WHMIS Symbols: Complete Guide to WHMIS Pictograms, Meanings & Workplace Safety

Many employees in Canada work with hazardous chemicals every day in places such as construction sites, warehouses, hospitals, laboratories, and factories. Understanding WHMIS symbols is important because they help workers identify potential hazards and handle these products safely.

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada's national hazard communication system. It uses standardized symbols, labels, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to help workers understand the risks of hazardous products and follow the right safety precautions. Knowing what WHMIS symbols mean is an important part of maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

What Are WHMIS Symbols?

The WHMIS symbols, alternatively referred to as WHMIS pictograms, are internationally accepted symbols of hazards that are utilized to identify any hazards associated with hazardous materials. Different pictograms are allocated to the various categories of hazards. This makes it easy for individuals to know the hazard.

Instead of simply using warning messages in writing, the standardized images convey critical safety information instantly. This is particularly useful in workplace environments that are busy and in which the quick identification of hazards helps maintain safe working practices.

WHMIS symbols are found on:

• Workplace chemical containers

• Supplier labels

• Workplace labels

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Safety signage and training materials

Learning about these WHMIS signs will allow workers to determine what PPE is needed, how to handle materials safely, and what safety measures are required when handling hazardous materials.

Why Are WHMIS Symbols Important in Canadian Workplaces?

WHMIS plays a vital role in helping workplaces in Canada communicate chemical hazards consistently and effectively.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Quickly identifying hazardous products

• Supporting safe storage and handling practices

• Helping workers understand potential health and physical hazards

• Encouraging proper use of PPE

• Supporting workplace safety training

• Assisting employers in meeting Canadian workplace safety requirements

Although WHMIS greatly improves hazard communication, symbols should always be used alongside product labels and Safety Data Sheets for complete hazard information.

Complete Guide to WHMIS Symbols and Meanings

The official pictograms of WHMIS that are used in Canada are listed below along with their meanings.

Health Hazard Symbol

The health hazard symbol shows a person’s silhouette with a starburst placed in his/her chest area.

This pictogram identifies products that may cause serious or long-term health effects.

It may indicate hazards such as:

• Respiratory sensitization

• Carcinogenicity (cancer hazard)

• Reproductive toxicity

• Germ cell mutagenicity

• Specific target organ toxicity

• Aspiration hazard

Products displaying this symbol should always be handled according to the instructions provided on the label and Safety Data Sheet.

Flame Symbol

The flame pictogram warns that a product can easily ignite.

It is commonly used for:

• Flammable liquids

• Flammable gases

• Flammable solids

• Self-reactive substances

• Pyrophoric materials

• Organic peroxides

These products should be stored away from heat, sparks, and open flames.

Flame Over Circle Symbol

This symbol represents oxidizing materials.

Although oxidizers may not burn themselves, they can significantly increase the intensity of a fire by supplying oxygen.

Proper storage away from combustible materials is essential.

Gas Cylinder Symbol

The gas cylinder pictogram identifies gases stored under pressure.

Examples include:

• Compressed gases

• Liquefied gases

• Refrigerated liquefied gases

• Dissolved gases

Improper storage or damage to gas cylinders can create serious safety hazards.

Corrosion Symbol

The corrosion symbol warns that a product can damage metals and cause severe skin burns or eye injuries.

Workers handling corrosive products should wear appropriate gloves, eye protection, and other recommended PPE.

Exploding Bomb Symbol

This symbol identifies materials that may explode or react violently under certain conditions.

It applies to products such as:

• Self-reactive substances

• Organic peroxides

• Certain explosive materials

These products require careful storage, transportation, and handling.

Skull and Crossbones Symbol

This is one of the most recognizable harmful symbols used in WHMIS.

It indicates products that may cause severe toxic effects after short-term exposure.

Exposure may occur through:

• Inhalation

• Swallowing

• Skin contact

Products carrying this pictogram require strict adherence to workplace safety procedures.

Exclamation Mark Symbol

The exclamation mark indicates products that may cause less severe but still important health hazards.

