Does WHMIS Training Expire?

A question that’s commonly asked about WHMIS relates to exactly how long WHMIS training lasts. Thousands of Google searches are performed every month that includes the phrase, “Does WHMIS training expire”? If you’ve performed this search yourself, you’re probably come to realize that’s it’s not easy to find a clear answer to the question.

To put it simply, WHMIS training does not have a set expiration date per Canadian standards and legislation. However, this doesn’t mean that workers don’t need to retrain on WHMIS. Employers typically require workers to update their WHMIS training annually to every three years, depending on the their specific workplace. Exceeding three years is generally considered a bad idea and where regulatory authorities will issues compliance orders. To understand when WHMIS training “expires”, we need to dig a bit deeper. Also, just a quick note… You may ask, “Does WHMIS expire”, which is different from WHMIS training.

Let’s start by examining the legislation.

How Long Does WHMIS Training Last?

There is currently nothing in the Canadian legislation that clearly outlines how often a worker needs to take WHMIS training. There is also no indication on how long the WHMIS training lasts before it expires, once they do.

So does that mean that WHMIS training doesn’t expire? Definitely not.

Just because a clearly defined expiration date for WHMIS training can’t be found in the legislation, it doesn’t mean that workers only need to take WHMIS training once.

How Often Do Workers Need WHMIS Training?

When and how often workers need to take WHMIS training can depend on a lot of factors. These factors include the industry the employees works in, whether or not they are directly exposed to chemicals and what those specific chemicals are, and the extent of exposure, just to name a few.

It’s the responsibility of employers to evaluate their workplace and develop an effective WHMIS program in order to eliminate or significantly reduce chemical hazards. A WHMIS program should outline the frequency in which WHMIS training should be provided to workers. In many cases, the question of “When does WHMIS Training Expire”, can be answered by carefully examining a company’s WHMIS program.

Many employers who do not contain many chemicals in their workplaces do not create comprehensive WHMIS programs. They do, however, understand that they’re still required to provide WHMIS training to their workers. This can create issues because they are not certain how often the training is required and when it expires.

Any worker who may be exposed to a hazardous chemical must be able to easily answer the following questions:

Where can I find information about the hazards associated with the chemicals I’m using or exposed to?
What exactly are the hazards that I may be exposed to?
How do I protect myself from those hazards?
What do I do in case of an emergency?

Quite simply, if a worker cannot answer the above questions, they must immediately receive adequate WHMIS education and training.

Since there is nothing in the legislation answering the question, “When does WHMIS training expire”, are there best practices and recommendations that we can follow? Yes.

Best Practices: When Should WHMIS Training Be Renewed

Even though specific WHMIS training frequency is not currently outlined in the legislation, there are WHMIS training best practices and recommendations that can be adhered to.

Generally, it’s recommended that workers receive WHMIS Training at least annually. Following this recommendation is ideal since it helps to ensure that workers are regularly and more easily able to answer the very important questions that we reviewed above. Many workplaces choose to “extend” their WHMIS training by providing a refresher annually, and complete “full” training every two years. This may work well depending on the specific workplace and other factors.

Common WHMIS “Expiry” Period

Many would agree that exceeding three years without WHMIS training is definitely too long and could result in significant consequences that include workers become ill or getting injured. It’s also very likely that most legislative authorities would find that workers not having WHMIS training for three years is inadequate, and a company is likely to receive penalties in this case.

It’s important to note that anytime new chemicals are introduced into the workplace, employees who may be exposed to those chemicals must receive additional training. Training for new chemicals must include, but should not be limited to, information on the hazards that they present, how the worker can protect themselves from those hazards, and what to do in the case of an emergency.

Remember, working around chemicals can be very risky, and without adequate WHMIS training, can lead to life changing illnesses, injuries, and even death. Always make sure that you and your workers clearly understand the hazards associated with working with chemicals and the steps that need to be taken to mitigate those hazards.

WHMIS Re-Training Options

Luckily, it’s now easier than ever for workers to get an updated WHMIS certificate or for employers to train their employees

If you’re a worker, you can take self-paced WHMIS courses online and receive your certificate instantly upon completion. This allows you to learn and certify at your convenience—from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule.

For employers, a blend of traditional instructor-led sessions, WHMIS videos, and online training is the most time- and cost-effective approach. Supplementing in-person courses with high-quality digital training materials ensures consistency and helps streamline the entire process.

If you’re looking to train your team internally but feel you could use some extra guidance, consider taking an online WHMIS Train-the-Trainer course. This provides you with the skills and confidence needed to deliver top-notch training, ensuring your workforce remains informed, compliant, and safe.

WHMIS Expiration FAQ

Does WHMIS training expire in Canada?

No, WHMIS training does not have a fixed expiry date in Canadian legislation. However, employers are responsible for ensuring workers are retrained at intervals that ensure they remain current and competent.

How often should WHMIS training be refreshed?

Most employers will train workers annually to every three years, depending on the circumstances of the workplace. Generally, exceed three years is considered a very bad idea and can result in incidents, injuries, and penalties from regulatory organizations.

Who is responsible for keeping WHMIS training up to date?

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring workers receive WHMIS education and training that is current and relevant to their workplaces.

What happens if WHMIS training is outdated?

Workers may be at greater risk of illness, injury, or exposure to hazardous products. Employers may also face penalties from regulatory authorities if training is found to be inadequate.

Is online WHMIS training accepted in Canada?

Yes. Our online WHMIS training is recognized across Canada in all provinces and covers the general training requirements outlines in the applicable standards and legislation (including GHS).