WHMIS
What does the acronym WHMIS stand for?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
What are the two main types of synthetic pesticides used in modern farming?
herbicides and insecticides
Give one example of a natural polymer found in nature.
What is silk (spider webs) or sap from rubber trees?
What does HHPS stand for?
Household Hazardous Product Symbols.
Name one type of workplace where chemistry is commonly used today.
Automotive repair shops, hair salons, offices, or construction sites.
What shape is used for WHMIS pictograms?
A red bordered diamond
What was traditionally used to make soap, and what is commonly used today?
What is beef fat in the past, and plant oils like coconut oil today?
What is another name for synthetic polymers?
What are plastics?
Name one hazard type identified by HHPS symbols.
What is Toxic, Explosive, Corrosive, or Flammable?
Why do we use shampoo instead of soap to wash our hair?
Because soap breaks down protein in hair and causes soap scum, while shampoo is a synthetic detergent that cleans without damaging hair.
Which WHMIS pictogram represents materials that can catch fire easily?
Flame symbol
How does the two-ended molecule in soap help remove grease?
One end dissolves in grease, the other dissolves in water, allowing grease to wash away.
Name two examples of synthetic polymers used in common products.
What are neoprene (wet suits), polyethylene (milk jugs), polystyrene (styrofoam cups), or polyurethane (clothing)?
What chemical is commonly found in drain cleaners like Drano, and what does it do?
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH); it breaks down proteins like hair and skin cells and melts grease by producing heat.
Name three of the eight WHMIS hazard classes.
Compressed Gas, Corrosive Material, Oxidizing Material, Flammable, Poisonous, Toxic, Biohazardous, Reactive.
What is the difference between a danger and a warning signal word on a WHMIS label?
“Danger” indicates a more severe hazard, while “Warning” is used for less severe hazards.
Name two natural fibres and two synthetic fibres mentioned in the notes.
Natural: cotton, wool. Synthetic: nylon, polyester (or kevlar, gore-tex).
Why are modern kitchen utensils made of alloys instead of pure iron?
Because alloys can be designed not to rust and to combine the best properties of each metal.
What gas does yeast produce to make bread rise?
Carbon dioxide
What is one type of information you would find on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
Melting point, boiling point, toxicity, health effects, first aid measures, or spill/leak cleanup procedures.
WHMIS requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to be updated how often?
Every 3 years (or when new information is available)
Why has the percentage of people living on farms in Canada decreased from 150 years ago to today?
Because chemical and technological advances, like synthetic chemicals, reduce labour and make farming more efficient.
What two metals make up the alloy used in modern car steel, and what properties does this alloy have?
Iron and chromium; it has the strength of iron and chromium’s resistance to rust.
What conditions does yeast need to cause bread to rise, and what two substances does it convert sugar and starch into?
A warm, moist environment; it converts sugar and starch into carbon dioxide and alcohol.
What is the main purpose of WHMIS in workplaces?
To provide information on the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials.