Safety Symbols

HHPS (Hazardous Household Products Symbols) This is a set of symbols that warn consumers (people who buy products) what dangers the product may contain. These symbols are mandatory for all chemical products They MUST be drawn on the labels of all chemical products. These symbols are classified as follows:

Symbol Meaning Description Poisonous A substance that can cause immediate damage to any living organism. Flammable A substance that can catch fire very easily. Explosive A substance that can explode very easily if heated or dropped. Corrosive A corrosive substance is one that can easily burn through other pieces of matter.

The HHPS system not only uses these four symbols, but it also describes to us how severe the danger is.

Shape Colour Meaning Example Red Extremely Dangerous Orange Dangerous This substance is extremely poisonous. This may kill an organism. Orange Dangerous This substance may ignite (set on fire). Yellow Caution mildly corrosive. It may burn through paper or irritate skin

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System ) WHMIS (pronounced wim-is) is another system developed by scientists is mandatory in any employment setting, from factories and chemical plants to homes and schools. It is a program that all employees must be made aware of. If you currently have a part-time job, you most likely will be taking a seminar in WHMIS. Similar to HHPS, WHMIS also uses safety symbols to let users know what dangers the chemical may possess.

Symbol Meaning Description Compressed Gas A gas is under very high pressure inside of its container and therefore may explode easily. Flammable and Combustible Same meaning as in the HHPS category. Oxidizing Material Contains highly reactive oxidizing agent. (more dangerous than the oxygen we breathe). Corrosive Material Same meaning as in HHSP.

Symbol Meaning Description Dangerously Reactive Material Can combine with almost any chemical around it and cause a potentially dangerous reaction. Biohazardous Infectious Substance from living tissue/cells and natural waste products. Poisonous and Infectious Substance is very toxic and may be fatal (cause death). Effect is more instant. Substance causes effects that are more prolonged and longer lasting.