Hazardous Materials

Humber is committed to ensuring that chemicals and other hazardous materials on our properties are managed in a safe and controlled manner and in compliance with all relevant legislation. This section outlines how Health and Safety Services helps the College achieve this goal.

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Health and Safety Services works with the various schools and departments within Humber to implement Humber’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) program. Program components include:

WHMIS Training - Humber Health and Safety Services provides in-class and online WHMIS training sessions for employees. General training is followed up by site-specific training with the supervisor. Contact Health and Safety Services for more information.
Humber MSDSonline - Humber maintains an electronic Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management system which allows employees to easily an SDS and to access up-to-date chemical safety information about the products they use at work. For detailed instructions, refer to the MSDSonline Quick Reference.
Local SDS Coordinators - Humber appoints Local SDS Coordinators who are responsible for ensuring employees working in their area have access to the safety data sheets they need. The Local SDS Coordinator keeps MSDSonline up-to-date for the location and may also make printed SDSs available if there are employees who do not have access to MSDSonline while they work.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Health and Safety Services manages hazardous waste disposal for the College. All chemical and hazardous waste disposal must be arranged through Health and Safety Services to ensure compliance with strict Ministry of Environment and Transportation of Dangerous Goods legislative requirements. This type of waste includes, but is not limited to, chemical wastes generated from laboratory experiments, unwanted/outdated chemical products, waste oil and fuels, surplus paints, compressed gases, batteries, mercury containing devices, sharps and biohazardous wastes. For more information refer to Humber’s Hazardous Waste Disposal Procedure or contact Health and Safety Services directly.

Hazardous Materials Spill Response

Hazardous materials spill response is coordinated by Health and Safety Services, with significant roles played by Public Safety and Facilities Management.

Users may clean-up a simple spill that does not endanger people or the environment, if they are trained to do so.

In the case of a major spill, employees should leave the area, call 911 and contact Public Safety at extension 4000. Account for all individuals. Public Safety will assist emergency responders and evacuate buildings as required. Facilities Management will control building and ventilation systems. Health and Safety will contact the Ministry of Environment if required, arrange for emergency clean-up of the area by a licensed contractor, and ensure regulatory compliance.

For further direction, please refer to Public Safety's Hazardous Materials Incident website.

All hazardous materials spills are to be reported immediately in accordance with Humber’s Hazardous Materials Spill Procedure. Contact Health and Safety Services for more information on handling hazardous materials spills.