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. WHMIS is currently offered as private group training for workplace teams.
Understand the Hazard Information You Use at Work
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. It is Canada's national system for communicating information about hazardous products used in workplaces through hazard classification, labels, Safety Data Sheets, and worker education and training.
Our WHMIS training focuses on how workers actually use that information. Participants learn how to interpret supplier and workplace labels, understand pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary information, and navigate a Safety Data Sheet to find information about hazards, handling, storage, exposure controls, PPE, first aid, spills, and emergencies.
The goal is not simply to memorize WHMIS symbols. Workers should understand how to find and use hazard information when making decisions about hazardous products in the workplace.
Our WHMIS training reflects current hazardous-product classification, label, and Safety Data Sheet requirements. Course material is based on the current WHMIS framework rather than older pre-transition information.
General WHMIS training provides foundational knowledge, but it does not automatically satisfy every employer's workplace-specific WHMIS responsibilities. Employers remain responsible for ensuring workers understand the hazardous products, safe-use procedures, storage requirements, controls, PPE, spill procedures, and emergency measures relevant to their actual workplace.
Ontario does not establish one universal expiry date for a WHMIS certificate. Employers are required to review their worker WHMIS education program at least annually and provide additional or updated instruction when workplace conditions, hazardous products, information, or procedures change. An annual program review is not the same as requiring every worker to retake a WHMIS course every year.
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.
Read Supplier & Workplace Labels
Understand the purpose of supplier and workplace labels and identify the information workers need before using hazardous products.
Navigate Safety Data Sheets
Locate practical information about hazards, PPE, handling, storage, first aid, and emergency response within a Safety Data Sheet.
Work Safely With Hazardous Products
Connect WHMIS information with safe handling, storage, exposure controls, PPE, and workplace procedures.
Respond to Hazards
Understand where to find information needed when a spill, release, exposure, or other hazardous-product emergency occurs.
Who This Course Is For
WHMIS education and instruction 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 a range of industries and job functions.
- Construction Workers
- Tradespeople
- Maintenance Workers
- Manufacturing Workers
- Industrial Workers
- Warehouse & Distribution Workers
- Cleaning & Custodial Personnel
- Workers Handling Hazardous Products or Workplace Chemicals
- New Workers Requiring Foundational WHMIS Education
- Other Workers Exposed or Likely to Be Exposed to Hazardous Products
Training Your Team?
WHMIS is currently offered as private group training for up to 12 participants. Pricing varies depending on group size and the training arrangement. Contact us to discuss your team, scheduling, and training needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about WHMIS requirements, course content, certificate expiry, workplace-specific instruction, private pricing, and group training.
Who needs WHMIS training in Ontario?
Ontario employers must provide WHMIS education and instruction to workers who are exposed or likely to be exposed to hazardous products in the workplace. Whether WHMIS training applies depends on the hazardous products and exposures associated with the worker's job.
What does WHMIS training cover?
WHMIS training covers topics such as hazardous-product classifications, pictograms, supplier and workplace labels, Safety Data Sheets, hazard information, precautions, and safe handling and storage. Employers must also provide workplace-specific instruction relevant to the hazardous products and procedures workers actually encounter.
Does WHMIS certification expire in Ontario?
Ontario does not establish one 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 necessary. StartSafe has not established a fixed expiry period for its WHMIS certificate of completion.
Is a general WHMIS course enough for workplace compliance?
Not by itself in every situation. General WHMIS training provides foundational knowledge, but employers are responsible for ensuring workers understand the hazardous products, procedures, controls, PPE, and emergency measures relevant to their workplace.
What is a Safety Data Sheet?
A Safety Data Sheet, or SDS, provides detailed information about a hazardous product. It can include information about hazards, safe handling, storage, exposure controls, PPE, first aid, spills, fire response, and other emergency information.
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