LIN155 Advanced Credit WHMIS Symbols Hadi Majzoub

WHMIS SYMBOLS

Name
Compressed Gas

Risks
1.Poses an
explosion hazard
because contents
of cylinder are
under pressure
2.Container may
explode if heated in
a fire
3.Container may
explode if dropped

Precautions
1. Ensure
container is
always secured.
2. Do not drop.

Flammable &
Combustible
Materials

1.Potential fire
hazard
2.May ignite
spontaneously
3.May be a
material which will
release flammable
products if allowed
to degrade or when
exposed to water

1. Store in
properly
designated areas.
2. Work in well
ventilated areas.

Oxidizing
Materials

1.Can cause skin or

eye burns
2.Increased risk of
fire and/or
explosion risk in the
presence of
flammable or
combustible
material
3.Can cause other
materials to react
or break down

1. Store in areas
away from
combustibles.
2.Wear body,
hand, face and
eye protection

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Symbol

LIN155 Advanced Credit WHMIS Symbols Hadi Majzoub

Toxic
Immediate
Severe

1.Chemicals which
could cause death
following an
exposure
2.May be fatal if
ingested or inhaled
3.May be absorbed
through the skin

1.Avoid breathing
dust or vapours
2.Avoid contact
with skin or eyes
3.Use personal
protective
equipment or
work in properly
designed areas
4.Store only in
designated areas

Toxic
Long Term Effects

1.May cause death

or
permanent injury
2.May cause birth
defects
3.May cause cancer

1.Avoid direct
contact or
inhalation
2.Use personal
protective
equipment
3.Work in
ventilated areas
4.Store only in
designated areas

Biohazardous
infectious

1.Biological
materials which can
cause a disease or
have the
same effects as the
disease
2.Materials which
could
contain organisms
which are
infectious
3.Materials which
could contain
biological toxins or
allergenic
sensitizers

1.Never open a
container
except in a
containment area
2.Special training
required
to work with
these materials
3.Avoid all direct
contact
4.Avoid breathing
fumes
5.Store only in
designated areas

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LIN155 Advanced Credit WHMIS Symbols Hadi Majzoub

Corrosive
Materials

1.Eye and skin

irritation on
exposure
2.Severe
burns/tissue
damage
possible
3.Lung damage if
inhaled
4.May cause
blindness if eyes
contacted
5.Environmental
damage from
vapors

1.Wear body, face

and eye
protection
2.Use breathing
apparatus
3.Use ventilation
4.Avoid all body
contact
5.Use appropriate
storage
containers

Dangerously
Reactive
Materials

1.Chemically
unstable
2.May react with
violence in
unexpected
manner
3.May explode
from heat or shock
4.May react with
water

1.Specific
precautions will
vary
2.Avoid vibration,
shocks and
sudden
temperature
changes
3.Read the MSDS
for specific
storage and
packaging
requirements

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LIN155 Advanced Credit WHMIS Symbols Hadi Majzoub

References:
1. WHMIS Guide: www.labour.gov.on.ca
2. Seneca Colleges health and safety department.

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