Training Course Descriptions

A listing of all EHS training courses by program area is outlined below. Unless otherwise noted, all trainings are available for registration on the EHS Training Registration Website at https://ehstraining.gmu.edu.

Program Area

Course Name

Description

Audience

Duration

Registration

Pre-requisites

Renewal Frequency

Emergency ManagementEmergency Preparedness WorkshopThis workshop assists units and supervisors with developing Emergency Preparedness for their unit or department. This workshop provides information on how to complete, file, and use Emergency Preparedness Guides to assist with the development of unit/department-specific plans and responses procedures to various emergency situations that may occur on campus. This workshop is open to all faculty and staff.All university employees1-hourContact EHSNoneNone
Emergency ManagementMason AlertMason Alert training is provided to anyone who is currently designated by EHS as a Mason Alert Administrator, Manager, or Authorized Sender. This training provides information on how to use the Mason Alert System, design and send messages, manage groups, and utilize Mason Alert system features. This training is required annually for all Mason Alert Administrators, Managers, and Authorized Senders. EHS, University Police staff responsible for sending Mason Alert messages1-hourContact EHSNoneAnnually
Emergency ManagementEmergency Preparedness Training (Online)Emergency Preparedness Training is designed to help you: develop an understanding of fundamental emergency management principles; introduce emergency planning and response resources provided by Mason; assess and plan for known threats and anticipate hazards that might occur in the future; and review emergency response roles and responsibilities within the Mason Community. Employees can access training HERE on MasonLeaps. Student access is coming soon.All employees and students1-hourLaunch CourseNoneAnnually
Emergency ManagementActive Threat / Stop the BleedThis course is a combination course that include information on how to respond to an Active Threat situation and provide first aid to large volume bleeding. Participants will gain hands-on experience with how to use a tourniquet and provide first aid to someone who is bleeding. You will also learn the RUN-HIDE-FIGHT response to an Active Shooter situation. This class also offers participants the ability to ask what-if questions as they pertain to Active Threat situations. This class is open to Faculty, Staff and Students.All employees and students1.5-hoursContact EHSNoneNone
Emergency Management;
Fire Safety
Resident Assistant Safety AcademyEvery fall semester the Environmental Health & Safety Office provides training to Resident Assistants on a variety of health and safety topics. The curriculum consists of a series of workshops that focus on preparing for emergencies, emergency response procedures, and common health and safety hazards. The objective of the Resident Advisor Safety Academy is to teach Resident Advisors the importance of responding appropriately to health and safety issues during and prior to emergency situations.Resident Assistants4-hoursContact EHSNoneAnnually
Emergency ManagementSmithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) Residential OrientationSMSC Residential Orientation is intended to provide a lecture style environment discussion of policies, rules, and/or regulations located within the residential handbook for students residing at the Front Royal campus residence hall.SMSC Resident Students1-hourContact EHSNoneAnnually

Fire Safety
Fire Extinguisher UseLearn 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.All employees and students1-hourRegister hereNoneAnnually for EHS, Student Health Services, Facilities Management, University Police, Child Development Center, Biomedical Research Laboratory

Fire Safety
Fire Safety TrainingThe purpose of this training is to familiarize students, faculty, and staff with basic fire safety information to give them to tools to acknowledge fire safety concerns and take the appropriate mitigation actions. This training also provides participants with a fundamental base for Crowd Manager Training.All employees and students1-hourRegister hereNoneAnnually for Crowd Managers and Venue Managers

