The WHMIS system aims to identify and classify hazardous materials found in workplaces through standardized labels, symbols and material safety data sheets. It covers six main classes of hazardous goods: compressed gases, flammable and combustible materials, oxidizing substances, toxic and infectious materials, corrosive products and reactive chemicals. The system is designed to prevent worker injuries by providing clear warnings about product dangers and safety precautions.

2. Pur pose of WHMIS
 System of symbols, labels, and
materials safety data sheets
(MSDS)
 Identify all hazardous products
(in the workplace)
 Prevent worker injuries

3. Classification
1. Compressed 1. Toxic
Gas
2. Biological
2. Flammable Hazard
3. Oxidizing 3. Corrosive
4. Poisonous 4. Reactive

4. Compr essed Gas
 Gas under pressure
 Hazard: Could explode if heated
 Examples: spray cans, oxygen,
propane, acetylene

5. Flammable /
Combustible
 Can catch fire easily
 Hazard: Can cause a fire
 Examples: Gasoline, heating
fuel, propane, alcohol products

6. Oxidizing materials
 Gives off oxygen; could help in
burning other materials
 Hazard: Can cause fires
 Examples: Oxygen, Ozone,
Bleach, Peroxide

7. Poisonous & Infectious
 Poisonous; immediate toxic effects
 Hazard: serious toxic effects / death
 Examples: Cyanide, Hydrogen
sulfide, Chlorine, Carbon Monoxide

8. Poisonous & Infectious
 Causes various toxic effects
 Hazard: eye/skin/lung irritations,
cancer
 Examples: arsenic, mercury,
benzene, asbestos, silicon

9. Biological Hazar dous
Materials
 Infectious materials (bacteria,
virus, biological waste)
 Hazard: disease
 Examples: E-coli, fungi,
hepatitis B, various viruses

10. Cor r osive Material
 Causes burns to skin, eyes,
lungs, clothes, and metals
 Hazard: chemical burns
 Examples: bleach, sulfuric acid,
chlorine gas

11. Reactive Materials
 Can react (burn, explode) vigorously
(if shaken or mixed with other
chemicals/water)
 Hazard: sudden & quick reaction
(fire, explosion)
 Examples: Nitroglycerine, Aluminum
chloride, Calcium carbide

12. Household Hazar dous
Pr oduct Symbols
(HHPS)