A comprehensive learning module covering the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015, safety procedures, and best practices for handling hazardous materials in the gas industry.
In the gas industry, technicians and fitters are exposed to a variety of potentially toxic and explosive materials. Federal and provincial legislation provides for the gas technician's/fitter's right to know about major risks and required safety protection measures.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) was established in 1988 and updated through legislation in 2015. It provides workers, employers, and suppliers of materials with vital information about hazardous materials in the workplace.
WHMIS 2015 aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), created by the United Nations. This international standardization ensures consistent hazard communication worldwide.
Gas technicians and fitters must understand their rights and responsibilities relating to WHMIS 2015 and maintain good housekeeping practices to ensure safety.
Deals with the importation and sale of controlled products. This includes establishing criteria for including hazardous products and requirements for suppliers to provide appropriate labels and SDS.
Concerned with the storage, handling, and use of hazardous products in the workplace. Through amendments to Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, ensures employers provide worker education and training.
Physical hazards group: Based on physical or chemical property
Health hazards group: Based on the health effect of the product
Products that have similar hazardous properties.
Examples: Flammable gases, oxidizing liquids, gases under pressure, acute toxicity, aspiration hazard
How hazardous the product is.
Examples: Category 1, 1B, 2, 2A, etc.
GHS hazard pictograms - visual symbols that quickly identify hazard types
"Danger" for more severe hazards
"Warning" for less severe hazards
Only one signal word appears on a label
Brief, standardized statements to describe the product's hazards. Includes phrases assigned to a hazard class and category.
Focus on "general", "prevention", "response", "storage", and "disposal" information on how to minimize or prevent harmful effects.
Required when:
SDS evolved from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) under WHMIS 2015. They are more detailed than labels and provide comprehensive hazard information.
SDS are updated when suppliers make significant changes. These changes must be communicated as soon as possible to consumers. SDS contain 16 information sections, with sections 12-15 optional for suppliers.
Product identifier, supplier info, emergency phone number
Hazard classification, label elements, other hazards
Chemical name, CAS number, concentration
By route of exposure, symptoms, medical attention
Extinguishing media, specific hazards, protective equipment
Personal precautions, containment, cleanup methods
Safe handling precautions, storage conditions
Control parameters, engineering controls, protection measures
Hazard pictograms are symbols with red borders in a diamond shape that easily and visibly identify products by hazard group, hazard class, and hazard category. Pictograms display on labels and SDS.
Flammable gases, liquids, solids; pyrophoric materials; self-heating substances; organic peroxides
Oxidizing gases, liquids, and solids (categories 1, 2, 3)
Acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation) categories 1, 2, 3
Corrosive to metals; skin corrosion/irritation; serious eye damage
Self-reactive substances and mixtures, organic peroxides (types A, B)
Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitization
Acute toxicity (category 4), skin/eye irritation, respiratory sensitization
Biohazardous infectious materials that can cause diseases in people or animals
Compressed gases, liquefied gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, dissolved gases
Solvents are liquids that dissolve other substances. They are used as cleaning agents to dissolve oils, greases, and resins, and in the production of paints, lacquers, adhesives, and cements for plastic and fibreglass.
Exposure to solvents may present a permanent threat to your health and reduce your awareness, thereby increasing the potential for mistakes and accidents.
Excessive breathing of solvent vapours affects the central nervous system, causing dizziness, nausea, headaches, sleepiness, unconsciousness, and possibly death. Can cause serious damage to blood, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
All solvents can dry and irritate skin with continuous contact, leaving skin subject to disabling dermatitis and opening the way to serious infection. Many solvents are easily absorbed through skin.
Accidental swallowing of industrial solvents is rare because of their unpleasant odour that usually identifies them.
Solvents may be stored in above-ground or underground tanks. Outside storage is preferred, but drums should be protected from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Do not smoke or eat in any area where solvents or volatile substances are stored or used. Risk of fire from sparks or food contamination is extreme.
Contents of each drum should be clearly labelled to prevent accidents from improper use or incorrect mixtures. Include handling precautions and emergency actions.
Gas technicians use various products to join fittings for plastic pipe in venting systems. Solvents and glues used with ABS, PVC, and CPVC products are toxic. Special PPE required in unventilated or confined spaces.
Non-flammable, strong oxidant with disagreeable, suffocating odour. Strong eye and lung irritant. Exposure to 15-30 ppm causes burning sensation in eyes, nose, and throat.
One of the most dangerous substances. Designated substance that must be reported to employer. Microscopic fibres can cause permanent lung damage. Requires certified training for handling.
Mixture of vapours including methane, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide. Some gases are combustible and explosive. Testing required before entering sewers.
Zinc or cadmium fumes from cutting galvanized materials with oxyacetylene torch produce highly toxic, dense white smoke. Requires proper ventilation or breathing equipment.
