WHMIS Training Ontario – WHMIS 2015
Overview of WHMIS Training in Ontario
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) 2015 training helps workers understand how to identify hazardous products and work with them safely in the workplace. WHMIS 2015 aligns Canada’s hazard communication system with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and provides standardized requirements for labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and worker education.
In Ontario, employers must ensure that workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products receive appropriate information, instruction, and training. WHMIS training is relevant to workplaces in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, warehousing, laboratories, maintenance, and other settings where hazardous products are used, handled, or stored.
Upon successful completion of WHMIS training, participants receive a WHMIS training certificate as documentation of course completion.
WHMIS Training Requirements in Ontario
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS Regulation, employers must ensure that workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products receive appropriate WHMIS information, instruction, and training.
WHMIS education and training should cover the hazards associated with products in the workplace, WHMIS labels, Safety Data Sheets, safe handling and storage procedures, and emergency measures. Workplace-specific training should also address the hazardous products, procedures, and precautions relevant to the worker’s duties.
For a detailed explanation of Ontario requirements, see our WHMIS Ontario Training Guide.
Why Is WHMIS Training Important?
Proper WHMIS training helps workers understand hazardous products and take appropriate precautions when using, handling, storing, or disposing of them.
- Identify hazardous products and workplace hazards
- Understand WHMIS labels, symbols, and pictograms
- Read and interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Follow safe handling and storage procedures
- Understand appropriate emergency and spill response procedures
- Support workplace health and safety requirements
Employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive appropriate information, instruction, and training, while workers are expected to follow workplace safety procedures and use the information provided to them.
What You’ll Learn in WHMIS 2015 Training
Our WHMIS training covers the essential information workers need to understand Canada’s hazardous product communication system, including:
- WHMIS 2015 and the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
- Hazardous product identification and classification
- WHMIS pictograms and hazard symbols
- Supplier and workplace label requirements
- Safety Data Sheets and the 16-section format
- Worker, employer, and supplier responsibilities
- Safe handling and storage of hazardous products
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency and spill response procedures
- Health effects associated with hazardous product exposure
Who Should Take WHMIS Training in Ontario?
WHMIS training is relevant to workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products as part of their job duties.
- Construction workers
- Manufacturing employees
- Warehouse and logistics workers
- Healthcare and laboratory staff
- Maintenance and cleaning workers
- Automotive and industrial workers
- Supervisors and employers
WHMIS Training Options
In-Class WHMIS Training
Instructor-led WHMIS training provides an opportunity for workers to learn directly from a trainer and ask questions about WHMIS requirements and workplace hazards.
- Instructor-led training sessions
- Group and workplace training options
- Opportunity for questions and discussion
- Suitable for organizations training multiple employees
Online WHMIS Training
Online WHMIS training provides a flexible option for individuals and organizations that prefer self-paced learning.
- Self-paced online learning
- Video-based training and quizzes
- Flexible access from a computer or compatible device
- Certificate provided after successful completion
Explore WHMIS Online Training →
WHMIS Training Certificate
Upon successful completion of the WHMIS training course, participants receive a WHMIS training certificate as proof that they completed the course.
- Provides documentation of completed WHMIS training
- Can be provided to an employer as proof of training
- Available digitally for the online training option
- Can be used as part of an employer’s training records
There is no single Canada-wide expiry period for WHMIS training. Employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive appropriate education and workplace-specific training. Refresher training may be required when workplace hazards, products, or procedures change, or according to an employer’s workplace policies.
Course Topics
- WHMIS legislation and requirements
- Worker, employer, and supplier responsibilities
- WHMIS labels and hazard pictograms
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Hazard identification and classification
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Safe storage and handling of hazardous products
- Emergency and spill response procedures
- Health hazards and exposure prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does WHMIS training cost in Ontario?
The cost of WHMIS training varies depending on the training format, provider, and whether the course is completed individually or as group training. Contact STS Canada for current pricing and group training options.
Is WHMIS training free?
WHMIS certification through STS Canada is a paid course, which includes instructor support, an official certificate, and training that meets Ontario workplace requirements. While free WHMIS resources exist online, they may not include formal certification, assessment, or documentation that employers can rely on for compliance records. Contact STS Canada for current pricing and group training options.
What are the WHMIS training requirements in Ontario?
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and WHMIS Regulation, employers must ensure that workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products receive appropriate information, instruction, and training. This includes understanding WHMIS labels, Safety Data Sheets, safe handling and storage procedures, and emergency response. General WHMIS education must also be supplemented with workplace-specific training covering the actual hazardous products and procedures a worker will encounter on the job.
How long does WHMIS training take?
The time required to complete WHMIS training depends on the course format and provider. Many online WHMIS courses can be completed in approximately 1 to 2 hours, while instructor-led training times may vary.
Do I get a certificate after WHMIS training?
Yes. Participants who successfully complete the WHMIS training course receive a WHMIS training certificate as documentation of course completion. The certificate can be provided to an employer as proof that the training was completed.
Is WHMIS training mandatory in Ontario?
Ontario employers must ensure that workers who work with or may be exposed to hazardous products receive appropriate information, instruction, and training. The specific training required depends on the hazardous products and workplace circumstances.
Does my WHMIS certificate expire?
There is no single Canada-wide expiry period for WHMIS training. Employers are responsible for ensuring workers receive appropriate WHMIS education and workplace-specific training. Refresher training may be required when workplace hazards, products, or procedures change, or according to an employer’s policies.
Is WHMIS training available online?
Yes. Online WHMIS training is available for individuals and organizations that prefer flexible, self-paced learning. See our WHMIS Online Training page for more information.
Get WHMIS Training in Ontario
Make sure your workers understand WHMIS labels, pictograms, Safety Data Sheets, and safe handling procedures for hazardous products.
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Learn More About WHMIS
Want to understand WHMIS before taking training? Read our guide:
What Does WHMIS Stand For? Meaning, Pictograms & Symbols Explained