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Reference Manual for the WHMIS Requirements of the Hazardous Products Act and Controlled Products Regulations
CPR Section 22 - Reproduction of Hazard Symbols
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Reproduction of Hazard Symbols
Any hazard symbol required to be displayed on a label shall
- except with respect to size and colour, be an exact reproduction of that hazard symbol as depicted in Schedule II; and
- be displayed in a colour that is not likely to create confusion with a safety mark required by Part V of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Interpretation / Discussion of Section 22
Paragraph 22(a):
In order to ensure easy recognition of hazards by workers, artistic freedom in the design of hazard symbols is not permitted. Regarding the quality of the reproduction of the required hazard symbols, a degree of flexibility is allowed in recognition of the variance in printers on the market, {ref.: PIS No. 34}.
Paragraph 22(b):
If the controlled product is also subject to labelling requirements under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR), the container of the product may require a TDG label (safety mark). Under the TDGR, colours of labels and symbols are specified and, in some cases, a variation in colour for the same symbol indicates different information about the product. Some hazard symbols required under TDG are identical with hazard symbols required under WHMIS. Paragraph 22(b) ensures that workers educated in the TDG label system are not confused by information required by WHMIS.
The following general rules will prevent the use of colours for WHMIS symbols that will create confusion with TDG label information. Where the CPR requires the use of a hazard symbol with a pictogram which is found in the TDGR:
- the WHMIS symbol may be displayed in the same colour combination as required by TDGR for that product;
- the WHMIS symbol may be displayed in any colour combination other than possible colour combinations required under TDGR for that pictogram;
- the WHMIS symbol must not be displayed in a colour combination that is possible under TDGR for that pictogram but not required under TDGR for that product.
The following chart summarizes specific rules for each of the symbols that may be required under WHMIS:
| Class | Pictogram | Restriction(s) |
|---|---|---|
| A |  |
If product is flammable, poisonous (toxic) or corrosive, a green-white colour combination cannot be used. If product is not corrosive, a solid black cylinder on white background cannot be used. However, a black outline of a cylinder with white interior on a white background is acceptable. |
| B1 to 6 |  |
The colour yellow cannot be used in any colour combination. Unless the product, on contact with water, emits flammable gases, the colour blue cannot be used in any colour combination. |
| C |  |
The colours red or blue cannot be used in any colour combination of the two colours or with any other colour. |
| D1 |  |
No restriction |
| D2 |  |
No restriction |
| D3 |  |
No restriction |
| E |  |
No restriction |
| F |  |
No restriction |
The following are recommendations to suppliers:
- the colour orange should not be used in any CPR colour combination, since this particular colour is used in the TDGR exclusively for the identification of explosives;
- the same colour combination may be used for the CPR pictogram as that prescribed by the TDGR, where classification of a product under the CPR and the TDGR results in the use of the same pictogram for the CPR hazard symbol and the TDGR label.
