Hazardous materials are found in 7 million workplaces in North America. For those who work around a hazardous material, proper training is essential.
If you’ll be getting training on the handling of hazardous materials, there are many things that you’ll need to understand. It’s important to consider legal requirements and the course options that are available.
Fortunately, we’re here to help you get started. Here are 3 tips to keep in mind when training on handling hazardous materials.
1. Know the Requirements
Before getting hazardous materials training, you should determine exactly which materials you’ll be working with specifically and should understand what will be expected of you. Different materials will require different procedures.
Any employees who work with hazardous materials and chemicals in the workplace will be required by OSHA to train accordingly. The proper training is necessary for complying with regulations and local laws regarding the handling of hazardous substances.
As an employer or employee, you should find out what will be required to meet regulations and should choose training accordingly.
2. Understand Material Types
It’s important to know the classes of hazardous materials that are out there and to learn more about each of them.
There are various types of materials and chemicals that can be problematic if exposure occurs. Exposure to silica, asbestos, MDA, or lead, for example, will require OSHA training. Each has very specific ways that you’ll need to handle them and work with them.
Other materials will have other requirements and will need other types of training. Bloodborne pathogen training, for example, can help with bodily fluid safety and may be necessary for those in certain positions.
You should understand the different types of materials that are out there when training and should learn about the differences between each of them. Make sure that any course you take will prepare you for all of the different materials that you may handle in your job position.
3. Find the Right Course
Once you know the materials you’ll be working with and the legal requirements for working with them, you should then find a relevant training course to take. You can take courses online but can also take hands-on courses as well.
You’ll want to choose a course that covers all of the important topics related to handling hazardous materials. Be sure that the course is high-rated and thorough. You should also ensure that the course you take will meet all DOT, OSHA, and EPA compliance standards.
If you work in the air travel industry, there are other standards to meet as well. You might want to consider this IATA training option if you need to be trained on hazardous materials in the air travel industry.
Making the Most of Hazardous Material Training
If you need to handle hazardous material as part of your job position, be sure that you get the right training. Getting high-quality training on hazardous materials and best practices will help keep you and those around you safe.
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