Environmental Health & Safety Office

This training session is meant to assist department heads and managers with developing emergency actions plans specifically for their unit or department. Those requesting this training workshop should first submit a Fire and Evacuation Plan upon which this workshop will be based. To request assistance with your Fire and Evacuation Plan or to schedule this workshop for your unit or department, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Learn to safely and confidently operate a fire extinguisher at this hands-on training. This training session consists of a 1/2 hour classroom training and 1/2 hour hands-on practice with the equipment. To register, click here.

Learn to safely and confidently operate a fire extinguisher at this hands-on training. This training session consists of a 1/2 hour classroom training and 1/2 hour hands-on practice witht the equipment. To register, click here.

All over the country, Residence Life staffs continually try to establish the most effective methods of training Resident Advisors (RA) in Fire Safety issues. With the assistance of the City of Fairfax Fire Department, Mason's Office of Fire Safety Programs was able to put together a comprehensive curriculum for participating students. The intent of the RA Fire Academy is not necessarily to teach RA how to fight fires themselves, but rather to prepare them to deal with fire department employees when they show up and the importance of being proactive with their residents about fire safety. For more information contact to Office of Fire Safety Programs at safety@gmu.edu or 703-993-2479.

All individuals working in or frequenting laboratories where biological materials are used or stored must receive Biosafety Training before beginning work with biological materials. This training reviews the principles of biosafety including risk assessment and management strategies, risk groups and biosafety levels safe laboratory practices, methods of disinfection and decontamination, waste management, and spill and exposure response. This training must be renewed annually. To register, click here.

In accordance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, training on risks associated with bloodborne pathogens, safe laboratory practices, medical waste management, and emergency procedures is provided annually to all individuals at occupational risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Individuals working in or frequenting laboratories or clinical settings where bloodborne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials are present must receive bloodborne pathogens training before beginning work. Training must be renewed annually. To register, click here.

All personnel working in laboratories or facilities where chemicals are used or stored must receive Chemical Safety Training within 30 days of employment and before starting work in the laboratory. This training must be renewed annually. Chemical Safety Training familiarizes individuals with common chemical hazards, George Mason University's Chemical Hygiene Program, and safe practices for acquisition, use, storage, and disposal of chemicals. Once you have taken this training course, you may substitute Laboratory Safety Refresher Training (described below) to meet the annual requirement. To register, click here.

Tour groups and visitors to George Mason University laboratories must receive Laboratory Safety Awareness Training before entering or touring university laboratories. This training provides a brief overview of laboratory hazard recognition, appropriate laboratory attire, and what actions should be taken by visitors in the event of an emergency. Training is provided as needed by OLS staff. To request Laboratory Safety Awareness training for an upcoming tour or visitor, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Laboratory Safety Refresher Training introduces new topics each year that expand upon basic safety fundamentals and regulations covered in Chemical Safety and Biosafety Training. Topics include new policies and procedures, personal protection, hazard identification, and additional information about safety issues in laboratories such as waste management, spill and exposure response, proper use of engineering controls, and decontamination procedures. This training is offered as a topical annual refresher for personnel who have previously attended Chemical Safety Training. In order register for Laboratory Safety Refresher Training, you must have previously attended Chemical Safety Refresher Training. To register, click here.

Laboratory personnel who wish to use radioactive materials are required to take Radiation Safety training before beginning work with radioactive materials. This training provides basic information on the principles of radiation, health risks associated with radioactive materials, radiation protection guidelines, radiation survey instruments, and laboratory procedures for conducting radiation surveys, managing waste, and storing and handling radioactive materials. To register, individuals should complete a Radiation User Authorization Form and email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Radiation Safety Refresher Training is offered to authorized users of radiation who have already completed Radiation Safety Training. Refresher training provides an annual review of radiation safety principles including safe laboratory practices, exposure and spill response procedures, and current regulations, policies, and procedures. Radiation Safety Refresher Training is required annually for authorized users of radiation In order to attend Radiation Safety Refresher Training you must have previously attended Radiation Safety Training. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Laboratory personnel working with F. tularensis, must receive agent specific training commensurate with the specific hazards of the agent and the procedures they perform. Through group interaction, Working Safely with F. tularensis examines the hazards associated with the live vaccine strain and virulent strains of F. tularensis, exposure mitigation strategies utilized in the laboratory, and incident response procedures such as exposure or spill response. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Laboratory personnel working with HIV must receive agent specific training commensurate with the procedures and experiments they conduct in the laboratory. Through group interaction, Working Safely with HIV examines the hazards associated with Human Immunodeficiency virus, exposure mitigation strategies utilized in the laboratory, and incident response procedures such as exposure or spill response. To register, email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

Laboratory personnel who wish to use instruments that produce x-ray radiation must receive X-ray Safety Training before beginning work with x-ray producing instruments. This training provides information on the hazards associated with x-ray radiation, safe operating procedures for instruments that produce x-ray radiation and emergency response procedures. Individuals should complete a Radiation User Authorization Form and email EHS at safety@gmu.edu.

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 given by a designated person and posses a training certificate 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 once and whenever new equipment or practices are implemented. All employees that receive Chain Saw Training must also receive first aid and CPR training or hold a valid training certificate. 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 and posses a Confined Space Training Certificate before they may work in a confined space. Confined Space Training is required annually and when ever new hazards, procedural changes, or deficiencies in safe work operations occur. 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. Training is required for all employees who use an industrial truck regardless of the frequency or area in which it is use. Training must be renewed every three years, whenever an accident occurs, or whenever dangerous behavior is observed. Training is provided by George Mason University Certified Trainers; EHS will coordinate training among units and employees. 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.

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.

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