Lesson 3: WHMIS Labels

Glossary

Labels

In Canada, products used in the workplace, that are classified as hazardous products, must be labelled according to WHMIS legislation.  Labels are the first notice to the user for such things as: the hazards associated with that product and the precautions that need to be taken.

WHMIS labels provide information on how to handle a product safely.
There are two types of labels: Supplier Labels and Worksite Labels.


Supplier Labels

Supplier labels are put on controlled products by the suppliers of hazardous materials. They are easy to recognize because they have a slash-marked border.  Now look at the supplier label to the right.

There are seven pieces of information on supplier labels:

  • Product Name or Product Identifier
  • Supplier Name or Supplier Identifier
  • Hazard Pictograms
  • Risk information
  • Precautionary Measures
  • First aid treatment
  • Reference to the SDS

Courtesy of Canadian Centre for Occupation Health and Safety


Worksite Labels

Worksite labels are used by employers and workers only.  They must be placed on products that contain controlled products.  Employers must supply the worksite label and workers must be able to recognize and understand the information provided on the worksite label.  A worksite label is required when any of the following apply:

  • a hazardous product is made and used at the workplace
  • a hazardous product is transferred or poured into another container
  • a supplier label becomes lost or illegible

Now look at the worksite label to the right.  There is no standard form for a worksite label, but it must provide the following information:

  • Product Name or Product Identifier
  • Safe handling information for the hazardous product
  • Reference to the SDS
  • Pictograms (not mandatory)
  • Other supplier label information (not mandatory)
 
Courtesy of Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

For another example of a worksite label, click here.