OSHA training requirements, explained
Plain answers drawn from the text of each regulation and OSHA's interpretation letters. Each guide lists its sources.
How often is Hazard Communication training required?
Under 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1), employers must train employees on hazardous chemicals at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard they have not been trained on is introduced into their work area. The standard sets no annual refresher interval.
How often is lockout/tagout training required?
29 CFR 1910.147 does not set a fixed retraining interval. Training is required before employees work under the energy control program, and retraining is required when job assignments, equipment, processes, or procedures change, or when an inspection or other evidence shows gaps in knowledge.
What PPE training does OSHA require?
29 CFR 1910.132(f) requires employers to train each employee who must use PPE on when and what PPE is needed, how to don, doff, adjust and wear it, its limitations, and its care and disposal. Employees must demonstrate understanding before working, and must be retrained when changes or gaps make prior training obsolete.
Who needs permit-required confined space training?
Under 29 CFR 1910.146(g), every employee whose work is regulated by the permit-required confined space standard must be trained, including authorized entrants, attendants, and entry supervisors. Employees designated for rescue need additional training under 1910.146(k)(2).
How often is respirator training required?
Respirator training is required before an employee first uses a respirator and at least annually after that, under 29 CFR 1910.134(k)(3) and (k)(5). Tight-fitting respirators also require fit testing before first use and at least annually under 1910.134(f)(2).
How often is fall protection training required in construction?
OSHA's construction fall protection rule, 29 CFR 1926.503, does not set a fixed refresher interval. Employers must train each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards, document it in a written certification record, and retrain whenever an employee no longer has the required understanding or skill.
What silica training does OSHA require in construction?
Under 29 CFR 1926.1153(i), each employee covered by the construction silica standard must be able to demonstrate knowledge of silica health hazards, the tasks that expose them, the employer's protective measures, the standard itself, the designated competent person, and the medical surveillance program. Silica must also be addressed in the employer's hazard communication program.
Who needs scaffold training?
Under 29 CFR 1926.454, every employee who performs work on a scaffold must be trained by a person qualified in the subject, and every employee who erects, dismantles, moves, operates, repairs, maintains, or inspects scaffolds must be trained by a competent person. Retraining is required when specific triggers occur.
How often is HIPAA training required?
45 CFR 164.530(b) requires covered entities to train each new workforce member within a reasonable period after joining, and affected members within a reasonable period after a material change in privacy policies. The rule does not specify an annual interval; the Security Rule separately requires an ongoing security awareness and training program.
Is online OSHA training valid?
Online training can be part of meeting OSHA training requirements, but OSHA has said online training by itself is not sufficient. Workers must be able to ask questions of a qualified trainer, receive hands-on practice where the standard involves equipment, and receive site-specific instruction from their employer.