Safety Training
Safety training is the process of educating individuals about potential hazards, safe practices, emergency procedures and guidelines for maintaining a safe working environment.
Training can help equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify, react, and mitigate risks.
Please contact EHS with any questions related to the training information below.
Skip to a training
- Biosafety Training
- Bloodborne Pathogens Training
- Chemical Hygiene Plan Training
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Hazardous Material/
Dangerous Goods Shipping Training - Laboratory Safety Training
- Radiation Safety Training
- Safety & Hazard Communication Training
- Universal Waste Training
Biosafety Training
General biosafety training is required by all individuals conducting research on the UNMC/UNO campuses that involve biohazardous materials.
The NIH Guidelines state it is the responsibility of the institution "to ensure appropriate training for ... principal investigators and laboratory staff regarding safety and implementation of the NIH Guidelines" (Section IV-B-1-h).
Documentation of successful completion of training is required in order to receive an IBC approval, whether involved with a new application or for a re-application. After the initial training, General Biosafety is valid for 3 years. BSL-3 and Select Agent is valid for 1 year.
All training modules can be accessed through Canvas.
Contact Jackie Hollinger at 402-836-9403 or by email for more information about the biosafety training program.
Bloodborne Pathogens Training
Bloodborne pathogens are microorganisms that can be found in human blood that cause diseases, including hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and Tuberculosis. UNMC is required to provide employee safety training on the hazards of being exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials while at work. This Bloodborne Pathogens Training is designed for those potentially at risk for exposure to blood and other bodily fluids in the workplace
Required
All UNMC faculty, staff, and students who are at risk of exposure to blood, body fluids or other infectious materials.
Frequency
Annually
Training
Contact Compliance to request training.
References
- Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Policy
- Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Plan
- Tuberculosis Exposure Policy
- Tuberculosis Exposure Plan
Chemical Hygiene Plan Training
The OSHA Laboratory standard defines a CHP as “a written program developed and implemented by the employer which sets forth procedures, equipment, personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by hazardous chemicals used in that particular workplace.” (29 CFR 1910.1450(b)). The Laboratory Standard requires a CHP: “Where hazardous chemicals as defined by this standard are used in the workplace, the employer shall develop and carry out the provisions of a written Chemical Hygiene Plan.” (29 CFR 1910.1450(e)(1)).
Required
For persons working with hazardous chemicals.
Frequency
Before working with chemicals and refresher as needed.
Training Material
Fire Extinguisher Training
Fire Extinguisher Training utilizes an LED-driven digital flames and a laser training extinguisher to provide a dynamic and realistic simulation for trainees. The system can sense if the trainee is using the correct extinguisher, aiming and sweeping correctly, and if they are an effective distance from the base of the fire. This ensures trainees are prepared in case of a real fire emergency.
Required
Faculty and staff
Frequency
Initial, and every five years.
Training Material
Contact EHS to request training
References
Hazardous Material/Dangerous Goods Shipping Training
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has the authority to issue regulations governing the safe transportation of hazardous materials in intrastate, interstate and foreign commerce. This authority was granted in the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, first adopted in 1974 and amended in November, 1990, as the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990. The DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulates the transport of hazardous materials through Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Subchapter C, "Hazardous Materials Regulations." Parts 171-180 provide general information on hazardous materials and regulations for their packaging and their shipment by rail, air, vessel and public highway.
Required
For persons shipping or receiving Dangerous Goods, Regulated Medical Waste, or Radioactive Material.
Frequency
DOT: Initial and refresher every three years
IATA: Initial and refresher every two years
Training Courses
Shipping and Receiving DOT Training: Training for Shipping/Receiving and Loading Dock personnel. Required every three years.
Shipping Biological Substance and Dry Ice Training: Training for shipping infectious substances, biological substances, specimens and dry ice. Required every two years.
Shipping Excepted Quantities of Dangerous Goods Training: Training for shipments of excepted amounts (i.e. ≤ 30 mL per container) of eligible dangerous goods. Required every two years.
Shipping MedSafe Collection Receptacles Training: Training for Pharmacy personnel who ship MedSafe pharmaceutical collection containers. Required every three years.
Shipping Radioactive Excepted Package Training: Training for Nuclear Medicine personnel who ship radiopharmaceuticals back to the Nuclear Pharmacy. Required every two years.
Shipping Regulated Medical Waste Training: Training for personnel who ship and sign for Medi-waste or Stericycle biohazardous waste shipments. This includes red bin and sharps container waste. Required every three years.
Shipping Lithium Batteries: Please contact EHS if you need to ship lithium batteries or devices containing lithium batteries.
Contact UNMC EHS to request training.
References
- Biologicals and Dry Ice Shipping Examples
- Chemical Transportation Plan
- Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods Shipping Plan
- IATA Dangerous Goods Checklist for a non-radioactive shipment
- IATA Dangerous Goods Checklist for a radioactive shipment
- IATA Acceptance Checklist for Dry Ice
- Liquid Nitrogen Dry Shippers
- Lithium Battery Transportation Plan
- Lithium Battery Shipment Review Application
- Shipping Formalin and Formaldehyde Solutions
- Transporting & Shipping Internationally
Laboratory Safety Training
The laboratory environment can be a hazardous place to work. Laboratory workers are exposed to numerous potential hazards including chemical, biological, physical and radioactive hazards, as well as musculoskeletal stresses. Laboratory safety is governed by numerous local, state and federal regulations.
The Laboratory Safety eLearning training module developed by EHS is a general overview of laboratory safety. Laboratories should also conduct lab-specific training within their laboratories to address all hazards that are applicable to the research being conducted, including chemical, biological, and radiation safety.
Required
All UNMC faculty, staff, and students who work in a laboratory setting.
Frequency
Before working in a laboratory and refresher as needed.
Training Material
Contact UNMC EHS to request training.
References
Radiation Safety Training
The State of Nebraska regulations and conditions of the UNMC radioactive material license dictate training requirements to work with ionizing radiation sources. The extent of training will vary upon the type and frequency of radiation used.
Radiation Safety training requirements are based upon worker category type. For most workers, initial and annual refresher training are required. Additional information can be found on the Radiation Safety Training page.
Safety & Hazard Communication Training
This training is assigned to all faculty, staff, and students to be in compliance with OSHA Standards: 29 CFR Part 1910 & EPA Standards: 40 CFR Part 260-268. This training course includes 7 modules: Introduction, Hazardous Materials, Hazard Exposures, Hazardous Material Spills, Waste Handling, Workplace Safety, and Equipment.
Required
All UNMC faculty, staff, and students.
Frequency
Annually
Universal Waste Training
Universal waste is a subcategory of hazardous waste that poses a low risk to human health and the environment when handled and transported safely. Per state and federal regulations, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) and Nebraska Medicine are committed to managing universal waste in the safest manner possible, with concern for the individual and the protection of the environment. In Nebraska, the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) regulates universal waste in Chapter 25 of Title 128 –Nebraska Hazardous Waste Regulations.
Required
Any UNMC or Nebraska Medicine employee who handles, picks up, moves, or manages universal waste requires training.
Frequency
Initial and annually
Training
Contact UNMC EHS to request training.