Hazardous Household Product Symbols

What are Hazardous Household Product Symbols They are warning symbols on household products that were developped to warn people about dangerous household products and to what degree they are dangerous. We will use the short-form HHPS

What is the difference between WHMIS and HHPS? WHMIS is for dangerous materials used in workplaces (and schools) HHPS is for products used around the home There is some overlap with the use of these symbols so it is important to be familiar with both

The Catagories POISON Licking, eating, drinking or sometimes smelling this product can cause illness or death. Ex. Windshield washer fluid, furniture polish FLAMMABLE This product or its fumes can catch fire easily if near heat, flames or sparks. Ex. Adhesives, solvents CORROSIVE This product can burn the skin or eyes on contact or throat of stomach if swallowed. Ex. Toilet bowl cleaner, oven cleaner EXPLOSIVE This container can explode if heated or punctured. Flying pieces of metal or plastic can cause injury. Ex. Anything in an aerosol can

Classifications of Danger for HHPS There are also levels of classification for the amount the product is dangerous. Three levels Danger Warning Caution These are like borders around the symbol and give people additional information about the level of danger.

DANGER Most dangerous, most likely to cause you harm Octagon with a thick border

WARNING Medium level of danger, also can cause harm Diamond with a medium thickness of border

CAUTION Still be careful when using this product, but of the three levels, this has the smallest level of danger Upside down triangle with thinner border

EXAMPLES: Poison Flammable Explosive Corrosive DANGER WARNING CAUTION