Required Safety and Compliance Training for Researchers

Overview

Research activities, whether conducted in the field or laboratory, can pose unique hazards to researchers and their subjects, and compliance risks for both the investigators and the University. For these reasons and others, governmental regulatory agencies, funding entities, accrediting bodies, and other entities external to the University have established mandatory training requirements for persons involved with certain types of research.

Some of the required training focuses on ensuring that live research subjects, including humans or other vertebrate animals, are respected and not put in unnecessarily risky, stressful, or painful situations. Other required training, such as that regarding radiation hazards or bloodborne pathogens, is designed to ensure researchers understand the proper precautions needed to protect themselves during their work.

In each case where training is required, there are potentially significant consequences for non-compliance in addition to the risk to researchers and their subjects. These consequences can include monetary fines to the researcher’s department, and withdrawal of funding to complete the study. Flagrant violations of these requirements may even result in loss of funding or accreditation to the University as a whole.

Faculty research oversight committees and staff offices have developed training programs to facilitate compliance with these various requirements. In some cases, the training can be completed by reading and documenting agreement with prepared materials. In other cases, in person training needs to be scheduled for the researchers.

The tables below summarize examples of various types of activities that require documented training, and provide links to campus groups who can provide the training. For many of the entries, external agencies have established additional requirements. Researchers should contact the listed offices to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.

Training for All Personnel

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
UC Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers (ECBR)	All researchers	Ethics and Compliance Briefing Financial Conflict of Interest Training	Once every two years	Online	To enroll in UC Ethics and Compliance Briefing for Researchers: Log in to the UC Learning Center and search for the title.
Computer Workstation Ergonomics, Title: “Computer Health Matters”	Employees who use computers more than four hours per day and other equipment known to cause ergonomic injuries	Review of campus program Ergonomic injury risk factors Safer work practices Workstation evaluation	Initial training only	Classroom lecture or online training	Enroll in Computer Health Matters: Computer Workstation Ergonomics
Cyber Security Awareness Training	All campus employees	You Are The Target Social Engineering Email and Messaging Browsing Social Networks Mobile Device Security Passwords Data Security Hacked Privacy International Travel	Annual	Online	Enroll in Cyber Security Awareness Training
Fire Extinguisher Training	Anyone by request	Types of fires and extinguishers How to use a fire extinguisher	Not required	Classroom	Schedule Fire Extinguisher Training
UC Sexual Harassment Prevention Training	Required for supervisors. Recommended for all personnel	Preventing and responding to sexual violence and sexual harassment	Once every two years	Online	Enroll in Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Workplace Safety Program	All campus employees, volunteers, and affiliates	Employee and supervisor responsibilities Work related injuries and illnesses Analyzing hazards and applying controls What to do in a campus emergency Communication Resources	Initial training only, and then again if programmatic details change	Online	Enroll in Workplace Safety Program

Animal and Human Subjects

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
Animal Care and Use	All faculty, students, and research personnel who use live vertebrate animals in research or instruction	See Training Requirements for Animal Users
Facility Access	All users who require card key access to vivaria	Basic safety Emergency procedures hazardous materials safety Introduction to the biohazard containment facility for ABL2 and ABL3 Facility orientation	One time initial in person	Classroom lecture	Register for course on the OLAC website.
Controlled Substances Used in Research	Anyone working with controlled substances in research	Administrative approval process Use, disposal, and reporting of loss of controlled substances	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Controlled Substances Used in Research
Human Subjects Research Training	Faculty (with some exceptions), staff, and students engaged in human subjects research	See Education and Training for Human Subjects Research

Responsible Conduct of Research

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)	NSF: Undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral scholars supported by NSF grants to conduct research NIH: All trainees, fellows, participants, and scholars receiving support through any NIH training, career development award (individual or institutional), research education grant, and dissertation research grant USDA NIFA: All program directors, faculty, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and any staff participating in the research project	Responsible conduct of research	NSF: Within 60 days of the individual’s becoming supported by NSF funding NIH: Instruction must be undertaken at least once during each career stage, and at a frequency of no less than once every four years	NSF: Online for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars; read Introduction to RCR for undergraduates NIH: Varies, online training alone is not acceptable to NIH USDA NIFA: Online or in person	NSF: CITI Online Course for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars; Introduction to the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR): A Summary for Undergraduate Researchers for undergraduates NIH: RCR Training at UC Berkeley USDA NIFA: CITI or other

