What Training Do I Need?
Operator Certification and Training
Operator certification is a two part process at Virginia Tech. For the first part, the operator must complete online general awareness level training, as well as machine-specific instruction and familiarization. Machine-specific instruction and familiarization involves reading the Operator's Manual for each lift to be operated, and working with the supervisor (or designee) to learn how to properly set up and operate the aerial lift. The second part involves an observation by EHS (or designee).
Part One
Operators must:
- Complete general Aerial Lift Training from EHS (available online).
- Complete Fall Protection User training if the use of a personal fall arrest system is required.
- Read the Operator's Manual for each lift to be operated.
- Operators must know how to perform the following during observation:
- Inspection of the work site for hazards that could affect safety or safe operation of the lift
- Properly set up the lift, including leveling and the use of outriggers, if provided
- Perform a pre-use inspection and report any deficiencies
- Perform function tests prior to use
- Safely operate the lift
- Wear required fall protection equipment and/or hard hats
- Location and use of emergency (ground/lower) controls
Supervisors (or departmental designees) must provide operators with hands on, machine-specific instruction on any lift to be used by the employee. Operators should be supervised for a sufficient period of time while operating the lift in order to develop a basic level of proficiency.
Hands on instruction must include how to:
- Perform a pre-use inspection per the Operator's Manual
- Properly set up the lift, including the use of outriggers
- Operate the lift (familiarization with controls, traveling, parking, etc.)
- Use emergency (ground/lower) controls in the event of mechanical failure or operator incapacitation
- Report any deficiencies if the lift does not pass inspection
- Use any required fall protection system associated with the lift
Part Two
When the employee is comfortable operating the lift (under direct supervision by a currently certified operator), and supervision agrees, contact EHS (or your departmental authorized observer) to schedule the observation portion of operator certification. Observation will include those items noted above in bold for machine-specific instruction and familiarization.
Note: The supervisor, operator, and EHS trainer will be required to sign off on the Certification Form that the employee has completed machine-specific instruction and familiarization prior to observation. If an operator receives a "Needs Further Instruction" rating during the final observation, the employee and supervisor must work on any deficiencies before rescheduling another observation by EHS or departmental designees.
Operators who successfully complete operator training and certification will be authorized to operate the type of aerial lift specified on their wallet card. If other types of aerial lifts will be operated, an observation must be performed on each additional type of aerial lift.
Recertification and Retraining
Recertification is required every 3 years.
Operator refresher training may be required before the recertification period under the following conditions:
- The operator is observed operating the aerial lift unsafely.
- The operator is involved in an accident or near miss involving an aerial lift.
- Observation of operator knowledge and skills indicates a need for additional training and/or practice.
- A different type of lift is to be used.
Asbestos Awareness
Training is mandatory for persons that perform maintenance, renovation, or custodial operations, and persons that work around asbestos. Class length is 1 hour. It is available both online and in person upon request. Refresher training is required annually.
Asbestos Supervisor
Training is mandatory for supervisors who took the initial 40 hour training for oversight of employees directly involved in asbestos abatement. Refresher training (8-hour) is required annually.
Introduction to Biological Safety Cabinets
Training is mandatory for laboratory personnel who need to use biological safety cabinets to manipulate biohazardous agents/materials. It is available online. Refresher training is not required.
Lab Safety: Hazardous Waste Management
Training in proper collection, handling, and disposal of laboratory biowaste, chemical, glass, sharps wastes etc. is recommended for all laboratory personnel, laboratory supervisors, and Prinicple Investigators conducting research. It is available upon request. Refresher training in not required.
Safe Autoclave Use and Verification
Training is mandatory for personnel who use autoclaves for sterilization/ decontamination of research materials, equipment, etc. It is available online. Refresher training is not required.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Training is mandatory for persons potentially exposed to human blood, body fluids, or cell lines during the normal course of their work activities (e.g. plumbers, custodians, all medical and some laboratory personnel). Class length is 1 hour. It is not available online. Refresher training required annually.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Training is mandatory for persons potentially exposed to human blood, body fluids, or cell lines during the normal course of their work activities (e.g. plumbers, custodians, all medical and some laboratory personnel). Class length is 1 hour. It is not available online. Refresher training required annually.
