What version of WHMIS do I need to retrain?

WHMIS training and retraining are an important part of maintaining safe workplaces. As regulations change over time, WHMIS must be retrained to keep everyone up to date.

In February 2015 Canada began the implementation of GHS into WHMIS. This greatly altered the existing system by incorporating international standards for classifying and labeling hazardous materials. These two versions of WHMIS, the original 1988 version named WHMIS, and the GHS altered version named WHMIS 2015, were both used in the workplace for a transition period of 3 years. During this transition period, retraining was very important. All employees had to be educated and trained on the changes as the transition occurred. In December 2018 the transition was complete and all workplaces should have been using WHMIS 2015, labels, and safety data sheets after that point.

In December 2022 amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) came into force that made some key changes to WHMIS. These key changes include improved clarity, new information elements required on SDS, adoption of a new physical hazard class, and the adoption of a new hazard category. The changes will equip workers to better protect themselves in the workplace. The changes also align with the revised editions of the GHS, leading to better trade benefits to suppliers.

The most recent amendments to the HPR in 2022 will have a 3-year transition period. This period ends on December 14, 2025. The transition period gives everyone a chance to adjust to the changes including suppliers, employers, and workers. During this transition period you can choose to comply with the former or the amended HPR but not a combination of both. You must also be able to demonstrate which version of the HPR your product complies with.

During a transition between different versions of WHMIS it is important to be knowledgeable about the changes, especially when there are changes to the safety data sheets or labels. It is important to have the right version of WHMIS for the safety of everyone and in order to be compliant with the changing regulations.