What are WHMIS symbols and pictograms?
As part of a significant legislative update that took place in 2015, the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) updated the term “symbols” to “pictograms” to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). WHMIS pictograms are visual tools used to quickly convey the hazards associated with hazardous products. WHMIS pictograms use symbols to show health risks associated with a hazardous product: for example, whether it is toxic or corrosive. Most pictograms have a red diamond-shaped border around a symbol. The symbol inside the border represents a potential hazard. Each pictogram is assigned to specific hazard classes or categories.
Most pictograms have a red, diamond-shaped border around a symbol. The symbol inside the red border represents the potential hazard. WHMIS pictograms comprise both the red border and the symbol within it. Each pictogram is assigned to specific hazard classes or categories.
WHMIS Training
All Canadian jurisdictions require that employers develop, implement, and maintain a worker WHMIS education and training program. That training includes educating employees on the WHMIS symbols and pictograms. WHMIS training requirements are designed to ensure workers easily recognize hazardous products and identify what makes them hazardous. This helps users better protect themselves and others from potential dangers associated with hazardous products. WHIMIS also aims to help employees work safely with hazardous products, know the WHMIS symbols’ meaning, and know where to find information about them quickly. The ultimate goal of any WHMIS training activity should be to improve worker safety. To ensure that, it is essential to receive appropriate WHMIS training and education regularly.
Citation Canada, formerly HRdownloads, provides immersive WHMIS training courses and hundreds of safety documents that can be updated and branded at your fingertips. Stay safe while working with hazardous products by providing the right training and compliant policies. Speak with one of our HR experts today about tailoring a WHMIS training program to your organization at a time convenient for you! Book your free demo today! For more information on WHMIS symbols and their meanings, read our blogpost, What Are WHMIS Symbols and Pictograms?
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