Training is recommended for persons who handle, store, and use compressed gas cylinders. Note: Persons that work with compressed gases outside of a chemical research laboratory must also have Hazard Communication training. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Confined Space Awareness
Training is mandatory for persons that work around, but who do not enter, confined spaces. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Confined Space Entrant/Attendant/Supervisor
Training is mandatory for persons that enter confined spaces or serve as an attendant. Supervisors of entrants or attendants must also attend this training. Class length is 3 hours. Refresher training required every 3 years.
Training is mandatory for persons who coordinate contractor activities where coordination with VT personnel is necessary. Class length is 1 hour and is available upon request. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
All shipments of hazardous materials are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Virginia Tech personnel who package, label, ship, prepare shipping documents, or offer packages of hazardous materials to carriers for shipment, are required to receive and complete appropriate training and comply with all federal, international and local regulations. Training is mandatory for anyone shipping materials by air that are packed with dry ice. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 2 years.
Electrical Awareness
Training is mandatory for personnel in work areas that use temporary power taps, such as extension cords, power strips, or ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCI), It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Electrical Qualified Person
Training is mandatory for persons that work on energized electrical systems operating at 50 volts or more to ground. Class length is 3 hours. Refresher training is required every 3 years.
Electrical Safety for Research
Training is highly recommended for persons that work on non-typical electrical systems often found in research, operating at 50 volts or more to ground. The class is available online and also upon request. Refresher training is required every 3 years.
Electrical Safety for Research
Training is highly recommended for persons that work on non-typical electrical systems often found in research, operating at 50 volts or more to ground. The class is available online and also upon request. Refresher training is required every 3 years.
Excavation Awareness
Training is mandatory for persons that work around, but who do not enter, excavations greater than four feet deep. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Excavation Competent Person
Training is mandatory for supervisors and designated competent persons who oversee excavation operations. Class length is 3 hours. Refresher training required every 3 years. Topics include:
- Hazards related to excavation work,
- Work practices and selection of protective systems,
- Methods of evaluating the site and conducting inspections,
- Requirements of this program and any related programs,
- Emergency procedures.
Fall Protection User Training
Fall Protection User
Competent persons and personnel who will be using personal fall arrest systems must attend Fall Protection User training offered by EHS prior to being assigned such responsibilities.
Training will address the following topics:
- Recognition and nature of fall hazard situations in the work area,
- Fall hazard evaluation to determine feasible controls,
- Various types of fall protection systems that may be used,
- Components of a personal fall arrest system, and
- Inspection of personal fall arrest systems.
Refresher training is required every 3 years, or under the following conditions:
- There are changes in the workplace that make previous training obsolete,
- There are changes in the types of fall protection systems or equipment used that render previous training obsolete, or
- There are inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the fall protection system or equipment that indicate a lack of understanding or skill.
Personnel may also need training in the following areas, if applicable:
Fall Hazard Awareness Training
Personnel who have existing or potential fall hazards in their work area must complete Fall Hazard Awareness level training. This training is intended to inform personnel of existing fall protection systems that are in place, and must not be overridden. For example, personnel accessing building roofs, which have a sufficient parapet wall around the perimeter, must completed awareness level training to understand the expectations and limitations of existing systems.
Personnel who will be operating tractors must attend Tractor Safety training offered by EHS at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter. It is recommended that all farm personnel who work around, but do not use this equipment, attend this training as well.
Training will address the following topics:
- Safe operation and servicing of certain equipment,
- Prohibition of extra riders on tractors,
- Common Hazards (i.e. rollover, entanglement, hazardous energy sources)
- Safe operation, including stability, hitching, and driving on slopes
- Rollover protection (ROPS) requirements, and
- Machine guarding and shielding.
Other Farm-Related Hazards and Training
Personnel may also need training in the following areas, if applicable:
Environmental Health & Safety offers training on the following topics:
- Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Resident Hall Fire Safety Training
- Hot Work Permit Coordinator Training
- Compressed Gas Cylinders Training
- For more information, see the Fire and Life Safety Program.