Fire Safety
Crowd Manager TrainingThe purpose of this training is to familiarize employees who work at large venues on campus the Crowd Manager Guide, and the responsibilities and duties of a crowd manager. Crowd Managers, Venue Managers1-hourContact EHSFire Safety TrainingAnnually for Crowd Managers and Venue Managers
Laboratory SafetyAnimal & Vivarium SafetyIn accordance with the NIH’s Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, OSHA, and the National Research Council, annual training on risks associated with handling animals is provided for individuals who work with or in the vicinity of laboratory animals. This training reviews the risks associated with handling animals in the research laboratory environment, vivarium facility safety procedures, zoonotic diseases, personal protective equipment, animal waste handling & disposal, laboratory animal allergens, and required medical surveillance. This training must be renewed every three years. All personnel involved with the care and use of laboratory animals1-hourRegister hereNoneEvery Three Years
Laboratory SafetyAutoclave EquipmentAutoclave Equipment training is a one-time training that is offered as needed to personnel that require additional information regarding the use or maintenance of the autoclave. Autoclave Equipment training outlines the regulatory requirements for treating regulated medical waste.Personnel identified by EHS-Laboratory Safety as needing training (after attending BSL2 training) specific to autoclave use30-minutesContact EHSNoneAs Needed
Laboratory SafetyBiological Safety for BSL-2 LaboratoriesAll individuals working in BSL-2 laboratories must receive Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories and Laboratory Safety Orientation training before beginning work with infectious materials. A laboratory is designated as BSL-2 when the biological materials used in that laboratory are in Risk Group 2 (or higher in some cases) or are of human or primate origin. This training reviews the principles of biosafety including risk assessment and management strategies, disinfection and decontamination procedures, regulated medical waste handling and disposal, autoclave use procedures, bloodborne pathogens, spill and exposure response. This training must be renewed annually. Once you have taken this training course, you may substitute BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher training (described below) to meet the annual requirement. This course also fulfills the Bloodborne Pathogens training requirement for laboratory employees.Initial training for all laboratory personnel working with or around infectious or other potentially infectious material (OPIM)1.5-hoursRegister hereNoneAnnual (BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher may be substituted after taking this training course to meet the annual requirement)
Laboratory SafetyBSL-2 Biosafety RefresherBSL-2 Biosafety Refresher training satisfies the annual training requirement for Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories training by introducing new topics each year that expand upon basic biosafety and infectious material handling fundamentals. Topics include new policies and procedures and additional information regarding recent or emergent safety issues identified. In order to register for BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher training, you must have previously attended Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories and Laboratory Safety Orientation.Laboratory personnel working at BSL-2 or greater and personnel working with human materials and OPIM, who have previously attended Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories or BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher in the past 12 months1-hourRegister hereLaboratory Safety Orientation, Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories (includes Bloodborne Pathogens training)Annual
Laboratory SafetyLaboratory Safety Awareness for FacilitiesTour groups and visitors, as well as employees of George Mason University who need to access laboratories but who do not work in a laboratory 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.Facilities Management employees1-hourRegister hereHazard CommunicationAnnual
Laboratory SafetyLaboratory Safety Awareness for PoliceTour groups and visitors, as well as employees of George Mason University who need to access laboratories but who do not work in a laboratory 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.University Police1-hourRegister hereHazard CommunicationAnnual
Laboratory SafetyLaboratory Safety OrientationAll personnel working in George Mason University laboratories are required to participate in Laboratory Safety Orientation. Those who work in a BSL-2 laboratory must attend Laboratory Safety Orientation as well as Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories.

