Page 51 - OHS, June 2024

What Kind of Training
Is Acceptable?
Computer-based or video-based training can provide an overview of HazCom and its requirements. OSHA says, however, that this type of training on its own does not meet the intent of the standard. You also must cover site-specific information, that is, the chemicals that are present in your workplace, the details of your written HazCom program, the location of SDSs, and your workplace labeling system if it’s different than that on shipped containers.
Employees must have the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers in a timely manner. If employees receive work instructions in a language other than Eng- lish, training must be provided in that lan- guage. It’s also important to consider the education and technical background of the employees to ensure that they completely understand the information. For example, if employees have low literacy, you may consider verbal instruction versus reading documents.
No formal certification is required to conduct HazCom training. However, OSHA does expect that the trainer has the knowledge and understanding to present the information so that it’s understandable to all employees and that it’s specific to the workplace. The trainer must be familiar with:
■ The requirements of the standard that apply to the workplace;
■ The hazardous chemicals in the workplace to which workers are exposed, as well as the types of hazards they pose;
REFERENCES
1. tinyurl.com/2np9tdnt 2. tinyurl.com/53e5w6tp 3. tinyurl.com/2fjcyjut
4. tinyurl.com/2w3skjpr
5. tinyurl.com/56s8t8te 6. tinyurl.com/2vmxj3d5 7. tinyurl.com/3mhtuhxj
8. tinyurl.com/y4ys7wpw 9. tinyurl.com/yc4kjnjp 10. tinyurl.com/yc88bmpj 11. tinyurl.com/3dspc2tp 12. tinyurl.com/4mbkn5yp 13. tinyurl.com/3sk8sfp3
■ ThThe written HazCom program im- plemented in the workplace; and
■ ThThe measures used in the workplace to protect workers.
As the employer, you may determine who’s qualified to conduct training. That may be someone within your company or a third party.
Keeping records that document who was trained, when the training was con- ducted, and what was covered helps to document compliance with OSHA’s train-
ing requirement in case of an inspection.
Key to Remember
AneffffectiveHazComtrainingprogram helps ensure employees’ safety when they’re exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
Rachel Krubsack is an EHS Editor with J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Her topics of exper- tise include hazcom, OSHA training require- ments, and hearing conservation.
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JUNE 2024 | Occupational Health & Safety 49