Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
WHMIS in Canada
Though dangerous, handling hazardous materials (or HAZMAT, as it is called in the US) is a part of certain occupations in Canada. Because they are dangerous, the hazardous materials or goods have to be properly labelled and the worker handling them properly trained in the WHMIS system. WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, a system of symbols used to identify containers of hazardous materials.
All businesses that handle controlled products (as specified by Nanaimo legislation) are required to provide material safety data sheets to the handlers of the product as well as the customers. The sheet is used to identify the contents of the controlled product and what hazards the product can be responsible for. If you work in an occupation that requires you to handle these hazardous materials, you are required by law to receive WHMIS training. By training people in this line of work in WHMIS, the risk for occupational hazards and accidents is greatly decreased. Training is done to protect both the worker and the employer – serving everybody’s best interests.
Traning in WHMIS at Nanaimo First Aid
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training program at Nanaimo First Aid is available in classroom and online formats. While the program length for both forms is different, the modules or units tackled are the same. The WHMIS classroom program is targeted towards students who are able to attend whole-day training, during the period from 8 AM to 5 PM. The classroom program runs for about four hours, covering 6 units. Students have to pass a short quiz at the end of each unit.
WHMIS online training is a little shorter, running for three hours. Similar to the classroom program, it has 6 modules. In order to progress to the next module, the student has to pass the module test at the end of each one. This program is targeted towards students with little free time, meaning they are unable to sit in class for a four-hour session (the WHMIS classroom program). Students who take online training usually have work or have personal responsibilities to attend to during the day.
The six units or modules will cover topics such as:
- WHMIS Introduction
- Hazardous material list
- Proper Labeling
- Symbols and Classes
- Material Safety Data Sheets
- Staff Training
- Exemptions to labeling
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System Training Credentials
Unlike our other training credentials for first aid and CPR programs, the WHMIS training certificate doesn’t expire.
Enrolling in a Program of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS enrollment is available monthly because the program is available once every month. The online course can be taken at anytime. If yo have decided to take WHMIS training, you can sign up online or in person. Our business hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM – you can enroll in person during these times. Calls or visits can only be done during those hours as well. If you send in an e-mail with an inquiry, you can expect a reply from us during the next business day.
The WHMIS classroom program costs 49.99 dollars.
The WHMIS online program costs a little less, at 29.99 dollars.