It may represent:

• Skin irritation

• Eye irritation

• Skin sensitization

• Harmful effects if swallowed

• Respiratory tract irritation

• Drowsiness or dizziness

Although generally considered less severe than the skull and crossbones symbol, these hazards should never be ignored.

Environment Symbol (Supplementary)

The environmental pictogram identifies products that may pose hazards to aquatic environments.

Although it is not mandatory under WHMIS requirements, suppliers may include it when environmental hazards are present.

Workers should follow proper disposal procedures to help minimize environmental impact.

Understanding WHMIS Labels

In addition to pictograms, WHMIS labels provide detailed information that helps workers safely identify and use hazardous products.

A supplier label typically includes:

• Product identifier

• Hazard pictograms

• Signal word (Danger or Warning)

• Hazard statements

• Precautionary statements

• Supplier information

If a product is transferred into another container within the workplace, a workplace label may also be required.

Workers should always read the entire label before using any hazardous product.

WHMIS Symbols vs. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

WHMIS symbols provide an immediate visual warning, but they are only one part of Canada’s hazard communication system.

Safety Data Sheets provide additional information, including:

• Product ingredients

• Safe handling instructions

• Storage recommendations

• First aid measures

• Fire-fighting information

• Spill response procedures

• Disposal considerations

It is recommended that the employees get acquainted with the WHMIS labels and SDS forms prior to using hazardous substances.

Best Practices for Working with Hazardous Products

Understanding WHMIS symbols and meanings is only the first step toward workplace safety.

Workers should also:

• Read labels before every use.

• Review the Safety Data Sheet when needed.

• Wear recommended personal protective equipment.

• Store hazardous products according to instructions.

• Never remove or cover product labels.

• Report damaged containers or missing labels immediately.

• Participate in workplace WHMIS training.

• Follow employer safety procedures at all times.

These practices help reduce workplace risks and support a stronger safety culture.

How First Aid Plus Supports Workplace Safety

While understanding WHMIS symbols is essential, workplaces also benefit from having the right emergency preparedness supplies readily available.

Depending on your workplace needs, helpful resources may include:

• Workplace first aid kits

• Eye wash stations

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Spill response supplies

• Safety signs

• First aid training resources

These products and educational resources can complement a workplace’s overall health and safety program while supporting compliance with Canadian workplace requirements.

Conclusion

The knowledge of WHMIS symbols is one of the key things that are required for a safe working environment in Canada. This standard WHMIS pictogram is a simple yet very useful tool for recognizing the dangers of certain materials.

Understanding the meanings of the icons and what WHMIS labels imply will assist the employees in making their own decisions concerning hazardous materials. If you are new to WHMIS or simply need an update on WHMIS in the workplace, then this will certainly improve your safety at work.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are WHMIS symbols?

The WHMIS symbols are standard hazard symbols used in Canada for indicating that any product poses a possible risk in the work environment with health and physical risks associated with them.

2. How many WHMIS pictograms are used in Canada?

There are various types of WHMIS pictograms in Canada as per the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Each type of pictogram represents a particular type of hazard such as flammable, toxic, corrosive, or health hazards.

3. What does the health hazard symbol mean?

Health hazard symbol is used for chemicals which have potential to cause serious health problems such as respiratory sensitizer, reproductive toxicant and specific target organ toxicity.

4. Where can I find WHMIS symbols?

Symbols of WHMIS can be found on supplier labels, workplace labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical containers, and safety information in workplaces.

5. Why are WHMIS pictograms important?

WHMIS symbols enable workers to identify hazards easily, choose suitable safety measures, and avoid accidents at work premises caused by hazardous substances.

6. Are WHMIS symbols required in all Canadian workplaces?

WHMIS standards will be needed in a number of Canadian work places that deal with hazardous substances. The employers will normally be responsible for making sure that the products are properly labeled and that employees have been trained according to occupational safety regulations.

7. Do WHMIS symbols replace Safety Data Sheets?

Not really. Although the symbols from WHMIS are meant to be used as an easy guide, the employee should still take time to examine the label of the substance and its Safety Data Sheet.