Training is recommended for persons who handle, store, and use flammable liquids. Note: Persons who work with flammable liquids outside of a chemical research laboratory must also have HAZCOM RTK (Hazard Communication Right-to-Know) training. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
First Aid/CPR/AED training is required for some industries by OSHA regulations and/or state licensing requirements, including but not limited to:
- Logging operations
- Telecommunications
- Electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution
- Scuba diving operations
- Shipping, maritime, long shoring
- Child care facilities
- Adult care facilities
- Construction sites
Other personnel may have to be trained in first aid based upon job hazards, duties, or location (e.g "remote" locations), including but not limited to:
- Confined space attendants
- Designated confined space rescue personnel
- Electricians
- Miners
- College farms
- Center for Power Electronics Systems
- Fisheries and Wildlife researchers
- Designated Machine Shop Coordinators
- Police officers
Personnel wishing to take a First Aid/CPR/AED class for other reason may also take the training through EHS.
As of August 1, 2020, the training will involve a blended learning format. The classroom portion will be completed online, and the skills demonstration portion will be scheduled with EHS. To register for a class, click here. The cost for Adult First Aid/CPR/AED is $45.00 per person, and is payable through VT Continuing and Professional Education. Once you register for the class, you will be sent a link to this site for payment.
Upon receipt of payment, ASHI will send an email to the participant for access to online materials. Once the online portion has been successfully completed, participants will receive an email from EHS indicating that they can now schedule an appointment for CPR skills verification. On your Training Profile page, you may select an appointment under the "Appointments" tab. Skills verification typically takes less than 1.5 hours. A digital card will be emailed to participants who sucessfully complete all requirements.
Requirements
Personnel must complete successfully complete all requirements set forth by the organization granting certification (e.g. ASHI or National Safety Council), typically including both knowledge and skills evaluations. Certification is valid for two years. For more information, contact EHS at 231-8759.
All employees in a research laboratory are required to review the Chemical Hygiene Plan including the "Laboratory Specific Documentation" (formerly referred to as Part B) for their laboratory, and be trained on the specific hazards of their work environment. This mandatory training is to be performed by the Principal Investigator or their designee. EHS offers general, non-mandatory training on safety issues in the research environment. At the time any employee is introduced to new hazards or new protocols in the laboratory, they must receive safety and operational training. The EHS general laboratory safety training is available on-line and also upon request.. Refresher training is required every 4 years.
EHS will provide Hazard Communication Coordinator training to those persons who have responsibility for implementing and maintaining the program for non-chemical laboratory departments or work areas. Training will include identifying products that should be included in the inventory, labeling requirements, understanding basic information on the SDS, and what information needs to be communicated to personnel using the product.
Training is available for personnel who use hand and power tools on a regular basis. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
The university Health and Safety Policy 1005 requires that educational and research activities be assessed to identify hazards and that appropriate hazard controls be put in place before work is begun. This training covers the assessment process, including the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Hazards are commonly associated with research activities. Chemicals may be toxic, reactive, flammable or corrosive. Lasers can cause tissue damage and start fires. Electrical systems can pose shock or electrocution hazards, and mechanical systems can present physical hazards that could result in burns, lost limbs or even death. The purpose of the Hazard Assessment Program is to provide the university community guidance on how to manage the risk of serious injury/illness, property and environmental damage associated with hazardous processes and work activities at Virginia. Such reviews are required by the university Health and Safety Policy
Hazard Communication Coordinator Training
EHS will provide Hazard Communication Coordinator training to those persons who have responsibility for implementing and maintaining the program for non-chemical laboratory departments or work areas. Training will include identifying products that should be included in the inventory, labeling requirements, understanding basic information on the SDS, and what information needs to be communicated to personnel using the product. Departments (other than chemical laboratories) are individually responsible for establishing and maintaining a Hazard Communication Plan, and for training all personnel in that department on plan components. EHS supports this effort by offering training for the departmental coordinator. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
HAZCOM Right to Know training is mandatory for personnel who use hazardous chemicals in a non-laboratory setting. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years
Hearing conservation training is mandatory for persons that use hearing protection due to a potential or existing excessive noise exposure. Training is included with annual hearing tests or available online. Class length is 1 hour. Refresher training required annually.
