WHMIS, or the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, is a Canada-wide standard designed to ensure that workers are well-informed about the hazardous materials they may encounter in the workplace. It provides clear information about the potential risks of these materials and how to handle them safely through a consistent system of labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and worker training.

WHMIS 2015 is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), ensuring compatibility with international chemical safety standards. Under the Hazardous Products Act (HPA), suppliers are legally required to classify their products and communicate associated health hazards through accurate labels and SDSs as a condition of sale or importation.

Employers must maintain up-to-date SDSs for all hazardous products onsite, ensure that this health and safety information is easily accessible to workers, and provide WHMIS training to help employees understand how to use controlled products safely and respond to emergencies effectively.

The Many Benefits Of WHMIS

The WHMIS provides the essential information that workers need for their occupational health and safety by offering:

• A comprehensive hazard classification criteria which improves ability to indicate the severity of hazards
• A introduction of the three hazard classes
• Physical hazard criteria are consistent with the Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations
• Standardized material safety data sheet format

What Is The Purpose Of WHMIS?

The purpose of WHMIS is to ensure that all workers are properly trained in handling workplace hazardous materials. In order to be properly trained, workers must be familiar with WHMIS signs and the three different classifications for hazardous materials: Class A, Class B, and Class C. 

Class A

Class A materials are the most dangerous and require the highest level of training. Class A includes substances such as corrosives, explosives, and flammables.

Class B

Class B materials are moderately dangerous, yet still require training before handling because they still pose significant risks. Class B includes substances such as poisons, caustics, and combustibles.

Class C

Class C materials are the least dangerous but can still cause harm if not handled properly. Class C includes substances such as toxics, irritants, and radioactives. 

All workers who come into contact with any type of hazardous product must receive WHMIS training. This training can be provided by the employer or by a certified instructor. After successfully completing the training, workers will be issued a certificate that must be renewed every three years.

Overview of WHMIS Responsibilities

Under WHMIS, workplace safety is a shared responsibility. Here’s a brief overview of what each group is expected to do.

Employers

1. Set up and maintain a WHMIS program
2. Ensure hazardous products are properly labeled
3. Make safety data sheets (SDSs) easy to access
4. Provide WHMIS training to all workers

Workers

1. Take part in WHMIS education and training
2. Use labels and SDSs to understand product hazards
3. Report missing or unreadable labels to supervisors

Suppliers

1. Classify hazardous products
2. Provide compliant labels and up-to-date SDSs to customers

Put Workplace Health and Safety First With the Help of Canada Safety Training

At Canada Safety Training, we are dedicated to helping our clients achieve an incident-free work environment. We do this by providing high-quality safety training that meets all applicable safety standards. Our online safety training courses cover a wide range of topics, from hazard identification training and fall protection courses to incident investigation training and WHMIS training certificates.  

Whether you're looking for general safety training for your employees or need specialized training for a specific industry, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about our safety training services.

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