what is a whmis course

by Prof. Arden Mertz MD 9 min read

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS training is done to educate workers about the national system that Canada uses in providing health and safety information on hazardous materials that are used, handled, or stored in various workplaces across different industries in Canada.

Is WHMIS mandatory in Canada?

All Canadian jurisdictions currently require that employers develop, implement, and maintain a worker WHMIS education and training program. This education and training is required for hazardous products workers work with, or for products that workers may be exposed to at work.

What is WHMIS certificate in Canada?

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) provides Canadian workers with information about hazardous products used in the workplace. Under WHMIS, workers have the right to receive information about each hazardous product they use – for example, its identity, hazards and safety precautions.

What are 3 requirements of WHMIS?

WHMIS is a communication system on the hazards of controlled products in the workplace – from the suppliers of controlled products to purchasers, from employers to workers through the three key elements of: labeling, material safety data sheets and workers education.

Who must participate in WHMIS?

Who needs WHMIS training? WHMIS training is legally required for all employees who are exposed or likely to be exposed to a hazardous material or controlled product at the workplace.

Is WHMIS training free in Ontario?

Many large companies and governmental organizations use this free WHMIS training exclusively. This WHMIS 2015 training is designed using adult learning principles so that it is very easy but results in excellent learning to improve safety in your workplace.

Is WHMIS only required in Ontario?

Ontario's WHMIS legislation applies to all workplaces covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act , with the exception of farms.

Is WHMIS training free?

The education, training and testing to ensure you are compliant with WHMIS is typically provided as a service and is not free. Ensuring that your workplace complies with WHMIS is required by law.

How long is WHMIS good for?

How long is my certificate valid for? To ensure you are always in compliance, YOW Canada recommends that you complete WHMIS training on an annual basis. Although there is no expiry date, your certificate will have a "Next Recommended Training Date" of one year past your certification date.

What is the main purpose of WHMIS?

WHMIS was created to help stop the injuries, illnesses, deaths, medical costs, and fires caused by hazardous materials.

What jobs require WHMIS training?

Workers Who Frequently Require Mandatory WHMIS TrainingFactory Workers. Any employee who works with gasoline, cleaning fluid or lubricants must receive the training. ... Cleaners. ... Automotive. ... Contractors. ... Retail and Food Industry. ... Healthcare and Laboratory Workers. ... Teachers. ... Students, Co-Op Students, and Interns.More items...

How long is WHMIS training?

Need to get your certification in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)? This online WHMIS course is recognized through Canada and takes approximately 120 minutes to complete.

What is WHMIS called now?

WHMIS , now known as WHMIS 2015, has changed to: adopt new international standards for classifying hazardous workplace chemicals and giving information and safety data sheets. classify hazardous products into two broad hazard groups, physical hazards and health hazards.