WHMIS/Safety

                                                                                                                                                                                Sept. 12^th 2011

Today we learned a lot of what not to do in the chemistry lab, at SpongeBob’s expense. We also renewed WHMIS, which stands for what?

Hopefully you didn't just make up something random on the spot.

Workplace Hazardous Material Information System.

Generally, hazardous materials can be split up into 6 classes:

Class A: Compressed Gases

-heat or impact can cause an explosion

Class B: Flammable/Combustible Materials

-fire hazard

-can burst into flames in contact with air/water

Class C: Oxidizing Materials

-can burn skin/eyes

-can cause flammable/combustible materials to take action

Class D: Toxic/Biohazardous Materials

-potentially fatal, even in small doses

-could be fatal/cause permanent damage after repeated exposure

-can include organisms and viruses

Class E: Corrosive Material

-materials able to corrode skin or metals

-includes gases with corrosive properties

Class F: Dangerously Reactive Materials

-materials which can react dangerously when in contact with heat or pressure

The level of danger that the substance poses can be identified by the shape surrounding the WHMIS symbol.  The symbols below are known as International Safety Symbols.

Danger! The octagon represents the highest level of danger.

Warning! The diamond symbolizes a moderate danger.

Caution! The upside-down triangle represents the lowest level of danger.  That being said, it is still hazardous!

We reviewed the equipment and their uses.  And some of us learned that what we used in class wasn’t actually called a ‘thingy.’

We were also enlightened on what is expected of us on lab days.  Most of it is common sense, but some of us need reminders on the basics.

-no running

-hair should be up

-clean up spills immediately

-no eating

-wear safety goggles at all times

-closed toed shoes

-no smelling/drinking unknown (or even known...) substances

A reminder that we have a quiz on safety this Friday.  Last year I didn’t know where the fire extinguisher in our classroom was.  A hint to anyone in that situation this year – there’s a big label right above it.  As long as you have glasses/eyes, you should be fine.

In case it isn’t already glaringly obvious, I have never blogged before.  I actually have no idea what I’m doing.  Be nice to me. I need a blogging for smartypants book.

XOXO BerylliumChemists

(Today’s entry by Heather LePard J )