WHMIS 2015 Symbols and Their Meanings: A Complete Guide

All workplaces in Canada are required to ensure their hazard labelling aligns with WHMIS 2015/GHS. Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) has been updated to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), helping create a more consistent hazard communication system across workplaces.

This guide explains what the main WHMIS 2015 pictograms mean, where you may see them, the risks involved, and how to handle hazardous products safely.

WHMIS Pictogram

Flame

Fire Hazard

What It Means

Products with this pictogram can ignite easily when exposed to heat, sparks, open flames, or other ignition sources. These materials require careful handling and proper storage to reduce the risk of fire.

Example Products

• Gasoline
• Paint thinners
• Propane
• Acetone
• Aerosol products

Potential Risks

• Fire
• Explosion
• Severe burns
• Property damage

Safe Handling

• Keep away from ignition sources.
• Store in approved flammable storage areas.
• Use only in well-ventilated locations.
• Wear the recommended PPE.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Exploding Bomb

Explosion Hazard

What It Means

The Exploding Bomb pictogram identifies products that may explode if exposed to heat, shock, friction, or improper handling. These materials require specialized storage and handling procedures.

Example Products

• Explosives
• Organic peroxides
• Self-reactive substances
• Blasting agents

Potential Risks

• Explosion
• Flying debris
• Severe injuries
• Fatalities

Safe Handling

• Avoid heat, shock, and friction.
• Store only in approved locations.
• Follow workplace procedures.
• Wear required PPE.
• Review the SDS before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Flame Over Circle

Oxidizing Hazard

What It Means

Oxidizing products do not burn themselves but can greatly increase the intensity of a fire by supplying oxygen. They should always be kept away from combustible materials.

Example Products

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Nitric acid
• Oxygen cylinders
• Pool chemicals

Potential Risks

• Rapid fire spread
• Explosion
• Burns
• Property damage

Safe Handling

• Store away from flammable materials.
• Keep containers tightly sealed.
• Prevent contamination.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Read the SDS before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Gas Cylinder

Gas Under Pressure

What It Means

This pictogram identifies compressed, liquefied, refrigerated, or dissolved gases stored under pressure. Damaged cylinders can become dangerous projectiles or leak hazardous gases.

Example Products

• Propane cylinders
• Oxygen tanks
• Carbon dioxide cylinders
• Acetylene cylinders

Potential Risks

• Explosion
• Projectile hazards
• Gas leaks
• Cold burns

Safe Handling

• Secure cylinders upright.
• Protect valves from damage.
• Keep away from heat.
• Inspect for leaks regularly.
• Follow cylinder handling procedures.

WHMIS Pictogram

Corrosion

Corrosive Hazard

What It Means

The Corrosion pictogram identifies products that can cause severe skin burns, serious eye damage, or corrode metals. Even brief contact with these substances can result in permanent injuries, making proper handling and personal protective equipment essential.

Example Products

• Hydrochloric acid
• Sulfuric acid
• Drain cleaners
• Battery acid
• Industrial cleaning chemicals

Potential Risks

• Severe skin burns
• Permanent eye damage
• Metal corrosion
• Chemical burns

Safe Handling

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
• Avoid direct contact with skin and eyes.
• Store corrosive products in approved, corrosion-resistant containers.
• Know the location of emergency eyewash stations and safety showers.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Skull & Crossbones

Acute Toxicity

What It Means

The Skull & Crossbones pictogram identifies products that can cause serious poisoning or death after a short exposure. Harmful effects may occur through inhalation, skin contact, or swallowing, making immediate precautions essential when handling these substances.

Example Products

• Pesticides
• Methanol
• Cyanide compounds
• Toxic laboratory chemicals
• Industrial poisons

Potential Risks

• Acute poisoning
• Organ damage
• Respiratory failure
• Loss of consciousness
• Death

Safe Handling

• Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact.
• Wear the required PPE, including gloves and respiratory protection if necessary.
• Handle products only in well-ventilated or designated work areas.
• Keep containers tightly sealed and properly labelled when not in use.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Health Hazard

Serious Health Hazard

What It Means

The Health Hazard pictogram identifies products that may cause serious or long-term health effects. These hazards may not be immediately noticeable but can lead to chronic illnesses such as cancer, respiratory diseases, organ damage, reproductive harm, or genetic defects after repeated or prolonged exposure.