Training is mandatory for supervisors of departments that perform welding, cutting, brazing, torch cutting, and similar open-flame operations. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Training is recommended for persons who work with wild animals during field work, specifically bats, canines, felines, ferrets, racoons, wild mice, or when working in remote locations. Class length is 2 hours. It is not available online. Refresher training is not required. Employees or volunteers who handle animals, who perform research in the field, or who work with infectious organisms are required to participate in the medical surveillance program through which you will be offered vaccinations and other services appropriate for your work-related exposure, if any. For persons working with animals or biological agents, the medical survey questionnaire found here must be completed to prompt services. Appointments are scheduled annually or as needed based on your work-related exposure(s).
Training in proper collection, handling, and disposal of laboratory biowaste, chemical, glass, sharps wastes etc. is recommended for all laboratory personnel, laboratory supervisors, and Prinicple Investigators conducting research. It is available upon request. Refresher training in not required.
Training is recommended for persons that use general purpose ladders. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Training is mandatory for persons that use class 3b or 4 lasers. All users must also take an eye exam. Class length is 1 hour. It is not available online. Refresher training is not required.
Training is mandatory for persons that perform maintenance or renovation work, or who work with lead materials in the course of their duties. Class length is 1 hour. Refresher training required annually.
Lockout-Tagout Authorized Person
Each employee who will conduct work covered by this program must attend Lockout Authorized Employee training offered by EHS prior to beginning such work. Additionally, each Lockout Authorized Employee must receive specific training by their supervisor on each Energy Control Procedure (ECP) to be used. This training is to be conducted by a department Lockout Authorized Employee familiar and experienced with the procedure and the system, machinery, or equipment.
Retraining
All affected and authorized employees must be retrained under certain conditions listed below:
- Accidents or incidents involving hazardous energy source(s),
- A change in job assignment,
- A change in machines, equipment, or processes that present a new hazard,
- Deviations from, or inadequacies in, the employee's knowledge or use of the Energy Control Procedure,
- Periodic inspections reveal there are deviations in the Energy Control Procedure, or
- Significant changes to the employer's written program.
Training is mandatory for persons that service/maintain/repair systems with hazardous energy sources, such as electrical, mechanical, steam, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. Class length is 2 hours. Refresher training is required every 3 years.
Lockout-Tagout Awareness
Employees who are workings in areas where lockout/tagout is being conducted should attend awareness level training so that they understand the program requirements and procedures, and that the devices are not to be tampered with, removed, or bypassed in any way. Awareness level training is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Machine Shop Coordinator
Departments with machine shops, woodworking shops, metalworking shops, or similar operations must designate a Machine Shop Coordinator. Training is mandatory for designated departmental machine shop coordinators. Class length is 2 hours. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Persons who are assigned responsibilities as a Shop Safety Coordinator must also attend the following training::
- Hot Work Permit Supervisor (if welding/cutting is performed on site)
- Lockout/Tagout Authorized Person
- First Aid/CPR
- Hazard Communication Program Coordinator
- Personal Protective Equipment Coordinator
Other safety training that may be required (dependent upon the specific worksite and scope of work) include:
Machine Shop User Safety Training
Machine shop user training is recommended for all persons using woodworking or metal working machinery and equipment. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Each person who uses shop equipment must be trained on the following topics by the Shop Safety Coordinator or other designee prior to use:
- Shop guidelines such as housekeeping and access,
- Shop hazards and methods of controlling exposure,
- Machine-specific operating procedures and safety features (training record must be maintained),
- Use and care of prescribed personal protective equipment.
This is a service with associated training and is not a class. All employees (including student employees) and volunteers who use respirators or who have a potential exposure to lead, asbestos, silica dust, chemicals (outside of laboratories), pesticides, welding, excessive noise, infectious agents, hazardous waste, or who handle animals, including field researchers, are required to participate in this program. For persons working with animals or biological agents, the medical survey questionnaire found here must be completed to prompt services. Appointments are scheduled annually or as needed based on your work-related exposure(s).
