WHMIS 2015 Certification Practice Test: GHS Symbols, SDS, and Labels Explained

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) 2015 aligned Canada with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classifying and labelling chemicals. If you work with or around hazardous chemicals, WHMIS certification is mandatory.

The 9 GHS Pictograms

These diamond-shaped symbols with a red border appear on product labels. You must identify all nine:

Flame — Flammable gases, liquids, solids; self-reactives; pyrophorics; self-heating substances; organics peroxides

Flame Over Circle — Oxidizers that can cause or intensify fires

Exploding Bomb — Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides

Corrosion — Substances that damage metal or cause skin burns/eye damage

Skull and Crossbones — Acutely toxic substances (can cause death or serious injury quickly)

Exclamation Mark — Irritants, sensitizers, slightly toxic substances, substances hazardous to ozone layer

Health Hazard — Carcinogens, respiratory sensitizers, mutagens, reproductive toxicants, target organ toxicants

Environment (tree and fish) — Aquatic toxicity (note: not mandatory in Canada but may appear)

Gas Cylinder — Gases under pressure (compressed gas, dissolved gas, refrigerated liquefied gas)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Every hazardous product must have a 16-section SDS. Key sections:

- Section 1: Product identification and emergency contacts - Section 2: Hazard identification (pictograms, signal words, statements) - Section 8: Exposure controls and personal protective equipment - Section 11: Toxicological information - Section 14: Transport information

Product Labels

Labels must show: product identifier, supplier information, pictograms, signal word ("Danger" or "Warning"), hazard statements, precautionary statements, and where applicable, supplemental information.

Worker Rights

Under WHMIS, workers have the right to know about hazardous materials they work with. Employers must provide training, labels, and access to SDS. Workers can refuse unsafe work if WHMIS information is unavailable.