If you've read many of our FAQs, you realize that we really do get this question a lot. No, the course is not certified or endorsed by OSHA. The biggest reason it's not certified by OSHA is because OSHA does not certify courses. Nor do they certify training providers. So, the next question is usually...

Maybe. Not the answer you were looking for? We hear you, but it's entirely up to the employer to determine what type of training is appropriate for their employees. The regulations place the onus on the company to ensure that their employees are adequately trained. A refresher training course that is perfect for one company may be entirely inadequate for another. Please review the course description thoroughly, and if you have questions about whether this course is appropriate for your situation, feel free to contact us and we'll do our best to answer your questions.

Yes. Here is an excerpt from OSHA's October 20, 1999 letter of interpretation concerning online refresher training:

"As a matter of policy, OSHA does not approve or endorse training programs. The employer, rather than the training provider, is ultimately responsible for ensuring that employees acquire the training and skills needed to perform their duties in a safe and healthful manner."

Once again, OSHA leaves the determination up to the employer. They do have concerns about online training. Specifically, OSHA believes hands-on training and access to a qualified instructor is extremely important for refresher training (and we agree). We suggest our course be augmented with additional "hands on" exercises such as a respirator fit-test, a review of a site-specific health and safety plan (HASP), and any other material or exercises deemed appropriate by the employer.

Although you might think it's obvious, we do get this question. The answer is... at least eight (8) hours. The regulations require that training be at least eight hours in duration, so if you are able to breeze through the course content in three or four hours, you have not fulfilled the eight hour requirement. Each user must spend at least 8 hours participating in their annual review. In addition to the course materials, we provide links to external resources found at EPA and OSHA as additional exercises for the user to explore (being a fast reader doesn't help reduce the time requirement). As mentioned in the previous FAQ (above), we suggest hands-on and site specific training be provide by the employer to augment the online training material. Our final exam consists of one question... it asks that the user certify that they have spent at least eight (8) hours participating in the review.

Good question, because nobody wants to sit through initial training again, right? OSHA has a 1993 Letter of Interpretation regarding lapsed training after initial 24 or 40 hour training. Here's an excerpt:

"OSHA's intent is that employees should complete their refresher training within twelve months of their initial training, although we do understand that courses may be missed due to unavoidable circumstances. The employee who misses a refresher training should attend the next available refresher course. Please note that in some states operating their own OSHA-approved state safety and health program, refresher training must be completed by the exact anniversary of the initial training. As you may be aware, 23 states operate their own state program."

You can read the full letter online:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=INTERPRETATIONS&p_id=21062