Hazmat Training—Don’t Forget OSHA’s Regs

4.  Select a training tool. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) guidance for hazmat employee training lists four training delivery methods:

• Web-based
• Computer-based
• Classroom
• Hands-on/mentor training

Decisions on which of these, or which combination, is most appropriate will depend on many factors, including cost, suitability for the hazmat employee and the employee’s hazmat responsibilities, language proficiency, whether employees can be self-directed, and qualifications of the instructor.

5.  Evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. A training program is only as good as the results it produces. That means you have to ask employees about how they benefited from the training. You should also observe employees after training to determine how lessons have been incorporated into performance. Results of interviews and observation should be documented and incorporated, if necessary, into subsequent training.

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6.  Assign a training manager. A training manager should be given the time and resources to effectively manage training. Responsibilities can include arranging for newly trained employees to be evaluated, determining additional training needs for incumbents, communicating the status of training to upper management, and maintaining training records in compliance with PHMSA regulations. Larger companies may also consider formation of training committees that meet regularly to assess the effectiveness of the training program.

7.  Don’t stop with training. Develop a safety culture that encourages training as part of daily and typical tasks and operations. Attention to regulatory requirements, efficiency, and improved performance invariably begins with demonstrated commitment by top management followed by buy-in from all other levels of the company. Employees should be motivated to identify problems at early stages without fear of retribution or retaliation. Problems that are quickly corrected will promote proactive approaches to safety. When management provides the right foundation and acts appropriately, employees will be more motivated to take ownership of the operations for which they are responsible and share responsibility equally with management for the overall safety of the company. “Enhanced safety measures help to reduce the cost of doing business by reducing accidents, decreasing workers’ compensation claims, and providing a more effective and targeted use of resources,” states PHMSA.

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OSHA Has Training Requirements, Too

Don’t forget that OSHA also has training requirements for employees who work with and around hazardous materials. That’s where the OSHA Training System comes in.

As its name implies, this invaluable training resource is a complete and up-to-date system to meet your full OSHA-mandated training needs.

All the materials are prepared in advance, so no prep time is required. All you do is reproduce what you need and put it to use. Materials include:

• 32 complete safety units, meeting every key OSHA standard. Each includes full background for trainers, a ready-to-use safety meeting, and follow-up handouts. View a Table of Contents.
• Quizzes, handouts, and copies of 27 different employee booklets coordinated to the safety meetings. (Booklets can be bought in any quantity at a discount.)
• A complete training recordkeeping and tracking system that tells you which employees need what training, and then tracks your program to ensure they get it.
• Quarterly updates, included with the program. You receive at least four new safety units every 90 days, covering new OSHA standards and training needs.

If you share the common problem of never having enough time or the right materials for training, we’d suggest you examine the OSHA Training System program. We’ve arranged for you to do so for up to 30 days at no cost or risk. Just let us know and we’ll be happy to make all the arrangements.

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