WHMIS Refresher Training
Refresh Your Knowledge and Stay Safe Around Hazardous Materials
Most workplaces rely on products that carry some level of risk such as, cleaners, fuels, lab chemical, pressurized cylinders and more. Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) exists to make those risks visible and understandable. By standardizing classification, labels, and documentation, WHMIS helps workers at every level recognize hazards and make safer choices on the job.
Full WHMIS training is essential for new employees or organizations updating their processes. But experienced workers who already understand the system may only need a quick, targeted update. That’s where a refresher course makes all the difference.
Our WHMIS Refresher is designed to quickly reinforce essential knowledge so workers can identify hazards, apply proper controls, and communicate information clearly without spending hours reviewing material they already know.
What Is WHMIS?
WHMIS is Canada’s national hazard communication framework. It ensures hazardous products are paired with clear, standardized information so workers know how to handle them safely.
Common workplace items with WHMIS labels include:
- Propane and other fuel cylinders
- Bleaches and disinfectants
- Degreasers and descalers
- Automotive fluids like antifreeze
- Aerosol lubricants
Not everything falls under WHMIS, though. Products intended strictly for household use or those regulated under different legislation such as explosives or nuclear substances follow their own requirements.
Understanding which rules apply to your workplace products is a key part of chemical safety.
How Often Should WHMIS Training Be Completed?
Canada doesn’t enforce a single nationwide renewal timeline, but employers are expected to provide WHMIS training:
- When a new hazardous product is introduced
- When significant hazard information changes
- Whenever workers need additional support
If staff can’t recall pictograms, classification details, or label elements, it’s time for a refresher.
Some regions go further. In provinces like Alberta and Ontario, refresher training every 1–3 years is recommended. Always confirm the expectations for your jurisdiction and industry.
Pictograms and Hazard Groups: Turning Knowledge Into Safe Choices
A major section of the WHMIS Refresher focuses on hazard groups and pictograms. WHMIS divides hazards into physical and health categories, each represented by a symbol.
Workers should be able to:
- Recognize pictograms instantly
- Understand the severity associated with each hazard class
- Adjust how they store, handle, and dispose of materials
A flame symbol means checking for ignition risks. A skull and crossbones signals the need for strict controls and proper PPE. These visual cues prompt immediate, informed decisions that protect workers and property.
Labels: Fast, Clear Hazard Information
Labels are workers’ first point of contact with safety details.
Supplier labels include seven pieces of information such as product name, precautionary statements, and hazard statements in both English and French.
Workplace labels provide three essentials: product name, safe handling directions, and a reference to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These appear when products are decanted or when the original label can’t be read.
The rule is simple: read the label, understand what it’s telling you, and follow the instructions.
Safety Data Sheets: Detailed Guidance When It Matters Most
While labels offer quick insight, the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides a deeper look. Each SDS has 16 sections covering everything from storage needs and reactivity hazards to emergency response and environmental impacts.
Workers don’t need to memorize every section. What’s important is knowing where to find critical details especially in urgent situations. When seconds count, quickly locating first aid instructions or spill procedures can prevent injuries and minimize damage.
Used properly, SDSs empower workers to make safer, more informed decisions.
Full Training vs. a Refresher
New hires, workers transitioning into new roles, or teams adopting new products should take full WHMIS training. For workers who already apply WHMIS principles every day, a refresher is more efficient.
Our WHMIS Refresher takes roughly 25 minutes and focuses on the essentials:
- Updated regulations
- Pictogram and classification review
- Label and SDS interpretation
- Practical decision-making around hazardous products
It’s a quick way to confirm competency, maintain compliance, and prepare for inspections without unnecessary repetition.
Keep safety front and centre and make compliance easier.
Take the BIS Safety Software WHMIS Refresher Course to ensure your workforce stays informed, alert, and confident around hazardous materials.
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