Health hazard symbol

WHMIS labels and safety data sheets are required for all hazardous products in the workplace. Before using these products, workers need to be educated on WHMIS, which was amended in December 2022.

Corrosives are often incompatible with many other products, and if they come into contact with each other toxic or explosive reaction products may be formed. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a corrosive product will provide information on which metals or other materials (e.g., plastics or wood) the corrosive product will attack (check Section 10: Stability and Reactivity).

Products that are corrosive to the skin and/or eyes may also be corrosive to the respiratory tract if inhaled. Effects could include irritation and burns to the nose, throat and lungs. In some cases, pulmonary edema, a build-up of fluid in the lungs which can be fatal, could occur. Swallowing a corrosive can cause burns to the mouth, throat and stomach.

Flammable symbol

Oxidizersign

The symbol within the pictogram shows a container dripping liquid onto a piece of metal and another container dripping liquid onto a hand. This symbol indicates that hazardous products with this pictogram can

In addition to the specific hazards identified by the corrosion pictogram, it is important to remember that the product may have other hazards, for example:

Irritant symbol

Products that are corrosive to metals can cause their containers to become weak, eventually leading to leaking or collapse, spilling the hazardous contents into the workplace. These products can also damage metal equipment and building components which may lead to structural collapse and injuries.

This pictogram is used by one WHMIS hazard class in the physical hazards group and two hazard classes in the health hazards group.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.

Some corrosive products, both liquid and solid, generate large amounts of heat when they are mixed with water. For example, a glass of water thrown into a bucket of concentrated sulfuric acid is converted instantly to steam which will eject the entire contents of the bucket into the air.