Safety Manual - Section 3.7 Safety Training

The University of Chicago
Safety Manual
Occupational Safety and Health Programs

Section 3.7

Safety Training

Policy

All employees shall attend mandatory safety training classes as determined by their job classification. For assistance in identifying training needs for a particular job classification and the frequency for training, please view our "Safety Training Match Guide".

Authority and Responsibility

Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:

Providing mandatory safety training classes periodically throughout the year (e.g., monthly, quarterly, semi-annually);
Publishing dates, times and locations at the beginning of each quarter;
Distributing email notifications to Deans and Department Heads at the beginning of each quarter as a reminder;
Providing on-line registration; and
Providing departments with follow-up summaries of employees attending each training class as requested.

Departments are responsible for:

Ensuring that employees receive all required training for their group through the Safety Academy, including new employees;
Ensuring employees attend classes annually for those classes with annual refresher requirements;
Documenting and tracking employee compliance;
Providing department specific training (e.g., laboratory procedures);
Registering employees on-line for scheduled classes; and
Establishing and maintaining a disciplinary action system for employees failing to comply with safety training requirements.

Purpose

The purpose of safety training is to provide the knowledge necessary to perform a job safely by establishing expectations for employees on how to perform job tasks. Knowledge acquired by participation in training is one of the methods used to create a safe culture. Failure to participate in mandatory safety training exposes the individual to risk of injury. This not only impacts our ability to conduct our mission, but it also places the University in a state of non-compliance with various safety regulations.

Class Offerings

Asbestos Awareness

Asbestos Awareness training discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Asbestos Standard (29 CFR 1910.1001), types and properties of asbestos, health effects related to asbestos exposure, preventing exposure to asbestos, methods for controlling asbestos fiber release and asbestos abatement basics. This 2-hour training class is mandatory for employees whose job duties may cause them to be exposed to or have the potential to come in contact with asbestos containing materials during their employment (e.g., building engineers and trades, steam plant, custodians). Asbestos Awareness training is offered quarterly (March, June, September, December).

Back Safety

Back Safety training discusses ergonomics, structure of the back, types of back injuries, safe lifting techniques, exercises and back belts. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees with job tasks involving excessive lifting or lifting 50 pounds or more to ensure that all lifting tasks are done following proper lifting techniques (e.g., building engineers and trades, custodians, dock workers). Back Safety training is offered quarterly (March, June, September, December).

Biological Safety Cabinets

Biological Safety Cabinets training discusses different types of particulate protection, types of ventilation equipment, biological safety cabinet airflow, high efficiency particulate air filters and biological safety cabinet use. This 1-hour training class is recommended for all employees whose job classifications may involve duties requiring them to work with potentially infectious agents and use biological safety cabinets. Biological Safety Cabinets training is offered quarterly (February, May, August, November).

Bloodborne Pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogens training discusses OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), bloodborne diseases, exposure determination, methods of compliance, personal protective equipment, Hepatitis B Vaccine, post-exposure evaluation and follow-up, labels and signs. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees with occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials (e.g., building engineers, custodians, grounds crew, laboratory personnel, athletic trainers, police officers). Blood means human blood, human blood components, and products made from human blood. Other potentially infectious materials means human body fluids; unfixed tissues or organs (other than intact skin) from a human (living or dead); HIV-containing cell or tissue cultures, organ cultures and HIV- or HBV-containing culture mediums or other solutions; and blood organs, or other tissues from experimental animals infected with HIV or HBV. Bloodborne Pathogens training is offered monthly.

Chemical Hygiene Plan

Chemical Hygiene Plan - Laboratory Safety training discusses OSHA's Lab Hazard Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450), evaluation of hazardous chemicals, hazards related to chemical categories, chemical labeling, material safety data sheets, general laboratory safety, fire safety and chemical spill response. This 2-hour training class is mandatory for employees engaged in the “laboratory use” of hazardous chemicals (e.g., laboratory personnel). Employees attending this class also receive credit for personal protective equipment and initial fire safety and evacuation training. Chemical Hygiene Plan training is offered monthly.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Compressed Gas Cylinder training discusses the safe handling of compressed gases and proper equipment/regulators for cylinder gases in additions to demonstration on how to properly change cylinders. Liquid Nitrogen training discusses the properties of liquid nitrogen and procedures for filling liquid nitrogen dewars. This one-hour training class is for employees involved in the direct handling, filling and/or use of compressed gas cylinders or liquid nitrogen dewars (e.g., laboratory workers, dock workers). Compressed Gas Cylinder training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Confined Spaces

