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.

For more information or help with an assessment, contact EHSO.

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 safety lab permits, and spill and emergency response.

The responsible disposal of hazardous waste protects human health and the environment, as well as building infrastructure. 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 on UM Intranet. Please contact EHSO if you have any questions. 

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.