Take some time to explore the WHMIS pictograms and the expanded descriptions of classes and categories associated with the symbols. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety is a central reference point for information about health and safety legislation and practice in Canada. Feel free to explore the website further if you are looking for more information.
It’s important to note that any chemical you may come in contact with in your future studies or employment has been classified according to WHMIS. Look for a WHMIS label and understand the need to take time to read the safety information. Using this knowledge, you should always proceed with the necessary caution.
The following pictograms will be associated with hazard classes and categories. Select each one to learn more.
(for corrosive damage to metals as well as skin, eyes)
(can cause death or toxicity with short exposure to small amounts)
(may cause or suspected of causing serious health effects)
(may cause less serious health effects or damage the ozone layer)
(for organisms or toxins that can cause diseases in people or animals)
(may cause damage to the aquatic environment)
Now, please try this matching game to see if you can remember the hazard that each pictogram/symbol represents. FIRST, select a pictogram. NEXT, select the hazard description that matches. If it is an incorrect match, keep trying until you get the correct match.
All manufacturers, distributors and importers of chemical products sold to Canadian consumers must assess the risks of each product they sell, then display hazard symbols, warning statements, instructions and first-aid treatment on their products’ containers.
Labels must be in English and French. They may be bilingual (as one label), or be presented as two labels (one each in English and French).
Parts of a Product label:
Labels will require the following:
Select the button to see the example of labels and complete a quiz.
Select the area of the product label best described by the each of the following statements:
Statement: 1/5
This part is short and, contains standardized sentences that provide information about the exact hazard of the product.
Well done! Hazard statements are short, standardized sentences that provide information about the exact hazard of the product. For example, “Fatal if swallowed.” A product that “may cause” is more hazardous than one that “is suspected of causing.”
Not quite. Let’s take a look at that again. Hazard statements are short, standardized sentences that provide information about the exact hazard of the product. For example, “Fatal if swallowed.” A product that “may cause” is more hazardous than one that “is suspected of causing.” Try again!
The correct answer is displayed. Hazard statements are short, standardized sentences that provide information about the exact hazard of the product. For example, “Fatal if swallowed.” A product that “may cause” is more hazardous than one that “is suspected of causing.”
Select the area of the product label best described by the each of the following statements:
Statement: 2/5
It is the common/brand/chemical name of the product.
You’re right! The product identifier is the common/brand/chemical name of the product.
That was a great attempt. Let’s take a minute to review your thinking. The product identifier is the common/brand/chemical name of the product.
The correct answer is displayed. The product identifier is the common/brand/chemical name of the product.
Select the area of the product label best described by the each of the following statements:
Statement: 3/5
A signal word that alerts you to the product’s degree or level of hazard.
Great job! A signal word alerts you to the product’s degree or level of hazard. Only two signal words are used: "Danger" or "Warning"; A “Danger” hazard is more severe than one marked “Warning.”
This is a tough question. Consider the following: A signal word alerts you to the product’s degree or level of hazard. Only two signal words used: "Danger" or "Warning"; a “Danger” hazard is more severe than one marked “Warning.”
The correct answer is displayed. A signal word alerts you to the product’s degree or level of hazard. Only two signal words used: "Danger" or "Warning"; A “Danger” hazard is more severe than one marked “Warning.”
Select the area of the product label best described by the each of the following statements:
Statement: 4/5
It is a graphic representation of the hazard posed by the product.
Well done! You’re making great progress. The pictogram is a graphic representation of the hazard posed by the product.
Almost. You’re making significant progress, so keep trying. The pictogram is a graphic representation of the hazard posed by the product.
The correct answer is displayed. The pictogram is a graphic representation of the hazard posed by the product.
Select the area of the product label best described by the each of the following statements:
Statement: 5/5
This part tells you how to minimize and/or prevent hazards associated with the product.
That’s correct! A precautionary statement tells you how to minimize and/or prevent hazards associated with the product. Instructions about storage, handling, first aid, personal protection and emergency protocol may be outlined. For example, “Wear eye protection”.
Not quite. Let’s take a look at that again. A precautionary statement tells you how to minimize and/or prevent hazards associated with the product. Instructions about storage, handling, first aid, personal protection and emergency protocol may be outlined. For example, “Wear eye protection”.
The correct answer is displayed. A precautionary statement tells you how to minimize and/or prevent hazards associated with the product. Instructions about storage, handling, first aid, personal protection and emergency protocol may be outlined. For example, “Wear eye protection”.
How much do you know about Lab Safety and WHMIS? Play this Jeopardy game to make sure that you are an expert in these concepts. Your goal is to score a minimum of 250 points by answering at least five questions. You must obtain 250 points to move forward.
Steps