Lab Inductions - How Best?

[95HSE92]

Hi All,

We are reviewing our inductions - everyone one receives their standard inductions, but we need to do something more for our lab guys.

What I'm thinking is something easy, not onerous on the managers.

We have an online safety training platform, but I don't think a video would cover all the processes we have going on in the lab - or if it did it would be 3hrs long probably!

My idea is something like a hand-out, with a map of the labs (they are pretty big), areas, locations of HS info, spill kits etc., generic info - ppe use, chemical purchasing etc. - and then the two sheets for the managers to complete? Have attached these. These would obviously take some time to complete but would form a good record ... or is this too much?

What do you think?
What do you do?

Thank you.

[Jack Kane]

I don't think it's too much at all. I like your approach.

We have something similar with our pressure testing areas. These are high hazard areas and each 'cell' in the department have their own induction set on top of the main induction.

One thing I would be cautious of though, is the terminology used. I know it might seem picky, but I really do believe that it can damage a safety culture over a period of time almost undetected.

That word 'competence'. It's a big word and we need to give its use the consideration is demands. So, the competency record sign-off sheet, can this demonstrate the people really are competent or is it just a statement of communication? I'd much rather assess competence using the usual methods, i.e. assessment, observation, audit etc.

I've just read the form again and I can see it does aim to observe the user and sign-off by the manager, so that's the competency check I guess?

Anyway, I like it, go for it.