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WHMIS: What You Need to Know

10. Labels

Labelling of controlled products is a basic requirement of the WHMIS system. Labelling requirements differ depending on whether the containers are supplier or workplace containers; whether the containers contain laboratory products, laboratory samples for analysis or non-laboratory products; and the size of the containers. The various labelling criteria are outlined below.

1. Supplier Labels

Suppliers must affix a label to containers of controlled products they supply. This label contains very detailed information on the product. Legislation requires that the labels on containers from suppliers holding 10 kg or more of a controlled product, or containing hazardous materials that do not fall into one of the categories on the following pages, display the following:

Both official languages
A distinctive WHMIS border
Material identifier or product name - this is a designation or identification of a material, including any of the following: - the common name, chemical name, trade name, generic name, brand name, code name or code number.
Supplier's name and address
Reference to a material safety data sheet
WHMIS hazard symbols
and where the container holds 100 millilitres or more of a controlled product the label must also include:-
Risk phrases - these must be appropriate to the class of material. Examples are given below.
Precautionary measures - these are precautions to be taken when using or being exposed to the product. Examples are given below.
First aid measure - these are statements that indicate the immediate first aid measures that can be taken by the victim or other persons. These statements relate only to acute hazards and not to chronic hazards.

2. Workplace Labels

2A Workplace Labels - General

These are required for chemicals used in the workplace (other than in the laboratory) that are not in their original supplier-labelled containers. This label does not need as much information as the supplier label. The following things are necessary:

material identifier or product name
reference to a material safety data sheet
precautionary measures
first aid measures

2B Workplace Decanted Products

Decanted products are materials that have been taken from one container and put in another container for short term use. This new container does not need a label if:

the container is portable and has been filled from a container to which a supplier or workplace label has been affixed; AND
the material is under the control of and is used exclusively by the employee who filled the protable container; AND
the container is used only during the shift in which the container was filled; AND
the contents of the portable container are clearly identified; OR
if all of the product is for immediate use.

e.g. workplace lables ae required on portable flammable storage cans whose contents will not be used up in a short time period.

3 Laboratory Labels

3A Laboratory Supply House Container

For products containers originating from a laboratory supply house, that are intended to be used solely in a laboratory and are of a capacity of less than 10 kg, the labels must include: -

product identifier
reference to MSDS
risk phrases
precautionary measures
first aid measures

3B Laboratory Container

Products intended solely for use, analysis, testing or evaluation in a laboratory that are in containers other than the ones received from the supplier. The products are not to be removed from the laboratory. The labels must include: -

product identifier

3C Samples for Analysis

i) Laboratory samples that are produced solely for evaluation, analysis, or testing within a laboratory and remain under the control of the researcher producing the chemical. The products are not removed from the laboratory. The labels must include: -

product identifier

(ii) Products that are supplied solely for analysis, testing or evaluation in a laboratory. The requirements apply to containers holding less than 10 kg. The lables must include:-

product identifier
chemical or generic name of any hazardous ingredient
supplier name
supplier emergency telephone number
the statement:" Hazardous Laboratory Sample. For hazard information or in an emergency, call [emergency telephone number]".

"Laboratory Sample" means a sample of a controlled product that is intended solely to be tested in a laboratory but does not included a controlled product that is to be used

by the laboratory for testing other products, materials or substances, or
for educational or demonstration pruposes.

Examples of Risk Phrases

Flammable and Combustible Material

In use, may form explosive vapour-air mixture
May form flammable dust-air mixture
Contact with water liberates flammable gas
Spontaneously flammable in air

Oxidizing Material

Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition
Contact with combustible material may cause fire
Explosive when mixed with commbustible material

Poisonous and Infectious Material

Very Toxic Material
Danger of very serious irreversible effects
Rapidly absorbed through the skin
May cause delayed lung injury
May cause death

Toxic Material
Eye irritant
Lung irritant
Skin irritant
Danger of irreversible effects
Lung sensitizer
Skin sensitizer
Danger of cumulative effects
May cause cancer
May cause heritable genetic damage
May cause birth defects
Danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure

Corrosive Material

Causes burn
Liquid or vapour causes burns which may be delayed

Dangerously Reactive Material

Risk of explosion by shock, friction, fire or other sources of ignition
Risk of explosion if heated under confinement

Special Risks

Explosive when dry
Forms very sensitive explosive metallic compounds
Heating may cause an explosion
May cause fire
Reacts violently with water
Explosive with or without contact with air
Explosive when mixed with oxidizing substances
May form explosive peroxides
Contact with acids liberates toxic gas
Can become highly flammable in use
Risk of serious damage to the eyes

Examples of Precautionary Statements

Keep in cool place
Keep contents under...
Keep container tightly closed
Keep container dry
Keep container in well-ventilated place
Do no keep the container sealed
Keep away from...
Keep away from heat
Keep away from sources of ignition - No smoking
Handle and open container with care
When using do not smoke
Do not breathe dust
Do not breathe gas/fume/vapour/spray
Avoid contact with skin
Avoid contact with eyes
Do not empty into drains
Never add water to this product
Take precautionary measures against static discharges
Avoid shock and friction
Wear suitable protective clothing
Wear suitable gloves
In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory protection
Wear eye/face protection
Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with the skin
In case of fire use...
If you feel ill, seek medical advice
This gas deadens the sense of smell. Do not depend on odour to detect the presence of gas.