Laboratory Safety Orientation will serve as the foundation for all participants who are new to George Mason scientific instructional or research laboratories. This course will instruct participants on Mason-specific laboratory safety policies and procedures, chemical safety and hygiene, risk assessment and management, waste management guidelines, and emergency response information. This course will also introduce participants to best practices for chemical and non-infectious biological material work within the laboratory as well as services available to laboratory personnel through EHS.
All George Mason University laboratory personnel1.5-hoursRegister hereNoneThis training must be renewed annually (either via Laboratory Safety Refresher, or via BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher for BSL-2 participants).
Laboratory SafetyLaboratory Safety RefresherLaboratory Safety Refresher training satisfies the annual training requirement for Laboratory Safety Orientation training by introducing new topics each year that expand upon basic safety fundamentals and regulations covered in the Laboratory Safety Orientation course. Topics include new policies and procedures, personal protection, hazard identification, and additional information about safety issues in laboratories such as waste management, inventory management, spill and exposure response, proper use of engineering controls, and decontamination procedures. In order to register for Laboratory Safety Refresher training, you must have previously attended Laboratory Safety Orientation training. Refresher training for all lab personnel working at BSL-1 who have attended LSO in the previous 12 months1-hourRegister hereLaboratory Safety OrientationAnnual
Laboratory SafetyShipping Class 6.2 Infectious MaterialsThis course will be given to laboratory personnel who ship infectious materials or dry ice on a frequent basis. It meets the requirements of DOT training, with the exception of in-depth security training (which is addressed with the only applicable group in the BRL through use of SOPs and training). This course will instruct attendees how to ship by air, using the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulation as the guide.Laboratory personnel who ship Class 6.2 and/or 9 on a regular basis.2-hoursRegister hereLSO for those working at BSL-1. LSO and BSL-2 for those working at BSL-2Every Two Years
Laboratory SafetyWorking Safely with HIVLaboratory 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. Attendees must have completed Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories prior to attending this class.Laboratory personnel working with HIV1-hourContact EHSLaboratory Safety Orientation and Biological Safety for BSL-2 LaboratoriesNone
Occupational HealthAsbestos & Silica AwarenessThe purpose of this class is to provide awareness level training; on the hazards of asbestos, methods of control and protection, locations, how to recognize damaged material and response to a release The scope is all Facilities Management trade employees who have an expectation to encounter or work in an area that contains asbestos.Facilities Management Trades, Housekeeping1-hourContact EHSNoneAnnual
Occupational HealthBloodborne PathogensIn 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. Laboratory workers subject to the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard fulfill this training requirement through completion of Biological Safety for BSL-2 Laboratories or BSL-2 Biosafety Refresher.All faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who may work with or around blood or other potential infectious material (OPIM)1-hourLaunch Course in MasonLEAPSNoneAnnual
Occupational HealthEnvironmental Field SafetyEnvironmental Field Safety training is supplemental training for instructional or research personnel who work outside of the traditional laboratory environment. This training will instruct participants on topics such as field hazard identification, precautions to take to avoid hazards, appropriate attire and personal protective equipment for field work, chemical safety in the field, and specimen collection and transport.Personnel that conduct research or attend a class in the field (eg. Environmental Science & Policy, New Century College, or Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation)1-hourRegister hereNoneNone
Occupational HealthHazard CommunicationHazard Communication training is required for all personnel working with hazardous materials, excluding laboratory and art personnel. It is a one time training required within 30 days of employment. 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.Any employee who is exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.1-hourRegister hereNoneNone
Occupational HealthHearing ConservationThe OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95) stipulates that annual training is required for all 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 6 months of initial assignment. Training must be renewed annually.Facilities, Housing, Arts, Freedom Maintenance, Police Fire Arms Instructors1-hourRegister hereNoneAnnual
Occupational HealthRespiratory ProtectionThe 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.Respiratory Protection Program participants1-hourRegister hereNoneAnnual
Occupational SafetyAerial Lift TrainingAll employees who intend to operate an aerial lift, personal lift, scissor lift, or bucket truck are required to receive training prior to operation. This combination of classroom and hands-on training provides instruction on how to inspect, safely operate, and maneuver aerial lifts, personal lifts, scissor lifts, and bucket trucks. Training also includes the proper use of required personal protective equipment to include using fall protection harnesses, safety procedures, and site inspection. It is a one time training required for all employees who intend to use any type of lift regardless of the frequency or area in which it is used.Any employee that will use aerial work platform - personal lift, vertical lift, scissor lift, aerial boom, or any other device considered an aerial work platformVariesContact EHSNoneEvery Three Years (Classroom)
Occupational SafetyArt SafetyAll 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. All School of Art and Design faculty and staff engaged in art instruction and anyone practicing art related activities1-hourContact EHSNoneAnnual
Occupational SafetyChainsaw SafetyAll employees who operate a chainsaw are required to receive training before they may use a chain saw. Chainsaw 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. Chainsaw training is required before an employee operates this equipment and must be repeated when new equipment or practices are implemented. All employees that receive Chainsaw training must also receive first aid training or hold a valid training certificate for this course.All employees who operate a chainsaw4-hoursContact EHS1st AidEvery Three Years
Occupational SafetyConfined Space EntryA 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 Entry training before they may work in a confined space. Retraining is required when new hazards are introduced, procedures are changed, or deficiencies in safe work operations have occurred.All employees expected to work within a confined space3-hoursContact EHSNoneNone
Occupational SafetyFall ProtectionThe purpose of this course is to provide hazard recognition and general knowledge of safe working procedures when exposed to fall hazards. This course will explain the hierarchy of fall protection and the use of guardrails, fall restraint, personal fall arrest systems, and warning lines/ designated areas to reduce fall hazards.Any employee that will be exposed to fall hazards 4' in height or greater2-hoursRegister hereNoneNone
Occupational SafetyGeneral Safety TrainingThe purpose of this training is to provide an overview of workplace hazards, the EHS safety program, safety resources, safety plans, safety manuals, safety guides, and required training. This training is intended to aid employees and supervisors in identifying hazards and recognizing when additional training is required. This training is not a substitute for required training such as: Hazard Communication, Confined Space, Lockout Tagout, Laboratory Safety Awareness, Bloodborne Pathogen, Chainsaw, or Aerial Work Platform trainingAll employees subject to non-laboratory related EHS Safety Training programs1-hourRegister hereNoneNone
Occupational SafetyLockout Tagout TrainingLockout/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.Facilities Management, Housing Maintenance, School of Art, Student Centers Maintenance, BRL Maintenance1-hourRegister hereNoneAs Needed
Occupational SafetyForklift Operator TrainingThis 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.All employees expected to operate a powered industrial truckVariesRegister hereNoneEvery Three Years