Alberta WHMIS Certificate Online

Alberta WHMIS Training & Certification

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and it is made up of a combination of federal, provincial, and territorial legislation. Under Health Canada, laws were created to protect workers and the general public from hazardous materials. After the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling Chemicals, developed by the United Nations, was supported by Canada, our government put legislation into place so that a group of countries would all adhere to a universal set of information and communication regarding these potentially dangerous substances. The Hazardous Products Act and the Controlled Products Regulations are the federal components that make up this legislation in Canada.

When employers choose to educate their workers on WHMIS, they providing education on what is required by Canadian law in order to comply with the GHS. When an entire country agrees to handle hazardous materials in the same way and communicate about these products in the same way, great understanding can be achieved and great public safety is ensured. When a group of countries also commits to this standard, this effect is multiplied.

WHMIS covers all aspects of communicating in the workplace regarding chemicals and hazardous materials. A system of labels, including non-language symbols and written descriptions, warnings, and emergency protocols helps to identify products. A set of Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) specific to each type of hazardous material is available and mandated to be made visible in all workplaces.

In Alberta and the other provinces and territories, there is also local legislation and regulation for the implementation and enforcement of WHMIS. Essentially, the WHMIS program, along with its symbols, classifications of hazards, and labeling for chemicals and hazardous materials, is the same for Alberta as they are in the rest of Canada. But Health Canada hands the enforcement of WHMIS compliance down to provincial jurisdictions. In Alberta this means WHMIS is covered by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Code (see Part 29).

As an employer in Alberta, do I need to educate and train my employees on WHMIS?

Yes, employers in Alberta need to train and educate all employees on WHMIS. Training can, and should be, specific to any and all hazardous materials an employee would come into contact with on the job.

Employees in the workplace need to be able to access SDSs in a highly visible way. Supplier labels on hazardous materials must be in compliance with WHMIS and it is the employer’s responsibility to check the labeling and provide legible, up to date information right on the packaging.

Employees must be able to demonstrate a sufficient understanding of product labeling, its purpose, and its significance, as well as understanding of the information on the available SDSs. Details on safe storage, handling, and use must be provided for any products they come into contact with. Emergency protocols must be understood regarding the product and its hazards if it is mishandled, including clean up and what to do if any noxious fumes are discovered. Any worker who works in the manufacturing of, or with, or near hazardous products must be able to prove that they have received this training.

It is the responsibility of the employer to show they have developed and implemented the WHMIS procedure protocols in accordance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety and any joint work site-government health and safety committees that may exist. Representatives from government health and safety committees, OHS representatives, or any concerned workers at a worksite can all request to see SDSs and proof of WHMIS compliance.

How frequently do I need to train my workers on WHMIS in Alberta?

In Alberta, employers must be able to show they have a WHMIS program up to date if they workers who use or are exposed to hazardous chemicals or controlled products in the workplace. The current standard uses WHMIS 2015, but if updates are released, they must also be implemented. However, Alberta does not currently outline a specific training frequency - just that training must be provided on the most current information. Investigators can also request onsite proof through questioning or demonstration to show that an employers WHMIS education and training programs have been effective. Provided that employees can show they have up to date knowledge and training, there is no requirement that stipulates when last that training was provided.

Do I need to have a WHMIS Certificate for my employees?

No, it is not a legal requirement for employers to ensure their employees all achieve or carry a WHMIS certificate. However, a certificate is the simplest and easiest way to help facilitate any possible requests to prove WHMIS training has been provided to employees. Employees with WHMIS certificates can produce them if an investigator requests which is significant benefit toward showing that education has been provided and testing has been passed by the employee.

Additionally, if any of your employees are mobile, in the transportation industry, transferring product amongst locations, or performing duties at another job site, your company’s WHMIS compliance can be exemplified by having your employee be able to easily produce a WHMIS certificate showing the status of their training. This is an additional measure of assurance for employers that their employees can accurately represent WHMIS compliance while away from their regular job site.

Similarly, for any independently employed or contract workers, being able to show that they have WHMIS training is in their best interests. Having a WHMIS certificate indicates the type of proof that is typically required in the case of an OHS investigation.

WHMIS certificates are typically provided by the organization who has facilitated your training, whether online or in person. There is no standard set by the government for what your WHMIS certificate needs to have, but they typically show the employee’s name, place of work, test date or date of the training module, and possibly a test score if available. The organization will also provide an overview of the components of the training that was provided. Most of a “Generic WHMIS” training certificate is acceptable.

When you have questions about local WHMIS requirements in Alberta, you can contact Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. More information is available at this link on the Government of Alberta website.