WHMIS Labels and Safety Data Sheets 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A signal word on a WHMIS 2015 label indicates the severity of a hazard. Which signal word represents a MORE severe hazard?
- Warning
- Caution
- Danger (Correct answer)
- Notice
Correct answer: Danger
'Danger' is used for more severe hazard categories, while 'Warning' is used for less severe hazard categories under WHMIS 2015.
Question 2: Which SDS section would a worker consult to learn about permissible exposure limits (PELs) and recommended personal protective equipment?
- Section 5
- Section 7
- Section 8 (Correct answer)
- Section 11
Correct answer: Section 8
Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) lists occupational exposure limits and describes the PPE needed to minimize hazardous exposure.
Question 3: Under WHMIS 2015, which of the following products is EXEMPT from supplier label requirements?
- Compressed oxygen cylinders used in a lab
- Household cleaning products used in the same way as at home (Correct answer)
- Welding wire stored in a workshop
- Solvents purchased in bulk
Correct answer: Household cleaning products used in the same way as at home
Consumer products used in the same manner and frequency as typical household use are exempt from WHMIS supplier label requirements.
Question 4: A chemical company updates its product formula, making it more flammable. Within what timeframe must the SDS be updated to reflect this new information?
- Immediately upon learning of the change
- Within 90 days (Correct answer)
- At the next scheduled 3-year review
- Within 1 year
Correct answer: Within 90 days
When significant new hazard information arises, suppliers must update the SDS within 90 days and provide the updated version to customers.
Question 5: Which section of the SDS describes what fire-fighting media (such as foam or CO₂) should be used in the event of a fire involving the product?
- Section 3
- Section 5 (Correct answer)
- Section 6
- Section 10
Correct answer: Section 5
Section 5 (Fire-Fighting Measures) specifies suitable extinguishing media, specific hazards arising from combustion, and protective equipment for firefighters.
Question 6: On a WHMIS 2015 supplier label, precautionary statements are included to communicate what information?
- The chemical composition of the product
- Measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from hazards (Correct answer)
- The regulatory classification number
- The storage temperature range only
Correct answer: Measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects from hazards
Precautionary statements describe recommended measures to prevent, minimize, or respond to exposures or incidents caused by the hazardous product.
Question 7: A drum is labeled with the WHMIS 2015 exclamation mark (!) pictogram. What type of hazard does this symbol indicate?
- Explosive materials
- Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic) at low doses
- Less severe health hazards such as skin/eye irritation or sensitization (Correct answer)
- Environmental hazards
Correct answer: Less severe health hazards such as skin/eye irritation or sensitization
The exclamation mark pictogram indicates less severe but important health hazards including skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, and acute toxicity at higher dose levels.
WHMIS Labels and Safety Data Sheets 3
A signal word on a WHMIS 2015 label indicates the severity of a hazard.
Which signal word represents a MORE severe hazard?