The WHMIS 2015 Pictograms

The new regulations for hazardous substances have been introduced in Canada since February 11, 2015. As you may be aware, employers have a duty to comply with WHMIS 2015 by December 1, 2018. Knowing that all workers will have to work under the new regulations, Maerix prepared you a reminder concerning the new pictograms which are now universally accepted symbols. What is important to know is that a pictogram is a graphic image that allows workers to immediately identify the hazards of a hazardous substance, whether it is flammable or dangerous to health. A WHMIS 2015 symbol is assigned to a class of hazards or one of the ten specific categories.

1- Exploding Bomb
This pictogram represents a product for which there is a risk of explosion or reactivity. It is used for self-reactive substances and organic peroxides which may result in a physical hazard. Previously, this class was called Dangerously Reactive Materials and is associated with F class.

2- Flame
This pictogram is used for hazardous materials presenting a fire hazard and is part of the physical risks. It is used for flammable, self-reactive, pyrophoric, self-heating materials, which emit flammable gases, organic peroxides and desensitized explosives. In the old version of WHMIS, this category was named Flammable and Combustible Material and was in class B.

3- Flame over cercle
This pictogram is associated with oxidizers materials; these are products which can accelerate the spread of a fire but that do not ignite a fire on their own. Nevertheless, they will rapidly release oxygen or other oxidizing substances in the air. Previously, the category had the name Oxidizing Material and corresponded to the C class.

4- Gaz Cylinder
This pictogram represents all pressurized gas products grouped into four main categories: compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases and refrigerated liquefied gases. In the former WHMIS, this category was called compressed gas and was part of the A class.

5- Corrosion
This pictogram is used for products that are corrosive to metals and may irritate skin or eyes. That is why this category is classified as a physical danger, but also as a threat to health. Previously, this category was called Corrosive and was included in the E class.

6- Skull and crossbones
This pictogram is attributed to fatal, toxic or harmful products if inhaled, in contact with skin or swallowed. Products with acute toxicity have, in general, effects occurring after oral or dermal exposure. In the old version of WHMIS, the D class was named materials with immediate and severe toxic effects.

7- Health Hazard
This pictogram represents products that may have or are believed to have serious health effects on humans. The presence of this pictogram is an indicator of chronic toxicity, meaning that regular exposure to the product can lead to serious health problems. This category includes products having the following effects: respiratory sensitization, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, target organ toxicity, aspiration hazard, or skin sensitization. In the WHMIS 1988, this category was known as Material Causing Other Toxic Effects and was in the D class.

8- Exclamation Mark
This pictogram is used when there is a health hazard, but it has less severe effects on health than the two previous categories. Moreover, the exclamation point also represents a danger to the ozone layer as it may contribute to the deterioration of it. Therefore, to know what the exclamation point pictogram refers to; it is necessary to read the hazard statements that accompany it.

9- Environment
This pictogram is optional in Canada since the government considers that no product should have an impact on the environment. On the other hand, the presence of this symbol indicates a danger to the aquatic environment, the ozone layer or any harmful effect on the environment. Substances with an acute or chronic effect on the various forms of life of the marine environment should not be taken lightly, though it is not mandatory in Canada.

10- Biohazardous infectious materials
This last pictogram is only used in Canada and represents products that can cause illness in humans or animals such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. The pictogram is the same as the old WHMIS.

Finally, it should be noted that all these pictograms representing a class are also accompanied by a category between 1 and 5 or from A to G. This classification determines the level of danger of the product. Besides, there are mentions of danger, warning and precaution accompanying the pictogram. Obviously, much information must be taken into consideration during the transition and that is why Maerix offers comprehensive training to introduce you to the new regulations.