Persons who work in the vicinity of mobile cranes, such as on construction sites or similar projects, must attend awareness level training. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
OSHA identifies several major causes of crane accidents, which include:
- Boom or crane contact with energized power lines (about 45%)
- Under the hook lifting devices
- Dropped loads
- Boom collapses
- Being crushed by the counter weight
- Outrigger use
- Rigging failures
- Falls
The use of qualified crane operators and proper crane maintenance and inspections are crucial to reducing crane accidents. OSHA updated it's crane standard in 2014 for construction. In addition to OSHA, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provide consensus procedures to provide up-to-date information on crane manufacturing, operational procedures, inspection requirements and operator qualifications.
Application
This program applies to the use of mobile cranes on Virginia Tech properties. It does not apply to monorails, monorail cranes, top running single girder cranes, or overhead hoists - such equipment is not covered by OSHA 1910.179 for General Industry or 1926.550 for Construction.
Requirements
Contractors who will be operating a mobile crane on Virginia Tech property should coordinate activities with the VT Project Manager/Coordinator to assure required notifications (due to the proximity of the airport) are filed and departmental personnel and/or the public are protected from hazards associated with crane operations in the area.
Training and operator certification is mandatory for persons that use overhead cranes. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 3 years.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Awareness
Training is required for persons who must wear PPE, where engineering or administrative controls have not reduced the risk to an acceptable level. Separate training is required for users of personal fall arrest systems and flame-resistant (i.e. rated) clothing. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Each employee required to wear PPE must be aware that PPE does not eliminate the hazard. If the equipment fails, or is not worn or used properly, the employee will be exposed to the hazard and may suffer injury or illness. Employees must complete EHS PPE Awareness training, receive training from the PPE Coordinator or other appropriate designated personnel (if conducted by the department), and demonstrate an understanding of its use and limitations, prior to being assigned tasks requiring the use of PPE.
Note: Training on personal fall arrest systems, electrical protective equipment, respiratory protection, and hearing protection is provided by EHS. Proper documentation will be maintained at EHS for these trainings.
Training must include answers and information regarding the following issues:
- What hazards have been identified during the hazard assessment?
- What are the controls in place for minimizing/eliminating these hazards?
- If engineering and/or administrative controls are not implemented, which specific PPE is to be worn for protection?
- How PPE is properly fitted, donned, doffed, adjusted, and worn. (Refer to manufacturers recommendations).
- What limitations does the PPE have? (Refer to manufacturers recommendations).
- How to properly care for, maintain, inspect, replace, and dispose of the PPE. (Refer to manufacturer's recommendations and information provided in the appropriate appendices of this program).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Coordinator
Departments (other than chemical research laboratories) that use PPE (e.g. safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, etc.) must designate a PPE Coordinator and implement a hazard evaluation program. Training is mandatory for the PPE Coordinator. The PPE Coordinator is responsible for informing departmental personnel of program requirements. Class length is 2 hours. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Designated PPE Coordinators must complete two classes to fulfill this level of training: PPE Awareness and Hazard Assessments. Both classes are available online.
Where the PPE Coordinator elects to conduct awareness level training for personnel (instead of requiring PPE Awareness level training provided by EHS), or where specialized PPE is used that EHS PPE Awareness level training does not address, a written certification of training must be maintained for each employee. This Record of Training must include the name of the trainer, the name of the employee receiving training, the date of training, and the specific types of PPE covered during the training. This record is to be maintained at the departmental level, and must be made available to EHS, or regulatory authorities upon request.
When there is a reason to believe that an employee using PPE does not have the understanding and skill required to use the equipment safely or properly, the employee must be retrained immediately. Retraining is also required when changes in the workplace render previous training obsolete, or when changes in the type of PPE to be used are made.
Training is mandatory for persons that are expected to use fire extinguishers, such as those performing welding/cutting (i.e. hot work) operations, those serving as fire watches, personnel with crowd management duties, residential house/area managers, and housekeeping supervisors. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 2 years.
Training is mandatory for persons who use forklifts, powered pallet jacks, order pickers, and similar equipment. Operators must also be observed by EHS prior to using such equipment to complete certification. Training is available online. Refresher training required every 3 years. Observations by EHS may be arranged by sending an email to our training team.
Operator Training and Certification
The operator must complete the following prior to being authorized to operate a Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) at VT. Note: the supervisor, operator, and EHS trainer will be required to sign off on the Certification Form that these areas have been addressed prior to observing and finalizing operator training and certification.
