Industrial Labels & Hazmat Labeling — WHMIS & GHS Compliance Canada

Industrial hazmat labels aren't optional—they're legally required. We print WHMIS 2015 / GHS-compliant labels for drums, containers, tanks, and equipment across Canada. Avoid $50,000+ fines with labels designed by compliance experts.

Who Needs WHMIS 2015 Labels?

Any business handling or storing hazardous materials must label all containers:

• ✓ Chemical manufacturers & distributors
• ✓ Industrial cleaning suppliers
• ✓ Oil & fuel distributors
• ✓ Paint, solvents, & coating manufacturers
• ✓ Pesticide & fertilizer suppliers
• ✓ Laboratory & research facilities
• ✓ Automotive shops & fleet maintenance
• ✓ Warehouses & manufacturing plants

WHMIS 2015 Label Requirements

Mandatory Label Elements

• Product Identifier (Chemical name or common name)
• GHS Pictograms (9 hazard symbols, ≥1 cm × 1 cm each)
• Signal Word ("Danger" or "Warning")
• Hazard Statements (Standard phrases describing danger)
• Precautionary Statements (Prevention & first aid)
• Supplier Name, Address, Phone
• Emergency Contact Number
• SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Reference

The 9 GHS Pictograms

Industrial Label Sizes & Container Types

Standard Label Sizes

• Drum Labels (55-gallon): 4×6" or 6×8"
• Container Labels (1-5 gallon): 3×3" or 3×4"
• Tote Labels (275+ gallon): 6×8" or 8×10"
• Equipment Labels: Custom sizes (2×2", 3×3", 2×4")
• Asset ID Labels: 1×2" or 1.5×2.5"

Container-Specific Label Solutions

• Drums (Steel or Plastic): Adhesive labels or pre-printed drums
• Tanks: Large-format labels with UV-resistant adhesive
• Totes & IBCs: Durable synthetic labels (weatherproof)
• Pipes & Equipment: Wrap-around labels for cylindrical surfaces
• Storage Shelves: Aisle markers & inventory labels

Industrial Label Materials

Synthetic (Polypropylene) — BEST FOR HAZMAT

• Extreme durability (3+ years outdoor storage)
• UV-resistant (won't fade in sun)
• Waterproof & weatherproof
• Tear-resistant
• High-temperature adhesive
• Cost: $0.15-$0.30 per label
• Best for: Outdoor drums, industrial sites, extreme climate

Vinyl (BOPP) — STANDARD INDUSTRIAL

• Moisture & UV-resistant
• Durable adhesive
• Indoor/outdoor capable
• Cost: $0.12-$0.20 per label
• Best for: Warehouse storage, distribution centers

Aluminum (Permanent Adhesive)

• Metal backing (premium durability)
• Engraved or printed text
• Permanent (not removable)
• Cost: $0.30-$0.50+ per label
• Best for: High-value equipment, critical safety warnings

Industrial Label Design Best Practices

Layout & Readability

• Clear hierarchy: Hazard symbols first, then product name, then hazard statements
• High contrast (dark text on light background, or light on dark)
• Large fonts (minimum 8pt for warnings, 12pt+ preferred)
• Durable inks (won't fade in UV or extreme temps)

GHS Pictogram Placement

• Pictograms must be ≥1 cm × 1 cm (preferably 2 cm × 2 cm)
• Pictograms arranged horizontally or in 3×3 grid
• Black symbols on white background (or clear background)
• Red border frame around each pictogram

Common Industrial Labeling Mistakes (We Fix These)

• ✗ Pictograms too small - Must be ≥1 cm. We print at 2 cm minimum.
• ✗ Missing pictograms - If hazardous, ALL applicable pictograms required.
• ✗ Faded or unclear text - Industrial sites need readable labels for years. We use UV-resistant inks.
• ✗ Incorrect SDS reference - SDS must be accessible on site. We print reference clearly.
• ✗ No emergency contact - Must include supplier phone & emergency line.
• ✗ Old WHMIS labels (pre-2015) - Outdated labels cause confusion & fines. We upgrade to GHS.

Industrial Labeling Examples

Example 1: Chemical Distributor

Chemicals: 55-gallon drums of sulfuric acid, acetone, methylene chloride

Solution: We created compliant GHS labels for all 3 chemicals. Pictograms (corrosion, flammable, health hazard), hazard statements, precautions, SDS reference. Printed on synthetic (UV-resistant for outdoor storage).

Result: Regulatory inspection: ZERO findings. Customer expanded to 10 more SKUs.

Example 2: Automotive Shop Fleet

Chemicals: Oil, coolant, brake fluid, degreaser

Solution: Standardized label system with vehicle ID numbers, storage location, emergency contact. All WHMIS-compliant with relevant pictograms.

Result: Staff training time reduced 50%. Spill response faster.

Industrial Label Pricing

Printing (per label):

• 100 labels: $80-$150
• 500 labels: $150-$300
• 1,000 labels: $250-$500
• 5,000 labels: $800-$1,500

Custom sizes or aluminum: Quote per project

FAQ: Industrial Labels

Q: Do old WHMIS labels still work?
A: No. WHMIS 2015 / GHS labels are required since 2015. Old labels are non-compliant.

Q: Can I use paper labels for industrial drums?
A: Not recommended. Synthetic or vinyl hold up to weather, moisture, and handling.

Q: What's the minimum pictogram size?
A: 1 cm × 1 cm required. We print 2 cm minimum for clarity.

Q: Do you print variable data (lot numbers, dates)?
A: Yes. We print lot-specific or batch-specific labels on demand.

Get WHMIS-Compliant Industrial Labels

Ensure regulatory compliance & worker safety. Order industrial labels today. Free compliance review included.