WHMIS Compliance: What You Need to Know About the Latest SDS & Labeling Update

As Canadian workplaces continue to handle hazardous products across industries, it’s vital for employers and employees alike to stay aligned with the latest updates to the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). Recent revisions to whmis training—particularly those that bring Canada closer in alignment with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (GHS)—have changed the standards for SDS (Safety Data Sheet) formats and labeling compliance.

With the official compliance deadline now approaching, this is a critical time for businesses to update their documentation, labeling practices, and staff training. Whether you're in logistics, manufacturing, laboratories, or warehousing, understanding these changes and how they affect your obligations is essential for workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Why the WHMIS Update Matters

The primary goal of the WHMIS update is to enhance workplace safety by ensuring that hazard communication is clear, consistent, and globally standardized. The update impacts both the format and content of SDSs and the requirements for chemical product labels in Canada.

The Canadian government’s intent with this update is twofold: improve hazard communication and make it easier for Canadian companies to trade with international markets by harmonizing with global standards. These changes help reduce confusion in multi-national workforces and lower the risk of improper handling due to labeling inconsistencies.

Failing to comply with these updated standards could not only result in legal or financial penalties but also increase safety risks on-site. That’s why timely action is essential—especially for those in key sectors handling hazardous materials regularly.

Key Compliance Areas for Employers

Here are some core areas businesses must address to ensure they’re WHMIS-compliant:

1. Updated SDS Formatting

Suppliers and employers are now required to use a standardized 16-section format for Safety Data Sheets. This structure improves clarity and accessibility for workers handling chemicals. Sections include everything from hazard identification to exposure control and disposal considerations.

2. Correct Labeling of Hazardous Products

Every container of a hazardous product in the workplace must be labeled with standardized symbols, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. The latest update also clarifies how to label small containers or situations where multiple products are stored together.

3. Employee Training and Awareness

Businesses must ensure that all workers are properly trained under the new system. Updated WHMIS training ensures that employees understand hazard classifications, labeling formats, and how to read SDSs effectively. With WHMIS safety training, the emphasis is not just on compliance, but on building a safety-first culture within the organization.

WHMIS Training: A Legal and Practical Necessity

WHMIS training is not optional—it’s a legal requirement for any Canadian employee working with or near hazardous materials. In light of the updated requirements, businesses must revise and re-deliver WHMIS safety training that aligns with the new standards. This includes instructing staff on:

1. New pictograms and label formats
2. Reading and interpreting the revised SDS structure
3. Emergency response procedures
4. Safe handling, storage, and disposal practices

Obtaining a valid WHMIS certificate in Canada confirms that workers are equipped with the latest knowledge to handle hazardous materials responsibly. Whether you're onboarding new staff or upskilling current employees, it’s vital to maintain a consistent and certified training program.

Kalium Solutions supports organizations by providing accessible, up-to-date training modules that cover both the foundational and revised aspects of WHMIS.

How TDG and IATA Training Tie In

Many workplaces that deal with hazardous products must also consider transportation-related training. TDG (Transportation of Dangerous Goods) training is essential for anyone involved in the shipping or receiving of hazardous materials within Canada. It complements WHMIS by focusing on the classification, documentation, and safe transportation of chemicals.

Similarly, if your operations involve international or air transport of hazardous goods, IATA training in Canada becomes essential. This training ensures your team is compliant with the International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), which governs air freight of dangerous substances globally.

By integrating WHMIS, TDG, and IATA training, your business ensures full-spectrum safety and compliance from on-site handling to international transportation.

Preparing for the Deadline

With the deadline for SDS and labeling compliance fast approaching, here’s a checklist to help your organization prepare:

✅ Review and update all SDSs to the new 16-section format

✅ Replace or revise existing product labels

✅ Re-train all employees through WHMIS safety training

✅ Ensure all staff hold a valid WHMIS certificate in Canada

✅ Provide supplementary TDG training or IATA training in Canada where applicable

✅ Conduct internal audits to confirm compliance across all departments

Don’t wait until the last minute to act. Start now to identify gaps in your documentation or training programs, and partner with a reliable compliance service provider like Kalium Solutions to streamline the process.

Final Thoughts

Workplace safety is more than a regulatory requirement—it’s a core component of operational excellence. With the new WHMIS updates now in effect, Canadian businesses must prioritize timely compliance, proactive training, and accurate documentation.

From offering certified WHMIS training to supporting businesses with TDG and IATA training in Canada, Kalium Solutions is your go-to partner for end-to-end hazardous materials compliance.