Understanding WHMIS 2015 and Supplier Labels

Decoding the WHMIS 2015 System

Firstly, it's important to understand the elements included in the Workplace Hazardous Material Information System 2015 (WHMIS 2015). WHMIS is Canada's national hazard communication standard, designed to help employees understand the potential hazards of chemicals they might encounter in the workplace. It uses a standardized system of symbols to denote various hazards, making it easier for workers to identify dangerous goods at a glance. With the latest update in 2015, WHMIS adjusted some of its symbols to align better with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Recognizing WHMIS 2015 Symbols

WHMIS 2015 includes eight hazard pictograms in its system, each representing a specific hazard category. These symbols include: Health Hazard, Flame, Flame Over Circle, Gas Cylinder, Corrosion, Exploding Bomb, Environment, and Exclamation Mark. These pictograms are used exclusively for hazard identification on product labels and safety data sheets (SDS). They are designed to be quickly recognized and understood, providing immediate information about the type of hazard associated with a certain product or substance.

Deciphering Supplier Labels

Supplier labels provide crucial information about hazardous products, aimed at ensuring workers' safety. They must include specific pieces of information, like the product's name, supplier's details, a precautionary statement, and appropriate hazard symbols from the WHMIS 2015 system. However, it's also important to note that a supplier can include additional symbols on their labels that are not part of the WHMIS 2015 system. These symbols could enhance or elaborate on the standard WHMIS hazard information, provided they don't conflict or cause confusion.

Symbols on Supplier Labels and SDS Not Part of WHMIS 2015

Company Specific Hazard Symbols

Some companies might use their symbols on labels and SDS that are not part of the WHMIS 2015. These symbols are used to communicate additional hazard information which may not be covered by the WHMIS symbols. While WHMIS provides a universal language for hazard communication, some hazardous properties might not fit into the categories established by WHMIS 2015. In such cases, companies may use their symbols to communicate these unique hazards. The key aspect is to ensure these proprietary symbols do not contradict or undermine WHMIS hazard symbols – it should be broken down systematically and easily understood by the workforce.

International Hazard Symbols

With the rise of global trade and import-export of chemical products, it's not uncommon to find international hazard symbols on supplier labels and SDS. As each country might have its hazard communication system, an imported product's label could contain symbols that are not part of the WHMIS 2015 system but are standard in the product's country of origin. For example, European labels often use an icon depicting a dead tree and fish to indicate environmental hazards, which is not part of the WHMIS system. Understanding the meaning of these international hazard symbols can be an extra step in creating a safer work environment.

Transportation Hazard Symbols

Transportation hazard symbols, like those defined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in the United States, could appear on supplier labels and SDS. These symbols are specifically designed to communicate hazards associated with transporting hazardous goods, like flammability, corrosivity, or explosiveness, and they are not part of WHMIS 2015. However, being aware of these symbols can also be crucial in ensuring safety during the transportation and storage of these goods.

Action Steps for Identifying Non-WHMIS Symbols

Education and Training

Since non-WHMIS symbols can appear on supplier labels and SDS, it's crucial to educate and train workers about the potential occurrence of these symbols. Developing a comprehensive hazardous communication program that includes awareness about non-WHMIS symbols can enhance workplace safety. This education should ideally cover common non-WHMIS symbols like company-specific symbols, international hazard symbols, and transportation hazard symbols.

Cross-Reference with SDS

Although supplier labels can have non-WHMIS symbols, the accompanying Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides comprehensive information about the product. If a symbol on a supplier label is unfamiliar, it's advisable to cross-reference it with the SDS. The SDS will include a detailed breakdown of hazard classifications, including proprietary or non-WHMIS hazard classifications, providing a clearer understanding of the symbol.

Communication and Consultation

If an unknown symbol appears on a supplier label or SDS, it's always safer to seek clarification rather than assume its meaning. Suppliers and manufacturers are obligated to provide accurate and comprehensive information about their products. Therefore, if a symbol isn't familiar and cannot be identified using SDS, the best course of action would be to directly consult with the supplier or manufacturer for clarification.