WHMIS Training
Training in WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - is required for all workers in Canada.
The main components of WHMIS are hazard identification and product classification, labelling, safety data sheets, and worker education and training. Hazardous metals and chemicals are included in WHMIS training.
WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EMPLOYERS?
Employers may decide to require re-training for their workers at regular intervals, though there is no set renewal within the WHMIS program. There will be updates to the WHMIS program as new products enter the market, or if handling procedures for an existing material are changed.
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, an employer is responsible for providing the following guidance or instruction under WHMIS rules:
- Know exactly what hazardous products are present, and how they are used, handled, stored or disposed in the workplace.
- Keep and maintain accurate records about the identity and amount of hazardous products.
- Ensure that WHMIS requirements regarding labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are met.
- Provide workers with easy access to information, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
- Develop compliant WHMIS labels / signs and SDS for hazardous products produced for use in the work place.
- Determine who may be exposed to the hazardous products and make them aware of the hazards. Educate and train workers who may be exposed.
- Develop procedures for:
- Safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of a hazardous product
- How to handle the product that is stored in various ways: a pipe, piping system, sealed container, pressurized tank, etc.
- How to protect workers who may be exposed
- What must be done in an emergency that involves the hazardous product
- Update SDSs and labels when significant new data is obtained from the supplier, and ensure workers receive education and training about the significant new data.
- Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of your WHMIS program, with written or digital records that demonstrate your due diligence and responsibility.
CONTRACTOR NOTE:
For products classified under WHMIS 1998 that are still present at the workplace, you MUST get a current Safety Data Sheet from the supplier that matches the the formulation of that product. If no SDS is available, the employer MUST create a new SDS for the product following WHMIS 2015 criteria - a new label or sign for the workplace must be created to accompany the old product.
For products classified under WHMIS 1998 that are still present at the workplace, you MUST get a current Safety Data Sheet from the supplier that matches the the formulation of that product. If no SDS is available, the employer MUST create a new SDS for the product following WHMIS 2015 criteria - a new label or sign for the workplace must be created to accompany the old product.