Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Image: A long cylinder shaped object with a narrow end. (compressed gas)

Image: Flames. (flammable and combustible material)

Image: A circle with flames around the top. (oxidizing material)

Image: Two tubes of liquid. One being poured on an object and the other on a hand, both with negative results. (corrosive material)

Image: A bold letter R with a tube in front of it, and lines shooting from the top. (dangerously reactive material)
Image: The biohazard symbol. Three connected semi-circles, with a small triangle in the center, and small lines in the center of each circle.
(biohazardous infectious material)

Image: A skull with crossbones. (poisonous and infectious material causing immediate and serious toxic effects)


Image: A T-like symbol with a dot under it. (poisonous and infectious material causing other toxic effects)



Hazardous Household Product Symbols (HHPS)



Symbol: An upside-down triangle. Inside it is a broken object with lines and debris shooting from it.

Danger: Explosive: This container can explode if it is heated or punctured.



Symbol: An octagon. Inside is a hand inside a jar of liquid showing the skeleton of the portion of the hand submerged in the liquid.

Danger: Corrosive: This product will burn skin or eyes on contact, or throat and stomach if swallowed.



Symbol: An octagon. Inside are flames.

Danger: Flammable: This product, or its fumes, will catch fire easily if exposed to heat, flames, or sparks.



Symbol: An octagon. Inside is a skull with crossbones.

Danger: Poisonous- Licking, eating, drinking, or sometimes smelling, this product is likely to cause illness or death.



Practise Safe Science in the Classroom



Be safe science ready.



- Come prepared with your textbook, notebook, pencil, and anything else you need.



- Tell your teacher about any allergies or medical problems.



- Keep yourself and your work area tidy and clean. Keep aisles clear.


- Keep your clothing and hair out of the way. Roll up your sleeves, tuck in loose clothing, and tie back loose hair. Remove any loose jewellery.



- Wear closed shoes (not sandals).



- Do not wear contact lenses while doing investigations.



- Read all written instructions carefully before you start an activity or investigation.



Follow instructions.



- Do not enter a laboratory unless a teacher is present, or you have permission to do so.



- Listen to your teacher's directions. Read written instructions. Follow them carefully.



- Ask your teacher for directions if you are not sure what to do.



- Wear eye protection or other safety equipment when instructed by your teacher.



- Never change anything, or start an activity or investigation on your own, without your teacher's approval.



- Get your teacher's approval before you start an investigation that you have designed yourself.



Act responsibly.



- Pay attention to your own safety and the safety of others.



- Know the location of MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information, exits, and all safety equipment, such as the first aid kit, fire blanket, fire extinguisher, and eyewash station.


- Alert your teacher immediately if you see a safety hazard, such as broken glass, a spill, or unsafe behaviour.



- Stand while handling equipment and materials.



- Avoid sudden or rapid motion in the laboratory, especially near chemicals or sharp instruments.



- Never eat, drink, or chew gum in the laboratory.



- Do not taste, touch, or smell any substance in the laboratory unless your teacher asks you to do so.



- Clean up and put away any equipment after you are finished.



- Wash your hands with soap and water at the end of each activity or investigation.