Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 is the standard for hazard communication in Canadian workplaces. Employers are required to provide proper WHMIS training and ensure employees understand WHMIS pictograms to safely handle hazardous materials.

Compliance reduces the risk of accidents, improves workplace safety, and ensures regulatory requirements under WorkSafeBC are met.

What is WHMIS 2015?

WHMIS 2015 aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classifying and labeling chemicals. It provides clear guidance on hazard identification, safety data sheets, and labeling to protect workers from chemical exposure.

Key elements of WHMIS 2015 include:

  • Hazard classes and categories

  • Standardized WHMIS pictograms

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all controlled products

  • Worker education and training requirements

Why WHMIS Training Is Essential

Proper WHMIS training equips employees to:

  • Recognize chemical hazards using pictograms and labels

  • Understand safe handling procedures

  • Follow emergency response steps for spills or exposure

  • Reduce workplace accidents and injuries

Employees without training may misinterpret labels or mishandle chemicals, increasing risk for themselves and the company.

Understanding WHMIS Pictograms

WHMIS pictograms are standardized symbols that communicate specific hazards. Key pictograms include:

1. Health Hazard

  • May cause serious health effects such as cancer or respiratory sensitization

2. Flame

  • Flammable gases, liquids, or solids

3. Exclamation Mark

  • Irritant, skin sensitizer, or acute toxicity

4. Corrosion

  • Causes skin corrosion, eye damage, or metal corrosion

5. Gas Cylinder

  • Gases under pressure

6. Skull and Crossbones

  • Acute toxicity, potentially fatal if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed

7. Environment

  • Hazardous to aquatic life

Employees should know what each pictogram means and follow safety protocols accordingly.

Employer Responsibilities Under WHMIS 2015

Employers must ensure compliance by:

  1. Providing appropriate WHMIS training for all employees who handle or are exposed to hazardous materials.

  2. Maintaining up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for every controlled product.

  3. Properly labeling containers with WHMIS 2015 labels and pictograms.

  4. Updating training whenever new products or hazards are introduced.

  5. Monitoring and enforcing safe handling procedures.

Regular audits and refresher training help maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Employers often make these mistakes:

  • Using outdated WHMIS 1988 labels instead of 2015 GHS-compliant labels

  • Failing to provide hands-on training with SDS and pictograms

  • Ignoring temporary or contract workers in training programs

  • Not documenting training completion for compliance purposes

Avoiding these pitfalls keeps workers safe and prevents regulatory violations.

Understanding WHMIS training requirements and the meaning of WHMIS pictograms is essential for every BC workplace handling hazardous materials. Proper training, labeling, and documentation reduce risk and ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC standards.

Need WHMIS 2015 training for your team?
Contact our safety training team to schedule certified courses and ensure workplace compliance.