Does WHMIS apply to carcinogens?
In Canada, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a nation-wide system that ensures people have the information they need to work safely with hazardous products (including carcinogens) in the workplace. Agents on the following lists are classified as WHMIS carcinogens: • IARC Group 1 (Carcinogenic to humans) • IARC Group 2A (Probably carcinogenic to humans) • IARC Group 2B (Possibly carcinogenic to humans) • ACGIH A1 (Confirmed human carcinogen) • ACGIH A2 (Suspected human carcinogen) These products are included in the WHMIS category D2: Class D – Poisonous and Infectious materials – Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects. The symbol used on the products is the stylized “T”. WHMIS requires that people who work with hazardous products have training about the potential hazards of the products and how to work with them safely. Information on the classification and how to work safely with that product is included on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs
