ESAO

The EDUCATION
SAFETY ASSOCIATION
of ONTARIO WHMIS SYMBOLSRISKS PRECAUTIONS
Compressed MATERIALS WHICH ARE NORMALLY GASEOUS
KEPT IN A PRESSURIZED CONTAINER
ENSURE CONTAINER IS ALWAYS SECURED
• Store in appropriate designated areas
Gas • Could explode due to pressure • Do not drop or allow to fall
• Could explode if heated or dropped
• Possible hazard from both the force of explosion
and the release of contents

MATERIALS WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BURN STORE IN PROPERLY DESIGNATED AREAS

Flammable AFTER BEING EXPOSED TO A FLAME OR OTHER WORK IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS
And IGNITION SOURCE • Avoid heating
• May ignite spontaneously • Avoid sources of sparks / flames
Combustible • May be a material which will release flammable • Ensure electrical sources are safe
products if allowed to degrade or when exposed
to water

Oxidizing MATERIALS WHICH CAN CAUSE OTHER

MATERIALS TO BURN OR SUPPORT COMBUSTION
STORE IN AREAS AWAY FROM COMBUSTIBLES
WEAR BODY, HAND, FACE AND EYE PROTECTION
Material • Can cause skin or eye burns • Store in proper containers which will not
• Increase fire and explosion hazard rust or oxidize
• May cause combustibles to explode or react
violently

Toxic POISONS / POTENTIALLY FATAL MATERIALS

WHICH CAUSE IMMEDIATE AND SEVERE HARM
AVOID BREATHING DUST OR VAPOURS
AVOID CONTACT WITH SKIN OR EYES
Immediate • May be fatal if ingested or inhaled • Wear protective clothing which is effective
• May be absorbed through the skin against fumes and vapours
And Severe • Small volumes have a toxic effect • Wear face and eye protection
• Work in well ventilated areas and wear
breathing protection

Toxic MATERIALS WHICH HAVE HARMFUL EFFECTS

AFTER REPEATED EXPOSURES OR OVER
WEAR APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTION
WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA
Long Term LONG PERIODS OF TIME • Store in appropriate designated areas
• May cause death or permanent injury • Avoid direct contact
Concealed • May cause birth defects or sterility • Use hand, body, face and eye protection
• May cause cancer • Ensure respiratory and body protection is
• May be sensitizer causing allergies appropriate for the specific hazard

INFECTIOUS AGENTS OR A BIOLOGICAL TOXIN SPECIAL TRAINING REQUIRED WORK IN

Biohazardous CAUSING A SERIOUS DISEASE OR DEATH DESIGNATED BIOLOGICAL AREAS
Infectious • May cause anaphylactic shock WITH APPROPRIATE ENGINEERING CONTROLS
• Includes Viruses, Yeasts, Moulds, Bacteria • Avoid forming aerosols
and Parasites which affect humans • Avoid breathing vapours
• Includes fluids containing toxic products • Avoid contamination of people / area
• Includes cellular components • Store only in special designated areas

Corrosive MATERIALS WHICH REACT WITH METALS AND WEAR BODY, FACE AND EYE PROTECTION
LIVING TISSUE USE BREATHING APPARATUS
Materials • Eye and skin irritation on exposure • Ensure protective equipment is appropriate
• Severe burns/tissue damage on longer exposure • Work in well ventilated area
• Lung damage if inhaled • Avoid all direct body contact
• May cause blindness if eyes contacted • Use appropriate storage containers and ensure
• Environmental damage from fumes proper non-venting closures

Dangerously MATERIALS WHICH MAY HAVE UNEXPECTED

REACTIONS
HANDLE WITH CARE AVOIDING VIBRATION,
SHOCKS AND SUDDEN TEMPERATURE CHANGES
Reactive • May react with water • Store in appropriate containers
• May be chemically unstable • Ensure storage containers are sealed
• May explode if exposed to shock or heat • Store and work in designated areas
• May release toxic or flammable vapours
• May vigorously polymerize
• May burn unexpectedly
For More Information:

Safety In Education
Education In Safety
The EDUCATION SAFETY ASSOCIATION oƒ ONTARIO 4950 Yonge Street, Suite 1505, Toronto, ON M2N 6K1 1-877-732-ESAO (3726) http://www.esao.on.ca