Training Requirements

General Training Information

Every employee who works in an area where hazardous materials and/or hazardous operation are conducted are required to receive safety training. The intent of the training is to assure that all individuals are informed about potential hazards and protection while working in the area.

The training is divided into three basic groups:

Initial & Refresher Training- Provided by Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS)
Site Specific Training-Provided by Chair/Faculty/Department Head
Student-Provided by Faculty

Required Initial and Refresher Training

Initial training is required upon assignment to the area and includes basic safety orientation plus art specific information and training. Any individual who works with hazardous materials is also required to attend Hazardous Waste Training (initial and annual refresher.) The Department Chairs/Heads are responsible for ensuring that all employees attend this mandatory training prior to working with hazardous materials or conducting hazardous operations.

Annual Refresher

Some training is required on an annual basis. This training is dependent on the nature of your work. Please see the EHRS training matrix for guidance or contact EHRS for additional information.

The initial training and refreshers courses are available in a classroom setting or online. Training schedules and online training courses are only offered through EHRS and can be found on the EHRS training webpage.

Site Specific Training Information

Site specific training must be conducted by the Chairs, Department Heads, Faculty, Area Heads, Supervisors or Managers to any employee prior to working with hazardous chemicals or conducting hazardous operations. This training responsibility must not be shifted to inexperienced or untrained personnel. A Site specific training template has been developed to assist you. The template can be downloaded by clicking this link.

Additional training is also required when a new hazard is introduced or there is a specific need. The Chairs, Department heads, Faculty, Area Heads, Supervisors or Manager will provide or arrange for this additional training. Examples of a new hazard may be physical or health hazards associated with chemicals or operations for which prior training was not received. Examples of a need for additional training may be to improve work practices, address measures to prevent a spill or accident from occurring or to provide training for work with highly hazardous substances. Departments are encouraged to routinely include health and safety topics in staff meetings or other communications with employees.

The following site specific training must be conducted at a minimum:

Location, availability and understanding of the Art Safety Guide and the EHRS handbook.
How to locate, interpret and use a Safety data Sheet (SDS)
Review and understanding of the entire site specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
Physical and Health Hazards of all the hazardous materials used and store dint eh area.
Protective measures for handling all the hazardous materials in the area.
Label and Hazard warnings
Correct use of engineering controls, personal protective equipment and any other method used to eliminate or reduce a hazard or exposure.
Medical services available
Procedures for emergencies, spills and first aid.

A records of this training must be kept on file and be available for review upon request. EHRS has developed a Site specific training sheet to be used to assist in ensuring compliance with training. This information should be reviewed an updated on an annual basis if necessary.