Mixed Deck — All WHMIS Topics Flashcards

Under WHMIS, which of the following is NOT required on a supplier label?

Answer: Worker's name who last used the product

Supplier labels must include the product identifier, hazard symbols, risk and precautionary statements, and supplier information — not individual worker names.

A lab technician decants a corrosive acid into a smaller beaker for a procedure that will take two hours. What labeling is required?

Answer: A workplace label identifying the product and safe handling precautions

Unless the immediate-use exemption applies, a workplace label identifying the product and safe handling information is required on the decanted container.

Which WHMIS 2015 pictogram depicts a cylinder shape and indicates gases stored under pressure?

Answer: Gas cylinder

The gas cylinder pictogram applies to compressed, liquefied, dissolved, and refrigerated liquefied gases stored under pressure.

A worker receives a drum labeled with both the skull and crossbones and the corrosion pictogram. This combination means:

Answer: The substance poses both acute toxicity and corrosive hazards simultaneously

Multiple pictograms on one label indicate multiple distinct hazards — a substance can be both acutely toxic and corrosive at the same time.

What should a comprehensive workplace emergency response plan for hazardous materials include according to WHMIS best practices?

Answer: Procedures for spill containment, evacuation, first aid, and notification of authorities

A complete emergency response plan must address spill containment, worker evacuation, first aid measures, and how and when to notify regulatory authorities and emergency services.

What is the primary purpose of a spill kit in a WHMIS-compliant workplace?

Answer: To provide materials needed to contain and clean up hazardous spills

Spill kits contain absorbents, neutralizers, PPE, and disposal bags that allow workers to safely contain and clean up hazardous chemical spills.

Which WHMIS pictogram is used to signal long-term health hazards such as carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and reproductive toxicity?

Answer: Health hazard (silhouette with starburst)

The health hazard pictogram (a human silhouette with a starburst on the chest) covers chronic hazards including cancer, genetic damage, and reproductive effects.

A supplier label on a container is partially torn during handling, making the hazard statements unreadable. What must the employer do?

Answer: Immediately replace the damaged label with complete and legible information

Employers are legally required to ensure all labels remain complete and legible; damaged or illegible labels must be immediately replaced.

Which party is primarily responsible for ensuring that workplace labels are applied to hazardous products that have been transferred into smaller containers?

Answer: The employer

When a hazardous product is transferred into a different container in the workplace, the employer is responsible for applying a proper workplace label.

A worker transfers to a different department that uses entirely different hazardous products. What training is required?

Answer: Site-specific training on the hazardous products used in the new department

New hazardous products represent new hazards; site-specific training must be provided for each set of products a worker encounters.

What role do supervisors play in WHMIS implementation?

Answer: Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that safety protocols are followed and that WHMIS labels are visible and accurate

Supervisors play a critical role in WHMIS implementation by overseeing daily operations and ensuring that safety protocols are consistently followed. They are responsible for verifying that WHMIS labels on containers are visible, accurate, and legible, and that workers are adhering to safe handling procedures. Their direct oversight helps maintain a compliant and safe workplace environment, reinforcing training and procedures.

An employer's obligation regarding SDS under WHMIS 2015 includes:

Answer: Ensuring SDS are readily accessible to workers during all work shifts

Employers must ensure current SDS are readily available to workers who may be exposed to hazardous products at all times during their shift.

A supervisor instructs a worker to use a hazardous product before WHMIS training is completed, claiming the deadline is urgent. What should the worker do?

Answer: Exercise the right to know by declining until adequate training is received

Workers have the legal right to refuse work with a hazardous product until they have received adequate WHMIS training, regardless of time pressure from supervisors.

A new chemical product arrives with a label but no SDS. What must the employer do before allowing workers to use it?

Answer: Obtain the SDS from the supplier before the product is used

WHMIS requires that an SDS be available for all controlled products before workers are permitted to handle or use them.

Which agency enforces WHMIS compliance in federally regulated workplaces in Canada?

Answer: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Labour Program enforces WHMIS compliance in federally regulated workplaces.

Which level of government is responsible for enforcing WHMIS requirements in most workplaces (the 'workplace' side)?

Answer: Provincial and territorial governments

Provinces and territories enforce WHMIS in most workplaces through their occupational health and safety legislation, except for federally regulated industries.

Under WHMIS 2015, how often must suppliers review and update an SDS if they become aware of new significant hazard information?

Answer: Within 90 days of becoming aware of new hazard information

WHMIS 2015 requires suppliers to update an SDS within 90 days of becoming aware of significant new health, safety, or environmental hazard information.

Under WHMIS 2015, who is primarily responsible for ensuring workers receive adequate training on hazardous products?

Answer: The employer

Under WHMIS 2015, employers are legally responsible for ensuring that workers receive education and training on hazardous products used in the workplace.

The skull and crossbones pictogram in WHMIS 2015 indicates which hazard?

Answer: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)

The skull and crossbones symbol signals acute toxicity — substances that are fatal or toxic in small amounts via ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.

A gas classified as both flammable and acutely toxic (Category 2) under WHMIS would display:

Answer: Both the flame pictogram and the skull and crossbones pictogram

All applicable hazard pictograms must appear on the label; both flammable and toxic hazards must be communicated separately.