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What Is the Purpose of a WHMIS Label?

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System labels are used to mark hazardous materials. These labels are mandated by law and must be placed on hazardous materials before they are handled by any worker.

  1. Purpose

    • WHMIS labels serve three main purposes. They inform workers of dangers, offer precautions against exposure and recommend first aid options if a worker is exposed to the material. They are primarily used to promote workplace safety and reduce workplace injuries or illnesses.

    Information

    • WHMIS labels state several key issues on them. The labels are printed in bold letters, allowing all workers to read them easily. The label contains the name of the product, graphical symbols of potential hazards and bulleted text stating possible risks. The label also states precautions that should be taken and first aid recommendations.

    Types

    • There are two types of WHMIS labels. Supplier labels are WHMIS labels placed on hazardous material products by the supplier. If a supplier does not label these products, employers are responsible to do so using workplace labels. Both types of labels offer the same information.

    Details

    • Along with WHMIS labels, which were created in 1988, Material Safety Data Sheets are a measure used to promote workplace safety. MSDSs are forms posted near hazardous materials that state the same information as the WHMIS labels. The information offered on MSDSs includes more detailed descriptions, remedies and precautions than WHMIS labels.

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