Decoding WHMIS Labels: What Every Food Business Owner Needs to Know

In any food business, safety is a top priority - not only for the food you serve but also for the products and chemicals you use. Whether it is cleaning supplies or food additives, knowing how to interpret WHMIS labels is essential.

However, many business owners find Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) labels confusing, which can lead to costly mistakes. WHMIS workplace compliance is essential, and a comprehensive WHMIS education program can significantly improve your understanding of these chemical safety labels, safeguarding your staff and customers.

This blog will break down the essential components of WHMIS labels and explain what each element means, so you can better navigate the world of hazardous materials in your food business. Let’s begin by exploring the origins of WHMIS.

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS was established in 1988 to create a Canadian standard for hazard communication in the workplace. The key components of WHMIS are hazard identification and product classification, labelling, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and worker education and training.

In 2015, WHMIS was amended to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). Changes were made to the following:

• Classification criteria: Adoption of internationally recognized criteria for classifying hazardous chemicals.
• Labelling requirements: Alignment with GHS labelling standards, including standardized pictograms and signal words.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): New standardized format for SDS to enhance accessibility and understanding.

What is a WHMIS label?

WHMIS labels are designed to provide critical safety information about hazardous materials. Whether you’re a small café or a large catering service, WHMIS labels are crucial for staying compliant with safety regulations.

At a glance, a WHMIS label can tell you important details about a product, such as its hazards, proper handling methods and supplier information. The goal is to ensure everyone who works with hazardous materials knows the risks and how to safely manage them.

Key elements of a WHMIS label

To fully understand a WHMIS label, you need to know the key elements typically found on it. Let’s take a closer look at the main components you will encounter.

1. Product Identifier

This is the name of the product, and it’s usually located at the top of the label. It could be a chemical name, trade name or a common name. As a business owner, the product identifier helps you quickly understand what you’re dealing with and ensures that the right chemical is used for the right task.

2. Supplier Identification

The name and contact details of the supplier are essential for any food business. This part of the label provides the manufacturer’s or distributor’s name, address and telephone number. If you ever have questions about the product or need further safety details, this is where you can get in touch.

3. Pictograms

WHMIS labels include pictograms - simple, visual symbols that represent specific hazards associated with the product. For example, a flame icon indicates flammability, while a skull and crossbones warns of toxicity. WHMIS hazard symbols allow for quick hazard recognition, even for those who may not be fluent in English.

4. Hazard Statements

Hazard statements describe the nature of the product’s risks, such as “May cause serious eye damage” or “Harmful if inhaled.” These statements help you and your employees understand the level of caution required when handling a substance.

5. Precautionary Statements

Precautionary statements provide advice on how to minimize exposure and protect yourself. These could include instructions like “Wear protective gloves” or “Wash hands thoroughly after handling.” Following these guidelines helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

6. Signal Words

Signal words like “Danger” or “Warning” indicate the severity of the product’s hazards. “Danger” is used for the most serious risks, while “Warning” signals a lower but still significant level of hazard. Understanding these terms helps you assess the urgency of safety precautions.

Why WHMIS labels matter for food business owners

For food business owners, WHMIS label requirements are about so much more than fulfilling legal obligations—they are a critical part of ensuring the safety of both your employees and customers. Handling cleaning supplies, sanitizers and other chemicals without proper knowledge can lead to accidents, food contamination, or even severe health issues.

By fully understanding WHMIS labels, you can:

• Ensure compliance with Canadian safety regulations.
• Reduce the risk of chemical exposure to your staff.
• Prevent cross-contamination that could affect your food products.
• Maintain a safe working environment.

Common mistakes in interpreting WHMIS labels

Despite the importance of WHMIS compliant labels, many food business owners struggle to interpret them correctly. Below are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overlooking precautionary statements

One of the most frequent errors is ignoring the precautionary statements. These instructions are there to prevent accidents. Always make sure your staff understand and follow these guidelines.

2. Confusing product identifiers

Another issue is confusing product identifiers, especially when two products have similar names or packaging. Take the time to cross-check the product identifier with your inventory and ensure proper use.

3. Ignoring pictograms

Pictograms are easy to overlook, especially if you’re in a rush. However, they provide vital information about the product’s hazards. Make sure your team is trained to recognize and understand these symbols to avoid dangerous mishaps.

The importance of WHMIS education 

While understanding WHMIS classifications is crucial, it is just one part of a larger safety picture. WHMIS education provides workers with foundational knowledge about how the system works and how to interpret hazard information correctly.

For food business owners, ensuring employees complete WHMIS education is an important first step toward maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. It helps workers understand hazard classes, pictograms, labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), along with their rights and responsibilities under WHMIS legislation.

Enrolling your team in an online WHMIS education program helps ensure they understand the risks associated with hazardous materials and the general principles of safe handling. This knowledge supports safer day-to-day operations and prepares employees for workplace-specific instruction.

The WHMIS course provided by the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) delivers standardized WHMIS education that covers:

• Hazard classes and pictograms

• How to read and interpret WHMIS labels

• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

• Worker rights and responsibilities

• General safe handling principles for hazardous products

This education builds transferable knowledge that workers can carry from one job to another.

It is important to note that WHMIS education does not replace workplace-specific WHMIS training. Employers are legally responsible for providing in-house training that applies WHMIS principles to the specific hazardous products, procedures and emergency protocols used at their worksite.

Providing WHMIS education upon hiring and reinforcing workplace-specific training regularly helps ensure employees remain informed about current safety requirements and best practices.

Why is a WHMIS training and education required in Canada?

To protect employees and customers, federal and provincial legislation requires that workers receive both WHMIS education and workplace-specific WHMIS training.

Under Canada’s Hazardous Products Act, employers must ensure workers understand the hazards associated with the products they use and know how to handle them safely.

WHMIS education provides the foundation. Workplace-specific training applies that knowledge to the actual conditions, products and procedures at a specific job site.

Together, education and training help businesses:

• Meet legal obligations

• Reduce the risk of chemical-related injuries

• Improve hazard awareness

• Strengthen overall workplace safety culture

Make WHMIS labels easier to understand through education

Decoding WHMIS labels doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By building a strong understanding of how WHMIS works and ensuring your team completes proper WHMIS education, you create a foundation for safer chemical handling in your food business.

When combined with workplace-specific training provided by the employer, this knowledge helps ensure compliance with safety regulations and supports a safer environment for everyone.

Understanding WHMIS labels is an investment in your business’s future. Not only does it protect your staff and customers, but it also positions your business as a responsible and compliant entity in the food industry.

Invest in your team by enrolling them in the CIFS WHMIS Course today.

Want to know more? Get in touch with one of our business advisors to learn how we can help keep your organization safe and compliant.