This three-hour program provides participants with comprehensive understanding of Globally Harmonized WHMIS (GHS). The underlying modification in GHS is centred on a change in the classification of hazards. The goal of this course is to highlight these hazard classifications and in so doing equip participants with a practical working knowledge of the information WHMIS provides to protect themselves on the job.

This program begins with a hands-on hazard classification activity. The activity develops awareness through discussion of each hazard class and how they affect the worker and the workplace. Examples are provided through the power point (including short video clips) as well as prompts for worksite-specific examples from the participants.

Concluding this activity, a discussion of the severity of hazards leads to an explanation of hazard categories and its further implication in GHS classification. Pictograms are individually reviewed and are applied back to the hazard classification activity to aid with comprehension. The components of supplier labels and the requirement and contents of workplace labels are investigated. Participants learn the meaning of signal words and hazard and precautionary statements as well as the standard format required for labels. An instructor lead activity reviews three different labels to further enforce the meaning and function of each of the components.

The program continues with an in depth review of the 16 standardized sections of the SDS concluding with a real life scenario based worksheet activity. This worksheet requires participants to correctly locate the information needed from the sample SDS provided. The program wraps up with the legal requirements for WHMIS training including the need for site specific training after this course. Since WHMIS 1998 format is still legally allowed for products in workplaces up until May 31st 2018, it would be advisable that the worksite specific training address this with additional instruction about the details of WHMIS 1998 format (different supplier label information and nine section MSDS).

The program is divided into two sessions with a 15 minute break scheduled in between. The first session covers classification, hazard classes and categories while the second session covers pictograms, labels and SDS. The participant manual is referenced throughout the course including the glossary which can be an ongoing practical work aid for use after the course is completed.

Understanding your right to know WHMIS cards are included in the training package and illustrate both the pictograms and the original WHMIS hazard symbols.