General Laboratory Safety

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
EHS 101 Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety EHS 101 Refresher	Anyone who works in a laboratory with hazardous materials or hazardous operations	Chemical hazards Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Emergency procedures Contents of the facility’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) How to identify and evaluate chemical hazards using Safety Data Sheets and chemical label	Once every three years	Online	Enroll in EHS 101 Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety Enroll in EHS 101 Refresher
EHS 102 Hazard Communication-Including Globally Harmonized System (GHS)	All personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation	Hazard Communication Program and the Globally Harmonized Hazard Identification System	Initial training and when any changes in hazards occur	Online	Enroll in EHS 102 Hazard Communication-Including Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Hazardous Materials Spill Response Training	All personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation	Basic spill response procedures and supporting programs	Annually, after the completion of EHS 101	Online	Enroll in Hazardous Materials Spill Response Training
Personal Protective Equipment	All laboratory personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation	Proper Use of PPE	Initial training and when any changes in hazards occur	Online	To enroll: Use Laboratory Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)
EHS 104 Laboratory Safety Awareness Training for Support Personnel	Support personnel working in or adjacent to lab spaces who do not conduct research	Awareness of typical laboratory hazards and how to protect from accidental exposures	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in EHS 104 Laboratory Safety Awareness Training for Support Personnel
Proper Use of Fume Hood Video	All personnel who use fume hoods	Sash height Working inside hood Environmental protection	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Proper Use of Fume Hood

Biological Safety

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
EHS 201 Biosafety in Laboratories EHS 204 Biosafety in Laboratories Refresher	Researchers who work with human, animal, or plant pathogens; human-derived materials; or recombinant DNA	Safe handling procedures Personnel protective equipment Animal biosafety Biosafety Levels 1 and 2	Initial training and refreshers every three years; work with human-derived materials requires BBP annual refresher	Classroom lecture and online refresher training	Enroll in EHS 201 Biosafety in Laboratories Enroll in EHS 204 Biosafety in Laboratories Refresher
EHS 202 Bloodborne Pathogens	Anyone who has potential occupational exposure to human body fluids or human source materials	Safe handling procedures Exposure Control Plan	Initial and annual refresher training	Online	Enroll in EHS 202 Bloodborne Pathogens
EHS 203 Biosafety: Principal Investigator Responsibilities	PIs responsible for overseeing work with recombinant DNA, blood, or other infectious agents	NIH requirements PI responsibilities	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in EHS 203 Biosafety: Principal Investigator Responsibilities

Hazardous Materials

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP)	Anyone who works with hazardous materials in laboratories	Lab-specific procedures for safe use of chemicals Emergency procedures Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hazardous materials and operations	Initial training and whenever the CHP is revised. CHP must be reviewed by lab personnel annually for accuracy. And again when there is a change to the chemicals worked with or how they are stored or handled.	Read and sign document posted in the laboratory; documented training on SOPs is to be provided in the lab	Researcher, lab manager, or lab safety contact Contact EH&S if your laboratory has no CHP: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Chemical Hygiene Plan
Hazardous Waste Program Training	All personnel who generate hazardous waste	Storage Regulatory requirements Handling procedures Labeling	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Hazardous Waste Program Training
Shop Safety	Researchers, support staff, and students authorized to use equipment	General Considerations for Shop Safety	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Shop Safety
Hazardous Materials Shipping, General Awareness Hazardous Materials Shipping Dry Ice	Persons who ship hazardous materials and specimens on dry ice from campus	Proper packaging and labeling Regulations regarding shipments of hazardous materials	Initial and refresher training every two years	Online	Enroll in Hazardous Materials Shipping, General Awareness Enroll in Hazardous Material Shipping Dry Ice
Cryogens Safety	Persons who work with cryogenic materials	Storage, transfer and safe use of cryogenic materials, PPE		Online	Enroll in Cryogens Safety
Respiratory Protection	Those in the Respiratory Protection Program	Proper selection, fitting, use, and storage of respirators	Initial training, with annual refreshers	Medical evaluation, online or in person training and Fit test	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Explosives Safety	Employees who handle or transport explosives	Campus explosives safety policy Explosives storage and handling procedures	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu

Radiation Safety and Laser Safety

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
EHS 401.1 Radioactive Materials User Training EHS 401.2 Radiation Producing Machines User Training EHS 401.3 Radioactive Materials AND Radiation Producing Machines User Training	Everyone who works with radioactive materials, radiation producing machines, or both	Radiation exposure hazards and their control Regulations regarding radiation safety Content of the campus license Incident reporting Dosimetry and other monitoring techniques Researcher responsibilities	Initial and retraining every two years	Online	Enroll in EHS 401.1, 401.2, or 401.3 User Training
EHS 402.1 Radioactive Materials User Retraining EHS 402.2 Radiation Producing Machines User Retraining EHS 402.3 Radioactive Materials AND Radiation Producing Machines User Training	Everyone who works with radioactive materials, radiation producing machines, or both	Review of Radiation Safety Recent incidents and lessons learned		Online	Enroll in EHS 402.1, 402.2, or 403.2 User Retraining
EHS 403 Radiation Safety Onboarding	Everyone who works with radioactive materials	Covers the UC Berkeley specific information that you will need to start your work with radioactive materials	Initial training only	In person	Enroll in EHS 403 Radiation Safety Onboarding
Radiation Safety Awareness Training for Non-Users	If you DO NOT work directly with radioactive materials or other radiation sources, but DO work in close proximity to (such as in the same room as) others who do	Signs, postings and radiation safety basics	Initial training only	Read and sign “Radiation Safety Guidelines for Non-Users”	Enroll in Radiation Safety Awareness Training for Non-Users
EHS 301 Laser Safety EHS 302 Refresher	Anyone who works with Class 3B or Class 4 laser(s)	Laser hazards and control measures Proper procedures for working with lasers	Three-year online refresher training	Classroom lecture and online refresher	Enroll in EHS 301 Laser Safety Enroll in EHS 302 Laser Safety Refresher

