WHMIS Training & Requirements
At Worksite Safety we offer comprehensive WHMIS training designed to meet Canadian workplace safety standards. This article outlines everything you need to know about WHMIS certification, employer responsibilities, and why WHMIS 2015 remains the current standard.
Does WHMIS Certification Expire?
Worksite Safety’s WHMIS course does not have an automatic expiry. Employers can choose to set the certification to expire after 1 year, 3 years, or no expiry depending on their internal policies and risk assessments.
While Ontario Regulation 860 outlines WHMIS training requirements, it does not specify an expiration period. However, under the Occupational Health & Safety Act, WHMIS training must be reviewed at least annually. This can be done through online training or other employer-determined methods, such as:
- Reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Conducting refresher sessions
- Documenting all training activities
Remember: If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.
When Should WHMIS Be Refreshed?
WHMIS training should be refreshed under the following conditions:
- When workplace conditions change
- When new products are introduced
- When existing products change and pose new hazards
- When new hazard information becomes available
- When safe handling, storage, or disposal procedures are updated
- As needed to protect worker health and safety
Note: Some provinces or territories may also require employers to periodically evaluate workers’ WHMIS knowledge using written tests, practical demonstrations, or other methods. Be sure to confirm these requirements with your local jurisdiction to ensure compliance.
WHMIS Responsibilities for Employers
Employers across Canada have key responsibilities to ensure WHMIS compliance and workplace safety:
| Responsibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Develop a WHMIS Program | Tailor policies to the specific hazards in your workplace. |
| Ensure Proper Labeling | All hazardous materials must be clearly labeled per WHMIS standards. |
| Maintain SDS Access | Safety Data Sheets must be up-to-date and accessible to all employees. |
| Provide WHMIS Training | All employees must receive training, especially those handling hazardous materials. |
| Review Policies Regularly | Update WHMIS procedures to reflect new hazards or regulations. |
| Document Training & Updates | Keep records of training dates, content, and policy changes. |
| Ensure Information Access | WHMIS labels and SDS must be available where hazardous materials are present. |
Why There’s No WHMIS 2024 or 2025
WHMIS 2015 is still the current national standard. Here’s why:
- It aligned Canada’s system with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).
- It replaced outdated regulations like the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR).
- It introduced:
- A standardized 16-section SDS format
- Updated pictograms with square borders
- Revised hazard classifications
- A standardized 16-section SDS format
- By 2018, all workplaces were required to transition from WHMIS 1988 to WHMIS 2015. Since then, no major updates have been introduced, and WHMIS 2015 continues to meet global safety standards.
How SDS Sheets Keep You Safe
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a cornerstone of WHMIS compliance. They protect workers in three key ways:
- Detailed Hazard Information SDS sheets provide more comprehensive details than labels, including emergency procedures and safe handling instructions.
- Reliable Source SDS content comes directly from the manufacturer, distributor, or importer ensuring accuracy and consistency.
- Easy Accessibility SDS must be available in the workplace either in print or electronically so employees can access them anytime.
Need WHMIS Training?
Worksite Safety offers WHMIS training online and in-person across Ontario. Visit our WHMIS Training Page to get started or contact us for group bookings and employer support.