Occupational Health and Hazards in Canada
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) program is one of Saskatoon First Aid’s most popular, targeting people who work in risky occupations that involve direct and indirect contact with hazardous materials. Canada and all its provinces are very strict when it comes to occupational health and safety legislations, requiring businesses that handle hazardous materials to train its employees/workers in the WHMIS.
The provincial inspectors for Canada’s Ministry of Labour regulates WHMIS training all over the country (under the Occupational Health and Safety Act), ensuring a high standard of WHMIS training offered by providers everywhere.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
The WHMIS is used to label containers of hazardous materials and goods, to decrease the risk of injury and damage to the handlers and consumers. However, because the system is quite extensive, with numerous symbols each with their own descriptions, a formal training program has to be taken to completely understand the system. A symbol or a series of symbols on a container will be able to identify a containers contents and their respective hazards.
Along with the symbols on containers, the system includes the use of data information sheets which should be in the possession of the handler of the hazardous good/s. The information sheet identifies goods, the hazard, injuries and damage that can result from contact with the hazardous materials, and the emergency response system. These components of the WHMIS are all needed to create a safe environment from both the workers and the consumers.
Saskatoon First Aid Training
WHMIS training can be completed over a single day. However, the WHMIS program is only offered monthly so slots are filled up quite fast. If you need training and certification, be sure to sign up early – even two months early so you’re sure to get the slot (schedule) that you want. You can start enrollment using the form below, e-mail, or telephone call. We encourage everybody to enroll in person as well, since you can immediately get confirmed for the slot you want. Confirmation of online enrollment is only done on the next business day. Our offices are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. If you visit during those hours, you can even ask for a free tour.
At Saskatoon First Aid, WHMIS training is a four-hour classroom program with six units, including laboratory and lecture sessions. The certification exam is scheduled on a different day. Certificates do not expire but WHMIS refreshers are offered to students looking for an updated training program.
Online Training
The WHMIS program is also offered as an online course. Like the classroom program, WHMIS online training has six modules. It is completed in three hours, with a test at the end of each module. Students need to pass each test before proceeding to the next module.
If you lose your certificate or need a new copy, don’t worry. We record all the results of your tests (both from online and classroom WHMIS programs) so students can request new credentials should they need them.