WHMIS Safe Handling and Exposure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A worker notices the WHMIS label on a drum is damaged and unreadable. What should the worker do?
- Stop using the product and report it to the supervisor for re-labeling (Correct answer)
- Proceed cautiously using personal judgment about the hazard
- Replace the label with a blank one and mark it 'unknown'
- Continue using the product if it looks familiar
Correct answer: Stop using the product and report it to the supervisor for re-labeling
Under WHMIS, products with damaged or missing labels must not be used until properly re-labeled based on the SDS.
Question 2: Section 8 of a WHMIS-compliant SDS covers exposure controls and personal protection. Which of the following would you expect to find there?
- Recommended glove material, respirator type, and occupational exposure limits (Correct answer)
- Emergency contact phone numbers
- First aid procedures for eye contact
- Flashpoint and autoignition temperature
Correct answer: Recommended glove material, respirator type, and occupational exposure limits
SDS Section 8 specifies exposure controls (OELs) and recommended PPE such as gloves, eye protection, and respiratory equipment.
Question 3: During a chemical splash emergency, a WHMIS-trained worker should FIRST:
- Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes (Correct answer)
- Apply a neutralizing agent immediately
- Put on additional PPE before flushing
- Consult the SDS before taking any action
Correct answer: Flush the affected area with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes
Immediate flushing with water for 15-20 minutes is the primary first aid response for chemical splashes to skin or eyes.
Question 4: A product's SDS indicates it has a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) of 100 ppm. This means:
- Exposure at 100 ppm must not exceed 15 minutes, with limited occurrences per shift (Correct answer)
- Workers can be exposed to 100 ppm continuously throughout an 8-hour shift
- 100 ppm is the level at which workers must evacuate immediately
- The substance may be used without PPE below 100 ppm
Correct answer: Exposure at 100 ppm must not exceed 15 minutes, with limited occurrences per shift
A STEL defines the maximum concentration allowed for short-duration exposures, typically no more than 15 minutes, with limited frequency.
Question 5: Which WHMIS hazard class specifically addresses materials that can cause cancer after repeated or prolonged exposure?
- Carcinogenicity (Health Hazard Class) (Correct answer)
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosion/irritation
- Specific target organ toxicity — single exposure
Correct answer: Carcinogenicity (Health Hazard Class)
Carcinogenicity is a WHMIS health hazard class for substances that can cause cancer following repeated or prolonged exposure.
Question 6: Proper storage of incompatible hazardous products under WHMIS requires:
- Segregating them so that accidental mixing cannot occur (Correct answer)
- Storing them together on the same shelf for convenience
- Labeling both containers with the same hazard class
- Consulting the manufacturer only if a spill occurs
Correct answer: Segregating them so that accidental mixing cannot occur
Incompatible chemicals must be stored separately to prevent dangerous reactions such as fire, explosion, or toxic gas generation.
Question 7: A worker spills a small amount of a toxic liquid on the floor. The SDS indicates it requires specific absorbent material. The worker should:
- Use the SDS-recommended absorbent material, contain the spill, and dispose of it per the SDS instructions (Correct answer)
- Clean it up with paper towels and dispose in the regular trash
- Flush it down the drain with water
- Leave it for the cleaning crew and post a warning sign
Correct answer: Use the SDS-recommended absorbent material, contain the spill, and dispose of it per the SDS instructions
SDS Section 6 specifies the correct spill cleanup materials and disposal method to prevent secondary exposure and environmental harm.
WHMIS Safe Handling and Exposure 3
A worker notices the WHMIS label on a drum is damaged and unreadable.
What should the worker do?