Hazardous materials are used in a very wide range of industries. It might be a solvent. It could be a particular cleanser. It could be fumes or particulates in the air. Really, there are thousands of potential hazards in modern workplaces, and it’s essential that today’s workers know how to handle those threats. WHMIS training provides employees with the knowledge and training necessary to safely work in an environment where hazardous materials are used. Where do you find such training, though? Is free WHMIS training really worth your time?

What’s WHMIS All About?

WHMIS stands for workplace hazardous materials information system. As such, it’s a collection of information, best practices, safety requirements and methods, and other information designed to help keep workplaces (and employees) safer when hazardous materials are in use. WHMIS includes everything from safety data sheets that detail how to react should someone be exposed to a particular chemical to symbols on labels that illustrate graphically the types of threats presented by a particular chemical (flammable, explosive, corrosive, etc.).

What Does WHMIS Training Do?

Before we explore the options available to you in terms of paid or free WHMIS training, it’s important to understand the reason this type of training is mandated by the Canadian government in the first place. What does it do for your employees, and for your business in general?

Two Standards

First, understand that there are two standards here – WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015. The numbers indicate the years each policy was put into place. While there is a small amount of overlap between them, each builds on the other in some important ways. Some of the key differences to be aware of between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015 include the inclusion of signal words in 2015 literature, such as “danger” and “warning”. You’ll also find additional classifications in the 2015 literature, including health hazards, physical hazards, and environmental hazards.

Material safety data sheets have been renamed as safety data sheets, and have been expanded to include 16 sections, rather than the previous 9 sections. The hazardous material icon is also significantly different. Previously, it was a red circle with a black outline surrounding a white fire. With WHMIS 2015, the icon is now a red diamond on a white field with a black fire centered within it. There are many other changes, as well, including changes to hazard symbols/icons.

One of the most important benefits of completing a high-quality WHMIS training program is to ensure that your staff are fully aware of the many differences between WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015.

It’s also a vital consideration for compliance with COHSR, HPA, the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act, and Controlled Products Regulations.

Why Free WHMIS Training Is Not Ideal

On the surface, it might sound like free WHMIS training is the best option. After all, you’re pressed for cash and need to maximize your budget. Free training seems to fit the bill. However, that’s not really the case. Why should you avoid WHMIS training at no cost?

Actually, there are quite a few reasons. One of those is this – how sure are you that the training being provided is actually in compliance with Canadian requirements? If the training focuses primarily on 1988’s mandates, your employees will not be prepared for the modern WHMIS system, nor will your organization be in compliance with modern safety requirements. Simply put, there’s no way to ensure that the information you or your employees are receiving is accurate, up to date, or authentic.

Where should you turn if free WHMIS training isn’t the right option? Actually, you’ll find that a legitimate online certification from a reputable WHMIS provider can be affordable, and can be earned very quickly. Of course, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before choosing an online WHMIS partner.

Compliance: Perhaps the single most important thing to ensure before choosing an online WHMIS training program is that the provider is compliant with both WHMIS 1988 and WHMIS 2015. Look for this information to be displayed prominently on the company’s website. If you do not see this information, it’s a good sign that the company should be avoided.

Easy Completion: WHMIS training shouldn’t require a massive commitment of time. Look for courses that can be completed in about an hour. This ensures that you or your employees can complete the required training and move on to other important tasks.

Number of Retakes: It’s important that you or your employees can assess knowledge retention during and after completing WHMIS straining. This is usually done by taking quizzes. However, it’s important that you be able to retake quizzes as often as necessary to ensure complete retention of the information presented in the training course.

Acceptance: Completing WHMIS training should result in the issuance of a certificate. However, not all certificates are created equal. Some are issued by reputable, trusted authorities, while others are not worth the paper on which they’re printed. Prior to choosing a training provider, make sure that their certificates are accepted throughout multiple industries. This is particularly important for individuals hoping to complete WHMIS training prior to applying for a position with an employer.

100% Online: Finally, it’s important to ensure that the training program you choose is provided 100% online. This means there is no requirement for you to attend a class in person, or take the test in a specific facility.

In the End

Ultimately, free WHMIS training sounds good, but it’s not the best way to ensure that you or your employees receive the education and training needed. It’s far better to work with a reputable provider and earn certification online. With the right partner, certification can take very little time, and you’ll be assured of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.