WHMIS Symbol Classification

Classes and Symbols WHMIS covers six broad types, or classes of hazardous materials which are lettered A through F. Divisions are provided in some classes to separate different groups of hazardous materials within a class. Symbols are used for these different types of hazardous materials as follows:

	Class A: Compressed Gas This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases and gases liquified by compression or refridgeration. Examples: gas cylinders for oxyacetylene welding or water disinfection
	Class B: Flammable and Combustible Material Solids, liquids and gases capable of catching fire or exploding in the presence of a source of ignition. Examples: white phosphorus, acetone and butane. Flammable liquids such as acetone are more easily ignited than combustible liquids such as kerosene.
	Class C: Oxidizing Material Materials which provide oxygen or similar substances and which increase the risk of fire if they come into contact with flammable or combustible materials. Examples: sodium hypochlorite, perchloric acid, inorganic peroxides.
	Class D: Poisonous & Infectious Materials Class D, Division 1 Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects. This division covers materials which can cause the death of a person exposed to small amounts. Examples: sodium cyanide, hydrogen sulphide.
	Class D, Division 2 Materials causing other toxic effects. This division covers materials which cause immediate eye or skin irritation as well as those which can cause long-term effects in a person repeatedly exposed to small ammounts. Examples: acetone (irritant), asbestos (carcinogen), toluene diisocyanate (senzitizer).
	Class D, Division 3 Biohazardous infectious material. This division applies to materials which contain harmful microorganisms. Examples: cultures or diagnostic specimens containing salmonella bacteria or the hepatitis B virus
	Class E: Corrosive Material Acid or caustic materials which can destroy the skin or eat through metals. Examples: muriatic acid, lye.
	Class F: Dangerously Reactive Material Products which can undergo dangerous reaction if subjected to heat, pressure, shock or allowed to contact water. Examples: plastic monomers such as butadiene and some cyanides.

If a WHMIS product is contained or transferred in:

1. a pipe or piping system
2. a process or reaction vessel
3. a conveyor belt, tank car, ore car or similar

An employer can use numbers, letters and colours in addition to, or in place of, the symbols above. If this option is used all workers must be aware of the alternate identification method.