WHMIS Labels

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada's mandatory hazard communication standard, requiring clear labelling of hazardous products in all Canadian workplaces. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and safety risks. At Lux Label Labs, we specialize in producing regulatory-compliant WHMIS labels that meet federal and provincial requirements, ensuring your Ontario business maintains workplace safety while avoiding penalties. You provide hazard classification details; we handle precise layout execution with pre-production proof verification.

Canadian Regulatory Requirements

WHMIS 2015 aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), enforced under Canada's Hazardous Products Regulations by Health Canada. Ontario workplaces must comply with both federal WHMIS legislation and the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act. Key requirements include:

  • Mandatory pictograms (diamond-shaped symbols) for physical, health, and environmental hazards
  • Signal words ("Danger" or "Warning") based on hazard severity
  • Hazard statements describing nature of risks (e.g., "Causes skin irritation")
  • Precautionary statements for safe handling, storage, and emergency measures
  • Supplier identification (name, address, phone number)
  • Product identifier matching Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

While CFIA regulates consumer product labelling, WHMIS specifically governs workplace hazardous materials. Labels must remain legible throughout a product's lifecycle per CSA Z762 standards. Ontario Ministry of Labour inspectors routinely verify compliance during workplace safety audits.

Label Specifications

WHMIS labels must withstand workplace conditions while maintaining critical information clarity. Our production adheres to these mandatory specifications:

  • Minimum size: 56 mm × 74 mm (standard size); proportionally reduced for small containers but must retain legibility of all elements
  • Durability: Resistance to moisture, chemicals, abrasion, and UV exposure for product's entire usage duration
  • Adhesive permanence: Must remain affixed through temperature fluctuations (-40°C to 60°C) and surface contaminants (oils, dust)
  • Print quality: High-contrast text with minimum 7pt font; no smudging or fading; pictograms must be red-bordered black symbols on white background
  • Material requirements: Substrates must not degrade when exposed to labelled product contents

We conduct adhesion testing on common Ontario industrial surfaces (metal drums, plastic totes, glass containers) to ensure labels stay firmly attached during handling and storage.

Industries Requiring These Labels

Across Ontario's diverse economy, these sectors particularly rely on WHMIS-compliant labelling:

  • Manufacturing: Automotive plants (lubricants, solvents), food processing facilities (cleaning chemicals), and machinery production (hydraulic fluids)
  • Chemical handling: Toronto-area distribution centres, Hamilton chemical warehouses, and specialty coating applicators
  • Agriculture: Greenhouse operations (pesticides), grain handling facilities (fumigants), and livestock pharmaceutical suppliers
  • Healthcare: Hospital pharmacies (hazardous drugs), diagnostic labs (reagents), and dental supply manufacturers
  • Construction: Adhesive/sealant producers, solvent-based paint formulators, and roofing material manufacturers

Whether you operate in the Golden Horseshoe, Northern mining sites, or rural agri-businesses, WHMIS labelling is legally required for any workplace handling controlled products.

Material & Print Options

Not all label materials meet WHMIS durability demands. We select substrates based on your product's specific handling environment:

  • Industrial Vinyl: Ideal for chemical exposure, outdoor storage, and wash-down environments (common for Ontario manufacturing)
  • High-Performance Polypropylene: Moisture-resistant solution for humid facilities like food processing plants
  • Extreme-Duty Polyester: For high-temperature applications (e.g., automotive engine fluids) and abrasive conditions
  • Specialty Adhesives: Permanent acrylic for smooth surfaces, aggressive rubber-based for textured containers

All materials undergo accelerated aging tests to confirm 5+ year legibility. We use fade-resistant pigmented inks and strict colour calibration to maintain GHS red borders at exact Pantone 485C specifications. Explore substrate properties in our comprehensive materials guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my product requires reduced-size WHMIS labels?

Health Canada permits proportional label reduction for containers under 100mL. We'll work with your SDS to condense required elements while maintaining legibility - typically minimum 38mm × 50mm. Our designers optimize layout to meet Ontario Ministry of Labour's readability standards even on small containers.

How do I verify your labels meet current WHMIS 2015 standards?

We provide pre-production digital proofs showing exact layout, colour values, and content placement for your approval. All labels include our production timestamp for traceability. While we don't issue compliance certifications (the supplier bears this responsibility), our templates follow Health Canada's latest WHMIS Reference Materials.

Can you print WHMIS labels for products with multiple hazard classes?

Absolutely. Complex products like industrial cleaners (corrosive + flammable) require multiple pictograms and statements. Our layout specialists ensure proper hierarchy and spacing per CSA Z762-19 standards, with clear separation between physical and health hazard elements.

Do you supply blank WHMIS label sheets for on-site printing?

Yes! Our custom roll labels and sheeted options work with thermal transfer and laser printers. We pre-print mandatory elements like borders and pictograms, leaving space for your variable product information - ideal for Ontario facilities with frequent batch changes.

Ensure workplace compliance today:

→ Order pre-sized WHMIS label bundles (50+ per design) · Browse industrial label collections

→ Request custom WHMIS quote · Call 289-687-4158 · info@luxlabellabs.com

All orders include email proof verification. Production begins 2–5 business days after your approval (varies by queue and complexity). Serving Ontario workplaces from Windsor to Ottawa with Canada-wide shipping.

Related Resources

Lux Label Labs: Precision WHMIS labelling solutions designed for Ontario's regulatory landscape. Minimum 50 labels per design. Proofs required before production. Proudly serving Canadian workplaces.