- The operator must review and understand pertinent information in the Operator's Manual as specified by the manufacturer prior to attempting to operate the lift.
- Safe and proper use
- Pre-use inspection
- Limitations of the equipment (e.g. maximum capacity)
- Operators must receive training on the make and model of PIT to be used from their supervisor or designee, including how to properly inspect and operate the PIT under supervision.
- Reporting deficiencies if the PIT does not pass inspection
- Required fall protection systems associated with the PIT, if applicable
- Supervised operation to develop proficiency
- Operators must attend general PIT training from EHS, and be observed properly and safely operating the PIT before an operator's card is issued.
- How forklifts operate differently from a car.
- The types of tires on forklifts.
- Forklift attachments and requirements, such as additional counter balances, personnel lift cages, and fork extenders.
- Basic engineering principles, such as the center of gravity, the stability triangle, and stability while lifting or moving.
- Safe operating principles, such as travel and speed, pedestrian right-of-way, parking, and the importance of seatbelts in a rollover.
- Daily inspection and maintenance.
- Other safety considerations, such as fire extinguishers, alarms, lights, and traffic signals.
Certification will be given for each type of PIT that the operator will be using, such as:
- Sit down forklifts
- Stand up forklifts
- Low-lift pallet jacks (walk-behind)
- High-lift pallet jacks (walk-behind)
- High-lift order pickers
- High-lift reach riders
- Sit down rider tractors with forks
- Bobcats with forks
- Rough-terrain extended-reach forklifts
- Rough-terrain straight-mast forklifts
Operator evaluation will include observation from the EHS Trainer or a designated departmental representative. Operators should be able to successfully demonstrate the proper lifting, traveling, and placement of a load, as well as express basic knowledge about the forklift's controls and features.
Certification is valid for 3 years.
Where personal fall arrest systems are required to be used (i.e. high-lift order pickers) in conjunction with the lift, training will involve the proper donning, fit, and use of the full body harness, as well as the location of the approved anchor point on the lift.
Additional training by EHS may be required under the following conditions:
- The forklift is operated unsafely.
- The operator is involved in an accident or near miss involving a forklift.
- The operator evaluation indicates a need for additional training and/or practice.
- A different type of forklift is to be used.
Training is mandatory for all users of radiation sources and radioisotopes. Classes are provided according to use as per the following:
Due to changes in software for on-line training, the links below are temporary until conversions are completed. These training modules are intended for individuals at Virginia Tech to:
- Receive certification to operate Analytical and Cabinet x-ray equipment.
- Receive certification to operate Diagnostic x-ray equipment.
- Receive certification to assist with or hold patients for imaging Diagnostic Holder.
- Receive initial certification for Ancillary Nuclear Medicine work at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH Blacksburg) or the Equine Medical Center (EMC Leesburg).
- Maintain certification to use radioactive material in laboratories (Laboratory Radiation Safety Refresher currently being revised),
- Maintain certification for Ancillary Nuclear Medicine work at VTH (Blacksburg) or EMC (Leesburg) - at the discretion of the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).
- Complete Initial Principal User Training for nuclear medicine work at EMC (Leesburg).
- Complete Initial Principal User Training for nuclear medicine work at VTH (Blacksburg) online course being developed or by coming to the Radiation Safety Office at EHS.
- Complete Principal User Refresher Training for nuclear medicine work at EMC (Leesburg) or VTH (Blacksburg) refer to this link for access to 2017 refresher information.
- Complete sealed source trainings provided by manufacturers for specific sources such as moisture / density gauges and electron capture detectors (ECD) for gas chromatographs.
If you have any problems accessing the provided links, please contact the Radiation Safety Office at (540) 231-5364 or 231-2981. Testing details are mentioned in the document links.
Please note when working with radioisotopes for the first time (excluding radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine), refer to the Radioactive Material Safety Training page for information on required Initial Training.
