Hazmat transportation regulations require employee training and establish the basic rules for educating employees. But it’s up to you to determine training needs and set up an effective training program.
To help employers meet employee training requirements under the hazmat transportation regulations, DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) periodically publishes guidance materials. Here are some suggestions to help you make the right training choices from a recent PHMSA publication, What You Should Know: A Guide to Developing a Hazardous Materials Training Program.
1. Conduct a needs assessment. For example, determine the level of awareness hazmat employees have about hazards and regulatory requirements. Check to see if training employees have already received is adequate for tasks they are now performing.
2. Select a training tool. PHMSA’s guidance lists four delivery methods—Web-based, computer-based, classroom, and hands-on/mentor training. Determine which of these—or which combination—is best for you and your employees.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. A training program is only as good as the results it produces. Observe and survey employees to determine how well training has been incorporated into performance.
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4. Assign a training manager. One or more employees with knowledge of the regulations and experience receiving and providing training can help ensure successful hazmat instruction. Training manager responsibilities might include arranging for newly trained employees to be evaluated, determining additional training needs, communicating the status of training to upper management, and maintaining training records. Larger companies might consider forming a training committee to assist the training manager.
5. Make a plan. Don’t make important training decisions only when a hazmat employee is hired or operations change. A plan need not be long or complicated. PHMSA suggests a statement of purpose and identification of the benefits of thorough and regular training. The plan should also include specific directions on how effectiveness of training is evaluated and methods to improve the program, if necessary.
6. Don’t stop with training. Develop a safety culture that encourages training as part of daily and typical tasks and operations. Attention to regulatory requirements, efficiency, and improved performance invariably begins with a demonstrated commitment by top management, followed by buy-in from all other levels of the organization.
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