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Staff Training Under the Hazard Communication Standard

By far, most veterinary hospital administrators cite employee training as the most difficult aspect of this requirement. A high staff turnover rate, part-time workers, irregular shifts, and seasonal employees are only a few of the challenges - then there’s just finding the time to do it.

Every staff member (paid or volunteer) must be trained before they are allowed to perform the job. Retraining is only required when a new hazard is introduced to the workplace; however, most practices find it necessary to conduct periodic refresher classes. Staff members will often "forget" what was discussed a year ago! There are several ways to conduct training, with the most common and effective being short safety-related topics presented during regular staff meetings. Review the September/October 1997 issue of The Digest for more information on training techniques that really work.

Training can be specific for each chemical or procedure (for instance Ethylene oxide or formalin,) or it can be more generalized training by groups of chemicals with common characteristics, dangers, uses, or protection methods (like cleaning chemicals.) Of course, the actual training sessions will be customized for the chemicals or procedures presently in use at the hospital, but be sure to the following points are covered in your training program:

• Include specifics on worker's rights and the provisions of the Hazard Communication Standard. This includes having a current copy of the HCS at the hospital.
• Everyone must be aware of the hospital's written plans, safety rules, the list(s) of hazardous chemicals, the location of MSDSs, and the labeling system in use.
• Staff members who are likely to be exposed to chemicals must understand the physical or health hazards associated with exposure and how to protect themselves from unnecessary exposure. They should also be aware of the symptoms of overexposure for the chemicals they commonly handle. This usually entails simply reading the applicable sections of appropriate MSDSs.
• Stress the importance of using the prescribed personal protective equipment and what actions must be taken if a chemical spills or splashes on them. Ensure everyone knows the location of eyewash devices and how to use them.
• Describe how employees will be instructed or trained to perform non-routine tasks that would involve potential exposure to hazardous chemicals. Again, include the name or position of the person the staff member should contact for additional training or information.
  

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The information on these pages is excerpted from
The Veterinary Safety & Health Digest,
Copyright 2003 Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT  All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced for distribution without prior permission from the publisher.

Send us a message or request information This page was last updated on 12/16/11. The original material and photographs on this site are protected by copyright. Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT, 1998-2011 - All Rights Reserved