hazards
Define Class - Answer-Class is the term used to describe the different types of hazards. (EX: Explosives
are an example of a class in the physical hazard group)
Define Category - Answer-Category is the name used to describe the sub-sections of a class. (EX: Self-
Reactive Chemicals have 7 categories. Each category has rules of criteria to determine what chemicals
are assigned to that category. Categories are assigned numbers or letters with Category 1 or A being the
most hazardous.)
Define Hazard Statement - Answer-This is a phrase assigned to a category or sub-category of a class. It is
a standardized statement that describes the nature of the hazard. (EX: For asphyxiates the hazard
statement "may displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation" would appear on both the label and SDS.
Define Precautionary Statement - Answer-Standardized phrases that describe the recommended steps
to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to or resulting from improper
handling or storage of a hazardous product.