Example Products

• Benzene
• Formaldehyde
• Isocyanates
• Industrial solvents
• Epoxy hardeners

Potential Risks

• Cancer
• Respiratory sensitization
• Organ damage
• Reproductive toxicity
• Genetic mutations

Safe Handling

• Limit exposure by following workplace safety procedures.
• Wear the recommended PPE, including respiratory protection when required.
• Use products only in well-ventilated areas or with local exhaust ventilation.
• Wash thoroughly after handling and avoid prolonged skin contact.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Exclamation Mark

Irritant

What It Means

The Exclamation Mark pictogram identifies products that may cause less severe health effects, such as skin irritation, eye irritation, respiratory irritation, or drowsiness. While these hazards are generally less serious than those represented by the Health Hazard pictogram, they should still be handled with care to prevent injury and repeated exposure.

Example Products

• Household and industrial cleaners
• Paints and coatings
• Adhesives
• Degreasers
• Some solvents

Potential Risks

• Skin irritation
• Eye irritation
• Respiratory irritation
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Allergic skin reactions

Safe Handling

• Avoid breathing dust, fumes, vapours, or mists.
• Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection.
• Use products in well-ventilated areas.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

GHS Pictogram

Environment

Environmental Hazard

What It Means

The Environment pictogram identifies products that may cause harm to aquatic life and ecosystems if released into the environment. Although this symbol is part of the Globally Harmonized System and is not mandatory under WHMIS legislation, it may still appear on products supplied in Canada.

Example Products

• Pesticides
• Industrial chemicals
• Fuel products
• Heavy metals
• Marine pollutants

Potential Risks

• Water contamination
• Harm to aquatic life
• Long-term environmental damage
• Ecosystem disruption

Safe Handling

• Prevent spills and leaks into drains or waterways.
• Dispose of hazardous products according to local regulations.
• Use spill containment measures when handling chemicals.
• Store products in secure, properly labelled containers.
• Read the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use.

WHMIS Pictogram

Biohazardous Infectious Materials

Biohazard

What It Means

The Biohazardous Infectious Materials pictogram identifies organisms, toxins, or biological substances that can cause disease in humans or animals. These materials require strict handling procedures to prevent infection and protect workers from exposure.

Example Products

• Blood and body fluid samples
• Medical waste
• Laboratory cultures
• Contaminated sharps
• Biological specimens

Potential Risks

• Infectious diseases
• Exposure to bacteria or viruses
• Cross-contamination
• Serious illness
• Occupational exposure

Safe Handling

• Wear the appropriate PPE, including gloves, gowns, and eye protection where required.
• Handle and dispose of biohazardous waste using approved procedures.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling potentially infectious materials.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated work surfaces and equipment immediately.
• Read workplace procedures and follow applicable infection prevention protocols.

Understanding Consumer Product Borders (HHPS)

In addition to WHMIS pictograms, you may also encounter
Hazardous Household Product Symbols (HHPS) on consumer
products sold in Canada. These symbols use border shapes to indicate the
type and severity of the hazard.

Consumer Product Symbol

Octagon

Product Hazard

What It Means

The octagon border indicates that the product contents are hazardous
and should be handled carefully. It appears on consumer products that
can cause injury if they are used, stored, or disposed of improperly.

Example Products

• Household cleaners
• Solvents
• Paint removers
• Automotive chemicals

Potential Risks

• Chemical exposure
• Skin burns
• Poisoning
• Fire hazards

Safe Handling

• Read the product label before use.
• Follow all safety instructions.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in the original container.
• Dispose of products according to the label.

Consumer Product Symbol

Upside-Down Triangle

Container Hazard

What It Means

The upside-down triangle indicates that the container itself may be
hazardous, even after the contents have been used. It commonly appears
on pressurized containers and products labelled with signal words such
as Caution, Danger, or
Extreme Danger.

Example Products

• Aerosol cans
• Spray paints
• Pressurized cleaners
• Insect sprays

Potential Risks

• Container explosion
• Fire hazards
• Chemical exposure
• Serious injury

Safe Handling

• Never puncture or burn the container.
• Keep away from heat and open flames.
• Store in a cool, dry location.
• Follow disposal instructions.
• Read all warning labels before use.

Advanced Consulting & Training Offers WHMIS 2015/GHS Training

A safe workplace starts with proper training. Ensuring your employees understand
WHMIS 2015/GHS, First Aid, CPR, Confined Space Entry, Working at Heights, and other
critical safety requirements helps create a safer and more productive work environment.

Since 1998, Advanced Consulting & Training has helped organizations across Ontario
meet their health and safety obligations through practical, industry-recognized training
and consulting. As a CPO-approved, TSSA-accredited, and WSIB-approved provider, our team
delivers relevant, cost-effective workplace safety solutions tailored to your industry.

Whether you need WHMIS training for a single employee or a company-wide safety program,
our experienced instructors are here to help.