Lab-Specific Training

Before anyone (e.g., employees, students, visiting researchers) starts work in a laboratory at the University, they must complete basic online safety modules provided by Health, Safety, and Risk Management (HSRM). In addition, because of the unique procedures, processes, and hazards found in each lab, all employees must receive laboratory-specific training provided by the principal investigator (PI) or their designee. This training is to address the specific hazards and processes found in the lab. Note: lab-specific training is separate from the training that HSRM provides online or in person. 

Training Responsibilities

The principal investigator (PI) of each space has the responsibility to ensure that all their personnel, including students, staff, graduate students, and visiting researchers receive training on the hazards in their laboratory. The PI may designate others to provide the training, if that person is knowledgeable about the topic, how the procedure is performed at that location, and has been trained on the hazards themselves.

Training must be provided for new staff members before they start to work in the laboratory. The lab-specific training is the first introduction for new members to how your group approaches safe practices and various protocols. Additionally, training is to be provided to all members as annual refresher training, when new procedures are created, or when a new chemical or process is introduced.  Be sure the individuals providing training are good representatives of your group and the safety culture you want to promote.

Record Keeping Requirements

Laboratories are required to maintain annually updated records showing lab-specific training has been provided to all their lab members. These records should be kept for a minimum of five years. Labs are not required to keep records of the online courses required by HSRM but must verify that they have been completed (records can be accessed through Training Hub). 

Lab-specific training records must include:

  • The name of the person trained
  • Who provided the training
  • Date of the training
  • Training topics covered

Training records need to be accessible to everyone in the lab and can be kept in a variety of formats:

  • Binder with handwritten records
  • Electronic records (Excel sheet, Google document, etc.)

Download our printable template for logging training.

Required Topics

Each lab must address the hazards specific to their work. All hazards that are applicable to your research should be addressed, including chemical, physical, radiation, or biological hazards. A non-inclusive list of potential topics is below. Lab-specific training should be provided in person at the location where the procedure will be performed.

General

  • Lab Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Emergency response equipment, procedures, etc.
  • Documentation, training records, lab safety plan, etc.

Chemicals

  • Storage location and requirements
  • Chemical labeling
  • Proper waste disposal - labeling, storage, etc.
  • PPE requirements
  • Handling of gas cylinders and cryogenics
  • Location of Safety  Data Sheets (SDSs)

Biological

  • Bloodborne Pathogens training
  • Proper waste disposal
  • Spill clean-up plans
  • PPE requirements

Radiation

  • General requirements
  • Food and beverage prohibition
  • Personnel monitoring
  • Record keeping
  • Requirement for radiation training from HSRM

Other

  • Procedures unique to your lab
  • Field Safety
  • Animal handling
  • Ergonomics
  • Working alone or after hours

If you have any questions about training or documentation requirements, contact your Department Safety Officer, your HSRM Research Safety Professional, or call the HSRM main office at (612) 626-6002.