Confined Spaces training discusses OSHA's Confined Space Standard (29 CFR 1910.146), evaluation of a confined space, signage requirements, confined space hazards, entry requirements and procedures, job tasks, emergency situations and responses, and training requirements. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees who have the potential to work in or supervise entry into a confined space or permit-required confined space (e.g., building engineers, steam plant workers). A confined space is a space that is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (e.g., tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits), and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. A permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of these characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant; has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section; and/or contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard(s). Confined Spaces training is offered quarterly (March, June, September, December).

DOT General Awareness

DOT General Awareness training discusses the Department of Transportation's standards for shipping hazardous materials(49 CFR 105-185), training requirements, classification of hazardous materials, the hazardous materials table, packing hazardous materials, marking and labeling of hazardous materials packages, shipping papers, motor carrier responsibilities, security and emergency response, exceptions, fines and penalties. This 2-hour training class is mandatory for employees engaged in the act of shipping hazardous materials which includes classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and documenting (e.g., lab personnel, dock employees). DOT General Awareness training is offered monthly.

Electrical Safety – General

General Electrical Safety training discusses OSHA's Electrical Safety Related Work Practice Standard (29 CFR 1910.331-335), electrical hazards and related injuries, selection and use of safe work practices, isolation of electrical sources, test instruments and equipment, tools, personal protective equipment, working areas, preventing electrical hazards (insulation, guarding, grounding, circuit protection devices and overhead lines). This 3-hour training class is mandatory for employees with minimal work near or with electrical installations (e.g., electricians, trades, building engineers, electrical/electronic equipment assemblers). Electrical Safety - General training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Electrical Safety – Qualified

Qualified Electrical Safety training expands on the topics discussed in general electrical safety training but also involves hands-on activities including proper procedures for isolating electrical sources and using testing instruments and equipment. This 3-hour training class is mandatory for employees who work on or near exposed energized parts (e.g., electricians, building engineers, electrical/electronic equipment assemblers). Qualified Electrical Safety training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics discusses the definition of ergonomics, cumulative trauma disorders, worksite analysis, procedures for hazard prevention including administrative/engineering controls and proper set-up of a video display terminal(s). This 1-hour training class applies to departments who request evaluations, undergo furniture renovation or upon request. Ergonomics training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Fall Protection

Fall Protection discusses OSHA's Personal Fall Arrest Systems standard (29 CFR 1926.500-503), full body harnesses, user equipment including lanyards and self-retracting lifelines, site specific systems and equipment inspection. This 2-hour class is mandatory for all employees utilizing fall protection equipment or systems. Fall Protection training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Fire Safety and Evacuation

Fire Safety and Evacuation training discusses the fire response plan RACER, ways to report the presence of a fire, methods of evacuation, procedures for employees with disabilities, types of extinguishers, classes of fires and the steps of the PASS procedure for the operation of fire extinguishers. This 1/2-hour training class is mandatory for all faculty, staff and employees. Fire Safety and Evacuation training is offered monthly.

Forklift/Power Lift Operation and Safety

Forklift/Power Lift Operation and Safety training discusses OSHA's Powered Industrial Trucks standard (29 CFR 1910.178), different types of forklifts and power lifts including propane, gas and electric powered, as well as electric powered pallet lifts. At the end of this training, you will be able to perform an operation safety inspection, recognize any deficiencies which could create an unsafe condition in the operation of a forklift or power lift, identify hazards in your workplace, and operate and perform the duties of a forklift operator in a safe manner. This 2-hour class is mandatory for all employees who operate a powered lift truck. Forklift/Power Lift Operation and Safety training training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Groundskeeping Safety

Groundskeeping Safety training discusses general landscape safety, equipment inspection, fuel and oil use, equipment operation and maintenance procedures and personal protective equipment. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for employees who operate any electric or gas powered grounds equipment. Groundskeeping Safety training must be arranged for by contacting Environmental Health and Safety.

Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication training discusses OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), evaluation of hazardous chemicals, chemical hazard classes, chemical labeling, material safety data sheets and emergency procedures. This 1-1/2 hour training class is mandatory for employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies, except laboratory personnel who fall under the Chemical Hygiene Plan (e.g., building engineers and trades, dock workers, grounds crew, police officers). Employees attending this class also receive credit for initial fire safety and evacuation training. Hazard Communication training is offered quarterly (January, April, July, October).

Hearing Conservation

Hearing Conservation training discusses OSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95), effects of noise on hearing, use and maintenance of hearing protection devices and audiometric evaluations. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees whose job classifications may involve duties in areas which result in noise exposures equal to or in excess of an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels and therefore are included in the Hearing Conservation Program. To date, this includes Facilities Services' engineers, trades, service crew and steam plant employees. Hearing Conservation training is offered quarterly (January, April, July, October).

Ladder Safety

Ladder Safety training discusses OSHA's Ladder and Stairway Standard (29 CFR 1926.1060), industrial and temporary stairways, fixed ladders, portable ladders, inspection, maintenance and reporting injuries. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees whose job classifications may involve duties requiring them to perform operations with industrial and temporary stairways, ladders and portable ladders (e.g., building engineers, trade shops). Ladder Safety training is offered quarterly (February, May, August, November).

Lockout/Tagout

Lockout/Tagout training discusses OSHA's Lockout/Tagout Standard (29 CFR 1910.147), hazardous energy sources, energy-isolating devices, additional safety requirements such as group lockout/tagout and refitting equipment. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees whose duties require them to service or maintain equipment capable of "unexpected" energization or start up of the machinery or equipment, or the release of stored energy that could cause injury to employees (e.g., building engineers). Lockout/Tagout training is offered quarterly (February, May, August, November).

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) training discusses OSHA's PPE Standards (29 CFR 1910.132-138), types of PPE, when PPE is necessary, how to properly wear, care for and maintain appropriate PPE and any limitations. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all employees who by nature of their job function have the potential to be exposed or come in contact with chemical, physical or biological hazards which by this exposure can cause illness or injury (e.g., building engineers and trades, grounds crew, laboratory personnel, dock workers). Personal Protective Equipment training is offered quarterly (March, June, September, December).

Respiratory Protection

Respiratory Protection training discusses OSHA's Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR 1910.134), types of respirators, maintenance of respirators and fit testing procedures. This 2-hour training class is mandatory for all employees whose job classifications may involve duties which result in breathing air contaminated with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays or vapors which otherwise cannot be controlled through the use of administrative or engineering controls or employees who voluntarily use respirators. Respiratory Protection training is offered monthly.

Shipping Infectious Substances

Shipping Infectious Substances training discusses the IATA and DOT standards (IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations Class 6.2 and US DOT 49 CFR 171,172,173 and 175) for shipping, classification, packaging, marking and labeling of infectious substances. This 2-hour training class is required for all employees engaged in the act of shipping infectious substances. Shipping infectious substances training is offered monthly.

Safety Orientation for Project Managers, Facility Managers and Supervisors

Safety Orientation training discusses department overview, outside regulatory agencies, asbestos, lead, fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, hazardous materials storage, material safety data sheets, vacating laboratories, emergency eyewashes and showers, fire detection systems, fixed fire protection systems, fire extinguishers, emergency and exit lighting, penetrations, hot work, scaffolding, crane lifts, lockout/tagout, fall protection, plan review, incident reporting, contractor responsibility, ergonomics and confined spaces. This 2-hour training class is mandatory for all employees holding project manager, facility manager or supervisor positions and involved in renovation and/or construction projects or those interested in gaining an overview of safety. Safety Orientation for project managers, facility managers and supervisors training is offered quarterly (February, May, August, November).

Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)

Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Training discusses information pertaining to the prevention of the discharge of oil, discharge procedure and the contents of the University of Chicago’s SPCC plan. This 1-hour training class is mandatory for all oil-handling personnel engaged in operation and maintenance of oil-related equipment such as hydraulic elevators and emergency generator fuel tanks (e.g., engineers). Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) training is offered quarterly (February, May, August, November).

Class Frequency

Initial Training

All safety training required by a specific job classification is considered initial training and shall be completed:

When an employee first begins work;
When an employee is given a new assignment for which training has not previously been provided;
Whenever new hazards are introduced into the workplace by new substances, processes or equipment; and
Whenever a supervisor is made aware of a new or previously unrecognized hazard.

