REFRESH RESOURCES TRAINING
WHMIS
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
Section 1 — Why this matters
Every shift, you handle hazardous products
Peracetic acid blend (OXID16899A) · H₂S scavenger/triazine (HSCV20254A) · Antifoam (AFMR11134A) · Caustic/pH stabilizer (CLAR08735A) · Aromatic emulsion breaker (EMBR11058A) — and you work near H₂S at registered sour gas sites.
WHMIS is the system that tells you what's in the container, what it can do to you, and how to handle it safely.
After this training, you should be able to answer:
- What are the hazards of this product?
- How do I protect myself (and my crew)?
- What do I do in an emergency — spill, exposure, fire?
- Where can I get more information if I'm unsure?
You'll be able to:
Recognize the 9 GHS pictograms · Read supplier & workplace labels · Use a Safety Data Sheet · Decode hazard categories & signal words · Apply WHMIS to Refresh's actual chemicals · Respond to spills, exposures, alarms · State your rights under WorkSafeBC OHS Reg. Part 5.
Section 2 — What you need to know
What is WHMIS?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
How it got here
1988 — WHMIS launched
Canada's first nationwide hazard communication system. Used "controlled products" and MSDSs.
2015 — WHMIS 2015 (aligned with GHS)
Updated to match the UN Globally Harmonized System. "Controlled product" → "hazardous product". MSDS → SDS (16 sections). New classes added (e.g. aspiration hazard).
December 2018 — full transition
All suppliers and employers in Canada now comply with WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 1988 no longer applies.
The legal framework
FEDERAL — Health Canada
Sets the rules for SUPPLIERS.
- Hazardous Products Act (HPA) — controls import & sale of hazardous products.
- Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) — sets the rules for classification, labels, and SDSs.
- Aligns Canadian WHMIS with the UN GHS.
- Bilingual labels & SDSs required (English + French).
PROVINCIAL — WorkSafeBC
Sets the rules for EMPLOYERS & WORKERS.
- Workers Compensation Act — worker rights & duties (s. 3.12 right to refuse, s. 3.21 worker duties).
- OHS Regulation Part 5 — WHMIS program, education, training, SDS rules.
- s. 5.5 — annual program review · s. 5.6 — worker education · s. 5.7 — site-specific training.
Section 2 — What you need to know
The four key elements of WHMIS 2015
1Classification
Suppliers classify products into hazard groups, classes, and categories using GHS criteria.
2Labels
Every container has a label showing pictograms, signal word, and hazards at a glance.
3Safety Data Sheets
16-section technical document for each product — hazards, PPE, first aid, spill, fire, storage.
4Worker Education & Training
This module + site-specific training so you can apply the information to the actual work you do.
Roles & responsibilities
SUPPLIER
Manufactures, imports, or sells the product.
- Properly classify all hazardous products
- Prepare supplier labels & SDSs (English + French)
- Provide labels & SDSs to purchasers
EMPLOYER
Refresh Resources.
- Educate & train workers
- Ensure containers are properly labelled
- Prepare workplace labels & SDSs as needed
- Keep up-to-date SDSs available
- Effective control measures in place
WORKER (you)
The person who actually handles the product.
- Take part in WHMIS training
- Follow safe work procedures
- Use the PPE the SDS requires
- Report unsafe conditions, missing labels, spills, near-misses
Section 2 — What you need to know
Watch the WorkSafeBC WHMIS video
~4 minutes · WHMIS 2015 for workers · WorkSafeBC official video
While you watch, listen for:
- What WHMIS is, in plain language
- What hazardous products look like
- How labels work — and what to do if a label is missing
- Where to find an SDS and what to look for in each section
- What to ask your supervisor
- Worker rights and responsibilities
After the video: we'll go deeper on each piece — the 9 pictograms, hazard categories, signal words, label decoding, and the SDS — using OXID16899A and the other Refresh chemicals as worked examples.
