Chemical safety

Labels

All chemicals require specific labelling to inform workers of the hazards associated with the materials they are working with. When a chemical has lost its supplier label, is transferred into a secondary container, or is a new, synthesized material, you can use the following workplace labels on containers:

UM Workplace Label Instructions and Templates (PDF)

UM Lab Sample Label Template 2x4 (PDF)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

SDSs provide important information including the handling, storage, and first aid measures associated with a particular chemical. SDSs must be readily accessible by those working with the chemical. SDSs may be saved digitally or managed locally in binders, speak to your supervisor or WHMIS Coordinator to find the location of your SDSs. 

The University of Manitoba is in the process of moving all SDS binders onto an online software called Chemwatch. If your SDS binder has already been relocated, you can use the following link to access SDS by using the search boxes: 

Access Chemwatch  

  Chemwatch- User Guide (PDF)

 Chemwatch QR code- printable (PDF)

If you are a designated SDS Manager for your area or lab, please contact EHSO to have those privileges added to your account. Contact EHSO directly for help with finding an SDS or managing them.

WHMIS coordinators

A WHMIS coordinator assists departments and program areas at the University of Manitoba in complying with provincial WHMIS legislation. WHMIS coordinators may be required to attend meetings to discuss relevant topics including:

• WHMIS requirements at the University of Manitoba
• WHMIS training on UM Learn

More information regarding WHMIS and the WHMIS Coordinator role can be found in the Chemical Safety section of the EHSO page on the UM Intranet.

For help implementing a WHMIS Coordinator in your area, contact EHSO.

The Chemical Safety Program provides training for all employees and students who work with or may be exposed to chemicals. Chemical Safety training must be completed prior to beginning any work with chemicals. The Chemical Safety online course at the University of Manitoba can be accessed and completed through UM Learn.

Chemical inventories are kept using a software called Vertére. Managing a chemical inventory digitally facilitates easily accessible and up-to-date inventories, and allows for the management of chemical stock, sharing between labs or departments, and for better oversight in emergencies and regulatory reporting. The University of Manitoba is a member of HECHMET – a consortium of Canadian universities that supports the use of Vertére.

Instructional materials and further information can be found below. If you would like to begin the process of moving your chemical inventory into Vertére, contact EHSO directly.

Chemical Safety - Inventory Management and WHMIS (PDF)  Sign-in to Vertére  

Vertere Access Request form (PDF)

Supporting documents

Vertere- User Manual (PDF) Vertere - Disposal of Inventory Using a Mobile Computer 

Veretere- Managing Inventory (PDF) Vertere- Adding to your Inventory  

Vertere- Adding Vendors or Catalogue Items (PDF)  

Vertere - Managing Physical Inventory Using a Mobile Computer

It is important for us to assess the risk to health and safety of the chemicals we use to understand the potential for any negative effects on both people and to the environment. This assessment may alter if and how we use these chemicals in a work and research environment.  Information on how to assess chemicals can be found within the attached document below titled Chemical Safety - Risk Assessment and Procurement.  For assistance on any chemical risk assessments contact EHSO.

Chemical Safety- Risk Assessment and Procurement (PDF)

Chemical Safety- Risk Assessment Worksheet (PDF)

Chemicals must be stored, handled, and transported properly to prevent chemical exposure, injury, or release. Contact EHSO directly if you don't see the information, you are looking for.

Chemical Safety- Storage (PDF)  Chemical Safety- Handling and Transporting (PDF)

Safe work practices

Handling liquid nitrogen (PDF)  Compressed Gas Cylinder Guideline (PDF)

Signs for storage and handling: 

Flammable Refrigerator Storage Sign (PDF)  Flammable Safety Cabinet Sign (PDF)

GHS Hazard Class Symbols (PDF) Natural Gas Signage (PDF)

No Food or Drink Labels (PDF)

When chemicals are no longer needed or useful, but still have hazardous properties or contain hazardous ingredients, they are considered hazardous waste. They must be properly managed, which can include sharing with another lab or disposal through the Hazardous Waste Program. Please see the Hazardous Waste section on the Hazardous Materials UM Intranet page for more information.

Chemical Safety- Waste Management (PDF)

A chemical spill is any unplanned release of a chemical. The severity and appropriate response to each spill may vary greatly according to the type and quantity of material spilled and other factors.

Minor chemical spills that do not pose an immediate threat to health and safety can usually be cleaned up by the employee or student involved in the spill. A major spill that presents an immediate threat or that requires additional planning and resources, may require the assistance of the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO), Security Services, or emergency response services.

For details on how to respond to a chemical spill, refer to the “Chemical spill response procedure” below.

Spill Kits

Areas where chemicals are used or store must have a chemical spill kit readily accessible. These kits must be stocked appropriately for the volume and type of chemicals in the area. Pre-filled kits or items to restock or make a custom spill kit can be purchased through EPIC. More information, including recommended products, can be found in the “Chemical spill response procedure”.

Chemical Spill Response Procedure (PDF)  

Chemical Spill Response Quick Reference Guide (PDF) 

Spill Kit Sign (PDF)

Safe Work Practices

Spill Clean-up- Fluorescent light bulbs

Where an incident occurs that involves chemical exposure, special first aid steps may need to be taken. Chemical post-exposure protocol is covered in chemical safety training for all employees, students, and volunteers who are working with chemicals, and specific response steps may be included in on-the-job training for those who are working with higher-risk chemicals.

For more information on Chemical Exposure Protocols, please visit the Occupational Health page.