WHMIS — Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada's national hazard communication standard for workplace chemicals. WHMIS 2015 aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and requires employers to ensure workers are trained on hazardous products and have access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
WHMIS is the system that ensures workers know about the hazardous chemicals they work with — what the hazards are, how to protect themselves, and what to do in an emergency. It is a federal standard implemented through provincial OHS legislation, including Alberta's.
WHMIS 2015 vs the old WHMIS
WHMIS 2015 replaced the original WHMIS system and aligned Canada with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) used internationally. The main changes were: new hazard classification categories, new pictograms, new label requirements, and the replacement of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in a standardized 16-section format.
Most Alberta employers have transitioned to WHMIS 2015. Workers trained under the old system need updated training to understand the new labels and SDS format.
Employer obligations under WHMIS
Alberta employers must: ensure all hazardous products are properly labelled, maintain current SDS for all hazardous products used at the worksite, provide WHMIS training to all workers who work with or near hazardous products, and document that training.
WHMIS training must be specific to the products workers actually use — generic WHMIS awareness training is not sufficient on its own. Workers need to know the specific hazards of the specific products they work with.
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