COURSE
WHMIS – (GHS Aligned) Training
Course Overview
WHMIS – GHS Training provides workers with a clear understanding of how to identify, handle, and work safely with hazardous products in the workplace. The course supports employer and worker obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and applicable WHMIS regulations, helping organizations maintain safe, compliant work environments.
Duration:
- 2 hours
Delivery Options:
WHMIS – GHS Training can be delivered:
- Onsite for employers
- Through scheduled public sessions
Training Method
Instruction includes:
- Instructor-led discussion
- Practical examples and workplace scenarios
- Review of labels and safety data sheets
Training emphasizes recognition, prevention, and safe handling rather than memorization of technical detail.
Course Content
Participants receive instruction covering WHMIS fundamentals and practical application, including:
- History and purpose of WHMIS
- Scope of WHMIS: what is included and excluded
- Employer and worker responsibilities under WHMIS – GHS
- WHMIS hazard classes and symbols
- Labelling requirements
- Preventive safety measures
- Common hazards and risk phrases
- Protective measures and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency procedures and first aid
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): structure and use
- Routes of exposure and toxicity
Who Requires WHMIS – GHS Training?
With limited exceptions (such as farms), WHMIS applies to most Ontario workplaces covered by the OHSA.
In Ontario:
- The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) enforces WHMIS for provincially regulated workplaces
- Federally regulated workplaces (e.g., banks, post offices, airports) follow WHMIS requirements under the Canada Labour Code and Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, enforced by federal labour inspectors
What Does “GHS” Mean?
GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
GHS standardizes how chemical hazards are classified and communicated through labels and safety data sheets, with the goal of improving worker understanding and promoting consistency across jurisdictions worldwide.
Designated Substances
Designated substances are biological, chemical, or physical agents regulated under the OHSA due to the health risks associated with exposure.
Examples include:
- Vinyl chloride
- Arsenic
- Asbestos
- Benzene
- Coke oven emissions
- Ethylene oxide
- Isocyanates
- Lead
- Mercury
- Silica
Exposure may occur through inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption.
Additional Support: WHMIS Inventory Audits
Organizations seeking support beyond training may request a WHMIS inventory audit to review hazardous products, SDS documentation, and internal systems.
Contact Us To Get Started
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