Agricultural/Field Safety

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
Field Safety	Researchers or instructors working in remote locations	Development of a specific field safety plan for the work location Emergency procedures Evaluation of risks unique to the work location or field activities like Fall Protection, Confined Space, Energy Isolation and others	One time (per field location)	In person upon request and Guidance Document	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Field Safety Guidance Document
First Aid and CPR	Employees who do field work remote from medical facilities	Basic first aid measures Proper procedures for providing CPR	Initial and refresher training every two years	Lecture and hands-on	Contact Recreational Sports
Heat Illness	All employees and supervisors should complete this training before starting work outdoors that could expose them to the risk of heat illness.	Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness Risk Factors and Prevention Response Procedures Supervisor Responsibilities	Initial training only	Online, in person upon request, and guidance document	Enroll in EHS 702 Heat Illness Online Training Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Heat Illness Prevention and Response Guidance Document
Pesticide Safety	Researchers using pesticides in small quantities (non-commercial application)	Overview of pesticide hazards First aid and medical care Personal protective equipment	Initial training only	Lecture and hands-on	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Scientific Diving	Everyone SCUBA diving for science using UC equipment, diving from UC-owned property, or diving as a student or employee of UC	Diving physics Physiology Medicine Rescue Decompression Theory Navigation Environment Marine life Research methods Equipment Scientific diving standards	Certification	In person	UC Dive & Boat Safety Consortium
Wildfire Smoke Protection and N-95 Respirator Training	Employees who work outside or in non-filtered buildings and/or vehicles for more than one hour per shift	How to: Recognize and reduce health effects from wildfire smoke Put on and use an N-95 respirator properly Obtain prompt medical treatment	Initial training only	Online, in person upon request, and guidance document	Enroll in EHS 704 Wildfire Smoke Protection and N-95 Respirator Online Training Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Wildfire Smoke Guidance Document
Working at the Richmond Field Station	RFS workers	RFS history Do’s and Don’ts	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Working at the Richmond Field Station

Shop/Industrial Safety

Subject	Required for Whom?	Key Components	Required Training Frequency	Training Method	To Arrange Training Contact
Shop Safety	Persons using University shops	Detailed shop safety components		Online and Shop Safety Program	Enroll in Shop Safety
Aerial Lifts, Scissor Lifts and Elevated Work Platform Training	Personnel who operate specific types of owned/rented aerial lifts, scissor lifts and elevated work platforms	Hazards associated with aerial lifts, scissor lifts and Lift and work zone inspections Fall protection Operation/traveling/loading Overhead protection Stability	Every three years	Online training AND in-person hands-on evaluation	Enroll in Aerial Lift and Elevated Work Platform Training Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Confined Space Entry	Anyone who may enter vessels, vaults, or other confined spaces	Hazards of confined space entry Atmospheric monitoring requirements and techniques Communication procedures Emergency and rescue procedures	Initial training only	Classroom lecture and hands on training	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Crane Safety	Employees who operate cranes	Safe lifting procedures Lifting capacities Load securing	Initial training only	Lecture and hands-on	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Defensive Driver Training	Vehicle operators	Defensive driving	Initial training only	Online	Enroll in Defensive Driver Training
Energy Isolation/ Lock-out Tag-out	Employees who, set-up, adjust and maintain equipment by isolating energy sources prior to commencing work	Proper procedures for controlling hazardous energies when working on moving or electrical equipment	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Ladder Use	Those who work on ladders	Ladder use	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Lead and Asbestos Awareness Training	Maintenance, custodial staff, and others who may disturb asbestos containing materials and/or lead paints	When asbestos and lead are potentially dangerous Potential adverse health effects Avoid unnecessary exposure Regulatory compliance		Classroom lecture	Express Interest in Lead and Asbestos Awareness Training Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Fall Protection	Those who work at heights above 7 feet	Fall protection equipment	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Forklift Operation	Employees who operate forklifts	Fundamentals Stability and capacity Load handling Safe driving practices Safety standards Inspection and maintenance	Every three years	Online Training AND in-person hands-on evaluation	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Enroll in Forklift Operations
Hearing Conservation	Employees who are exposed to high (>85 dBA) noise levels and those who are in the Hearing Conservation Program	Noise hazards UCB Hearing Conservation Program	Annual	Online	Enroll in Hearing Conservation
Heat Illness	All employees and supervisors should complete this training before starting work outdoors that could expose them to the risk of heat illness.	Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness Risk Factors and Prevention Response Procedures Supervisor Responsibilities	Initial training only	Online, in person upon request, and guidance document	Enroll in EHS 702 Heat Illness Online Training Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu Heat Illness Prevention and Response Guidance Document
High Voltage Electrical Safety	Employees who work on live high-voltage equipment or circuits	High voltage hazards and precautions	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu
Hot Work	For those who are involved with hot work	PPE Fire Safety	Initial training only	Classroom lecture	Contact EH&S: (510) 642‑3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu