WHMIS Symbols and Labels - Module 3

• Module 3 is about WHMIS Symbols and Labels

Learning Objectives

• To understand the purpose of using labels
• To identify the different types of labels
• To understand employer and worker responsibilities for labeling
• To recognize an acceptable supplier label format
• To comprehend situations allowing alternative identification methods

Overview of Label Types

• Under WHMIS 2015, all hazardous products in the workplace must be labelled
• Labels are the alert for major product hazards and outline basic safety precautions
• Main types of WHMIS labels: Supplier and workplace labels
• Other acceptable identification includes warning signs, color codes and placards

Supplier Labels

• These labels are provided by the supplier for each hazardous product
• They appear on all hazardous products received at a Canadian workplace
• Most supplier labels have six information types; rarely, seven
• Written information must be in both English and French
• Supplier labels may be bilingual, or available as separate English and French labels

Required Information on WHMIS 2015 Supplier Labels

• Product identifier: brand, chemical, common, generic, or trade name
• Initial supplier identifier: name, address, and phone number of the Canadian manufacturer or importer
• Pictogram(s): hazard symbols in a red, diamond-shaped border
• Signal word: alerts to potential hazard and its severity; "Danger" for high-risk, "Warning" for less severe
• Hazard statement(s): standardized phrases describing the type and severity of hazard(s); for example, "Extremely flammable gas," "Fatal if inhaled," and "May cause cancer"
• Precautionary statement(s): how to reduce or prevent harmful effects from exposure to or improper handling/storage; for example, “Keep container tightly closed,” “Wear eye protection,” and “If exposed or concerned: Get medical attention."

Supplemental Label Information

• Supplier labels may include details about precautionary actions, hazards not in GHS, physical state, and exposure route
• Included if a toxic mixture has an ingredient with unknown acute toxicity, or the product reacts with water to produce an acutely toxic gas

Format

• No specific format exists, but pictograms, signal words, and hazard statements must be grouped
• Supplier label criteria:
• Clearly and prominently displayed
• Easy to read without aids, except corrective glasses
• Contrasted with other product information
• Bilingual (one or two labels)
• Employers replace supplier labels if damaged, unreadable, or removed
• Labels must be updated within 180 days of the supplier knowing of new information

Workplace Labels

• Provide this hazardous product information:
• Product identifier
• Safe handling information
• A reference to the SDS
• May include pictograms or other supplier label information
• Employers must supply labels, ensuring readability and replacement if damaged

Workplace Label Circumstances

• A workplace label is needed when:
• A product is made and used in the workplace
• A product is transferred to another container
• A supplier label goes missing or is unreadable

When Workplace Labels Aren't Needed

• If a hazardous product gets decanted from a labeled container into another and:
• Product only under control of one person
• The product's names is marked
• All products will be used during the same shift
• Workplace label not needed when you'll use the decanted product immediately and completely

Other Identification Methods

• A WHMIS label can be a mark, sign, stamp, sticker, seal, ticket, tag, or wrapper that is attached, imprinted, stenciled, or embossed
• Employer must provide training to identify these alternative systems
• Other systems are used in bulk shipments (labelling exemption for products sold without packaging), small capacity containers (100 mL or less: no precautionary or hazard statements; 3 mL or less: durable and readable but removable), piping systems/vessels (labels, placards, colour coding), and laboratory samples (modified supplier labels).

Hazardous Product Usage: Worker Responsibilities

• Check for a label before use
• Read, understand, and follow label and SDS instructions, along with employer education/training
• Ask supervisor about proper use/storage
• Request a new label if the original is illegible
• Do not use unlabelled or unreadable products; ask your supervisor for a replacement