The Ultimate Guide to WHMIS Training in Ontario

In any Ontario workplace where hazardous materials are used, stored, or handled, WHMIS training is not just a safety best practice—it is a legal mandate. Standing for the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, WHMIS is Canada's national standard for communicating information about hazardous products to ensure worker health and safety.

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Whether you are a new employee looking for your first certificate or a manager ensuring your team is up to code, understanding the current requirements is vital for maintaining a compliant and safe environment.

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Why WHMIS Training is Required by Law

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulation 860, Ontario employers are legally obligated to provide both general and workplace-specific WHMIS training to any worker who may be exposed to hazardous products.

Key Benefits of Compliance

• Health and Safety: Training significantly reduces the risk of respiratory issues, chemical burns, poisoning, and long-term illnesses like cancer.

• Prevention of Incidents: Educated workers know how to handle spills, prevent fires, and respond effectively to emergencies.

• Avoidance of Fines: Failure to provide proper training can lead to severe penalties and fines from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).

• Safety Culture: Proper training empowers workers to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their colleagues.

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What Does the Training Cover?

Current training reflects WHMIS 2015 standards, which aligned Canada with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Effective training must include two distinct parts:

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1. General (Generic) Education

This covers the fundamental elements of the system that apply to all workplaces:

• Hazard Identification: Recognizing physical hazards (like flammability) and health hazards (like toxicity).

• Reading Labels: Understanding pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements on supplier and workplace labels.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Learning how to interpret the 16-section SDS format to find detailed handling and emergency information.

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2. Workplace-Specific Training

Employers must provide additional instruction tailored to their specific site. This includes:

• Safe Handling and Storage: Procedures for the specific chemicals used on-site.

• Emergency Response: What to do in case of a leak or spill at your specific facility.

• PPE Usage: Training on the correct use of masks, gloves, and goggles for the products you handle.

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How Often is Training Required?

While there is no official "expiry date" on a WHMIS certificate, Ontario law requires employers to review their education program at least once a year.

Retraining is mandatory whenever:

• New hazardous products are introduced to the workplace.

• Workplace conditions or storage procedures change.

• New hazard information becomes available for existing products.

• A worker demonstrates a lack of understanding regarding safety procedures.

As a best practice, most Ontario organizations require a formal refresher every one to three years to ensure ongoing competence.

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Get Certified Online Today

For busy professionals and organizations, online WHMIS certification is the most efficient way to stay compliant. It offers a flexible schedule, reduced costs, and a low-stress environment for learners.

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This self-paced program takes approximately one hour and provides an immediate digital certificate upon successful completion.

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If you are a healthcare professional or a student, you may also want to combine your WHMIS knowledge with our Basic Life Support (BLS) training or explore our Standard First Aid options for full workplace readiness.

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Don't wait for an inspection to find out your training has lapsed. Enroll in our WHMIS course now and protect your team today.