The Importance of WHMIS Training
Workplace injuries happen all the time. But most of them can be avoided with the right training and education. The WHMIS training is one form of training that help employees avoid potential injuries in the workplace.
WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. All chemicals and gases found in the workplace are included in these hazardous materials. With this system injury is avoided, and the environment is assured of protection. The way that people handling hazardous chemicals are kept safe is by teaching them how to handle and dispose of dangerous materials and how to read safety labels.
It is important for workers to get WHMIS training because this is the one that can help protect their health and the health of the workplace. Different kinds of chemicals are used in workplaces. The side effects of different kinds of chemicals are not the same. The damage they can cause are also different so they have different handling requirements. Knowing how to handle these materials is not the only thing involved in WHMIS. In this training employees will know how to avoid contact with chemicals and what to do if they are exposed to toxic chemicals which can cause respiratory and other health problems. This training also involves how to clean and dispose of materials in specific ways. These regulations can help employees avoid risks and prepare for potentially dangerous situations.
The basics across all WHMIS regulations remain the same. Dangerous materials are labelled. It regulates continuous training on those labels and potential hazards. Part of WHMIS is the MSDS or maintenance of material safety data sheets.
If a workplace contains or use products that have WHMIS symbols and labels, then their employees need to have training. Under federal regulations, it is the employers who are legally required to provide the training for their employees. If an employee is exposed to these materials and can come in contact with them, then he is required to undergo training. If not, then they dont need training. Even if a new employees has already taken WHMIS training, he still has to be trained. Every workplace has their own specific training.
The two parts of the WHMIS training are the general and the site-specific training. General training educates employees on labeling and symbols on hazardous materials. Reading labels is important for employees.
You can also take a whmis training online. Employees are updated on WHMIS regulations and labels in online training. But this does not cover the site-specific training of the WHMIS.
Site-specific training involves the specific workplace of an employee. Here you will be taught what substances are there and how to handle them in your own specific workplace. Disposing of chemicals and how to deal with emergency situations are also taught.
WHMIS training makes your employees become safe and well prepared for this tasks.
Source: http://ulearning.com/