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Course Description

This short course provides essential training on the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), Canada’s national standard for communicating information about hazardous products in the workplace. Participants will learn how to recognize and interpret WHMIS labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), identify hazard classes and pictograms, and apply safe practices for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials. The course also covers the roles and responsibilities of workers and employers under WHMIS legislation, the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures for spills, leaks, and exposures. Designed for all workers, supervisors, and contractors who may encounter hazardous products, this course ensures participants gain the knowledge and confidence to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.

Course Objectives:

The objectives of a WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) course are to ensure that workers and employers understand how to safely handle hazardous products in the workplace. Typical objectives include:

• Awareness & Understanding
  • Understand the purpose and importance of WHMIS in protecting worker health and safety.
  • Recognize employer and worker responsibilities under WHMIS legislation.
• Hazard Identification
  • Learn how to identify hazardous products using WHMIS labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Understand the WHMIS hazard classes and symbols/pictograms.
• Safe Handling
  • Know safe work practices when handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous products.
  • Learn about required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Emergency Preparedness
  • Understand the procedures to follow in case of spills, leaks, exposures, or other emergencies.
  • Learn first-aid measures related to hazardous materials.
• Communication
  • Be able to interpret hazard information and communicate it effectively in the workplace.

In short, the main objective is to ensure workers have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to work safely with hazardous products and reduce the risk of injury, illness, or environmental harm.

WHMIS course learning outcomes:

1. Explain WHMIS Legislation & Responsibilities
   • Describe the purpose and scope of WHMIS in Canada.
   • Identify the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers.
2. Recognize Hazard Classes & Pictograms
   • Interpret WHMIS hazard symbols/pictograms and understand their meanings.
   • Classify hazardous products according to their hazard categories.
3. Use Labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
   • Locate and interpret information on WHMIS supplier and workplace labels.
   • Access and apply the 16 sections of a Safety Data Sheet to workplace tasks.
4. Apply Safe Handling and Storage Procedures
   • Demonstrate safe work practices for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous products.
   • Select and properly use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
5. Respond to Emergencies Involving Hazardous Products
   • Follow correct procedures for spills, leaks, fires, or accidental exposures.
   • Apply basic first aid and emergency response measures as outlined in SDS.
6. Promote a Safe Work Environment
   • Communicate hazard information effectively with coworkers and supervisors.
   • Integrate WHMIS knowledge into daily workplace practices to reduce risks.

Who should take WHMIS:

• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training is required for:
• All Workers Who May Be Exposed to Hazardous Products
• Anyone who uses, handles, stores, or disposes of hazardous materials.
• Includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers.
• Supervisors and Managers
• Those responsible for overseeing employees working with hazardous products.
• They must know WHMIS rules to enforce safe practices and legal compliance.
• Contractors, Volunteers, and Interns
• If their duties involve exposure to hazardous materials, they need WHMIS training as well.
• New Employees
• WHMIS training is legally required before starting work with hazardous products.
• Refresher training is also necessary when new hazards or products are introduced.
• Industries Where WHMIS is Essential
• Manufacturing, construction, healthcare, laboratories, transportation, maintenance, agriculture, cleaning services, and many more.
• Anyone in a workplace where hazardous products are present must receive WHMIS training.

Why BI:

Choosing WHMIS training at the Brantford Institute means you’re getting:

• Career-Focused Training – WHMIS is part of BI’s practical, job-ready programs.
• Health & Safety Track – Fits directly within BI’s safety and vocational course offerings.
• Sustainability Values – Supports safe and responsible handling of hazardous materials.
• Expert, Hands-On Learning – Training is interactive, applied, and relevant to workplaces.

Course contents:

• Introduction to WHMIS
• Objectives of WHMIS Training
• History and Purpose of WHMIS
• WHMIS Components (Labels, SDS, Education & Training)
• Health Effects of Hazardous Products
• WHMIS Responsibilities (Suppliers, Employers, Employees)
• Controlled Products
• Routes of Entry (Inhalation, Ingestion, Absorption, Injection)
• Hazardous Products and Exclusions from WHMIS
• Hazard Groups and Classes (Physical, Health, Environmental)
• Hazard Categories
• WHMIS Pictograms (Canadian and GHS)
• WHMIS Labels (Supplier & Workplace)
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• WHMIS 2015 and GHS Alignment
• Lab-Specific Training
• Safety Controls (Elimination, Engineering, Administrative, PPE)
• Protective Measures & Safety Expectations
• Glassware Precautions
• Clean-Up and Disposal Procedures
• Chemical Storage Guidelines
• First Aid & Safety Equipment
• Using Hot Plates and Open Flames
• Summary and Key Takeaways