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WHMIS (Online) Frequently-Asked Questions

How do I register for the WHMIS online course?
How do I get into the WHMIS online course?
How does the online WHMIS training work?
How do I receive my WHMIS Certificate after I finish the online course?
What kind of computer do I need to take WHMIS online?
My computer won't run the online WHMIS course, what should I do?
Can I take the WHMIS online course on a Vancouver Island University campus?
I've lost my WHMIS certificate, can I get another copy?
What is WHMIS?
What Acts or Regulations are applicable to WHMIS?
Does this WHMIS course meet regulatory requirements?
Who needs WHMIS training?
Who is responsible for WHMIS training and WHMIS education?
How often do I need WHMIS training?
What needs to be included in a WHMIS training program?
How is compliance to WHMIS monitored?
If I change employers/jobs, do I have to retrain?
Can I take this course as an individual?
Is this course available in French?
Who do I contact for more information?

How do I get into the WHMIS online course?

Please provide your email address when you register. Instructions regarding course access, along with your personal login ID and password - will be emailed to you.

How does the online WHMIS training work?

The online WHMIS training consists of 4 modules with a quiz at the end of each module. Students must pass all 4 quizzes with a grade of at least 75% in order to gain their WHMIS certification. The course takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It includes audio, video, animation, and interactive exercises. It makes training fun. convenient, and educational!

After successful completion of the training, both wallet-size and standard-size certificates are emailed to the student (copy goes to the WHMIS administrator). The certificates are printable and accompanied by a Performance Record that displays how the trainee performed throughout the course (with scores for each module).

How do I receive my WHMIS Certificate after I finish the online course?

When you have successfully completed the online course, a progress report, along with wallet certificates and a full-size WHMIS certificate will be emailed to you in PDF format. You may need to install PDF viewer software on your computer, such as Adobe Reader, in order to view these certificates.

What kind of computer do I need to take WHMIS online?

System requirements:

  • Internet Explorer 5 or higher OR Firefox (PC or MAC) OR Netscape 6.0 or higher OR Safari (MAC)
  • 500 mb RAM or more
  • Pentium II 500 MHZ or higher
  • 1024 x 768 dpi screen resolution or higher
  • 56K internet connection or higher (high-speed recommended)
  • Adobe Flash Player version 6.0 or higher

My computer won't run the online WHMIS course, what should I do?

Contact us at 1-877-888-8890 (Vancouver Island University). If we can't help you, we will direct you on to a higher level of technical support.

Can I take the WHMIS online course on a Vancouver Island University campus?

  • VIU Nanaimo Campus Library (all computer stations available to students)

*If you are in Powell River, you can call the Powell River Campus at 604-485-2878 and book an appointment to do the WHMIS online course at the Powell River Campus

I've lost my WHMIS certificate, can I get another copy?

Yes - if you remember your login information for accessing your online WHMIS course, you can log in and hit the Print Certificate button to get another WHMIS certificate emailed to you. Otherwise, contact Vancouver Island University at 1-877-888-8890 and we can email a copy of your WHMIS certificate to you.

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS was designed to ensure the safety of employers and employees while at the workplace. In particular, the system was designed to keep workers and employers informed of the dangers and hazards associated with the chemicals and substances that they may come into contact with while on the job.

The key elements of WHMIS and WHMIS training are labeling of containers, the provision of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and worker education/training programs.

Does this course meet regulatory requirements?

This WHMIS course meets general WHMIS training requirements set out by Health Canada and HRSDC. The responsibility to ensure workers are trained, and the manner in which training is conducted, always rests with the employer, and, in most cases, additional site-specific training is required.

This course was developed in accordance with federal legislation and based on 'Model (WHMIS) OSH Regulations' prepared by the Occupational Health and Safety Committee of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation. It focuses on requirements set out under the Canada Occupational Health & Safety Act, the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Controlled Products Regulations (CPR) and meets general WHMIS training requirements.

What Acts or Regulations are applicable to WHMIS?

WHMIS legislation is incorporated into various Acts and Regulations:

Who needs WHMIS training?

WHMIS training is legally required for all employees who are exposed to or likely to be exposed to a hazardous material or controlled product at the workplace.

Who is responsible for WHMIS training?

The onus is on the employer to ensure that his or her staff is properly trained. The responsibility to ensure that workers are trained and the manner in which training is conducted rests with the employer. This online course is one method of training. In most cases, additional site-specific training is required.

How often do I need WHMIS training?

Every company must review their WHMIS program at least annually or more frequently if required by change in work conditions or available hazard information. Reviewing your program ensures that your employees are still adequately trained and knowledgeable.

Employees should be able to properly answer the following four questions:

  1. Where can I get hazard information?
  2. What are the hazards of the controlled product?
  3. How am I protected from those hazards?
  4. What do I do in case of an emergency?

It is recommended that training be done annually. This link may help you decide how often you require training.

What needs to be included in WHMIS training?

WHMIS training must include both general and site-specific training. General training covers such things as the regulations, labels, MSDSs, controlled products, symbols, etc. Our online WHMIS course is a general course.

Site-specific training covers things like how to work safely with the controlled products used in YOUR workplace, where you keep the personal protective equipment and MSDSs and training for specific work procedures.

How is compliance to WHMIS monitored?

Compliance activities relating to WHMIS supplier labeling and MSDS requirements are conducted by Health Canada and the provincial, territorial, and federal agencies responsible for occupational health and safety (OHS).

The Minister of Health Canada designates individuals nominated by these OHS agencies as inspectors and analysts for the purposes of conducting the inspection program in support of the WHMIS requirement of the HPA. The OHS agencies also conduct the compliance program for the WHMIS employer requirements established under their respective legislation.

Click here to view the Health Canada's WHMIS site.

If I change employers/jobs, do I have to retrain?

The onus is on the employer to ensure that his or her staff is properly trained for the job. Because you can never be too sure of previous training, it is recommended that new employees take a WHMIS course, including site-specific training. The responsibility to ensure that all workers are properly trained for the workplace, and the manner in which training is conducted, rests with the employer.

Can I take this course as an individual?

Absolutely.

Is this course available in French?

Yes, this course is also available in French. You have the option when you log into the course of choosing either the French version or the English version.

Who do I contact for more information?

Email: alison.turley@viu.ca
Toll-free: 1-877-888-8890 or 604-485-2878 (Powell River, BC)