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.

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, or stored in the workplace.
• Keep and maintain accurate records about the identity and amount of hazardous products.
• Identify the hazards associated with the use, storage, handling, and disposal of the hazardous products.
• Ensure that WHMIS requirements regarding labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) are met.
• Provide workers with easy access to information, including SDSs.
• Develop compliant WHMIS labels and SDSs for hazardous products produced for use in the work place.
• Determine who may be exposed to the hazardous products.
• Educate and train workers who may be exposed.
• Develop procedures for
  • Safe use, handling, storage, and disposal of a hazardous product
  • When the product is in a pipe, piping system, vessel, tank car, 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.
• For products classified under WHMIS 1988 that are still present at the workplace, obtain a current SDS from the supplier (if the current SDS matches the formulation of the product on site). If no SDS is available, the employer must author a new SDS for that product following WHMIS 2015 criteria, and produce a supplier or workplace label.
• Monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the program.