Required Safety and Compliance Training for Researchers
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.
On this page
Training for All Personnel
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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Compliance & Conflict of Interest for Researchers Briefing (COIR) | Anyone who was paid by extramural funds during the prior fiscal year |
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Annual | Online | To enroll in Compliance & Conflict of Interest for Researchers Briefing (COIR): Log in to Blu, select the UC Learning Center link, 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 |
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Initial training only | Classroom lecture or online training | Enroll in Computer Health Matters: Computer Workstation Ergonomics If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Cyber Security Awareness Training | All campus employees |
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Annual | Online | Enroll in Cyber Security Awareness Training
If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Fire Extinguisher Training | Anyone by request |
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Not required | Classroom | Schedule Fire Extinguisher Training If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
UC Sexual Harassment Prevention Training | Required for supervisors. Recommended for all personnel |
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Once every two years | Online | Enroll in Sexual Harassment Prevention Training If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Workplace Health and Safety Programs Awareness Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP)/ Building Emergency Plan (BEP) |
All campus employees |
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Initial training only, and then again if programmatic details change | Online | Enroll in Workplace Health and Safety Programs Awareness If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Animal and Human Subjects
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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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 |
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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 |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in Controlled Substances Used in Research
If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
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 |
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Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) |
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General Laboratory Safety
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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EHS 101 Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety EHS 101 Refresher |
Anyone who works in a laboratory with hazardous materials or hazardous operations |
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Once every three years | Online | Enroll in EHS 101 Fundamentals of Laboratory Safety
Enroll in EHS 101 Refresher If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 102 Hazard Communication-Including Globally Harmonized System (GHS) | All personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation |
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Initial training and when any changes in hazards occur | Online | Enroll in EHS 102 Hazard Communication-Including Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Hazardous Materials Spill Response Training | All personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation |
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Annually, after the completion of EHS 101 | Online | Enroll in Hazardous Materials Spill Response Training
If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Personal Protective Equipment | All laboratory personnel who work with hazardous materials and/or conduct a hazardous operation |
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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 |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in EHS 104 Laboratory Safety Awareness Training for Support Personnel If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Proper Use of Fume Hood Video | All personnel who use fume hoods |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in Proper Use of Fume Hood If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Biological Safety
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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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 |
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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 If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 202 Bloodborne Pathogens | Anyone who has potential occupational exposure to human body fluids or human source materials |
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Initial and annual refresher training | Online | Enroll in EHS 202 Bloodborne Pathogens If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 203 Biosafety: Principal Investigator Responsibilities | PIs responsible for overseeing work with recombinant DNA, blood, or other infectious agents |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in EHS 203 Biosafety: Principal Investigator Responsibilities If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Hazardous Materials
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) | Anyone who works with hazardous materials in laboratories |
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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 |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in Hazardous Waste Program Training If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 106 Shop Safety | Researchers, support staff, and students authorized to use equipment |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in EHS 106 Shop Safety If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Hazardous Materials Shipping, General Awareness Hazardous Materials Shipping Dry Ice |
Persons who ship hazardous materials and specimens on dry ice from campus |
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Initial and refresher training every two years | Online | Enroll in Hazardous Materials Shipping, General Awareness Enroll in Hazardous Material Shipping Dry Ice If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Cryogens Safety | Persons who work with cryogenic materials |
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Online | Enroll in Cryogens Safety If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
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Respiratory Protection | Those in the Respiratory Protection Program |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Initial and retraining every two years | Online | Enroll in EHS 401.1, 401.2, or 401.3 User Training If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 402.1 Radioactive Materials User Retraining EHS 402.2 Radiation Producing Machines User Retraining EHS 402.3 Radioactive Materials ANDÂ Radiation Producing Machines User Training |
Everyone who works with radioactive materials, radiation producing machines, or both |
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Online | Enroll in EHS 402.1, 402.2, or 403.2 User Retraining If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
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EHS 403 Radiation Safety Onboarding | Everyone who works with radioactive materials |
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Initial training only | In person | Enroll in EHS 403 Radiation Safety Onboarding If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Radiation Safety for Ancillary Personnel | 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 |
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Initial training only | Read and sign “Radiation Safety Guidelines for Non-Users” | Go to Radiation Safety for Ancillary Personnel If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
EHS 301 Laser Safety EHS 302 Refresher |
Anyone who works with Class 3B or Class 4 laser(s) |
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Three-year online refresher training | Classroom lecture and online refresher | Enroll in EHS 301 Laser Safety Enroll in EHS 302 Laser Safety Refresher If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Agricultural/Field Safety
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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Field Safety | Researchers or instructors working in remote locations |
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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 |
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Initial and refreseher training every two years | Lecture and hands-on | Contact Recreational Sports |
Pesticide Safety | Researchers using pesticides in small quantities (non-commercial application) |
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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 |
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Certification | In person | Scientific Diving Program |
Working at the Richmond Field Station | RFS workers |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in Working at the Richmond Field Station If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Shop/Industrial Safety
Subject | Required for Whom? | Key Components | Required Training Frequency | Training Method | To Arrange Training Contact |
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Shop Safety | Persons using University shops |
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Online and Shop Safety Program | Enroll in Shop Safety If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
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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 |
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Every three years | Online training AND in-person hands-on evaluation | Enroll in Aerial Lift and Elevated Work Platform Training If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |
Asbestos and Lead Awareness Training | Maintenance, custodial staff, and others who may disturb asbestos containing materials and/or lead paints |
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Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu | |
Confined Space Entry | Anyone who may enter vessels, vaults, or other confined spaces |
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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 |
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Initial training only | Lecture and hands-on | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |
Driver Safety | Vehicle operators |
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Initial training only | Online | Enroll in Driver Safety If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Energy Isolation/ Lock-out Tag-out | Employees who, set-up, adjust and maintain equipment by isolating energy sources prior to commencing work |
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Initial training only | Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |
Ladder Use | Those who work on ladders |
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Initial training only | Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |
Fall Protection | Those who work at heights above 7 feet |
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Initial training only | Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |
Forklift Operation | Employees who operate forklifts |
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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 If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Hearing Conservation | Employees who are exposed to high (>85 dBA) noise levels and those who are in the Hearing Conservation Program |
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Annual | Online | Enroll in Hearing Conservation If your access is denied, use the UC Learning Center Access Assistant |
Heat Illness |
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Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu | ||
High Voltage Electrical Safety | Employees who work on live high-voltage equipment or circuits |
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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 |
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Initial training only | Classroom lecture | Contact EH&S: 510/642-3073 or ehs@berkeley.edu |