OSHA Training News Update
September 16, 2020
Wildfire Response and Recovery Requires
Trained and Experienced Workers
Wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington state have burned nearly 5 million acres, and tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes, with many returning to find only charred rubble. While many fires continue to rage with no end in sight, others have been contained and will require workers to conduct response and recovery operations.

Wildfires may create a variety of hazards for workers involved in cleanup operations. These include safety hazards, such as unstable structures, operating of heavy equipment, and slips, trips, and falls; and health hazards, such as heat stress, hazardous materials, carbon monoxide, and other respiratory hazards. Given the long list of common hazards associated with wildfires, most response and recovery operations, including utility restoration, cleaning up spills of hazardous materials, and search and rescue, should only be conducted by workers who have the proper training, equipment and experience.

OSHA has published many resources to assist employers in training their workers who are involved in wildfire response and recovery, including:


OSHA has also made wildfire-related information from other agencies available, including:


Additional OSHA QuickCards and Fact Sheets may be found on OSHA’s Wildfires Resources webpage and OSHA’s Response/Recovery webpage.
40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Can Help Workers Involved in Wildfire Response and Recovery
The OSHA Training Institute Education Center is offering a 40-Hour HAZWOPER course in-person, following physical distancing and other strict safety guidelines, on October 5-9, 2020, in Sacramento, CA. This class provides students with written and hands-on instruction in hazardous waste operations and emergency response as it relates to the types of chemical and physical exposures workers involved in wildfire response and recovery may encounter. The 5-day course satisfies the requirement for generalized employee training under OSHA (1910.120) and (1926.65). Class size is reduced to prevent exposure to COVID-19, so early registration is strongly advised. See below for more information. REGISTER HERE
The OSHA Training Institute Education Center Offering IN-PERSON Classes Following Strict Safety Guidelines

The OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District is offering in-person classes following physical distancing and other strict safety guidelines. Class size is greatly reduced to prevent exposure to COVID-19, so early registration is strongly advised. Please note: Class schedules may change with little notice due to COVID-19 restrictions. Visit our website for a full schedule of in-person classes by location.
CALIFORNIA


 
September 25-27, 2020 Friday - Saturday - Sunday
 
October 13-16, 2020

October 16-18, 2020 Limited Space

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November 3-6, 2020 Very Limited Space!

NEVADA
SLOPE IT. SHORE IT. SHIELD IT.
OSHA has made reducing trenching and excavation hazards the Agency's Priority Goal. Trench collapses, or cave-ins, pose the greatest risk to workers' lives. To prevent cave-ins:

  • SLOPE or bench trench walls
  • SHORE trench walls with supports, or
  • SHIELD trench walls with trench boxes

Employers should also ensure there is a safe way to enter and exit the trench. Keep materials away from the edge of the trench. Look for standing water or atmospheric hazards. Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected.

OSHA trenching resources include Trenching and Excavation Safety Publication and Trenching and Excavation Safety Fact Sheet.


The OSHA Training Institute Education Center is offering OSHA 3015-Excavation, Trenching, and Soil Mechanics in-person, following physical distancing and other strict safety guidelines, on September 25-27, 2020, in Dublin, CA, and on October 19-21, 2020, in Sacramento, CA. REGISTER HERE
National Preparedness Month Resources
National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. As our nation continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved. Check out these resources:
The OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District offers high quality OSHA standards-based training for construction, maritime and general industries at our San Francisco Bay Area (Dublin) location as well as other locations in Northern, Central and Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii.
 
We are offering in-person OSHA courses on a limited basis following physical distancing and other strict safety guidelines. Class size is reduced to prevent exposure to COVID-19, so early registration is strongly advised. We are also offering live, online video-based OSHA courses. Visit our website for updated class information.
 
Our offices are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we are available to respond to inquiries by email at otc@clpccd.org or phone at (866) 936-OSHA (6742) (phone inquiries will be answered within 24 hours).  
 
We are closely monitoring local, state and federal recommendations regarding COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff. Please refer to guidance from the CDC and OSHA for the most accurate, up-to-date information.