WHMIS Certification Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Organic peroxides of Type B under WHMIS may require which combination of pictograms?

Both exploding bomb and flame (Correct answer)
Skull and crossbones and health hazard
Biohazard and exclamation mark
Gas cylinder and corrosion

Correct answer: Both exploding bomb and flame

Type B organic peroxides pose both explosive and flammable risks, so they carry both the exploding bomb and flame pictograms.

Question 2: The skull and crossbones pictogram under WHMIS 2015 is applied to acute toxicity of which severity categories?

Categories 1 through 5
Categories 1, 2, and 3 only (Correct answer)
Categories 4 and 5 only
Only Category 1 (most lethal)

Correct answer: Categories 1, 2, and 3 only

The skull and crossbones pictogram covers acute toxicity Categories 1–3; Category 4 uses the less severe exclamation mark instead.

Question 3: SDS Section 14 covers transport information. Why would a worker need to consult this section?

To find the correct PPE before using the product
To determine proper shipping classifications and labels for moving the product (Correct answer)
To understand how to dispose of the product
To identify exposure limits for daily work

Correct answer: To determine proper shipping classifications and labels for moving the product

Section 14 provides transport classification details (UN number, shipping name, hazard class) needed when shipping or receiving hazardous products.

Question 4: Which of the following is a primary example of an administrative control for managing exposure to hazardous products?

Developing and enforcing written safe work procedures. (Correct answer)
Installing a splash guard on a piece of equipment.
Replacing a toxic solvent with a water-based cleaner.
Providing workers with chemical-resistant aprons.

Correct answer: Developing and enforcing written safe work procedures.

Administrative controls are changes to work practices, policies, or procedures that reduce exposure. Developing and enforcing safe work procedures is a core administrative control that dictates how people must work around a hazard. A splash guard is an engineering control, an apron is PPE, and replacing the solvent is substitution.

Question 5: What is the primary purpose of Section 3 (Composition/Information on Ingredients) on an SDS?

To identify the chemical identity and concentration of hazardous ingredients (Correct answer)
To provide exposure limits set by regulators
To describe proper storage conditions
To list all physical properties of the product

Correct answer: To identify the chemical identity and concentration of hazardous ingredients

Section 3 discloses the chemical names and concentrations (or ranges) of hazardous ingredients so workers know what they are exposed to.

Question 6: In WHMIS 2015, which hazard class replaced the old WHMIS 1988 'biohazardous infectious material' class?

It became part of the health hazard n.o.s. category
It was eliminated entirely
It was retained as a WHMIS-specific (non-GHS) class with the same name (Correct answer)
It was merged into acute toxicity

Correct answer: It was retained as a WHMIS-specific (non-GHS) class with the same name

Biohazardous infectious materials is a Canada-specific hazard class kept in WHMIS 2015 because GHS does not cover biological hazards; it retains its own biohazard symbol.

Question 7: Which WHMIS 2015 label element uses symbols to instantly communicate hazard categories visually?

Signal words
Precautionary statements
Hazard statements
Pictograms (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Pictograms

Pictograms are standardized symbols enclosed in a red diamond border that visually convey the type of hazard at a glance.

Question 8: A signal word on a WHMIS 2015 label indicates the severity of a hazard. Which signal word represents a MORE severe hazard?

Caution
Danger (Correct answer)
Notice
Warning

Correct answer: Danger

'Danger' is used for more severe hazard categories, while 'Warning' is used for less severe hazard categories under WHMIS 2015.

Question 9: Which type of fire extinguisher should NOT be used on a flammable liquid (Class B) fire?

Dry chemical extinguisher
CO2 (carbon dioxide) extinguisher
Water extinguisher (Correct answer)
Foam extinguisher

Correct answer: Water extinguisher

Water can spread burning flammable liquids, enlarging the fire; CO2, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers are appropriate for Class B fires.

Question 10: A worker notices the SDS for a frequently used chemical appears several years out of date. What is the correct action?

Continue working normally since older SDS remain valid indefinitely
Inform their supervisor or employer so they can request a current SDS from the supplier (Correct answer)
Immediately remove the chemical from the workplace pending a new SDS
Write an updated SDS themselves based on their experience with the product

Correct answer: Inform their supervisor or employer so they can request a current SDS from the supplier

Workers should report outdated SDS to their employer, who is responsible for obtaining current hazard information from the supplier.

Question 11: Which WHMIS 2015 health hazard class specifically applies to substances that damage lung tissue if accidentally swallowed and aspirated?

