Laboratory Safety Training Series

A collection of self-paced interactive training sessions, Laboratory Safety Training is available as a library of modules from which organizations can pick and choose, selecting only those required based on the number of staff that need training and the number of courses to purchase. Companies can choose to purchase just one course for one student, or five courses for one student, or one course for 20 students. In addition, the courses can be provided either online or on a CD-ROM. For those companies that want or have a dedicated learning system, the modules can be customized with corporate logos and the menus expanded to include company-specific content and courses.

All courses below have no prerequisites.


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Chemical Hygiene provides an overview of the safety and health concerns common in laboratories. The coverage includes background on the Laboratory Safety Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450, the role of a Chemical Hygiene Plan, General Standard Operating Procedures, Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), Material Safety Data Sheets, proper labeling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals, hazardous waste management, blood-borne pathogens, and more.

Corrosives covers the hazards presented by corrosive chemicals found in the laboratory and the precautions that should be followed in the safe handling and storage of these agents, along with information on PPE usage and first aid procedures for exposure to corrosives. Corrosive burns are among the most common lab injuries.

Ergonomics covers hazards and preventative measures to reduce risk of injury to joints, muscles, nerves, bones and tendons resulting from laboratory procedures requiring long, intensive tasks involving awkward and repetitive movements. Examples include: repetitive pipetting, keyboard and mouse use, microscopy, and micromanipulation. The course helps students: identify risk factors for cumulative trauma disorders, recognize specific ergonomic hazards, identify injury symptoms and understand control factors. Particular attention is given to common laboratory risk factors such as: forceful exertions, repetition, deviated posture, contact stresses and sustained static exertions.

Flammables covers fire hazards in the laboratory and proper safety precautions including handling and storage of flammable chemicals, chemical properties related to flammability (such as flash point, vapor pressure, vapor density, etc.), chemical compatibility, environmental considerations, Uniform Fire Code requirements, spill control techniques, fire extinguisher types, and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

Fume Hoods covers the proper use of fume hoods to reduce the risk of injury from inhalation of hazardous chemicals. Studies have shown that at least half the illnesses related to fume hoods are due to improper use of the hood rather than hood design. This course reviews different types of fume hoods and the design considerations related to safety including proper use of airfoils, baffles, and sashes. It also provides usage guidelines with photographs and handouts that can be printed for placement on the fume hood.

Personal Protective Equipment covers the proper selection and use of PPE in the laboratory. Even experienced employees can fail to adequately protect themselves by mistakenly using insufficient or inappropriate PPE. This course will enable the student to better understand the need for effective PPE, match the correct PPE to specific laboratory hazards, understand the limitations of PPE, and understand proper fit and usage.

Physical Hazards covers laboratory hazards not directly related to chemicals, such as: electrical hazards, cuts and lacerations, slips, trips and falls, and miscellaneous hazards. Coverage includes recommendations for preventative measures and first aid tips for most minor accidents.

Pollution Prevention, an Introduction presents practical and realistic advice for reducing the volume and toxicity of hazardous waste generated by laboratories based on EPA guidelines. The course focuses on low-cost, easy-to-implement pollution prevention techniques that can help lower waste disposal costs, improve health and safety conditions, and reduce regulatory requirements and liability. The course resources also include a complete Pollution Prevention Program template in the form of both a ?fill in the blank? written plan and a customizable PowerPoint presentation covering the five steps of developing a P2 Program. Course Length:

Pressure Hazards covers the hazards of pressurized or reduced pressure operations in the laboratory. The course identifies common pressure hazards and recommends safety precautions and equipment to help reduce risks of explosions, implosions, chemical hazards, and other pressure-related threats. It also reviews handling, use and storage of compressed gases and the safe operation of vacuum equipment.

Radiation Safety covers basic radiation physics, biological effects of ionizing radiation, laboratory radiation protection procedures, and radiation safety rules and regulations. Completion of this series and a final exam will satisfy the basic training requirements for radiation workers as set forth in your Radioactive Materials License. Additional subjects include: radiation sources, atomic structure and radioactivity, health effects, radiation protection regulations, detection, exposure and contamination control, radioactive wastes, radiation instruments, radiation safety surveys, spills and emergency response, package receipt and classifications for transportation.

Reactives covers the hazards of working with highly reactive chemicals that can produce violent reactions including the formation of highly toxic products (especially gases), development of high pressures or temperatures, spontaneous development of heat, or explosions. The categories of reactions covered include: self-polymerizations, reactions with water, pyrophorics, peroxide formation, incompatibles and oxidizers, shock sensitive chemicals, and high explosives. Information is presented about the special hazards, recommended handling, environmental precautions, and storage considerations for each category.

Safety Equipment covers the proper use common safety equipment found in the laboratory. The course includes information on selection, placement, maintenance, and use of fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and emergency showers. Different types of fire extinguishers are reviewed along with factors to consider in making a decision on whether to fight a fire or evacuate and wait for help. A list of inspection items and general maintenance procedures is listed. The ANSI 358.1-1998 standard covering eye washes and emergency showers is covered, with information presented on flow, location, testing and inspection, temperatures, alarm systems, visibility and training requirements.

Spill Control covers the hazards presented by spills of hazardous materials in the laboratory. The key to safety in the event of a spill is preparation, training, and prevention techniques. This course stresses all of these factors in preventing spills and in dealing with the emergency when a spill happens. Coverage includes preparation steps, being familiar with chemical hazards, use of appropriate equipment, emergency procedures, PPE, spill kits, and waste disposal. The course also helps students identify conditions where professional help should be summoned and outlines steps to cleaning a spill for those situations where lab personnel can safely clean up the spill.

Toxics covers toxicity hazards and safety precautions in the laboratory. The course helps learners understand toxicity terms and theory including the dose-response model, the effects of relative toxicity, concentration, and time of exposure, routes of entry into the body, LD50, LC50, TLV, TLV-TWA, TLV-STEL, STEL, PEL, IDLH, and more. The course also covers seven specific methods to minimize the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals in the lab.

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