HOW TO READ A WHMIS SAFETY DATA SHEET
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305-BST-01-IMDO © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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SECTION 8: EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL
PROTECTION
This section describes the exposure limits, measures, hygiene practices
and personal protective equipment, required to minimize or reduce worker
exposure to the hazardous product.
8.1 Control Parameters
Chemical
Name
Ontario ACGIH® TLV® (2024) OSHA PEL
TWA STEL TWA STEL TWA STEL
Methanol
CAS
Number:
67-56-1
200 ppm
Substance
may be
absorbed
through
intact skin
250 ppm
Substance
may be
absorbed
through
intact skin
200 ppm
Substance
may be
absorbed
through
intact skin
250 ppm
Substance
may be
absorbed
through
intact skin
200 ppm N/A
Methanoic
Acid
CAS
Number:
64-18-6
5 ppm 10 ppm 5 ppm N/A 5 ppm N/A
The information within this table shows the various airborne Occupational
Exposure Limits (OELs) for each of the ingredients found within the
hazardous product. When we exceed the OEL, it is likely the "average"
worker will experience health effects and symptoms.
OELs are subject to change (when new scientific data or legislative
requirements become available). It is important to verify the OELs within
this section match current legislative requirements. Current Ontario OELs
can be found here.
As an example, the OELs for Methanol indicate the following (for Ontario):
– Time Weighted Average (TWA): 200 ppm is the maximum average
airborne concentration of Methanol to which a worker may be exposed
to in an 8 hour work day (40 hour work week).
– Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL): 250 ppm is the the maximum average
airborne concentration of Methanol to which a worker may be exposed
to in i) any 15-minute period; ii) no more than four times during an 8 hour
work shift; and iii) with at least one hour between exposures.
– There is also a Skin notation in the last column. Reg. 833 requires that
if the listing for an agent in the Ontario Table or in the ACGIH Table
includes the notation "Skin" and the agent is present at the workplace,
the employer shall take all measures reasonably necessary in the
circumstances to protect workers from skin absorption of the agent.
8.2 Appropriate Engineering Controls
Use process control enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, and
other engineering controls to keep airborne concentrations
below exposure limits.
Protect against static discharge. Bond and ground
equipment, containers and receiving vessels/containers.
Use only with intrinsically safe, spark-proof, and explosion-
proof equipment or tools.
Engineering Controls are used to isolate people from the hazard. They
include methods that are built into the design of a facility, equipment or
process to minimize exposure risk. These controls serve as the first line of
defense, aiming to reduce or eliminate potential exposure. The controls
indicated in this example aim to control against inhalation, fire, and
explosion scenarios.