Refresher Training

The following safety training classes have refresher requirements:

Bloodborne Pathogens (required annually);
DOT General Awareness (required every three years);
Fire Safety and Evacuation (required annually);
Forklift/Power Lift Operation and Safety (required every three years);
Hearing Conservation (required annually);
Ladder Safety (required every three years);
Respiratory Protection (required annually);
Shipping Potentially Infectious Materials (required every threee years); and
Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures Plan (SPCC) (required annually).

Level of Training

Safety training takes place on two levels:

Level one training is provided by Environmental Health and Safety and includes general information pertinent to University workplace about safety administration, programs and procedures; and
Level two training is provided by the principal investigator, lab director or department supervisor and includes specific information pertinent to research groups or trade shops regarding special hazards of their work and specific protocols and procedures to be performed by the individual.

Methods of Training

All initial safety training shall be lecture based and may include on-line, video or other acceptable audio visual techniques as part of the training, but not as the sole means. On-line or video training when used by itself shall not be accepted by OSHA as proof for compliance with their training requirements.

Refresher training can utilize on-line or other appropriate audio visual techniques when approved by Environmental Health and Safety provided a written competency assessment is utilized in conjunction with the training. However, should a training program require the demonstration of a particular work practice (e.g., putting on personal protective equipment) or if a regulation has changed resulting in a change of the University's policy, only lecture based training shall be acceptable for compliance.

Annual refresher training is for Fire Safety and Evacuation training is available on-line. To meet your annual Fire Safety and Evacuation training requirements through the on-line version, please refer to the University’s Chalk site at:

http://chalk.uchicago.edu;
Login using your CNetID and password;
Click on the “Extras” Tab located in the upper right hand portion of the screen;
Under the “Safety Training Classes” section on the left side of the screen, click on “Fire Safety and Evacuation”;
Remember to turn up the volume on your computer speakers to hear the audio; and
The introduction module will begin automatically.

Competency Assessment

All employees attending training shall be required to demonstrate adequate knowledge retention as shown through a learning measurement exercise. Employees not demonstrating adequate knowledge retention shall be retrained and retake the exercise until adequate retention is demonstrated. The passing criteria for the learning measurement exercise is 70 percent.

During inspections, a representative from Environmental Health and Safety has the right to interview employees to determine the adequacy of safety training compliance.

Registration Process

For specific dates, times and locations of each class (available at the beginning of each quarter) and to register for a class, go to The University of Chicago's Training Home Page . At the beginning of each quarter (Winter - Late December; Spring - Late March; Summer - Late June; Autumn - Late September), Environmental Health and Safety shall distribute email notifications to Deans and Department Heads identifying the classes available for that quarter.

To register for a class:

Login using your CNet ID (Note: To obtain a CNetID go to http://cnet.uchicago.edu/;
Click on the course your would like to attend;
Scroll down to view available sections;
Click on "Register" below the appropriate section;
A registration screen will appear with the course you clicked on the top of the page;
If this is the correct class, click "Register";
To register for additional course, simply click back on "Safety"; and
From the "Registration Complete" screen, you can also view your course schedule which allows you to cancel your classes if necessary.

Cancellation Fee

If there are no participants registered for a class, the class will be cancelled. All employees must be registered to be able to attend the class. The department is charged a penalty fee of fifty dollars for "no shows". The penalty increases to one-hundred dollars for "no shows" of the same training class the second time within one year.

Recordkeeping

All employees attending general safety training classes shall sign an attendance roster. The information from this attendance roster in conjunction with the learning measurement exercise shall be maintained in a tracking database system maintained by Environmental Health and Safety. Employees or departments can request individual training profiles or department reports by contacting Environmental Health and Safety at 702-9999.

Supervisors shall document department specific health and safety training regardless of the style (e.g., classroom-style, video, one-on-one, safety meetings). At a minimum, training records shall include the employee name, job title, supervisor, date, trainer, and training content.

Performance Standards

Managers and supervisors shall establish and maintain a disciplinary action system for employees failing to comply with safety training requirements. This system shall be utilized to promote positive health and safety practices.

Section 3 Index

Table of Contents

Environmental Health and Safety
Issued: 06/08/04
Issued: 06/08/09