WHMIS and MSDS: Why do we need to read the label and be aware of the contents?

Do you know that inappropriately using and handling household cleaning materials can place you and your family’s health at risk? Sometimes, we recklessly use chemical cleaners and various products that we use to clean and disinfect our homes that we forget to read labels and important precautions. This practice can ultimately lead to health problems as well as ineffective product cleaning or disinfecting performance.

The WHMIS or the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (is Canada’s national workplace hazard communication standard)  and the MSDS or the Material Safety Data Sheet formulated by different governing bodies as well as enforced by different ministries or departments in various countries, have become the world standard in safety of handling and using materials. There are so many harmful chemicals and ingredients contained in ordinary home chemical cleaners that regular homeowners do not know about which is why it is always safe practice to read product labels and product use information.

Why do we need to read the labels of products and get acquainted with its contents? Here are several important reasons why:

1. There are some chemicals that are main ingredients in common household cleaners that are considered safe to use on its own but may be very toxic when combined with other ordinary cleaners. The absolute myth that home cleaners can be more effective when combined with other cleaners can bring disastrous results. Labels must be large enough to be read with the warnings clearly visible on every side of the product pertaining to the disastrous effects of mixing 2 chemical cleaners together.
2. Smelling chemical cleaners, which is the common practice of most users to determine the type of chemical and the fragrance that it will emit can cause serious inhalation injury. Gas or fumes that chemicals emit like swimming pool cleaners, tile cleaners, grout cleaners and floor cleaners may not only irritate the nose and mouth but may also lead to severe injury of the mucus membranes, loss of consciousness and even death.Avoid smelling chemical cleaners and if you must handle these products to wear safety equipment like masks, gloves and goggles to prevent accidents. When using these chemicals, always open any ventilation system, door or window in the area you are working on.
3. Mixing one cleaner with another can be very hazardous not only to your health but will also harm the protective layers of tiles, bathroom fixtures and porcelain. Remember never to combine abrasive cleaning powder that has chlorine bleach as active ingredients with toilet bowl cleaners, lye, ammonia, vinegar and different types of cleaners. Read the labels of cleaners before using them and always follow manufacturer’s instruction when using the product.
4. It is important to read labels and be aware of chemical contents. Do not alter measurements; when instructed to combine with a specific amount of water, do not make alterations. If the chemical cleaner comes with a measuring device like a cup, spoon or a ladle, use these every single time you use the product.
5. You need to read and understand the contents of different products so you will know exactly how it will be stored. It is not enough to assume that chemicals may be stored together under the sink or in a cabinet. Each cleaning product has its own storage instructions which must be followed accordingly.Regardless of any type of chemical, do not store in overhead cabinets or on high shelves. Aside from the dangers of falling, warm air rises and can cause the chemical to react. Place opened and unopened containers in cool, dry cabinets that have a lock and key.
6. Never take for granted MSDS warnings on chemical cleaners and other products that you use around the house and in your garage like floor cleaners, waxes, furniture polishes and more. Read and understand labels carefully plus check out the WHMIS or the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System online to keep yourself updated on all the chemicals that you use or come in contact with at home or in the workplace. Ensuring that you understand the way chemicals are handled and used will significantly reduce the possibilities of fatal accidents and health conditions in the workplace and in your home.
7. If you are dealing with strong chemical solutions, always protect yourself by wearing PPE or personal protective equipment such as gloves, mask, eye protection, foot protection and ladder if necessary.

Note: If a chemical splash in your eye, you can wash your eye with cold water for 15-20 minutes after that go to nearest clinic or hospital for further treatment or Call 911.