Hazardous materials

A hazard is a source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone, while risk is the probability and severity that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse side effect if exposed to a hazard. A risk assessment identifies the hazards and associated risk when working with a hazardous material and determines the appropriate ways to eliminate those hazards or control the risks.

Risks must be assessed before work begins with a new hazardous material or when an existing hazardous material is used in a new process or area. It is the responsibility of a Supervisor who is directing work with hazardous materials to assess the risks prior to bringing that material into a workplace and the responsibility of an Employee, Student or Visitor to assess the risks prior to using a hazardous material in the course of their work.

More information on how to conduct a risk assessment for chemicals can be found on the Chemical safety page.

The Chemical Safety Program facilitates and ensures the safe and knowledgeable use of chemicals in the workplace, lab or classroom. Visit the Chemical safety page for information on chemical inventories (Vertére), WHMIS, handling & storage, chemical risk assessments and procurement, chemical safety lab permits, and spill and emergency response.

Emergency showers and eyewash stations are critical safety features designed to minimize injuries in the event of exposure to hazardous materials. These stations provide immediate decontamination and are essential in labs, workshops, and other areas where hazardous chemicals or materials are handled. 

To learn more about proper installation, maintenance, and usage guidelines, please see the Emergency shower and eyewash station guideline.

Emergency shower and eyewash station guideline (PDF)

The responsible disposal of hazardous waste protects human health and the environment. EHSO can assist in disposing hazardous waste in accordance with federal and local regulations.

The Hazardous Waste Management Program provides guidelines and support services for the disposal of all chemical, radiological and biological waste produced at the university. Any waste which has one or more of the properties listed below must be treated as hazardous waste:

• Flammable
• Corrosive
• Toxic
• Reactive
• Compressed Gas
• Radioactive
• Biohazardous
• Unknown

Further information on the hazardous waste program, including how to dispose of different types of hazardous waste and mechanisms for pick-up, can be found under the Hazardous Waste section on the EHSO page of UM Intranet site.

Please contact EHSO if you have any questions. Some helpful documents for our Hazardous Waste Program can also be found listed below including the Hazardous Waste Disposal form.

In accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations, any University of Manitoba employees shipping dangerous goods must be certified for the applicable means of transportation.

EHSO offers two half-day courses in Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Ground) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (Air). Ground certification training can be offered separately, but air certification training must be offered in combination with ground training.

Please contact EHSO to be registered for the appropriate course.