Risk Description on WHMIS Labels

There are six types of risk symbols on WHMIS labels, depending on the type of risk they pose. These symbols are drawings that depict what dangerous material might be inside the container.

• Symbol for compressed gas
• Symbol for flammable or combustible material
• Symbol for oxidizing material
• Symbol for poisonous/infectious material
• Symbol for corrosive material
• Symbol for dangerously reactive material

The dangers coming from inappropriately handling these products are the following:

• The container can explode or burst
• The product can catch fire
• The product can cause an explosion
• Exposure to the product can cause serious health damage (cancer, birth defects, or even death)
• Exposure to the product can cause burns
• Product can explode, cause fire, or release toxic gases