Supplier labels and workplace labels serve different situations. Supplier labels carry the prescribed hazard communication from the supplier, while workplace labels identify products produced or transferred in the workplace and direct workers to the safety data sheet.
Short answer
Do not replace a compliant supplier label without a valid reason. A workplace label is generally needed when a hazardous product is produced in the workplace, transferred to another container, or the supplier label is missing or unreadable, subject to applicable exceptions. Follow current federal, provincial, and territorial WHMIS requirements.
Supplier and workplace labels do not use the same content checklist.
Hazard information must remain legible and durable during normal use.
Train workers on labels, safety data sheets, and workplace procedures together.
| Control | Supplier label | Workplace label |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Supplier of the hazardous product | Employer or workplace |
| When used | Product supplied for workplace use | Produced or decanted product, or missing supplier label |
| Content | Prescribed product identifier, supplier, pictograms, signal word, hazard and precautionary statements as applicable | Product identifier, safe handling information, and reference to the safety data sheet |
| Languages | Required supplier information in English and French | Follow applicable workplace requirements and worker comprehension needs |
| Format | Prescribed elements and design rules | Flexible format if required information is clear |
| Maintenance | Keep legible and replace when damaged | Update and replace as workplace conditions require |
What a WHMIS supplier label does
The supplier label communicates standardized hazard information for a hazardous product sold or imported for workplace use. Required elements depend on the classification and current Hazardous Products Regulations.
The label must remain on the container and be readable. If it becomes illegible or is removed, the employer needs to restore the required hazard communication using the applicable supplier or workplace process.
- Product identifier
- Initial supplier identifier
- Pictogram or pictograms as applicable
- Signal word
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
- Supplemental information when required
When a workplace label is used
A workplace label is commonly used when a hazardous product is produced at the workplace, transferred to another container, or its supplier label is missing or unreadable. Exceptions can apply for immediate use and other controlled situations, so follow the rules in the relevant jurisdiction.
The workplace label identifies the product, provides safe handling information, and states that a safety data sheet is available. It should use language and presentation workers can understand as part of the training program.
WHMIS is implemented through federal, provincial, and territorial occupational health and safety laws. Confirm the rules that apply to the workplace.
Printing and durability controls
The label must remain legible under normal storage, handling, and use. Select a material, adhesive, and print process that can withstand the container surface, chemical exposure, moisture, abrasion, temperature, and expected service life.
Do not change official pictograms, hazard wording, or signal words to fit a template. Build the design around approved safety data and use controlled software fields to prevent omissions.
- Test adhesion on the actual container.
- Check red pictogram borders and print contrast.
- Protect barcodes and variable data from hazard elements.
- Replace damaged or unreadable labels promptly.
Build a controlled WHMIS label program
Connect the product classification, safety data sheet, supplier label, workplace label template, inventory record, and training program. Assign ownership for data updates and define what happens when a new safety data sheet arrives.
Audit containers in receiving, storage, production, laboratories, maintenance, and waste areas. Verify that workers can find and understand the label and safety data sheet, not only that a label is present.
- Approved source data and templates
- Role-based printing permissions
- Physical label inspection
- Container and secondary container audits
- Training and incident feedback
- Documented revision control
Authoritative sources
Product specifications and regulatory guidance can change. Confirm your final production setup against the current primary sources below.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a supplier label and workplace label?
The supplier label carries prescribed hazard communication from the supplier. A workplace label is created by the employer for specific workplace situations such as decanting or a missing label.
Do WHMIS supplier labels need English and French?
Supplier label information is generally required in both official languages. Confirm current federal requirements and any workplace obligations.
Can a workplace label replace every supplier label?
No. Keep compliant supplier labels and use workplace labels only in the situations allowed by the applicable rules.
What material should be used for chemical labels?
Choose a construction tested for the container, chemical exposure, moisture, abrasion, temperature, and service life. No single material fits every chemical environment.
Choose the right label printing setup
ForeFront can help match your printer, ink, label material, adhesive, size, and workflow before you buy.