Source: WorkSafeBC — "WHMIS 2015: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (for workers)". File: whmis2015_worker-mp4-en.mp4
Section 3 — Classification
Two hazard groups, 31 hazard classes
PHYSICAL HAZARDS (19 classes)
How the product behaves — fire, reactivity, pressure
- Combustible dusts
- Corrosive to metals
- Flammable aerosols
- Flammable gases
- Flammable liquids
- Flammable solids
- Gases under pressure
- Organic peroxides
- Oxidizing gases
- Oxidizing liquids
- Oxidizing solids
- Pyrophoric gases
- Pyrophoric liquids
- Pyrophoric solids
- Self-heating substances
- Self-reactive substances
- Simple asphyxiants
- Substances that emit flammable gas in contact with water
- Physical hazards not otherwise classified
HEALTH HAZARDS (12 classes)
What the product does to your body
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosion / irritation
- Serious eye damage / eye irritation
- Respiratory or skin sensitization
- Germ cell mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure)
- Specific target organ toxicity (repeated exposure)
- Aspiration hazard
- Biohazardous infectious materials (Cdn-only)
- Health hazards not otherwise classified
Hazard categories — how severe?
Within a class, products are sorted into categories showing severity. Cat 1 = most severe; higher numbers = less severe.
1
MOST SEVERE
Highest hazard. Strictest controls.
2
HIGH
Significant hazard.
3
MODERATE
Moderate hazard.
4
LEAST
Lowest level still requiring classification.
Example: OXID16899A is classified as Oxidizing Liquid Cat 2 (high oxidizing hazard) AND Skin Corrosion Cat 1A (most severe — causes severe burns).
Section 3 — Pictograms & signal words
The 9 pictograms used in Canada
All 9 use the standard red-bordered diamond on a white background.
FLAME
Flammable, self-reactive, pyrophoric, etc.
FLAME OVER CIRCLE
Oxidizer (e.g. OXID16899A)
EXPLODING BOMB
Explosive / self-reactive
GAS CYLINDER
Gas under pressure
SKULL & CROSSBONES
Acute toxicity (Cat 1–3)
CORROSION
Corrosive (skin / eye / metal)
EXCLAMATION MARK
Irritation / harmful (less severe)
HEALTH HAZARD
Carcinogen / sensitizer / STOT
BIOHAZARD
Infectious (Canadian-only)
Some hazard classes have NO pictogram
Even without a pictogram, the label still shows the signal word, hazard statement, and precaution. Read the whole label — don't trust pictograms alone.
- Combustible dusts — could cause a fire/explosion if dispersed in air
- Simple asphyxiants — displace oxygen, cause suffocation in confined spaces
- Pyrophoric gases — ignite in air at or below 54°C
- Acute Tox Cat 5 and some Skin/Eye Cat 3 hazards
Signal words — DANGER vs WARNING
DANGER
More severe hazards (Category 1 & 2).
Examples: Acute Tox Cat 1–3, Skin Corrosion 1, Eye Damage 1, Flammable Liquids 1–2.
OXID16899A uses DANGER.
WARNING
Less severe hazards (Category 3 & 4).
Examples: Acute Tox Cat 4, Skin Irritation 2, Flammable Liquids 3, STOT-SE Cat 3.
Still hazardous — still needs PPE and safe procedures.
Hazard (H) and Precautionary (P) statements
Standardized statements that appear on every label and in SDS Section 2. The codes are the same all over the world — that's the point of GHS.
| H — HAZARD | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| H271 | May cause fire or explosion; strong oxidizer. |
| H290 | May be corrosive to metals. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| P — PRECAUTIONARY | What to do (or not do) |
|---|---|
| P210 | Keep away from heat/sparks/flames. No smoking. (Prevention) |
| P280 | Wear gloves, eye protection, protective clothing. (Prevention) |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: rinse cautiously 15 min, remove contacts. (Response) |
| P403+P233 | Store in well-ventilated place; tightly closed. (Storage) |
| P501 | Dispose of contents and container per local regulations. (Disposal) |
Knowledge Check
Quick check #1 — Classification & pictograms
Three short questions to lock it in. You'll see the answer right away.
Section 4 — Labels
Reading a label
Supplier label — the 6 required elements
- Product identifier — the chemical's name.
- Pictogram(s) — red diamond(s) showing the hazards.
- Signal word — DANGER (more severe) or WARNING.
- Hazard statement(s) — H-codes, plain-language description.
- Precautionary statement(s) — P-codes, what to do (and not do).
