The W.H.M.I.S. symbols tell you the kind of hazard in the container the W.H.M.I.S. symbol is on. You should be able to recognize each of these symbols and know what they mean. For more information and an online handbook, visit W.H.M.I.S. Online.

	CLASS A - COMPRESSED GASES
	CLASS B - FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS Division 1 - Flammable Gas Division 2 - Flammable Liquid Division 3 - Combustable Liquid Division 4 - Flammable Solid Division 5 - Flammable Aerosol Division 6 - Reative Flammable Material
	CLASS C - OXIDIZING MATERIALS
	CLASS D - POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIALS Division 1 - Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects Subdivision A - Very Toxic Materials Subdivision B - Toxic Materials
	Division 2 - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects Subdivision A - Very Toxic Materials Subdivision B - Toxic Materials
	Division 3 - Biohazardous Infectious Materials
	CLASS E - CORROSIVE MATERIALS
	CLASS F - DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE MATERIALS

    Employers must keep Material Safety Data Sheets for any hazardous material used in the workplace and must place them where workers like you can find and read them. A M.S.D.S. tells you about the hazards of a material, how to use the material safely and what to do if there is an emergency.

    When you read a M.S.D.S., look for answers to these questions:

Do you have the right M.S.D.S. for the material you're working with?

Is the M.S.D.S. up-to-date? (If it's more than 3 years old, it's out-of-date).

What is (are) the material's hazard(s)?

- Can the material burn or explode?
- Is the material an unstable chemical? What conditions make it unstable?
- Is the chemical reactive with other chemicals? Which ones? What happens if they get mixed?

How can the material harm you?

- What happens if you breathe the material or get it on your skin?
- What kind of injury or illness can the material cause?

Do you need protective equipment when handling or using the material? What equipment? Where do you find it? Do you know how to use it?

Are there any special handling precautions?

What are the emergency procedures for an accident, for instance, if the material burns, explodes, spills or leaks?

What emergency equipment is required and where is that equipment located?

Physical Hazards:

- Cuts/punctures
- Burns/scalds
- Slips and falls
- Ladders
- Material handling equipment
- Elevated work platforms
- Machines and tools
- Electrical hazards
- Falling from heights
- Back injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Heat stress

Chemical Hazards:

- All types of chemical products that may be used at work.

Biological Hazards:

- The risk from exposure to certain micro organisms.

Confined Space Hazards:

- Any workplace where there is a risk of loss of breathable air, or of breathing toxic substances.

Other Hazards:

- Indoor air quality
- Working alone
- Violence in the workplace
- Fire

If you're interested in getting a job, do some research. Visit your local library. Read the paper. Ask people you know. You're bound to find something that interests you.

Be sure to talk to your parents if you decide you want to work. They can offer advice and help you plan your time accordingly. In Alberta, if you are between the ages of 12 and 14, you'll need written consent from a parent or guardian before you can begin working.

When you do find a job, it's a good idea to have your parents look into the company's history to make sure it's a reputable business.

As a younger worker, you need to be aware of the laws that affect you. For example, did you know that if you're between the ages of 12 and 14, by law you cannot work after 9 p.m.?

Before accepting a position, make sure the salary you will be earning is at least minimum wage. In Alberta, all workers, regardless of age, are entitled to the same minimum wage.

Know your rights when it comes to overtime, holiday pay, termination of employment, etc.

Be aware of the restrictions there are on younger workers working alone. According to Alberta's Employment Standards Code, if you are between the ages of 15 and 17, you can work alone until 9 p.m. After 9 p.m., someone at least 18 years of age must be present.

Don't be afraid to ask your boss questions. If you feel uncomfortable talking to your employer about concerns you have about the job, perhaps you should consider moving on.

If you feel unsafe at any time while you are working, talk to your employer and your parents immediately! You may also want to consider reporting any unsafe conditions to the provincial government's Workplace Health and Safety department. Any information you provide will be kept confidential.

Don't let your job interfere with your schoolwork or time with your family and friends. A job is only one part of your life and you shouldn't let it to control you. Remember, you're only young once so enjoy it!

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