Environmental Health & Safety Office

In accordance with the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Research Council, and National Institutes of Health, training on risks associated with handling animals is provided monthly for individuals who works with or in the vicinity of laboratory animals. This training includes, but is not limited to zoonotic diseases, required personal protective equipment, and information about laboratory animal allergens. Training must be renewed annually. To register, click here.

All persons working in an art studio or participating in creative activities that use hazardous materials must attend Art Safety Training within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter. This training provides an overview of the policies and safety practices that must be observed when working with hazardous materials. Art Safety Training provides guidance on how to identify hazards, wear proper personal protection equipment, safety equipment, disposal of hazardous waste, and develop good safety habits. This course satisfies regulatory requirements for Hazard Communication, or Right-to-Know training, in the context of the art studio. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

In accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, training on risks associated with bloodborne pathogens and proper handling procedures for human materials and other potentially infectious materials are provided annually to all individuals at occupational risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Training must be renewed annually. To register, click here.

All employees who operate a chain saw are required to receive training before they may use a chain saw. Chain Saw Training address operation and maintenance of chainsaws, recognition of safety hazards, proper use of required personal protective equipment, safety procedures, and safe performance of routine work tasks. Chain Saw Training is required before an employee operates this equipment and must be repeated when new equipment or practices are implemented. All employees that receive Chain Saw Training must also receive first aid and CPR/AED training or hold valid training certificates for these courses. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

A confined space is defined as any space that is large enough that an employee can enter and perform assigned work, has limited or restricted means for entry or exit, and is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. A confined space that contains a physical or chemical hazard has additional procedures that must be followed. All employees expected to work within a confined space must receive Confined Space Training before they may work in a confined space. Confined Space Training is required annually and when new hazards are introduced, procedures are changed, or deficiencies in safe work operations have occurred. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Hazard Communication Training is required for all personnel working with hazardous materials, excluding laboratory and art personnel. Training is required within 30 days of employment and must be renewed annually. Hazard Communication Training provides information on how to label and store hazardous materials, how to protect against exposure to hazardous materials, emergency procedures, safety equipment, hazardous waste disposal, and safety policies. To register, click here.

The OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) stipulates that annual training is required for all in employees who are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels (dB). The training must include an explanation of the effects of noise on hearing and the purpose, advantages, disadvantages, and use of hearing protective devices (HPD) and the purpose of audiometric testing. Individuals assigned to work areas where the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 dB may be exceeded must receive hearing conservation training within 90 days of initial assignment. Training must be renewed annually. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Housekeeping Safety Training is required for contract housekeeping personnel. This training program provides a review of hazard communication, bloodborne pathogens, and laboratory safety issues. This consolidated training program provides site specific information to contract housekeeping personnel on how to protect themselves while with chemicals and potentially infectious materials at George Mason University and unique hazards that may be encountered in laboratories. Housekeeping Safety Training for contract personnel is required annually. George Mason University Housekeeping employees must take Hazard Communication Training (once) and Bloodborne Pathogen Training (annually).To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Lockout/tagout is a process that uses locks and tags to isolate and prevent the release of hazardous energy during service, maintenance, and modification of machines, motors, and electrical equipment. Hazardous energy includes any of the following; electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, moving parts, and any other form of energy that presents a physical hazard. All employees that service or repair equipment that possess hazards energy must use lockout/tagout procedures and must attend Lockout/Tagout Training before working on equipment or practicing lockout/tagout. Lockout/tagout Training is required annually. Equipment specific safety procedures will be provided by Facilities Management supervisors during the course of employment. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Powered Industrial Trucks Training provides instruction on how to inspect, operate, and maneuver a fork lift, man lift, or other industrial truck(s).  Training is required for all employees who use an industrial truck regardless of the frequency or area in which it is used.  Training must be renewed every three years, when an accident occurs, or when dangerous behavior is observed.  Training is provided by Certified Trainers and coordinated through EHS. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

The OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) stipulates that annual training is required for all in employees required to wear respiratory protection. The training must include a description of the respiratory hazards to which employees are exposed during routine and emergency situations and training in the proper use of respirators, including putting on and removing them, any limitations on their use, and their maintenance. Individuals must receive respiratory protection training prior to being issued respiratory protection. Training must be renewed annually. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.