WHMIS PICTOGRAMS AND LABELS
WHMIS LABELS
Signal Word: This indicates the severity of the hazard. WARNING is used for less severe hazards. DANGER is used for severe hazards.
Pictogram: This is a graphic image that immediately shows you what type of hazard a product presents. It’s a black symbol on a white background with a red diamond border.
Hazard Statement: These brief standardized statements of all hazards based on the hazard classification of the product.
Precautionary Statement: These statements describe recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from exposure to the product, including protective equipment and emergency measures.
Supplier Label
- Product identifier
- Hazard Pictograms
- Signal words
- Hazard Statements
- Precautionary Statement
- Supplier identity
Workplace Label
- Product Identifier
- Hazard Pictograms (Optional)
- Precautionary Statements
- Reference to SDS (if available)
KNOW THE SYMBOLS
HOW TO USE SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s) are designed to inform employees about the hazards for specific products and how to protects themselves from those hazards.
SDS REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWS A STANDARD 16-SECTION FORMAT
- Identification
- Hazard identification
- Composition/information on ingredients
- First aid measures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Accidental release measures
- Handling and storage
- Exposure controls/personal protection
- Physical and chemical properties
- Stability and reactivity
- Toxicology information
- Ecological information
- Disposal considerations
- Transport information
- Regulatory information
- Other information
Every product that is classified as a “hazardous product” under WHMIS that is intended for use, handling or storage in a workplace in Canada must have an SDS.
HANDLING HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS
- Before using a hazardous product for the first time, read the product label and its SDS.
- Do not use a product or chemical if you do not understand the SDS.
- Do not use a product if it does not have a label.
- Ensure you are aware of the symptoms of exposure for the product.
- Ensure you are always wearing proper PPE for the product you are working with.
- Never mix products or chemicals, unless specified on the SDS to do so (i.e. dilute with water).
- In the event of a spill – refer to Section 6 of the SDS for proper clean-up and handling instructions.
- If exposed through any of the routes of entry (i.e. inhalation, absorption, ingestion) – refer to section 4 First Aid measures on the SDS to determine proper treatment measures.
SDS’s are only required to be updated within 90 days of the supplier being aware of the new information. Employers are required to make sure that all hazardous products have an up to date SDS when it enters the workplace. Updated SDS must be readily available to the workers who are exposed to the hazardous product.
