Supplier & Workplace Labels

WHMIS 2015 uses two types of labels: supplier labels and workplace labels. Both serve the essential function of communicating hazard information directly on product containers, but they differ in format, required information, and when they are used. Understanding both types of labels is crucial because you may encounter both in your workplace.

Supplier labels are prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous product. These labels must be applied to products before they are sold or imported into Canada. Supplier labels follow a standardized format and must include all required WHMIS information. When you receive a product from a supplier, it should have a supplier label already attached to the container.

Workplace labels are created by employers for use within their workplace. These labels are required when a hazardous product is transferred from its original container into a different container, when a supplier label is missing or illegible, or when a product is produced and used within the workplace. Workplace labels can be less detailed than supplier labels but must still provide essential safety information.

Both types of labels serve as the first point of contact with hazard information. Before using any hazardous product, workers should read and understand its label. Labels provide critical at-a-glance information that helps workers recognize hazards and take appropriate precautions. They also direct workers to the safety data sheet for more detailed information.

A WHMIS 2015 supplier label must include six specific elements, each serving a distinct purpose in hazard communication. These six elements must appear in English and French (Canada's official languages), making supplier labels bilingual. The standardized format ensures that regardless of who manufactures a product, its label will provide consistent, comparable information.

The first required element is the product identifier, which is the name of the hazardous product. This name must be identical to the product identifier on the safety data sheet and must match how the product is identified in the hazard classification. The product identifier helps ensure that workers are looking at the correct SDS for the product they are using. It must be prominently displayed on the label so workers can immediately identify what product they are handling.

The second element is the initial supplier identifier, which is the name, address, and telephone number of the Canadian manufacturer or importer. This information allows users to contact the supplier with questions, request additional information, or report problems. If a product is imported, the initial supplier identifier refers to the Canadian importer who first brought the product into Canada, not the foreign manufacturer.

The third element consists of pictograms, which we covered in detail in Module 3. All applicable pictograms for the product's hazard classifications must appear on the label. Each pictogram must be a red-bordered diamond containing the black hazard symbol on a white background. Pictograms must be sufficiently large to be clearly visible and recognizable. The fourth element is the signal word, either "Danger" (for more severe hazards) or "Warning" (for less severe hazards). Only one signal word appears on a label even if the product has multiple hazards. The fifth element includes hazard statements, which are standardized phrases describing the nature and severity of each hazard, such as "Extremely flammable aerosol" or "Causes skin irritation." The sixth element consists of precautionary statements, which provide information on prevention, response, storage, and disposal appropriate for the product's hazards.

Workplace labels are simpler than supplier labels but must still provide essential hazard information. A workplace label must include three required pieces of information: product identifier, safe handling information, and a reference to the safety data sheet. Unlike supplier labels, workplace labels do not need to be bilingual unless required by provincial or territorial legislation, though many employers choose to make them bilingual as a best practice.

The product identifier on a workplace label must match the product identifier on the supplier label and safety data sheet. This ensures that workers can correctly link the product in the container to its SDS. Consistency in product identification is critical for safety; if a workplace label uses a different name than the SDS, workers might not be able to find the correct safety information.

Safe handling information on a workplace label should include precautions for the safe handling, storage, and use of the hazardous product. This may include statements like "Keep away from heat," "Use in well-ventilated area," or "Wear safety glasses." While workplace labels are not required to include all the detailed precautionary statements found on supplier labels, they must provide enough information for safe handling. Many employers choose to include pictograms on workplace labels, which is permitted and provides additional visual communication of hazards.

The reference to the safety data sheet can be a simple statement such as "See SDS for more information" or "SDS available from supervisor." This reference reminds workers that detailed information is available and tells them how to access it. Employers must ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to workers during their work shift. Workplace labels are required whenever a hazardous product is transferred to a container other than the one it came in from the supplier, unless the product will be used immediately by the person who transferred it. Workplace labels are also required when the supplier label is damaged, illegible, or missing, or when a hazardous product is produced at the workplace and used there.

WHMIS 2015 requires that supplier labels have a specific appearance. The border may be any shape, but it must be outlined with a solid line called a hatched border. This border helps distinguish WHMIS labels from other labels and markings that might appear on containers. The hatched border is not required for workplace labels, but many employers include it anyway to maintain visual consistency.

Labels must be durable and legible, able to withstand the normal conditions of use and storage for the product. This means labels for outdoor use must resist weather, labels for products stored in freezers must remain legible at low temperatures, and labels for products that might be exposed to chemicals must resist degradation. If a label becomes damaged, illegible, or detaches from the container, the employer must replace it immediately.

The size of labels and label elements can vary depending on the size of the container and the amount of information that needs to be included. However, all required information must be legible and pictograms must be large enough to be clearly recognizable. For very small containers where a full supplier label cannot fit, special provisions allow abbreviated labels, but the SDS must be readily available and workers must be trained on how to access information.

Special labeling rules apply to certain situations. Bulk shipments may use other means of communicating hazard information, such as shipping documents or placards. Laboratory samples and small quantities for research and testing may have modified labeling requirements. Portable containers that will be used immediately by the worker who filled them do not require workplace labels, but if the product is not used immediately or if the container will be left unattended, a workplace label is required. When in doubt about whether a label is required or what information must be included, consult your supervisor or your workplace WHMIS coordinator.