What is WHMIS training?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and is an online training course.

• What it involves

The course takes around two hours in total to complete and will cover all of the basic information required when working with hazardous materials. Health and safety is very important in all areas, however, it is even more essential in businesses where a lack of such training could easily result in injury or death.

The modules covered include different warning symbols, hazard substance classes and effects, meaning of toxic, common effects and symptoms of exposure to toxic substances, how to control the use of hazardous substances and storage and handling of hazardous substances.

A quiz to ensure you have understood the information given will conclude the two hour course.

• Who needs it

WHMIS training is very reputable and should be taken by all of those who work or come in to contact with hazardous substances frequently. You do not have to be directly involved in their use to complete the training and it is helpful to know the risks involved in your company regardless whether you are handling the substances yourself or not.

There are many well known employers who request their staff to do this training including Shell and Tim Hortons. There are more specific courses ran by the same company such as Environmental Spills Response Training.

If you work in an environment that requires you to deal with any kind of work specific dangers, it is important that you talk to your management about proper training. It is likely that they will arrange for you to do this without your request but if not you should ask directly as soon as possible.