- Supplier identifier — name + address of supplier.
Example: OXID16899A supplier label
OXID16899A
Hydrogen Peroxide / Acetic Acid / Peroxyacetic Acid blend • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
DANGER
May intensify fire; oxidiser. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Harmful if swallowed. May cause respiratory irritation. Keep away from heat / sparks / open flames. Wear chemical goggles, face shield, butyl gloves, splash apron. Do NOT mix with bleach or chlorinated products — produces toxic chlorine gas.
Workplace labels & decanted containers
WORKPLACE LABEL (s. 5.9)
When the employer produces a product, or a supplier label is missing/damaged.
- Product identifier
- Information for safe handling
- Reference to the SDS
- Must stay legible — replace if it fades
DECANTED (s. 5.10)
When you transfer chemical to a smaller container.
- Same workplace-label minimums apply
- Exception: immediate use, by you, finished by end of shift = no label needed
- Day tanks, totes, pails on a skid: ALWAYS label them
- Pipes / vessels: placards (s. 5.11–5.12)
Knowledge Check
Quick check #2 — Labels
Section 5 — Safety Data Sheets
The 16-section SDS
Every SDS in Canada follows the same 16 sections in the same order. Highlighted sections are the ones you'll use most often in the field.
1
Identification2
Hazard ID3
Composition4
First aid5
Fire-fighting6
Spill response7
Handling/storage8
PPE / exposure9
Phys/chem props10
Stability11
Toxicology12
Ecological13
Disposal14
Transport15
Regulatory16
Other infoWalkthrough — using the OXID16899A SDS
| § | What you'll find |
|---|---|
| 1 | Product: OXID16899A. Use: Odor control. Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC. Emergency: CHEMTREC (703) 741-5970. |
| 2 | DANGER. Pictograms: Oxidizer, Corrosion, Exclamation. Oxidizing Liquid Cat 2, Skin Corrosion 1A, Eye Damage 1, STOT-SE 3. |
| 3 | Hydrogen Peroxide 10–30%, Acetic Acid 10–30%, Peroxyacetic Acid 10–30%. |
| 4 | EYES: rinse 15 min. SKIN: wash 15 min, remove clothing. INHALED: fresh air. SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting. Get medical immediately. |
| 5 | Use water spray. Oxidizer — may react with other materials. Wear SCBA + protective suit. |
| 6 | PPE first. Berm. Dilute 10:1 with water. Neutralize slowly with sodium carbonate to pH ≥ 6. Collect into hazardous waste. |
| 7 | Cool, well-ventilated. Tightly closed. Away from reducing agents, strong bases, combustibles. Do NOT mix with bleach. |
| 8 | BC OEL: H₂O₂ 1 ppm TWA. Acetic Acid 10 ppm TWA / 15 ppm STEL. PAA 0.4 ppm STEL. PPE: chemical goggles, face shield, butyl gloves, splash apron, FR clothing. |
| 10 | Avoid heat & sunlight. Pressure may build if contaminated. Bleach + chlorinated products → chlorine gas. |
| 14 | TDG: ORGANIC PEROXIDE TYPE F, LIQUID. UN 3109. Class 5.2 + 8. PG II. Air transport FORBIDDEN. |
Accessing the SDS in the field (s. 5.16)
An SDS must be readily available to every worker who works with — or near — a hazardous product, during their shift.
- Paper copy is always acceptable
- Electronic OK IF you have the device, training, connectivity, AND a backup hard copy if network can fail
- Cannot be in a locked cabinet you don't have keys to
- Cannot be archived offsite where you can't reach it during the shift
Field cheat-sheet:
First aid → § 4 · Fire → § 5 · Spill → § 6 · PPE → § 8 · Storage → § 7 + 10 · Disposal → § 13 · Transport → § 14
Knowledge Check
Quick check #3 — SDSs
Section 6 — Refresh chemical reference
Refresh chemical reference cards
Quick-reference cards for every product on a Refresh skid. Bookmark this page — it's a job aid.
OXID16899A
Hydrogen Peroxide / Acetic Acid / Peroxyacetic Acid blend • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
Oxidizing Liquid Cat 2 • Skin Corrosion 1A • Eye Damage 1 • STOT-SE Cat 3 • Corrosive to metals • Used for H₂S / odour control
EXPOSURE LIMITS
H₂O₂ 1 ppm TWA · Acetic acid 10 ppm TWA / 15 ppm STEL · Peroxyacetic acid 0.4 ppm STEL
PPE (§ 8)
Chemical goggles, face shield, butyl gloves, splash apron/suit, FR clothing, boots. APR (multi-gas OV+P100) below 10% LEL, otherwise SCBA.
FIRST AID (§ 4)
EYES: rinse 15 min. SKIN: wash 15 min, remove clothing. INHALED: fresh air. SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting. Get medical immediately.
SPILL (§ 6)
Berm with absorbent. Dilute 10:1 with water. Neutralize slowly with sodium carbonate to pH ≥ 6. Hazardous waste container. Keep out of drains/soil.
STORAGE (§ 7+10)
Cool, well-ventilated. KEEP AWAY from bleach / chlorinated products (toxic chlorine gas), reducing agents, strong bases, combustibles.
HSCV20254A
Hydrogen Sulfide Scavenger • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
Skin Corrosion / Eye Damage • Used to bind H₂S in produced water, gas streams, and tank vapours
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Per supplier SDS — verify on label and in SDS Section 8.
PPE (§ 8)
Chemical goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, splash apron, FR clothing. Respirator per SDS § 8 if vapours present.
FIRST AID (§ 4)
EYES: flush 15 min. SKIN: wash 15 min, remove clothing. INHALED: fresh air. Get medical immediately.
SPILL (§ 6)
Contain spill, prevent reaching watercourses. Use absorbent. Refer to product-specific ERP sheet for neutralization.
STORAGE (§ 7+10)
Cool, well-ventilated, dry. Keep away from oxidizers and strong acids. Tightly closed.
AFMR11134A
Foam Control • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
Skin / eye irritant • Used to control foaming in process streams
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Per supplier SDS — verify on label and in SDS Section 8.
PPE (§ 8)
Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves. Splash apron for transfer work.
FIRST AID (§ 4)
EYES: flush 15 min. SKIN: wash with soap and water. INHALED: fresh air. SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, get medical advice.
SPILL (§ 6)
Contain with absorbent. Collect into appropriate waste container. Prevent reaching drains.
STORAGE (§ 7+10)
Cool, well-ventilated. Keep tightly closed. Avoid extreme heat.
CLAR08735A
pH Stabilizer • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
Skin Corrosion / Serious Eye Damage • Used to stabilize pH in treated water
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Per supplier SDS — verify on label and in SDS Section 8.
PPE (§ 8)
Chemical goggles, face shield, chemical-resistant gloves, splash apron. Boots. No skin contact.
FIRST AID (§ 4)
EYES: flush 15 min, hold eyelids open. SKIN: wash 15 min, remove clothing. SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, do NOT induce vomiting. Get medical immediately.
SPILL (§ 6)
Berm with absorbent. Carefully neutralize per SDS § 6. Dispose as hazardous waste.
STORAGE (§ 7+10)
Cool, well-ventilated. Keep away from incompatible materials per SDS § 10. Tightly closed.
EMBR11058A
Emulsion Breaker • Supplier: ChampionX Canada ULC
Flammable Liquid • Skin / eye irritant • Used to separate water from oil/produced fluids
EXPOSURE LIMITS
Per supplier SDS — verify on label and in SDS Section 8.
PPE (§ 8)
Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, FR clothing. Splash apron and face shield for transfer work.
FIRST AID (§ 4)
EYES: flush 15 min. SKIN: wash 15 min. INHALED: fresh air. SWALLOWED: rinse mouth, get medical. Don't induce vomiting unless directed.
SPILL (§ 6)
Stop ignition sources. Berm with non-combustible absorbent. Collect into approved waste container.
STORAGE (§ 7+10)
Cool, well-ventilated. Keep AWAY from heat, sparks, flames, oxidizers. Bonded/grounded transfer.
Section 7 — At Refresh
WHMIS on a Refresh chemical injection skid
BEFORE the job
- Pre-job hazard assessment lists every product
- SDS verified accessible
- Tote / day tank labels checked
- PPE confirmed (per SDS § 8 + site PPE matrix)
- Spill kit + sodium carbonate stocked
- H₂S monitor on, calibrated, bump-tested
DURING the job
- Decanted containers labeled BEFORE moving
- Keep oxidizers clear of organics, fuels, metals
- Never mix with bleach — chlorine gas
- Watch for symptoms — stop & step away
- Bonded/grounded transfer for flammables
AFTER the job
- Containers closed, labels intact
- Used absorbent / PPE bagged (§ 13)
- If spill — incident report same day
- Restock spill kit / consumables
- SDS still accessible for next shift
Storage & incompatibility — what NOT to mix
CRITICAL — OXID16899A + bleach (or any chlorinated product) = toxic CHLORINE GAS. Never mix. Never store together.
| Product | Incompatible with | What can happen |
|---|---|---|
| OXID16899A | Bleach, chlorinated products, reducing agents, strong bases, combustibles, organics | Chlorine gas, fire, decomposition, runaway pressure |
| HSCV20254A | Strong oxidizers, strong acids | Heat, gas release |
| AFMR11134A | Strong oxidizers | Heat, decomposition |
| CLAR08735A | Per SDS § 10 | Burns, heat, gas release |
| EMBR11058A | Heat, sparks, open flame, oxidizers | Fire / explosion |
Your rights and your duties
RIGHT to KNOW
The hazards of the products you handle.
RIGHT to PARTICIPATE
In identifying and fixing hazards.
RIGHT to REFUSE
Unsafe work — protected by WCA s. 3.12.
Section 8 — What if it goes wrong?
Four real Refresh scenarios
Scenario 1 — The unlabelled tote
Situation
You arrive at a registered sour gas site to refill an OXID16899A tote on the chemical injection skid. The tote label has peeled off completely.
Do you fill it?
Right answer
Stop. Don't fill it.
- Section 5.4 prohibits use of a hazardous product without proper identification.
- Verify the product (manifest, BOL) — DO NOT guess.
- Apply a workplace label that meets s. 5.10. Then proceed.
- Report the missing label.
Scenario 2 — Vapour exposure during a transfer
Situation
You're transferring OXID16899A on a still day. Vinegar smell is noticeable. 15 minutes in, your eyes are watering, throat is scratchy, and you start to cough.
Push through, or stop?
Right answer
Stop. Get to fresh air. Notify.
- Eye / throat irritation = early sign you're at or above the acetic acid OEL (10 ppm TWA).
- Move upwind, fresh air, with someone.
- Check SDS § 4 (first aid) and § 8 (PPE / OEL).
- Re-evaluate PPE (APR multi-gas OV+P100 or SCBA).
- Notify supervisor; complete near-miss/exposure report.
Scenario 3 — OXID16899A spill on the pad
Situation
During a tote change-out, you split a fitting and ~20 L of OXID16899A reaches the secondary containment pad.
First three actions, in order?
Right answer
- Protect yourself first. Stop source if safe; back off; PPE per SDS § 8. Keep ignitable materials clear (oxidizer hazard).
- Contain & neutralize. Berm with absorbent. Dilute 10:1. Neutralize slowly with sodium carbonate to pH ≥ 6. Hazardous waste container.
- Notify and document. Call supervisor. Reportable spill thresholds may apply. Start incident report before leaving site.
Scenario 4 — H₂S monitor alarm at a sour site
Situation
You're working alone on an HSCV20254A scavenger top-up at a registered sour well. Your H₂S monitor alarms at 10 ppm. You're upwind of the wellhead.
What's your first move?
Right answer
Don't investigate. Withdraw.
- 10 ppm H₂S is the WorkSafeBC alarm threshold — it can rise fast and become deadly.
- Do NOT walk toward the source — withdraw to muster point upwind.
- Alert your check-in contact (working alone protocol).
- Re-entry only with SCBA, a buddy, atmospheric reading < 10 ppm, and supervisor approval.
- Document the alarm — counts as an exposure incident.
Section 9 — Final knowledge check
WHMIS Final Quiz
15 questions. 70% to pass (11 out of 15). You can retake if you don't pass.
Results
Quiz results
You scored
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