Training is an essential part of the Chemical Safety Program. Basic training is provided through the Office of Human Resources - Health and Safety, however, each area handling hazardous materials will have specific instructions. Area supervisors must provide workplace specific training to students, staff and volunteers. This training must be documented.  All personnel using hazardous materials must complete Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training annually (September 1 - August 31 annually). Area Supervisors are encouraged to formalize their training materials in an official document, including information related to hazards, personal protective equipment and safe-work procedures.

Training hosted by the Office of Human Resources Health and Safety is offered online through D2L but does require self-registration.  Instructions on how to self-register are here.

1)  New Personnel Orientation (Online)

This training forms a portion of New Personnel Orientation Training, and is required for all new laboratory personnel. An emphasis is placed on the duties and rights of the workplace parties, as well as, introduces relevant Lakehead University policies and procedures. This training is offered online in Module One on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site.

2)  H&S Awareness (Online)
Health & Safety Awareness training for employees and supervisors is required by Ontario Law and is available on online in Module Two on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site. 

3) Accessibility Training (Online)

Accessibility training is required by Ontario Law.  It is offered in two parts and is available online in Module Three on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site.

4) General Lab Training (Online)
This module provides personnel with an introduction to the lab specific policies and procedures in place at Lakehead to maintain safe laboratories. It is offered online in Module Seven on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site.

5)  WHMIS (Online)
WHMIS training is available year-round and can be accessed through the mycourselink website.  WHMIS training expires August 31 of each year and must be renewed.  The WHMIS training module can be found online in Module Seven on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site.

6) Laboratory Electrical Safety (Online)
This module provides personnel with an introduction electrical safety in the laboratory to maintain safe laboratories. It is offered online in Module Seven on the Accessibility & Health and Safety Training site.

7)  Lab Specific (Provided by Supervisor)
Training must be provided and documented by the area Supervisor detailing hazards, procedures and protocols to meet the requirements of the Ontario Health and Safety Act R.S.O. 1990 c.O1, 27(2)a. Usually offered when an employee is new to an area or task. The Laboratory Specific Training Record for Trainees has been developed to assist Supervisors in documenting this training. A supplementary area on the checklist must be completed to reflect the specialized training for specific topics discussed with the employee that are not covered by the checkboxes.  The checklist must be completed by the lab personnel and Supervisor.  Completed checklists must be uploaded to the employee's assignment box on the mycourselink site for Accessibility and Health & Safety Training.  A copy should be retained by the Supervisor.

Laboratory Specific Training Record for Trainees

Additional Training Required depending on the Laboratory

• Laser Safety (for labs with class 3b or 4 lasers in use) See the Laser Safety Page
• Biosafety Training (for labs working with biohazardous materials)  See the Biosafety Page
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (required when hazardous materials will be transported on public roadways, or packaged to ship off-campus, contact labsafety@lakeheadu.ca to confirm whether this training is required)