Respiratory sensitization
STOT — single exposure
Acute toxicity — inhalation
Aspiration hazard (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Aspiration hazard

Aspiration hazard covers liquids (like hydrocarbons) that can enter the lungs during ingestion or vomiting, causing severe pulmonary damage or death.

Question 12: Section 5 of an SDS provides information specifically about:

Personal protective equipment
Stability and reactivity data
Fire-fighting measures and suitable extinguishing media (Correct answer)
Accidental spill cleanup procedures

Correct answer: Fire-fighting measures and suitable extinguishing media

Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) specifies suitable extinguishing agents, special fire hazards, and protective equipment for firefighters.

Question 13: Under WHMIS 2015, the corrosion pictogram applies to substances that:

Cause mild skin redness only
Only corrode metal without any skin effect
Are corrosive to metals AND/OR cause severe skin burns or irreversible eye damage (Correct answer)
Have a pH below 5 regardless of concentration

Correct answer: Are corrosive to metals AND/OR cause severe skin burns or irreversible eye damage

The corrosion pictogram covers two distinct hazard categories: corrosive to metals, and skin/eye corrosion causing severe burns.

Question 14: The WHMIS 2015 flame pictogram (a flame over a circle) indicates what specific hazard, distinct from the regular flame symbol?

Flammable gases
Explosives
Oxidizing substances that can intensify fires (Correct answer)
Flammable liquids

Correct answer: Oxidizing substances that can intensify fires

The flame-over-circle pictogram specifically indicates oxidizing substances, which can release oxygen and greatly intensify a fire even without being flammable themselves.

Question 15: A forklift operator punctures a drum of a corrosive chemical, causing a spill. Which SDS section provides the most relevant guidance for cleaning up the release?

Section 6 (Correct answer)
Section 13
Section 5
Section 7

Correct answer: Section 6

Section 6 (Accidental Release Measures) provides procedures for containment, cleanup, and emergency response for spills or leaks.

Question 16: Which of the following is true about WHMIS and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)?

WHMIS has been updated to align with GHS, introducing consistent labeling and classification standards (Correct answer)
WHMIS only applies to materials imported from non-GHS countries
WHMIS has remained the same and does not incorporate any GHS elements
WHMIS has been fully replaced by GHS regulations

Correct answer: WHMIS has been updated to align with GHS, introducing consistent labeling and classification standards

WHMIS has evolved significantly to incorporate the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of chemicals. This update, known as WHMIS 2015, introduced new hazard classes, pictograms, and a standardized Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format. The alignment with GHS ensures greater consistency in hazard communication internationally and within Canada, improving worker understanding and safety.

Question 17: A supplier updates an SDS with new hazard information. What obligation does this create for the employer?

The employer must return all existing product stock
The employer must update training and workplace procedures to reflect the new information (Correct answer)
The employer must notify OSHA within 24 hours
No action is required unless an incident occurs

Correct answer: The employer must update training and workplace procedures to reflect the new information

When new hazard information is received, employers must update their training programs and ensure workers are informed of the new hazards.

Question 18: Under U.S. HazCom regulations aligned with WHMIS/GHS, what language must labels be written in?

Any language, provided the employer offers translation services
The primary language spoken by the majority of workers
English only (Correct answer)
English and Spanish

Correct answer: English only

U.S. HazCom requires labels to be in English; employers may add additional languages but English is mandatory.

Question 19: Who is ultimately responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining a worker WHMIS education and training program in a workplace?

The workplace's Joint Health and Safety Committee.
The supplier of the hazardous products.
The employer. (Correct answer)
The individual workers who handle hazardous materials.

Correct answer: The employer.

Under all Canadian jurisdictions, the employer has the legal responsibility to develop, implement, and maintain a WHMIS education and training program for its workers. While they are expected to consult with the health and safety committee, the ultimate duty rests with the employer.

Question 20: Industrial-strength hydrogen peroxide at concentrations above 60% is most likely classified under which WHMIS hazard category?

Biohazardous infectious materials
Flammable liquids
Corrosive to metals
Oxidizing liquids (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Oxidizing liquids

High-concentration hydrogen peroxide is a powerful oxidizing liquid that can cause fires or explosions when it contacts organic material.

WHMIS Certification Exam

This certification ensures individuals understand the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, including hazard identification, labeling, safety data sheets, and safe handling of hazardous products in Canadian workplaces.

Questions

30 min

Time Limit

80%

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