What is WHMIS training?
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) is Canada's national hazard communication standard. WHMIS training teaches workers how to identify hazardous products, read WHMIS labels and Safety Data Sheets, understand pictograms, and handle chemicals safely. The current version is WHMIS 2015, aligned with the international GHS standard. Training is legally required under Canada's Hazardous Products Act and every provincial OHS regulation.
Should I take WHMIS in-person or online?
Both formats are fully compliant. Choose in-person if you prefer classroom learning, need corporate group training, want live instructor Q&A, or need to review company-specific SDS documents. Choose online if you prefer self-paced learning at your own schedule. Our
online WHMIS course is $24.95 and delivers the same certificate. In-person training delivers 30–40% higher retention on average.
How much does on-campus WHMIS training cost?
Gama Safety Canada's on-campus WHMIS training is $99.95 CAD per worker. This includes classroom instruction with a certified instructor, live Q&A, WHMIS 2015 / GHS training materials, digital certificate, wall certificate, and a physical wallet card mailed to your address at no extra cost. Group discounts available for 3+ workers, and corporate on-site delivery available for groups of 10 or more.
How long is the on-campus WHMIS course?
The full on-campus WHMIS training course runs approximately half a day (4 hours) at our Burnaby campus. This includes classroom theory, pictogram and label review, SDS interpretation practice, worker rights and responsibilities, and Q&A. You'll receive your Hazardous Products Act-compliant certificate the same day you complete the course.
Is WHMIS training legally required in BC?
Yes. Under Canada's federal Hazardous Products Act and BC OHS Regulation Part 5, every employer must ensure workers who may be exposed to hazardous products receive WHMIS training. WorkSafeBC enforces this through workplace inspections. Non-compliant employers face fines and potential stop-work orders. Virtually every BC workplace with cleaning chemicals, paints, solvents, fuels, or industrial materials requires WHMIS-trained workers.
What's the difference between WHMIS 2015 and older WHMIS?
WHMIS 2015 (also called WHMIS/GHS) replaced the older WHMIS 1988 system to align Canada with the international Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Key changes include: new pictograms (9 hazard symbols in red-bordered diamonds vs the older 8 black symbols), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with 16 standardized sections replacing older Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), new hazard classifications, and standardized signal words ("Danger" or "Warning"). Our course teaches current WHMIS 2015 / GHS requirements.
Does WHMIS certification expire?
Canadian regulations require WHMIS retraining whenever there's a change in workplace conditions (new hazardous products, updated SDS, new work processes) or when a worker's knowledge is no longer current. Most employers require WHMIS refresher training every 1–3 years as a compliance best practice. We recommend annual refresher training for high-hazard workplaces. We send renewal reminders as required.
Do you offer corporate WHMIS training at our BC workplace?
Yes. We offer on-site WHMIS training at your BC workplace for groups of 10 or more workers. Our certified instructor comes to your facility, incorporates your workplace-specific SDS documents into the training, and delivers the full WHMIS 2015 / GHS certification in a single half-day session. Ideal for construction crews, warehouse teams, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, and multi-site rollouts. Call +1 866-661-9803 or email hello@gamasafety.ca for corporate quotes.
Is WHMIS the same as GHS?
WHMIS is Canada's implementation of GHS. GHS (Globally Harmonized System) is an international standard for hazard classification and labelling developed by the United Nations. Canada adopted GHS through the 2015 update to WHMIS. So WHMIS 2015 = Canadian GHS implementation. Some workplaces refer to it as "WHMIS/GHS" or "WHMIS-GHS" — they mean the same thing.
Can I take other safety courses on the same day?
Is my WHMIS certificate recognized across Canada?
Yes. Our WHMIS 2015 / GHS certificate is compliant with Canada's federal Hazardous Products Act and recognized by employers across all provinces and territories — British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and beyond. Because WHMIS is a federally-standardized system, your certificate meets employer requirements nationwide.
Where is the Burnaby campus?
Our campus is at 2544 Douglas Rd, Burnaby, BC V5C 5B4. Free on-site parking is available. Metrotown SkyTrain station is a 10-minute walk. Central to Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, and the entire Lower Mainland.
