WHMIS Symbols Summary

WHMIS Symbols

• WHMIS Definition: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. These symbols standardize the labeling of dangerous materials in workplaces, including schools.
• Importance: Pay attention to warning symbols on products or materials handled.
• Categories:
  • P = Physical Hazard
  • H = Health Hazard
  • E = Environmental Hazard

WHMIS Symbol Descriptions:

• Gas Cylinder (P):
  • Hazard: Explosion hazard when exposed to high pressure, heat, or when dropped.
  • Examples: Oxygen tank, Propane tank, Fire extinguisher
• Flame (P):
  • Hazard: Catches fire easily, emits toxic fumes
  • Examples: Gasoline, Acetone, Kerosene
• Corrosion (P and H):
  • Hazard: Highly acidic/basic substance that corrodes containers and damages eyes/tissue.
  • Example: Hydrochloric acid
• Exclamation Mark (H):
  • Hazard: Less serious health effects such as irritation, skin sensitivity, and acute toxicity. May be hazardous to the ozone layer (long-term exposure).
  • Examples: Paint fumes, Mg in fish, cigarette smoke
• Skull and Crossbones (H):
  • Hazard: Short-term exposure can cause severe illness or death (within 24 hours).
  • Example: Cyanide (used in WWII), causes a heart attack and death.
• Flame Over Circle (P):
  • Hazard: Materials can cause explosions or fires if they contact wood, fuels, or anything that can burn (oxidizing).
  • Example: Hydrogen peroxide.
• Exploding Bomb (P):
  • Hazard: Materials might react violently, causing an explosion and producing toxic gases when exposed to light, heat, vibrations, or extreme temperatures.
  • Example: TNT
• Health Hazard (H):
  • Hazard: Health is compromised upon contact with chemical.
  • Examples: Carbon monoxide, Toluene
• Environmental Hazard (E):
  • Hazard: Can cause damage to the aquatic environment.
  • Examples: Ammonia
• Biohazardous Infectious Material (H):
  • Hazard: May cause infectious disease or serious illness in people or animals.
  • Examples: Contaminated Needles, Needles containing dangerous microorganisms (virus, bacteria)

WHMIS Symbols - Practice

Matching pictures with their correct name and hazard type:

1. G, 3
2. D, 2
3. C, 1
4. B, 2 & 3
5. I, 2
6. F, 3
7. H, 3
8. E, 3
9. A, 2
10. J, 2

NAMES:
A. Biohazard
B. Corrosion
C. Environment
D. Exclamation mark
E. Exploding bomb
F. Flame
G. Flame over circle
H. Gas cylinder
I. Health hazard
J. Skull and crossbones

HAZARD TYPES:

1. environmental hazard
2. health hazard
3. physical hazard