CITI Program’s newly developed General Lab Safety for Non-Lab Personnel course consists of three modules, Hazard Awareness, Safe Work Practices, and Emergency Situations, which provide training on safe practices for non-lab personnel working in and around laboratories and research facilities. This course describes the hazards typically present in laboratory and research facilities and provides best practices for working safely in and around these facilities. Targeted to contractors, facilities personnel, housekeeping staff, and other support personnel whose work requires they enter laboratory and research facilities, this course is a great resource for all institutions with any laboratory and research facilities both for the target audience and for the environmental health and safety professionals tasked with providing hazard communication to this audience. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires communication of hazard information, protective measures, and appropriate work practices to personnel with hazard exposure potential in the workplace. OSHA also requires that employers and institutions provide for a safe workplace. Institutions which have laboratory and research facilities often need to allow non-lab personnel entry to these facilities for maintenance, housekeeping, construction/renovation, and other miscellaneous tasks. Providing a hazard awareness training for these personnel prior to their entry into laboratory facilities can prevent injuries and exposures and meet the intent of OSHA Standards.
The Hazard Awareness module provides non-lab personnel with training on identification of hazards with a review of hazards commonly encountered in laboratories and research facilities. This module describes hazard labeling and signage found in laboratories and research facilities and provides non-lab personnel with a basic understanding of how to obtain additional information on facility hazards.
The Safe Work Practices module focuses on understanding the requirements for entry to laboratory and research facilities, proper attire, personal protective equipment necessary, prohibited activities, and best practices. Upon completion of the module non-lab personnel will be able to describe entry requirements including basic safe work practices, proper attire, and personal protective equipment (PPE). The Safe Work Practices module also includes a discussion of hand hygiene and best handwashing practices.
The Emergency Situations module provides non-lab personnel with basic training on basic emergency procedures required in the event an emergency occurs while they are in a laboratory or research facility. Upon training completion personnel will be able to identify basic emergency procedures followed in laboratories and research facilities. The Emergency Situations module also provides training on the use of eyewashes and safety showers.
