Hazardous Materials
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
- Must be readily available at the work site.
- Always refer to SDS prior to handling any hazardous material.
- Hazardous products must be properly labeled.
- See “Resources” section for SDS resources.
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CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration. |
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CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL This class includes solids, liquids, and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions. |
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CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials. |
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CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide |
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CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTS These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly exposed to small amounts. |
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CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious MATERIAL These materials contain harmful micro-organisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3, and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada. |
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CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid |
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CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIAL These products may self-react dangerously (for example, they may explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water. |
Explosion or Fire
- Immediately activate the closest fire pull alarm.
- Only attempt to use a fire extinguisher if you are confident and it is safe to do so. (Refer to Fire Safety Section, “Using a Fire Extinguisher”).
- Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
- To help contain the fire, close windows and doors that are near you on your way out, ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
- Use the stairway to evacuate, do NOT use the elevators.
- Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to an area that is at a safe distance outside the main entrance of the building and wait for emergency personnel. Provide emergency personnel with information on hazardous materials involved (e.g. SDS
- Call 911
- State you name.
- Give the address where the fire is and the nearest intersection.
- Provide information about the fire: what floor, how fast the fire is spreading, people trapped.
- Call Campus Security at 250.807.8111.
- Inform supervisor or department head.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel have notified you that it is safe to do so.
Gas Leak
- Immediately leave the area making for the nearest exit.
- Activate the fire alarm from a remote area.
- Do NOT call 911 from inside the building; this can cause an explosion.
- Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
- Close doors on your way out, but ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
- Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to the Pre-Designated Meeting Area and wait for further instructions from emergency personnel.
- When you are OUTSIDE, call 911
- State your name.
- Give the address where the gas leak is and the nearest intersection.
- Provide information about the gas leak: what floor, intensity of gas leak, people trapped, etc.
- Call Campus Security at 250.807.8111.
- Inform supervisor or department head.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel and the Emergency Director give permission.
Chemical, Biohazard, or Radiation Spills
Any uncontrolled release of hazardous materials is considered a spill and these procedures must be followed:
- Evacuate immediate area. If time permits, shut down equipment.
- Isolate area and notify others in the area to prevent re-entry.
- Urge people to stay calm and evacuate in a quick and orderly manner.
- Close doors on your way out, but ONLY DO SO IF IT IS SAFE.
- Upon exiting the building, proceed directly to an area that is at a safe distance outside the main entrance of the building and wait for emergency personnel. Provide emergency personnel with information on hazardous materials involved (e.g. SDS).
- Call 911
- State your name.
- Give address where the spill is and the nearest intersection.
- Provide information about the spill
- Injuries
- Chemical Name
- Quantitiy
- Hazards (Information on (Material) Safety Data Sheets (SDS))
- Call Campus Security at 250-807-8111.
- Inform Supervisor or Department Head.
- DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING until emergency personnel have notified you that it is safe to do so.