Choosing a safety training course for work-related chemical hazards depends on your job duties and the chemical products you’re exposed to. Canadian employees who work with or around hazardous products must meet safety materials training requirements to understand classification, labelling, regulations, and more.
What is WHMIS?
WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and ensures workers have the information they need about chemical and toxic hazards in the workplace and the protective measures that go with them. WHMIS is Canada's national hazard communication standard for chemical use and exposure in the workplace. The system includes:
- Hazard classification and product classification
- Container labelling requirements
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Worker education and training programs
Is WHMIS Training Mandatory in Canada?
Yes, WHMIS training is mandatory in Canada. In all Canadian jurisdictions, employers must ensure staff have access to safety training programs that help employees work safely around chemicals and other hazards.
Who Needs WHMIS Training?
Workers who may be exposed to hazardous products in the workplace must complete WHMIS training. Basic WHMIS training is available online to facilitate individuals who don’t have time or the ability to attend in-class training sessions. However, online training is only basic and is not sufficient for site-specific, hands-on workplace training.
The Two Types of WHMIS Training
Employers are responsible for providing general WHMIS training and/or site-specific training to its employees.
General Training
Basic WHMIS training is available for free and includes general instruction on an introduction to the safety system, roles and responsibilities, hazard classes, labels, and safety data sheets.
Site or Job-Specific Training
Site or job-specific WHMIS training includes safe handling and use, storage and disposal, emergency response, and fugitive emissions.
Who Is Responsible for Paying for WHMIS Training?
Under Canadian occupational health and safety law, employers must provide employees with WHMIS training and pay for their staff’s training. Some basic WHMIS training courses are free, but they are not site-specific, may lack detail, may be outdated, or may not be accepted by your employer.
When safety training is mandatory, employers are required to pay for:
- Registration fees
- Wages covering the hours spent in training
- Equivalent pay if the training falls outside regular working hours
- Any materials or supplies the training requires
- Travel costs, where applicable
Does WHMIS Training Expire?
There is no formal expiry date for WHMIS training certifications, but WHMIS training must be refreshed under certain circumstances, including:
- An employee’s job functions or work processes are changed
- Regulations are updated
- New hazardous products or information are introduced
What Happens If Your Employer Doesn't Provide WHMIS Training?
If your employer doesn’t provide the required WHMIS training for your staff, they may face critical consequences, including liability (workplace incidents), a warning letter, removal or detention of hazardous materials from the workplace, workers’ compensation claims, a shutdown of the facility, and penalties.
AIP Safety offers an extensive WHMIS course. The 3-hour class educates employees on the required WHMIS program for their workplace, including worker education, workplace labelling, and material safety data sheets. WHMIS training certification is available at AIP Safety in Calgary. Check out our classes today for availability, or contact us directly.