Safety & Compliance · SOP
WHMIS 2015 Chemical Decanting and Secondary Labeling
Safe transfer of hazardous chemicals from bulk shipping containers into workplace (secondary) containers, with WHMIS 2015 compliant labeling and documentation. Covers container compatibility, PPE, bonding/grounding for flammables, and mandatory label elements.
Estimated Time
45 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Regulation
WHMIS 2015 · CSA Z432
Version
1.0
Purpose
To establish a standardized, repeatable process for decanting hazardous chemicals from original shipping containers into secondary (workplace) containers while maintaining full WHMIS 2015 compliance. This procedure minimizes the risk of chemical exposure, cross-contamination, spills, and labeling violations that could lead to worker injury or regulatory penalties under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and provincial OHS codes.
Scope
This SOP applies to all personnel authorized to handle, transfer, or label hazardous chemicals in any facility governed by WHMIS 2015 (GHS alignment). It covers decanting operations for liquids, solids, and gases at ambient temperature and pressure. Excluded are: (a) compressed gas cylinders that remain under original valve protection, (b) cryogenic liquids, and (c) radioactive or biohazardous materials which require separate controlled procedures. All decants must be performed in a designated location with local exhaust ventilation or equivalent engineering control.
Safety Precautions
- Lockout/tagout any powered mixing or pumping equipment before connecting or disconnecting transfer lines. Verify zero energy state and isolate from energy sources.
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl rated per SDS Section 8), splash goggles or full face shield, chemical-resistant apron, and where vapour hazards exist — appropriate respiratory protection (NIOSH approved cartridge).
- Class I flammable liquids (flash point < 37.8 °C) require bonding cable between bulk and secondary container and grounding to a verified earth ground. Failure to bond can cause static discharge ignition.
- All decanting must occur inside a spill containment tray sized to hold 110% of the largest container volume. Keep a spill kit with absorbent pads, neutralizer, and disposal bags within arm's reach.
- Do not decant volatile or toxic chemicals in confined spaces or areas without mechanical ventilation. Air changes per hour (ACH) must meet or exceed local OHS requirements for the specific chemical class.
Required Tools & Materials
- WHMIS 2015 compliant secondary label template (pre-printed or digital)
- Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene, or butyl — verified per SDS Section 8)
- Safety goggles (indirect vent) or full face shield (polycarbonate, anti-fog)
- Chemical-resistant apron or full coverall (polyethylene or Tyvek® as appropriate)
- Approved secondary container — HDPE, glass, or stainless steel rated for chemical compatibility (see SDS Section 10)
- Funnel or pump — polypropylene, PTFE, or stainless steel; no aluminum with corrosives
- Grounding/bonding cable and clamp set (for Class I flammable liquids)
- Spill containment tray (polyethylene or steel with epoxy coating; 110% capacity)
- Spill kit (absorbent pads, loose absorbent, neutralizer, disposal bags, waste tags)
- Permanent marker (solvent-resistant, xylene-free) or label printer
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) binder or digital terminal with current SDS for the chemical
- Chemical inventory log (paper or digital database)
- Hand wash station or equivalent (soap, water, disposable towels)
Procedure: Step-by-Step
1
Verify chemical identity and SDS. Confirm the product identifier on the bulk container matches the corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Note the WHMIS 2015 hazard classification(s), signal word, and hazard statements. Verify that the original supplier label is intact and legible. If the supplier label is missing or illegible, do not proceed — quarantine the container and contact the supplier for a replacement label.
2
Don required PPE. Put on chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or neoprene rated for the specific chemical family), splash-proof safety goggles or full face shield, and a chemical-resistant apron or coverall. For volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or substances with a vapour hazard, add appropriate respiratory protection (e.g., organic vapour cartridge, NIOSH approved). Perform a PPE seal check if a respirator is worn.
3
Inspect secondary container. Select a container made of a material compatible with the chemical (refer to SDS Section 10 — Stability and Reactivity). Visually inspect for cracks, dents, or degraded seals. Confirm the container is clean and dry — no residual material from prior use. Never use food-grade or beverage containers for chemical storage, regardless of labeling.
4
Prepare decanting area and bonding. Place the bulk container and secondary container inside a spill containment tray in a well-ventilated area (local exhaust preferred). For Class I flammable liquids (flash point < 37.8 °C), attach a bonding cable between the bulk container and the secondary container, and ground both to a verified earth ground. Confirm continuity with a multimeter if available.
5
Perform the decant. Using a clean funnel or pump, slowly transfer the chemical into the secondary container. Fill to no more than 90% of container capacity to allow for thermal expansion and to prevent splash-back. Avoid free-fall of liquid; pour against the inner wall of the container. Stop immediately if any spill or splash occurs. If using a pump, ensure it is rated for the chemical and does not introduce contamination.
6
Apply the WHMIS 2015 secondary label. Affix a durable, legible label to the secondary container. The label must include: (a) product identifier — exact chemical name or trade name, (b) hazard pictogram(s) — black symbol on white diamond with red border, (c) signal word — "Danger" or "Warning", (d) hazard statement(s), (e) precautionary statement(s), and (f) supplier identifier. The label must be in English and French. Do not deface, remove, or alter the original supplier label on the bulk container.
7
Inspect and secure the decant area. Wipe down the external surfaces of both containers with a compatible solvent or water (per SDS). Check the secondary container for any leaks, drips, or residue. Place the secondary container in its designated storage location (flammable cabinet, corrosive cabinet, etc.). Remove PPE carefully — gloves off last — and dispose of or clean reusable PPE per the SDS. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
8
Update inventory and log. Record the decant in the chemical inventory log: date, chemical name, lot number (if available), volume transferred, destination container ID, and operator name. Verify the SDS is accessible in the master binder or digital system. If any deviation from this procedure occurred, document a non-conformance report and flag for review by the safety supervisor.