WHMIS Online Training

Every worker who works with a hazardous product, or may be exposed to one, needs WHMIS education and training. That includes workers involved in emergency response.

WHMIS is Canada's system for sharing health and safety information about hazardous products at work. It has four parts: classifying products, labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and worker education and training. Health Canada sets the rules for suppliers. Each province and territory sets the workplace rules under its own health and safety law, and the federal government does the same for federally regulated workplaces.

CCOHS splits WHMIS into education and training. Education is the general part that goes with you from job to job: how WHMIS works, what the pictograms mean, and how to read a label and an SDS. An online course gives you this part. Training is specific to your workplace and your job, and your employer provides it.

Employers can use an outside provider for the general part, but they stay responsible for making sure you are protected. You need 80% to pass each of the courses below.

Match the course to where you are starting from:

• New to WHMIS, or your last course was before the 2022 amendments: WHMIS 2025. About 1 hour on hazard classes, labels, SDSs and what changed in the update.
• Already trained and need a review after products, hazards or procedures change: WHMIS 2025 Refresher. About 25 minutes, including which materials are exempt from WHMIS.
• Want more depth: GHS and WHMIS 2025. About 90 minutes. Adds routes of entry, controlling chemical hazards, personal protective equipment and WHMIS at home.
• Teaching WHMIS to your own staff: WHMIS/GHS Certification 2025 Train the Trainer. About 2 hours on adult learning principles and the WHMIS content, plus a training kit with a presentation, handouts, tests and answer keys. CCOHS says WHMIS trainers should know the subject and be skilled at teaching adults.
• Shipping, receiving or transporting dangerous goods: you need TDG training as well. WHMIS does not cover transport.

• Your employer still has to train you on the products, storage, handling and emergency procedures at your site.
• Most jurisdictions set no expiry date for WHMIS. Employers review their WHMIS program each year and retrain when products, hazards or work conditions change.