Training is mandatory for persons who must wear respirators to control exposure to a chemical, particulate, or other respiratory hazard. Training will be conducted in conjunction with fit-testing if it is not completed before your medical services appointment. Class length is 1 hour. It is available online. Refresher training is required annually or whenever procedures are modified, duties change, or at any time the supervisor or EHS personnel determine that an employee has not retained sufficient knowledge of the correct use of a respirator.
Employees who voluntarily use filtering facepiece respirators (e.g., N95's) are not required to participate in this training program. However, they need to review Appendix D of the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard. Students who are voluntary users must also sign and return the Informed Consent for Voluntary Respirator Users.
Persons on construction sites, or who operate vehicles and heavy equipment where an obstructed view to the rear is possible, must attend this training. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Refresher training is required for any driver or ground guide when they have violated the regulation, been involved in a reverse operation accident or near miss, or received an evaluation indicating they have not been operating under this regulation in a safe manner.
Scaffold Awareness
Training is mandatory for all persons who work on, or access, scaffolding. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Scaffolding Competent Person
Departments who use scaffolding must designate a competent person to oversee erection, moving, altering, and dismantlement operatons. Training is mandatory for the designated departmental scaffold competent person. Class length is 4 hours. Refresher training required every 3 years.
Additionally, each Scaffold Competent Person must attend the following EHS trainings:
- Fall Protection User, which includes the use of personal fall arrest systems, and
- Electrical Awareness, which includes safe approach distances for personnel working in the vicinity of overhead power lines or energized equipment.
Training is mandatory for persons using select biological agents as listed by the CDC/APHIS. Class length is 2 hours. It is not available online. Refresher training required annually.
Awareness training is recommended for personnel routinely operating state vehicles. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Training and certification is mandatory for all persons who perform flagging operations on roadways. Class length is 1 hour. Refresher training required every 2 years.
Training is available for persons who perform welding, cutting, or brazing. It is available online. Refresher training is required every 5 years.
Departments
Departments who have personnel that perform welding, cutting, brazing, or soldering must ensure that:
- the equipment provided in is good condition,
- personnel are trained and familiar with the proper and safe use of welding and cutting equipment (including previous training or experience), and the associated hazards and controls,
- required documentation, such as a Hazard Communication Plan and relative Safety Data Sheets, are maintained and employees must receive Right-to-Know level training, and
- appropriate personal protective equipment is provided to personnel.
Supervisors
The supervisor is responsible for securing or issuing a Hot Work Permit prior to the start of welding/cutting operations, including ensuring fire protection and extinguishing equipment availability. Supervisors must attend Hot Work Supervisor training and be approved to issue permits.
Supervisors are responsible for the safe handling of welding/cutting equipment and the safe work practices involved in the processes. The work area must be inspected for combustible materials and hazardous areas present, or likely to be present, in the work area. If combustibles are present where welding or cutting will be performed, the supervisor shall ensure that the combustibles are protected or moved, the work is moved to another location, and that work is scheduled around operations that may pose a concern.
Supervisors must ensure that relative information regarding welding and cutting operations is conveyed to the individuals involved. Location of Safety Data Sheets and relative information regarding hazards must be reviewed with employees prior to beginning work.
Employees
Personnel performing such work:
- should attend safety training on welding/cutting hazards and controls,
- must attend Portable Fire Extinguisher training,
- must follow recommended practices described in this program,
- must attend Hazard Communication RTK (Right-to-Know) training,
- review relative information, such as Safety Data Sheets, prior to beginning work, and
- wear appropriate personal protective equipment for the task.
Training is mandatory for persons working with x-ray producing equipment.
Due to changes in software for on-line training, the links below are temporary until conversions are completed. These training modules are intended for individuals at Virginia Tech to:
- Receive certification to operate Analytical and Cabinet x-ray (non-medical) equipment.
- Receive certification to operate Diagnostic x-ray (medical) equipment.
- Receive certification to assist with or hold patients for imaging Diagnostic Holder.
- Users of instruments such as XRF's must take the manufacturer's training in addition to that provided by their immediate supervisor.
If you have any problems accessing the provided links, please contact the Radiation Safety Office at (540) 231-5364 or 231-2981. Testing details are mentioned in the document links.
Please note when working with radioisotopes for the first time (excluding radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine), refer to the Radioactive Material Safety Training page for information on required Initial Training.