WHMIS Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Section 5 of an SDS provides information specifically about:
- Personal protective equipment
- Fire-fighting measures and suitable extinguishing media (Correct answer)
- Accidental spill cleanup procedures
- Stability and reactivity data
Correct answer: Fire-fighting measures and suitable extinguishing media
Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) specifies suitable extinguishing agents, special fire hazards, and protective equipment for firefighters.
Question 2: Which SDS section describes procedures for containment and cleanup of a chemical spill?
- Section 4 – First-Aid Measures
- Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures (Correct answer)
- Section 7 – Handling and Storage
- Section 13 – Disposal Considerations
Correct answer: Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures
Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures) covers personal precautions, protective equipment, and spill containment and cleanup methods.
Question 3: Precautions for safe handling and conditions for safe storage of a hazardous product are found in:
- Section 7 (Correct answer)
- Section 8
- Section 9
- Section 10
Correct answer: Section 7
Section 7 (Handling and Storage) covers safe handling practices and storage conditions such as temperature and incompatible materials.
Question 4: Occupational exposure limits (OELs) and engineering controls are located in which SDS section?
- Section 5
- Section 7
- Section 8 (Correct answer)
- Section 11
Correct answer: Section 8
Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) lists OELs, biological exposure indices, engineering controls, and required PPE.
Question 5: A Threshold Limit Value – Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA) on an SDS represents:
- The maximum single dose that is lethal to 50% of test animals
- The average airborne concentration a worker can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday (Correct answer)
- The concentration at which a substance ignites spontaneously
- The minimum amount needed to cause skin sensitization
Correct answer: The average airborne concentration a worker can be exposed to over an 8-hour workday
The TLV-TWA is the concentration of an airborne substance that workers can be exposed to for an 8-hour day, 40-hour week without adverse health effects.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of an engineering control listed in SDS Section 8?
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety goggles
- Local exhaust ventilation (Correct answer)
- Respirator with P100 cartridge
Correct answer: Local exhaust ventilation
Engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation remove hazards at the source before workers are exposed, as opposed to PPE which protects after exposure.
Question 7: An SDS indicates a product requires a supplied-air respirator. This information would be found in:
- Section 2 – Hazard Identification
- Section 4 – First-Aid Measures
- Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection (Correct answer)
- Section 14 – Transport Information
Correct answer: Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Section 8 details all required personal protective equipment including respiratory protection specifications.
WHMIS Safety Data Sheets (SDS) 3
Section 5 of an SDS provides information specifically about: