Training Introduction

Employees who work with or are potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals receive initial training on the Hazard Communication Standard and the safe use of those hazardous chemicals using audio-visual materials and classroom type training.

Programs giving an overview of Hazard Communication may include any of the following videos:

Hazard Communication Today
Introduction to Working Safely with Chemicals
Your Health Matters

Regular safety meetings should be used to review or add to the information presented in the initial training. Supervisors should refer to the various University web sites to assure that they are aware of updated policies and procedures and as a source of information.

Training Plan Emphasis

Summary of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) and the written program.
Chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials (e.g., flash point, reactivity) and methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of chemicals (including chemicals in unlabeled pipes).
Physical hazards of chemicals (e.g., potential for fire, explosion, etc.)
Health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, associated with exposure to chemicals and any medical condition known to be aggravated by exposure to the chemical.
Work procedures for protection when cleaning up hazardous chemical spills.
Procedures to protect against hazards (e.g., personal protective equipment, proper use, and maintenance; work practices or methods to assure proper use and handling of chemicals; and, procedures for emergency response).
The location of MSDS’s, how to read and interpret the information on MSDS’s and chemical containers, and how employees may obtain additional hazard information.
Hazard Communication Posters are displayed throughout Marquette University facilities on official University bulletin boards located in each building. These posters identify the person to contact for more information.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Supervisors must be aware of training programs offered by the University and attend refresher courses to provide additional employee training concerning workplace hazards when:

Chemicals with new hazards are introduced into the workplace.
Equipment changes are made which could cause new or increased employee exposure.
Procedures and work practices are introduced or changed which could cause new or increased employee exposure.
Employees are transferred from one work area to another where different hazards may be present.

Resources Available

Video programs covering specific chemical hazards that are available to departments include:

Corrosive & Irritant Chemicals
Flammable Chemicals
Carcinogenic Chemicals
Poisonous & Toxic Chemicals
Biological Hazards
Radiation Hazards
Cleaning Chemicals

Training Documentation

Documentation for Marquette University’s Hazard Communication Program is in the form of a self test with a passing grade (70%) and is included in each employee’s training file. Records for administrative and faculty employees are maintained by Business Services, records for support staff employees are maintained by Human Resources (except Facility Services employee records are maintained within their department) and records for student employees will be maintained by Student Employment.

Retraining

Supervisors conducting retraining will prepare a written record of the training provided and request the trained employee to sign and date the record. A permanent safety training record is maintained in the employee’s training files.

Non-Routine Tasks

Employees required to perform non-routine tasks, e.g., cleaning tanks, entering confined spaces, etc., should inquire on training sessions that are available from the Risk Management web site or Department regarding potential exposure to hazardous chemicals and proper precautions to take to reduce or avoid exposure.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION TRAINING

LINKS