Final answer:
Employers must create workplace labels for hazardous products that are not regulated by WHMIS. They must communicate chemical hazards to workers and reduce risks by improving work conditions. Employees must also follow safety instructions, especially in a laboratory setting with hazardous materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
Your employer must create workplace labels for any hazardous products that are not regulated by WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System). According to OSHA guidelines, employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace and must inform workers about chemical hazards. This can be achieved through training, labels, alarms, color-coded systems, chemical information sheets, and more. Employers must also make efforts to eliminate or reduce hazards by making changes in working conditions, using methods such as switching to safer chemicals, enclosing processes to trap harmful fumes, or employing ventilation systems to clean the air.
It is your responsibility to be aware of and follow workplace safety procedures, especially when handling hazardous materials in a laboratory setting. You must follow safety instructions for flammable chemicals and must not expose any chemical to heat unless specifically instructed. Additionally, when chemicals or reactions create harmful vapors, the use of fume hoods and other safety apparatus is vital to prevent fume inhalation. Overall, workplace safety is a collaborative effort where both employers and employees must participate actively in maintaining a hazard-free environment.