WHMIS Symbols Practice Exam Questions with
Correct Answers | 2025 Edition | Comprehensive
Study Guide
1.
Question:
A sealed metal drum labeled with the exploding bomb WHMIS symbol is found
leaking in a storage facility. Which of the following is the most critical initial
response action?
A. Move the drum to a well-ventilated area.
B. Seal the leak using chemical tape.
C. Evacuate the area and notify emergency personnel.
D. Neutralize the material with a basic substance.
Answer:
✅ C. Evacuate the area and notify emergency personnel.
Explanation:
The "exploding bomb" symbol indicates explosives or self-reactive substances.
Leaking such a material presents an immediate risk of detonation. Evacuation and
contacting professionals is the safest course of action.
2.
,Question:
Which of the following best differentiates the flame symbol from the flame over
circle symbol under WHMIS?
A. The former is used for oxidizers; the latter for flammables.
B. The flame over circle requires air to ignite, while the flame does not.
C. The flame symbol warns of substances that can ignite easily, whereas the flame
over circle indicates materials that promote combustion of other substances.
D. Both symbols refer to the same type of chemical hazard.
Answer:
✅ C. The flame symbol warns of substances that can ignite easily, whereas
the flame over circle indicates materials that promote combustion of other
substances.
Explanation:
"Flame" = Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating substances.
"Flame over circle" = Oxidizing agents that enhance combustion of other materials.
3.
Question:
A product displays both the skull and crossbones and health hazard pictograms.
What does this combination most likely indicate?
A. The substance is carcinogenic but not immediately toxic.
B. It poses both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health risks.
,C. It only poses a risk through inhalation.
D. The material is radioactive and corrosive.
Answer:
✅ B. It poses both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health risks.
Explanation:
The skull and crossbones = acute toxicity (short-term, often deadly exposure).
The health hazard symbol = carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory
sensitization, etc. (long-term effects).
4.
Question:
Which of the following WHMIS symbols requires that emergency response plans
specifically include environmental protection procedures?
A. Biohazardous Infectious Materials
B. Health Hazard
C. Environment
D. Compressed Gas
Answer:
✅ C. Environment
Explanation:
The Environment symbol indicates the product can cause environmental damage,
, especially aquatic toxicity. Although not legally required under WHMIS 2015, it
informs risk mitigation and cleanup procedures.
5.
Question:
You’re handling a chemical with the corrosion symbol. Which of the following is
most accurate regarding its hazard potential?
A. It is safe when diluted with water.
B. It can only cause damage upon ingestion.
C. It may corrode metals and destroy human tissue upon contact.
D. It’s primarily harmful when inhaled.
Answer:
✅ C. It may corrode metals and destroy human tissue upon contact.
Explanation:
The corrosion symbol is used for corrosive substances that attack metals and
cause severe skin burns or eye damage.
6.
Question:
Which WHMIS symbol should be present on a substance that can spontaneously
ignite in air even without an ignition source?
Correct Answers | 2025 Edition | Comprehensive
Study Guide
1.
Question:
A sealed metal drum labeled with the exploding bomb WHMIS symbol is found
leaking in a storage facility. Which of the following is the most critical initial
response action?
A. Move the drum to a well-ventilated area.
B. Seal the leak using chemical tape.
C. Evacuate the area and notify emergency personnel.
D. Neutralize the material with a basic substance.
Answer:
✅ C. Evacuate the area and notify emergency personnel.
Explanation:
The "exploding bomb" symbol indicates explosives or self-reactive substances.
Leaking such a material presents an immediate risk of detonation. Evacuation and
contacting professionals is the safest course of action.
2.
,Question:
Which of the following best differentiates the flame symbol from the flame over
circle symbol under WHMIS?
A. The former is used for oxidizers; the latter for flammables.
B. The flame over circle requires air to ignite, while the flame does not.
C. The flame symbol warns of substances that can ignite easily, whereas the flame
over circle indicates materials that promote combustion of other substances.
D. Both symbols refer to the same type of chemical hazard.
Answer:
✅ C. The flame symbol warns of substances that can ignite easily, whereas
the flame over circle indicates materials that promote combustion of other
substances.
Explanation:
"Flame" = Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating substances.
"Flame over circle" = Oxidizing agents that enhance combustion of other materials.
3.
Question:
A product displays both the skull and crossbones and health hazard pictograms.
What does this combination most likely indicate?
A. The substance is carcinogenic but not immediately toxic.
B. It poses both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health risks.
,C. It only poses a risk through inhalation.
D. The material is radioactive and corrosive.
Answer:
✅ B. It poses both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health risks.
Explanation:
The skull and crossbones = acute toxicity (short-term, often deadly exposure).
The health hazard symbol = carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory
sensitization, etc. (long-term effects).
4.
Question:
Which of the following WHMIS symbols requires that emergency response plans
specifically include environmental protection procedures?
A. Biohazardous Infectious Materials
B. Health Hazard
C. Environment
D. Compressed Gas
Answer:
✅ C. Environment
Explanation:
The Environment symbol indicates the product can cause environmental damage,
, especially aquatic toxicity. Although not legally required under WHMIS 2015, it
informs risk mitigation and cleanup procedures.
5.
Question:
You’re handling a chemical with the corrosion symbol. Which of the following is
most accurate regarding its hazard potential?
A. It is safe when diluted with water.
B. It can only cause damage upon ingestion.
C. It may corrode metals and destroy human tissue upon contact.
D. It’s primarily harmful when inhaled.
Answer:
✅ C. It may corrode metals and destroy human tissue upon contact.
Explanation:
The corrosion symbol is used for corrosive substances that attack metals and
cause severe skin burns or eye damage.
6.
Question:
Which WHMIS symbol should be present on a substance that can spontaneously
ignite in air even without an ignition source?
