WHMIS in the workplace
Understanding WHMIS at work
WHMIS helps employers and workers recognize hazardous products, understand their risks, use them safely, and is a key part of workplace health and safety.
What is WHMIS?
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a Canada-wide system that gives employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace. Under WHMIS, hazard information is delivered in three main ways: labels on containers, safety data sheets with detailed product information, and worker education programs.
What are workplace responsibilities surrounding WHMIS?
Workplace responsibilities under WHMIS centre on making sure hazard information is available, current, and understood. Suppliers, employers, and workers each have a role to play in safe chemical management:
- Suppliers must label hazardous products and provide safety data sheets before sale or import.
- Employers must make sure hazardous products in the workplace are properly labelled, safety data sheets are available, and workers receive education before using hazardous products.
- Workers need to follow safe work procedures, read labels, and use the information provided.
WHMIS symbols and pictograms
WHMIS pictograms are visual warnings that quickly show the type of hazard a product may present. Pictograms appear on chemical labels and safety data sheets and may identify hazards such as flammability, oxidation, gases under pressure, corrosion, acute toxicity, serious health hazards, and biohazardous infectious materials. A product can have more than one pictogram, and not every hazardous product will require one. The key is that workers should be able to recognize the pictograms and connect them to the right precautions for storage, handling, use, and emergency response.
WHMIS training
WHMIS training is not just a one-time checkbox, it’s important training that all workers must complete to stay safe on the job. PSHSA’s WHMIS self-paced eLearning highlights the practical knowledge workers and supervisors need, including how to identify hazard classifications and pictograms, understand supplier and workplace labels, read safety data sheets, and apply hazard controls in the workplace.
This course can also be licensed for upload to your own learning management system, please email eLearning@pshsa.ca with your inquiry to learn more.
