A supplier label is the label put on a hazardous product's container by the supplier (the manufacturer, importer or distributor). It is the first thing you see before you use a product, so you must know how to read it.
The required elements
A WHMIS supplier label must include:
- Product identifier — the name of the product. It must be exactly the same as the product identifier on the SDS (Section 1). This is how you match a label to the right SDS.
- Initial supplier identifier — the name, address and telephone number of the Canadian manufacturer or importer.
- Pictogram(s) — showing the type of hazard.
- Signal word — either "Danger" or "Warning".
- Hazard statement(s) — sentences that describe the nature of the hazard, for example "Highly flammable liquid and vapour" or "Causes serious eye damage".
- Precautionary statement(s) — advice on how to reduce or prevent harm, for example "Keep away from heat, sparks and open flames", "Wear protective gloves and eye protection" or "IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes".
- Supplemental label information — extra information that may be required by the product's classification, or that the supplier adds, for example precautions for some mixtures or information on environmental hazards.
The signal word
The signal word tells you how serious the hazard is:
- Danger is used for the more severe hazards.
- Warning is used for the less severe hazards.
A label has only one signal word. If a product has hazards that call for "Danger" and others that call for "Warning", the label shows "Danger". Some low-hazard categories have no signal word at all.
Precautionary statements
Precautionary statements usually cover four areas:
- Prevention — how to avoid exposure or an accident (for example, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area).
- Response — what to do if there is a spill or exposure, including first aid.
- Storage — how to store the product safely (for example, store in a cool, well-ventilated place; keep container tightly closed).
- Disposal — how to get rid of the product and its container safely.
Language and design
- Supplier labels must be in both English and French. This can be one bilingual label or two labels, one in each language. An English-only label does not meet the requirements.
- The label must be easy to read and must stand out from other information on the container.
- The label must stay readable for as long as the product is in the container.
- The hatched (striped) border that was required on WHMIS 1988 labels is no longer required. You may still see it on some labels, and that is allowed.
Small containers
Very small containers have some exceptions. For example, a container of 100 mL or less does not need hazard statements or precautionary statements on the label, but it still needs the other elements, such as the product identifier, pictogram and signal word. The SDS still has the full information.
What the employer must do
The employer must make sure every hazardous product received at the workplace has a supplier label. The employer must not remove, change or deface a supplier label while there is product left in the container. If a supplier label is lost, damaged or cannot be read, the employer must replace it with a new supplier label or a workplace label.
What you should do
- Read the label before you use the product, every time it is a new product or a new container.
- Do not use a product from a container with no label, a label you cannot read, or a label you do not understand. Tell your supervisor.
- Never remove a supplier label.
- Use the product identifier to find the matching SDS when you need more information.