A Safety Training Checklist serves to 1) outline each laboratory group’s required safety training and 2) provide documentation that demonstrates when and to whom training was provided. The checklist should include initial training received by laboratory personnel, as well as additional training for the purpose of updating previous information and covering new hazards, procedures, and policies. The basis for the checklist should be the required training listed below.
Laboratory Safety Training Requirements
The following are the minimum training requirements for laboratory personnel:
- Read the Laboratory Safety Guide
- Take DRS online training Laboratory Safety
- Review the location and use of safety equipment (fire extinguisher, safety shower, eye wash, spill kit(s), personal protective equipment).
- Review the location (online, computer file, or paper copies) of hazard identification and safety references including (Material) Safety Data Sheets.
- Review hazard-specific information
The primary information source for laboratory workplace hazards are Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Developed by the laboratory group, SOPs should cover all hazardous materials, processes and equipment.
Hazard-specific training should not be limited to those individuals who work directly with hazardous material. Anyone who shares a laboratory and has the potential for exposure must be made aware of the hazards present and policies in place to mitigate potential exposure.
Additional training expectations for specific hazard categories are detailed via the following links:- Review laboratory-specific information and policies
Information developed by the laboratory group, which outlines how campus-level safety guidance will be implemented within the laboratory group and associated facilities.
Examples of Lab Specific Policies | Description |
Prior approval policy | A list or description of what processes require PI/supervisor’s approval. |
Working after hours | Expectations and precautions for working after hours. |
Accident Reporting | The communication chain for reporting laboratory accidents. |
Food and Drink policy | Locations outside the laboratory where food and drink can be stored or consumed. |
- Participate in ongoing training
Such training may include repeating specific training courses (where required), reviewing new SOPs, attending group safety-related meetings, or participating in one-on-one trainings in the laboratory. Additional training requirements or completion of refresher training courses should be documented as an update to the Safety Training Checklist.
DRS provides a checklist template pre-populated with a list of DRS training courses and information. There is also space for hazard and lab-specific training/policies to be listed. Using the template is not required. However, it is required that the Principal Investigator/laboratory supervisor have documentation that lists and describes required training, and documents when and to whom training was provided.
Related Resource:
Training Checklist Template