WHMIS 2015 study guide
This guide covers the key WHMIS 2015 topics aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Use it alongside your employer-provided training materials.
GHS Pictograms
WHMIS 2015 uses 9 pictograms — red diamond borders with black symbols — to visually communicate hazards.
- Flame: flammable gases, liquids, solids, aerosols
- Flame over circle: oxidizers (intensify fire)
- Exploding bomb: explosives, self-reactive substances
- Skull and crossbones: acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
- Corrosion: corrosive to skin, eyes, or metals
- Gas cylinder: gases under pressure (may explode if heated)
- Health hazard (person with star): carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, organ damage
- Exclamation mark: irritation, narcotic effects, less severe toxicity
- Environment: aquatic toxicity (not always required under WHMIS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Every hazardous product must have a 16-section SDS accessible to all workers.
- Section 1: Product and supplier identification
- Section 2: Hazard identification (pictograms, signal word, hazard statements)
- Section 3: Composition / ingredients
- Section 4: First aid measures
- Section 7: Handling and storage
- Section 8: Exposure controls / personal protection (PPE)
- Section 11: Toxicological information
- Suppliers must review SDSs at least every 3 years
Labels
Two types of labels communicate hazard information: supplier labels and workplace labels.
- Supplier labels: applied by manufacturer, include pictograms, signal word, hazard/precautionary statements
- Workplace labels: applied when product is transferred to a new container
- Workplace labels need: product name, safe handling info, SDS reference
- Never use a product with a missing or unreadable label
- Report missing labels to your supervisor immediately
Hazard Classes
WHMIS 2015 divides hazards into two main groups: physical hazards and health hazards.
- Physical hazards: flammable, explosive, oxidizing, gases under pressure, corrosive to metals
- Health hazards: acute toxicity, skin/eye corrosion, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, organ toxicity
- Signal word 'Danger' = more severe hazard
- Signal word 'Warning' = less severe hazard
- Each hazard class has categories (1 is usually most severe)
Worker Rights and Responsibilities
WHMIS is built on the worker's right to know about hazards in their workplace.
- Workers have the right to know about hazardous products they may be exposed to
- Employers must provide WHMIS training specific to their workplace
- Suppliers must classify products, create SDSs, and apply labels
- Training must cover: hazards, labels, SDSs, safe procedures, and emergencies
- Training must be updated when conditions change or new products arrive
Routes of Exposure
Hazardous products can enter the body through four main routes.
- Inhalation: breathing in vapours, dusts, fumes, mists (most common workplace route)
- Skin absorption: chemicals passing through the skin
- Ingestion: swallowing (eating, drinking, smoking near chemicals)
- Injection: through cuts, punctures, or abrasions
- Acute exposure: single/short-term exposure causing immediate effects
- Chronic exposure: repeated exposure over time causing long-term effects
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