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The symbol within the pictogram is a flame with a line underneath it. This symbol indicates that hazardous products with this pictogram can ignite easily and burn rapidly if they are not stored and handled properly.
In most workplaces, you will see this pictogram used on hazardous products for the following hazard classes:
There are other hazard classes that use the flame pictogram but products with these hazards are not commonly found in workplaces:
*Note that the most severe hazard category in the self-reactive substances and mixtures hazard class (Type A) is assigned the exploding bomb pictogram. Type B is assigned two pictograms – the flame and the exploding bomb.
Hazardous products with the flame pictogram can be a fire or explosion hazard in the workplace.
For a fire to occur, three elements must be together at the same time and in the right proportions:
It is very important when working with flammable products that these three elements are not present together in the right amounts at any time.
The following hazards are also associated with flammable liquids:
You also need to consider the potential for hazardous thermal decomposition and combustion products. When flammable products burn, hazardous gases and vapours can be produced (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides).
The WHMIS 2015 signal words and hazard statements for flammable gases, aerosols, liquids and solids are:
Hazard Class and Category | Signal Word | Hazard Statement |
---|---|---|
Flammable gases – Category 1 | Danger | Extremely flammable gas |
Flammable aerosols – Category 1 | Danger | Extremely flammable aerosol |
Flammable aerosols – Category 2 | Warning | Flammable aerosol |
Flammable liquids – Category 1 | Danger | Extremely flammable liquid and vapour |
Flammable liquids – Category 2 | Danger | Highly flammable liquid and vapour |
Flammable liquids – Category 3 | Warning | Flammable liquid and vapour |
Flammable solids – Category 1 | Danger | Flammable solid |
Flammable solids – Category 2 | Warning | Flammable solid |
Below are the signal words and hazard statements for the other WHMIS 2015 hazard classes and categories that are assigned the flame pictogram.
Hazard Class and Category | Signal Word | Hazard Statement |
---|---|---|
Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type B* | Danger | Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type C and Type D | Danger | Heating may cause a fire |
Self-reactive substances and mixtures – Type E and Type F | Warning | Heating may cause a fire |
Pyrophoric liquids – Category 1, Pyrophoric solids – Category 1, Pyrophoric gases – Category 1 | Danger | Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air |
Self-heating substances and mixtures – Category 1 | Danger | Self-heating; may catch fire |
Self-heating substances and mixtures – Category 2 | Warning | Self-heating in large quantities; may catch fire |
Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases – Category 1 | Danger | In contact with water releases flammable gases, which may ignite spontaneously |
Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases – Category 2 | Danger | In contact with water releases flammable gas |
Substances and mixtures which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases – Category 3 | Warning | In contact with water releases flammable gas |
Organic peroxides – Type B* | Danger | Heating may cause a fire or explosion |
Organic peroxides – Type C and Type D | Danger | Heating may cause a fire |
Organic peroxides – Type E and Type F | Warning | Heating may cause a fire |
*Recall that these hazard classes and categories are also assigned the explosion pictogram.
Fire and explosion are the main concerns, but other hazards may be present. Supervisors and workers must understand the specifics of what all of the hazards of the product are and how to use it safely.
Other hazards include:
ALWAYS check the SDS and label for the product that you are working with to ensure that you know what is being used and all of the hazards and precautions associated with the product. Ask questions if you are not sure.
Understand and practice emergency procedures so that you know what to do if it becomes necessary to act:
Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions.
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.