Public Schools Training Requirements

GSE offers this summary of some the key environmental, health and safety compliance training requirements for New Jersey School Districts.  Training is an important (and mandated) part of your district’s overall environmental, health and safety compliance program. 

Training programs should:

• Be based on the District’s written policies, applicable regulations and site specific information
• Be offered at convenient time and at no cost to employees
• Be taught by “technically qualified individuals”
• Have a documented and approved curriculum
• Have a secure and organized recordkeeping system

AHERA Asbestos Awareness

• Maintenance/Custodians
• Initial, then annually
• 2-hour training by qualified individual

Operations and Maintenance

• Maintenance Staff
• Initial, then annually
• 2 days for initial
• 1 day for update

Hazard Communication

• All employees who are exposed or potentially exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace
• Initial, then every 2 years
• 2-3 hours for initial
• 2 hours for update

Indoor Air Quality

• Designated Person
• Intial - one time only
• 3-4 hours

Bloodborne Pathogens

• All employees identified in the district's Exposure Control Plan with potential exposure to blood or other infectious materials
• Initial, then annually
• 3-4 hour initial
• 2 hour update

Lab Safety

• All employees who handle hazardous chemical in the laboratory
• Initial, then if there are changes in procedure
• 4 hour

Other mandated training (depending on site conditions and District policies) includes:

• Fire Safety Training  (if employees are expected to use fire extinguishers)
• Personal Protective Equipment training  (including respiratory protection if applicable)
• Control of Hazardous Energy Training  (Lockout/Tagout)
• Confined Space Entry Training  (if applicable)
• Hearing Conservation Training  (if applicable)
• Ladder Safety Training  (if applicable)
• Other OSHA or environmental training based on specific hazards