Pictograms

The part of WHMIS that you may be most familiar with are the pictograms:

A chart displaying WHMIS pictograms shows standardized symbols used to identify different types of workplace hazards.

These pictograms are a visual way of identifying a product as hazardous. If you see this symbol on a bottle or a container, you get an immediate idea that it is hazardous, as well as what kind of hazard(s) the product contains.

Each of these pictograms classifies that product into a certain category. 

Is there a Pictogram for All Categories?

There are some hazardous products that meet the criteria for a hazard class or category, but do not need a pictogram. However, they do have other labelling requirements.

• Aerosols - Category 3

• Flammable gases – Category 2

• Flammable liquids – Category 4

• Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type G

• Organic peroxides – Type G

• Combustible dusts – Category 1

• Simple Asphyxiants – Category 1

• Serious eye damage/eye irritation – Eye Irritation – Category 2B

• Reproductive toxicity – Effects on or via lactation