WHMIS 2015/GHS – Training
If your workplace uses hazardous products, there must be a WHMIS 2015/GHS program in place. All company workers must receive training and be aware of all hazardous products and how to work with them.
Proper WHMIS training teaches a company’s workers, supervisors and management about hazardous and potentially hazardous products and who may be exposed them as part of their assigned work functions in their company. All employees must learn about the hazard information for these products. Any hazard information must include the information as provided by the supplier of the specific hazardous product along with any other information the employer is aware of about the use, handling and storage of each product. Proper teaching of how to respond to possible emergencies and spills must also be included in any WHMIS training.
Key points to be addressed
- Locate the information on both the supplier label and workplace label and determine what the information means prior to working with any hazardous product.
- Locate the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and understand what that information means prior to working with any hazardous product.
- Determine what procedures are required for safe use, handling and disposal of a hazardous product.
- Thoroughly understand what procedures must be followed in an emergency that involves the hazardous product.
Employer’s Duties:
All Canadian workplaces are required to develop, implement, and maintain a worker WHMIS education and training program. This is required for hazardous products workers work with, or for products that workers may be exposed to at work.
The employer also has the responsibility to provide all of the hazard information possible either from the supplier, or based on information the employer is, or should be aware of.
Employers are also required to consult with their health and safety representatives or committee when developing, implementing or reviewing the training programs.
The employer should review their overall WHMIS training annually or possibly more frequently if there are any changes in the workplace or changes in hazardous products or information.
The employer must make sure that workers receive training that is specific to their workplace, and to the work that the workers will be performing.
The employer is legally responsible to ensure the protection of its workers.
Worker’s Duties
All workers must participate in WHMIS training sessions as put forward by their employer and always follow established safe work procedures.
Before a worker begins to work with or around hazardous products, they must be able to answer these questions. What are the hazards of working with this product? How can I protect myself? What do I do in an emergency? Where can I get more information?
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