WHMIS 2025 Update: What Canadian Workplaces Need to Know

Canada’s Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) has officially been updated. The amendments to the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) modernize hazard communication requirements and bring Canada further in line with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

If your workplace handles hazardous products, these changes matter — and compliance is now mandatory.

Key Compliance Timeline

The amended WHMIS regulations came into force December 15, 2022, with a three-year transition period that ended December 14, 2025.

What this means:

• Old WHMIS formats are no longer acceptable

• All suppliers must now use the amended HPR

• Workplaces must ensure labels, SDSs, and training reflect the updates

Failure to comply can expose organizations to regulatory risk.

Why WHMIS Was Updated

Health Canada amended the regulations to:

• Align with GHS Revision 7 and parts of Revision 8

• Improve clarity and precision

• Enhance worker protection

• Support international regulatory alignment

These updates ensure Canadian workers receive more consistent and detailed hazard information.

Major WHMIS 2025 Changes

1. New Hazard Class: Chemicals Under Pressure

A new physical hazard class — Chemicals Under Pressure — has been introduced.

Why it matters:

• Addresses products stored under pressure

• Improves hazard identification for emerging product types

• May affect classification and labeling requirements

If your workplace handles pressurized chemical systems, review your SDSs carefully.

2. Aerosols Reclassified

The former Flammable Aerosols class has been renamed to simply Aerosols and now includes:

• Category 1

• Category 2

• New Category 3 (non-flammable aerosols)

Impact:Some products previously outside the flammable aerosol scope may now require classification and labeling.

3. Flammable Gases — New Subcategories

Flammable gases have been refined:

• Category 1 is now split into 1A and 1B

• Pyrophoric gases are now included under Category 1A

• The standalone Pyrophoric Gases class was removed

Bottom line: Classification criteria are more precise, which may change how certain gases are labeled.

4. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Enhancements

The amendments introduce new and expanded SDS information requirements.

Key improvements include:

• Additional physical and chemical property data

• More detailed transport information

• Clearer ingredient disclosure requirements

• Improved consistency between SDS and labels

The goal is simple: give workers better, clearer hazard information.

5. Updated Hazard Statements

For example, combustible dust statements now allow an additional wording option:

• Previous: “May form combustible dust concentrations in air”

• New option: “May form explosible dust-air mixture.”

This improves clarity for real-world risk communication.

What Employers Must Do Now

With the transition period over, employers should:

Review workplace SDSs

Ensure suppliers have updated documentation.

Verify labels

Check that incoming products reflect the amended classifications.

Update WHMIS training

Workers must understand:

• New hazard classes

• Updated SDS formats

• Revised label elements

Audit your hazard communication program

Confirm your system reflects current federal requirements.

Why Refresher Training Matters in 2026

Even experienced workers may not recognize the updated classifications.

Refresher WHMIS training helps:

• Reduce workplace incidents

• Ensure regulatory compliance

• Improve worker confidence

• Protect your organization during inspections

Remember: WHMIS education must be ongoing and whenever hazards change.

Final Thoughts

The WHMIS 2025 update is more than an administrative change — it strengthens how hazardous product information is communicated across Canadian workplaces.

Organizations that act early by updating SDS reviews, labels, and worker training will be best positioned to stay compliant and keep workers safe.

Stay Compliant with True North Safety Certifications

At True North Safety Certifications, we provide up-to-date WHMIS training designed for Canadian industry, including construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectors.

Ensure your team is trained for the latest WHMIS requirements.