Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Why WHMIS?

There are many benefits to WHMIS, most importantly preventing injuries and illnesses. WHMIS also promotes the safe use of hazardous materials and emergency preparedness – a must for any business – as well as the availability of personal protective equipment.

What materials are considered hazardous?

Hazardous materials come in all shapes and sizes. Some examples are:

• Dust
• Fumes
• Smoke
• Liquid
• Mist
• Vapor
• Gas

Hazardous materials can enter the body through ingestion, absorption, or inhalation.

Communicating about workplace hazards

 There are three main ways of warning people in your workplace about hazardous materials:

• Labels on containers
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which supplement the label and include more detailed information including emergency measures
• Training provided by the employer

WHMIS training

Anyone who works with, or near, a hazardous product has to be specially trained on WHMIS. The training covers:
The information listed on the hazardous materials label

• The information listed in the SDSs
• Procedures for safely storing, using, and handling the hazardous product
• Procedures to follow in case of emergency

Sometimes, workers might need additional WHMIS training. This can happen when:

• A new product is introduced in the workplace
• There is a change to the way an existing product is used
• There’s a change in job positions

Roles and responsibilities

Under WHMIS, suppliers, employers, and workers each have important roles to play:

Suppliers

• Classify hazardous products
• Prepare labels and SDSs, and provide them to customers
• Add labels to containers of hazardous products they sell or produce

Employers

• Make sure hazardous products are properly labelled
• Prepare workplace labels and SDSs as necessary
• Give SDSs to workers
• Offer worker education and training

Workers

• Take part in WHMIS training programs
• Take steps to protect themselves and their coworkers
• Help to identify and control hazards
• Let employers know if labels are hard to read or missing

Exemptions to WHMIS

Some hazardous products are exempt since they fall under other safety regulations. They are:

• Food and drugs
• Medical devices
• Wood products
• Tobacco products
• Pesticides

For more information:

• OHS Regulation Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents
• WHMIS Handbook (WorkSafeBC)
• WHMIS Pictograms Infographic (CCOHS)
• WHMIS for Employers (WorkSafeBC)
• WHMIS for Workers (WorkSafeBC)
• WHMIS (2015) training – go2HR

go2HR is the Human Resources and Health & Safety Association for BC’s tourism and hospitality industry. Our role is to drive strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world-class tourism and hospitality experiences in British Columbia.