Affects upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms include eye and throat irritation, choking, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid in lungs.
Brief exposure to very high concentrations (800 ppm) may cause death from suffocation. Skin or eye contact causes severe local irritation and burns.
While not explosive or flammable, chlorine supports combustion. Water in certain concentrations is explosive with chlorine gas when ignited by a spark.
Personnel working with asbestos removal must successfully complete a certified asbestos abatement course.
Must contact the authority having jurisdiction (typically Ministry of Labour) before removing asbestos.
Always use appropriate respiratory protection and protective clothing when working with asbestos.
Follow proper decontamination procedures after working with asbestos materials.
Liquid fuel used primarily in vehicles and small engines. Designed to ignite easily, making it extremely dangerous.
Liquid fuel used in diesel engines and heating systems. Less volatile than gasoline but still hazardous.
Liquefied petroleum gas used for heating, cooking, and vehicles. Heavier than air (density 1.5), collects in low areas.
Gaseous fuel distributed through pipeline systems. Lighter than air (density 0.6), rises and disperses.
Both fuels are non-toxic and should not harm anyone breathing low concentrations near minor leaks. In pure states, both are tasteless, colourless, and odourless. Mercaptan is added as a safety measure so they can be detected at 1% atmospheric concentration.
The combination of LP-gas or natural gas and oxygen produces an extremely dangerous mixture. If a leak is suspected, immediately shut off the supply at its source and check for leaks with an approved testing agent.
Relative density 0.6 - rises and is dissipated by air currents. Tends to accumulate near ceilings and upper areas.
Relative density 1.5 - descends and collects in low points. Invisible pockets can remain ready to ignite from spark sources like electrical switches.
Smoking prohibited while working with fuel gases. Gasoline's flammable limits are 1%-16%.
Never use gasoline and diesel as cleaning agents. Use proper solvents designed for cleaning.
When transferring fuels, avoid sparks that may cause ignition. Ensure proper grounding.
Place cleanup materials in designated, sealed containers. Never use sawdust unless immediately disposable.
Transport and store in approved containers bearing CSA or ULC labels. Ensure containers are not damaged and properly secured.
Never carry gasoline and flammable liquids in passenger compartment. Transport upright, braced, or otherwise secured.
Keep ABC fire extinguisher in driver's compartment while transporting gasoline or flammable liquids in a van.
Establish education and training programs for workers exposed to hazardous products
Ensure all hazardous products are properly labeled
Maintain current SDS for each hazardous product
Make labels and SDS readily available to workers
The responsibility of a gas technician/fitter is to follow proper handling, storage, and use requirements for hazardous materials.
Consult the SDS provided by the employer and ensure you have the most recent updates to these sheets.
Ensure you read and follow directions on manufacturers' information sheets when handling hazardous products.
If information on proper handling is not available, contact your area's Construction Safety Association for help.
If you cannot obtain needed information, consult your supervisor before using any product to ensure you are completely informed.
Consult labels and SDS to understand the specific hazards of the material involved.
Use appropriate PPE and evacuate unnecessary personnel from the area.
For spills, use appropriate containment methods as specified in the SDS.
Notify supervisors and appropriate emergency response personnel.
Record all details of the incident and response actions taken.
Notify others in the area about the spill
Put on appropriate PPE before approaching the spill
Use appropriate materials to prevent spreading
Use proper absorbents and disposal containers
Document the incident according to workplace procedures
Move victim to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, administer oxygen if available and trained to do so. Seek medical attention immediately.
Remove contaminated clothing. Flush affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. For chemical burns or persistent irritation, seek medical attention.
Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention immediately.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. If conscious, rinse mouth with water. Seek immediate medical attention.
Must be disposed of in approved containers through licensed hazardous waste disposal companies. Never pour down drains or sewers.
Rags, absorbents, and other materials contaminated with hazardous substances must be placed in designated containers and disposed of as hazardous waste.
Even empty containers that held hazardous materials must be handled according to regulations. Some may be recycled after proper cleaning.
Must be wetted, double-bagged in specially marked bags, and disposed of only at facilities licensed to accept asbestos waste.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed
You now have the knowledge and skills to work safely with hazardous materials in accordance with WHMIS 2015 requirements.
Understanding WHMIS 2015 and hazardous materials properties
Using appropriate PPE and safety measures
Following proper handling, storage, and disposal methods
Knowing what to do in case of exposure or spills
Staying updated on regulations and best practices
Visit www.ccohs.ca for more information on chlorine and other hazardous materials.
For Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) information: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/tdg/safety-menu.htm
Reference CSA B149.2, CSA B340, and CSA-B622 for transportation requirements.
WHMIS 2015 leaflets available through provincial Workers Compensation Board or Workers Safety Insurance Board.