WHMIS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield WHMIS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A new chemical product arrives with a label but no SDS. What must the employer do before allowing workers to use it? → Obtain the SDS from the supplier before the product is used
2. Which signal word on a WHMIS supplier label indicates a MORE severe hazard category? → DANGER
3. A chemical that causes occupational asthma by sensitizing the respiratory tract would display which WHMIS pictogram? → Health hazard
4. When must WHMIS training be completed relative to a worker's exposure to hazardous products? → Before the worker handles or works near hazardous products
5. What is the correct first priority in any chemical emergency response? → Ensure the safety of people in the area
6. Under WHMIS 2015, how many physical hazard classes are recognized in total? → 17
7. A supplier label becomes worn and illegible during normal workplace use. What must the employer do? → Apply a workplace label to restore the required hazard communication
8. Under WHMIS 2015, which of the following is NOT required on a workplace label? → Supplier name and address
9. According to WHMIS regulations, what are the three mandatory pieces of information required on a workplace label? → Product identifier, safe handling precautions, and a reference to the SDS.
10. A worker finds a canister with the 'Gas Cylinder' pictogram. What is the primary hazard associated with this symbol? → The container holds gas under pressure which could explode if heated.
11. A supplier label on a newly received hazardous product has become torn and is now unreadable. What is the employer's responsibility? → Attach a workplace label to the container.
12. Which WHMIS 2015 label element uses symbols to instantly communicate hazard categories visually? → Pictograms
13. Under WHMIS 2015, the corrosion pictogram applies to substances that: → Are corrosive to metals AND/OR cause severe skin burns or irreversible eye damage
14. Under WHMIS 2015, who is legally responsible for preparing an accurate SDS for a hazardous product? → The supplier or manufacturer
15. The skull and crossbones pictogram under WHMIS 2015 is applied to acute toxicity of which severity categories? → Categories 1, 2, and 3 only
16. Which WHMIS pictogram is required on containers of biohazardous infectious materials? → Biohazard symbol (overlapping circles/trefoil shape)
17. Which engineering control is MOST effective at reducing inhalation exposure to hazardous vapors under WHMIS guidelines? → Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) installed at the source
18. Under WHMIS 2015, 'simple asphyxiants' such as nitrogen or argon are classified as which hazard type? → Physical hazard — simple asphyxiant (WHMIS-specific class)
19. Which training delivery method is NOT explicitly prohibited under WHMIS regulations for meeting training requirements? → Online or computer-based training combined with hands-on site-specific components
20. A worker feels they have not received adequate WHMIS training for a new hazardous product introduced to their worksite. What right can they exercise? → Request that the employer provide the necessary training before they handle the product
21. Which topic is NOT typically a required component of WHMIS training content? → The purchase price and supplier terms for hazardous products
22. Can a Safety Data Sheet physically attached to the outside of a container serve as a WHMIS workplace label? → No, labels and SDSs are separate and distinct requirements
23. Under WHMIS, employers are required to make SDSs accessible to workers: → At all times during the work shift when the controlled product is in use
24. Which situation would typically trigger a requirement to retrain workers under WHMIS? → A new hazardous product is introduced to the workplace
25. Which party is primarily responsible for ensuring that workplace labels are applied to hazardous products that have been transferred into smaller containers? → The employer
26. What training records should an employer maintain under WHMIS? → Documentation showing workers received training and demonstrated understanding
27. A substance that causes serious, irreversible eye damage (not just temporary irritation) requires which WHMIS pictogram? → Corrosion
28. A drum is labeled with the WHMIS 2015 exclamation mark (!) pictogram. What type of hazard does this symbol indicate? → Less severe health hazards such as skin/eye irritation or sensitization
29. A new employee finds an unlabeled container of liquid in the workplace. Under WHMIS, the employee should: → Not use the container and notify the supervisor immediately
30. A supplier label on a container is partially torn during handling, making the hazard statements unreadable. What must the employer do? → Immediately replace the damaged label with complete and legible information