WHMIS 2015 (GHS)

Program Content

Program content has been designed to provide workers, supervisors and employers relevant information provided under WHMIS 2015 (GHS) about the safe handling, use and storage of hazardous materials in the workplace. Specific workplace examples are used wherever possible to enhance the relevance of the course for participants.

Since 1988, WHMIS has been Canada’s hazard communication system for workplace chemicals. WHMIS is changing to adopt new international standards for classifying hazardous chemicals and providing information on labels and safety data sheets. These new international standards are part of the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and are being phased in across Canada between February 2015 and December 2018. The reformed GHS compliant version of WHMIS is referred to as WHMIS 2015. WHMIS 1988 (the original version) will remain in force until its phase out date in December 2018. ACUTE’s WHMIS 2015 (GHS) navigates the new and old versions of the WHMIS regulations to help workers, supervisors and employers recognize and appropriately control the hazards associated with hazardous products.

Training program topics include:

• Responsibilities of Employers, Supervisors, Workers and Suppliers.
• Recognizing, Assessing, Controlling Risks as well as Evaluating the effectiveness of controls
• Understand labels WHMIS 2015 (GHS).
• Recognize the WHMIS 2015 (GHS) pictograms (symbols) and understand the hazards that they represent.
• Identify the hazards represented by each hazard class.
• Understand the significance of signal words – WHMIS 2015
• Find additional information about hazards and protective measures on [material] safety data sheets ([M]SDSs).
• WHMIS 2015 differences:
  • new rules for classifying hazardous workplace chemicals;
  • two main hazard classes – physical hazards and health hazards
  • new label requirements, including pictograms instead of symbols that correspond to hazard classes; and,
  • a different format for safety data sheets

You will learn by:

• Classroom interaction with experienced instructors
• Overview of Ontario Regulation 860 – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
• Detailed handouts and quizzes

Who should enroll in this training program? 

WHMIS training is mandatory for any worker who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous products in the workplace. This training program will also be of interest to new hires, Joint Health and Safety Committee members and any worker who wishes to have a deeper understanding of the new provisions of the Globally Harmonized System as well the requirements mandated by the province’s WHMIS legislation.