At some point in your life, you’ve probably heard of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) hazard symbols, whether it be for workplace safety training or for a class in school. It may feel daunting to learn 9 distinct symbols related to chemicals you occasionally encounter, but the recognition and knowledge of these WHMIS symbols, continues to be a necessity for employers to ensure safety standards are met in the Canadian workplace.

WHMIS Symbols

WHMIS uses standardized pictograms (symbols) inside red diamond borders to quickly convey the type of hazard:

WHMIS History

WHMIS 1988

WHMIS was first introduced in 1988 as Canada’s national hazard communication system. It was created through collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments along with industry and labour groups.

The key features of WHMIS 1988 were the introduction of Controlled Products Regulations (CPR), supplier and workplace labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), worker education and training and six hazard classes (A-F) with circular symbols.

WHMIS 1988 was limited by being a Canadian-specific system, having less-specific hazard classes and allowing MSDS formats that varied between suppliers.

WHMIS 2015 (GHS Alignment)

In February of 2015, WHMIS was updated to align with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) under the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) and replacing the CPR.

The key features of WHMIS 2015 were the introduction of a new hazard classification system (physical +  health hazards), standardized pictograms (red diamonds), “MSDS” sheets becoming simply “SDS” sheets and expanding to 16 sections, new label requirements (such as signal words like “Danger” or “Warning”), and more detailed hazard and precautionary statements.

The new hazard classes and symbols included, can be seen in the comparison chart below:

Comparison of WHMIS pictograms from 1988 vs 2015

WHMIS 2022 Amendments

In 2022, Canada updated WHMIS again, this time to align with newer versions of the GHS (primarily Revision 7). Luckily the images representing each hazard have not changed with the most recent 2022 update. However, there are some updated requirements and new categories added: Aerosol products are no longer required to display the compressed gas pictogram, higher level of detail is given to differentiate flammable aerosols from non-flammable aerosols, and the new Chemicals Under Pressure classification has been adopted (which uses the gas cylinder symbol, along with gases under pressure).

At this time, many companies had to revise their 2015 WHMIS SDS sheets and supplier/workplace labels to align with the updated standards.

Current WHMIS System

Canada currently uses WHMIS 2015 + 2022 amendments. This aligns Canada with GHS and is closer aligned with America’s OSHA HazCom standards.

For more information on the most recent WHMIS requirements , check out our blog: WHMIS 2022 or Contact Us

*Note, WHMIS pictograms are owned and regulated by Health Canada, the Hazardous Products Act and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR). For authorized use or reproductions of WHMIS symbols, contact the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). This information is for educational/informational purposes only. Nexreg Compliance is not officially endorsed by or affiliated to the Government of Canada.