Training and Competency

Training

Appropriate training must be provided to all new staff and students before they are given access to any equipment or space. The training must be provided by the supervisor or there designated trainer who is competent to providing adequate training.

The level of training needed depends on the equipment that will be operated and the overall hazards present in the work site (including laboratories). Training requirements are set based on hazards and departmental policies. Review the 'Departmental policies and procedures' page to find out the training requirements for your space.

Department of Environment, Health, and Safety offers online safety trainings. These can be accessed by any university staff, student, or faculty member. For visiting students or volunteers, please contact the Faculty Safety Advisor (enggplan@ualberta.ca) for access to the training portal.

Some of the training courses available from the University's Human Resources, Health, Safety, and Environment department to consider are:

  • Engineering Laboratory Orientation
  • WHMIS (expires 2 years from completion date/exempted if your lab does not contain any chemicals)
  • Laboratory and Chemical Safety
  • Laser Safety
  • Radiation Safety
  • UV Protection
  • Concepts in Biosafety
  • CO2 Safety/H2S Safety

Records Management

Managing a work site (including research laboratories) includes managing records for health and safety. This includes training records, inspection reports, incident reports, work orders, etc. It is vital that the laboratory manager, principle investigator, or the safety liaison log all records and have them available to review for inspections/audits. It is advised that you categorize all records and keep them easily accessible, electronic copies of all records are sufficient.

For laboratories with chemicals, Safety Data Sheet for those chemicals should easily available from within the laboratory. Electronic copies are sufficient.