WHMIS Labels: Do You Know What They Mean?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labels are a key part of keeping Canadian workplaces safe. Whether you work in food service, warehousing, manufacturing or healthcare, knowing how to read and understand WHMIS labels is essential to staying compliant and protecting yourself and others.
What Are WHMIS Labels?
WHMIS is Canada’s national communication standard for hazardous workplace products. The system ensures that all workers, supervisors, and employers receive consistent, clear information about chemical hazards through three core elements:
- WHMIS labels
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Worker certification and workplace training
WHMIS labels are placed directly on hazardous products and provide essential information about the type of hazard, how to handle the product safely, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Why WHMIS Labels Are Essential for Workplace Safety
WHMIS labels act as the first warning sign that a product may be dangerous. They help workers:
- Identify hazardous materials at a glance
- Follow correct storage and handling procedures
- Respond quickly and correctly to leaks, spills or exposures
For example, a cleaner stored in an unlabelled container could easily be mistaken for something harmless. If it's corrosive, it could cause burns to the skin or eyes. WHMIS labels reduce the risk of these types of accidents.
How Many Types of WHMIS Labels Are There?
There are two primary types of WHMIS labels used in Canadian workplaces:
|
Label Type |
Description |
Applied By |
|
Supplier Label |
Required on all hazardous products sold or imported into Canada for workplace use. Must include hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements. |
The product supplier or manufacturer |
|
Workplace Label |
Used when a product is transferred to another container, produced in-house, or when a supplier label is missing or unreadable. |
The employer or supervisor |
These two label types work together to ensure that hazardous materials are always properly identified, regardless of how they are received or used.
Understanding Supplier Labels in WHMIS
Supplier labels are mandatory and must appear on all hazardous products before they enter a workplace. A valid supplier label must include:
- Product identifier (name of the product)
- Supplier identifier (manufacturer or distributor contact information)
- Hazard pictograms
- Signal word (e.g. Danger or Warning)
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
Labels must be in both English and French and should be legible, durable, and securely affixed to the product.
When and Why to Use Workplace WHMIS Labels
Workplace labels are used when:
- A hazardous product is decanted into a new container
- A product is made or mixed on-site
- The supplier label becomes illegible or falls off
Workplace labels are not as detailed as supplier labels but must still include:
- Product name
- Safe handling information
- A statement that an SDS is available
Employers are responsible for ensuring that workplace labels follow WHMIS standards and are correctly applied.
WHMIS Pictograms: What Do They Mean?
Pictograms are graphical symbols on WHMIS labels that quickly communicate the type of hazard. Here are the most common pictograms and what they mean:
Do You Need WHMIS Certification in Canada?
Whether you’re starting a new job or updating your credentials, WHMIS Certification is a vital part of workplace safety - and a legal requirement for some job roles in Canada. It ensures you understand how to identify hazardous materials, read labels, and use Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) correctly - all essential skills for protecting yourself and others on the job.
Get Certified Online with Userve
The Userve WHMIS Certification Course makes it easy to meet your training requirements. You’ll enjoy:
- 100% online access - learn at your own pace, from anywhere
- Mobile-friendly lessons - perfect for phones, tablets or computers
- Step-by-step guidance on WHMIS labels, SDSs and safe work practices
- A printable certificate instantly available upon completion
Free WHMIS Course Trial
WHMIS certification is a legal requirement for many roles across Canada - but you don’t need to pay upfront to begin. Userve’s free trial lets you start your WHMIS training with no financial commitment.
You’ll cover:
- An introduction to WHMIS laws and worker responsibilities
- WHMIS labels, symbols and pictograms
- How to read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Hazard classification: groups, classes and categories
- Key protection measures and workplace safety best practices
Start your WHMIS Certification today and gain the confidence to handle hazardous materials safely.
