WHMIS
Practical WHMIS training that helps workers understand hazardous-product information, interpret labels and pictograms, navigate Safety Data Sheets, and apply that information to safer handling, storage, and workplace practices.
Understanding Workplace Hazardous Products
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, Canada’s national system for communicating information about hazardous products used in workplaces. It brings together hazard classification, labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), pictograms, and worker education so workers can recognize hazards and find the information they need to work safely.
StartSafe’s WHMIS training focuses on practical use of that information. Participants learn how to interpret supplier and workplace labels, understand WHMIS pictograms and hazard statements, navigate a Safety Data Sheet, and connect that information with safe handling, storage, exposure controls, PPE, and emergency procedures.
General WHMIS education is only one part of workplace WHMIS responsibilities. Employers must also ensure workers receive instruction relevant to the hazardous products, procedures, controls, and emergency measures in their own workplace. Ontario does not establish a universal expiry date for a WHMIS certificate; instead, employers must review their worker education program at least annually and provide additional instruction when needed.
Course Topics and Learning Outcomes
Build the practical knowledge needed to recognize hazardous-product information, locate important safety details, and understand how WHMIS information applies in the workplace.
Understand WHMIS
Understand how WHMIS communicates workplace hazard information through classifications, labels, Safety Data Sheets, and worker education.
Recognize Hazard Information
Interpret WHMIS pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary information used to communicate physical and health hazards.
Read Workplace Labels
Understand supplier and workplace labels and identify the information workers need before using or handling hazardous products.
Navigate Safety Data Sheets
Locate practical information about hazards, PPE, handling, storage, exposure controls, first aid, and emergency measures within a Safety Data Sheet.
Work Safely With Hazardous Products
Connect WHMIS information with safe use, handling, storage, exposure controls, personal protective equipment, and workplace procedures.
Respond to Hazards
Understand where to find the information needed when a spill, release, exposure, or other hazardous-product emergency occurs.
Who This Course Is For
WHMIS education and training applies to workers who are exposed or likely to be exposed to hazardous products in their workplace. This course provides foundational WHMIS knowledge for workers across construction, industrial, maintenance, warehousing, and other work environments.
- Construction workers
- Tradespeople
- Maintenance workers
- Manufacturing and industrial workers
- Warehouse and distribution workers
- Cleaning and custodial personnel
- Workers handling hazardous products or workplace chemicals
- New workers requiring foundational WHMIS education
Ready to Register?
Arrange private WHMIS training for a group of up to 12 participants, or contact StartSafe about upcoming public training availability in Kingston.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WHMIS training, workplace requirements, course content, and certification in Ontario.
Who needs WHMIS training in Ontario?
Ontario employers must provide instruction and training to workers who are exposed or likely to be exposed to hazardous products in the workplace. WHMIS requirements therefore depend on the hazardous products and potential exposures associated with the worker’s job.
What does WHMIS training cover?
WHMIS training covers hazardous-product classifications, labels, pictograms, Safety Data Sheets, and how hazard information is used to support safe work. Workplace-specific instruction must also address the products, procedures, controls, and emergency measures workers actually encounter.
Does WHMIS certification expire in Ontario?
Ontario does not establish a universal expiry date for a WHMIS certificate. Employers must review their worker WHMIS education program at least annually and provide additional or updated instruction when workplace conditions, hazard information, products, or procedures change.
Is a general WHMIS course enough for workplace compliance?
Not in every situation. General WHMIS training provides foundational knowledge, but employers must also ensure workers understand the hazardous products, procedures, controls, PPE, and emergency measures relevant to their specific workplace.
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet, or SDS, provides detailed information about a hazardous product, including its hazards, safe handling and storage, exposure controls, PPE, first-aid measures, and emergency information. SDSs are a core part of the WHMIS hazard-communication system.
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