WHIMIS Symbols Quiz
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does WHMIS stand for?
The term "WHMIS" refers to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, which is Canada's nationally recognized communication standard for hazard classification. The key elements of WHMIS create a universal framework that's relied upon for cautionary labelling of containers, hazard classifications, and standardized worker education and safety training programs.
Why is it important to recognize and know WHMIS symbols?
WHMIS labels and symbols are important because workplaces have a standardized method to determine and identify hazardous materials. The WHMIS system assigns equal responsibility to both the suppliers and the employers to properly classify any dangerous hazards.
What is the purpose of WHMIS?
WHMIS was originally created to inform Canadian workers about the health and safety hazards that may be associated with their specific workplace. The goal and mission of WHMIS is to help prevent and stop injuries, illnesses, accidents, and deaths that might be caused by hazardous materials.
What's the difference between WHMIS education and training for WHMIS?
WHMIS education refers to learning about how WHMIS works, the classification of hazards, understanding supplier labels, and recognizing what the information means.
WHMIS training is the the practice of using that knowledge that is site and job specific for a variety of different workplaces. This could include standardizes procedure for handling, disposing, and storage potentially hazardous materials. After completing a WHMIS education and training program, employees should be able to do the following:
Understand the potential hazards of products that they work with
Learn how to safely handle, transport, and dispose of hazardous materials
How to respond to an emergency involving hazardous substances
Know where to find important information about hazardous products
WHMIS training is the the practice of using that knowledge that is site and job specific for a variety of different workplaces. This could include standardizes procedure for handling, disposing, and storage potentially hazardous materials. After completing a WHMIS education and training program, employees should be able to do the following:
Do all employees need WHMIS training?
By law, all employers in Ontario are required to provide information, instruction, and training for WHMIS to their employees if their workplace is governed by the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA). Contact our team to learn more about WHMIS training and what professions and workplaces require WHMIS training.
How long is WHMIS training valid for?
There is actually no expiry date to the certificate after finishing an accredited WHMIS education and training program. However, it is strongly recommended that you and your employees complete WHMIS training on an annual basis. Each workplace has their own specific guidelines for the frequency of updating and reviewing WHMIS education and training. Contact us to learn about our WHMIS training programs and refresher courses!
What are the main parts of WHMIS?
The main components of WHMIS include:
Hazard Identification
Product Classification
Labelling of Products
Material Safety Data Sheets
Worker Training & Education
Who is responsible for WHMIS training & WHMIS education?
The responsibility falls onto the employer to ensure that his or her staff are properly trained and educated. This responsibility ensures that workers are trained to conduct in a manner that is approved by the employer himself and by the standardized safety practices of WHMIS.
