Ensuring a safe working environment is paramount at the University of Southern California (USC). Depending on your role and responsibilities, various safety training courses are mandatory. USC leverages Trojan Learn, a comprehensive online platform, to deliver and manage these essential safety programs. This guide will help you navigate the required safety training, understand their importance, and utilize Trojan Learn effectively for your compliance needs.
Understanding Your Safety Training Requirements at USC
To pinpoint the specific safety courses you need to complete, the Research Training Finder is an invaluable tool. This resource, accessible through the provided link, allows you to filter by department, job function, and type of research to quickly identify necessary training. Whether you’re involved in research, facilities management, or general administration, understanding your required training is the first step towards a safer campus.
It’s important to note that course schedules are dynamic and may be subject to changes. Sessions can be cancelled, combined, or rescheduled based on demand and resource availability. Always check Trojan Learn for the most up-to-date schedules and notifications.
Key Safety Training Courses Available Through Trojan Learn
USC offers a wide array of safety courses, each designed to address specific hazards and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Here’s an overview of some key courses, many of which are accessed and tracked through Trojan Learn:
Laboratory and Research Safety
For individuals working in research environments, particularly with animals or hazardous materials, several courses are crucial:
- ABSL 2 (Animal Biosafety Level 2): Mandatory for animal researchers handling chemical or biohazardous substances. This course, often accessed via Trojan Learn for registration and tracking, requires renewal every 3 years.
- General Lab Safety (GLS): A foundational course for anyone working in USC laboratories, covering hazardous materials, controls, PPE, and waste management. Completion is often managed through Trojan Learn. High school students also need this plus parental consent.
- GLS Meet & Greet: A follow-up workshop to GLS training, introducing researchers to EH&S staff and fostering safety information exchange. While the initial GLS might be online via Trojan Learn, the Meet & Greet is typically in person.
- Principles of Biosafety (BIO): Focused on safe handling of biological materials, including human blood and pathogens. Like many research-related courses, registration and tracking are often linked to Trojan Learn, and renewal is required every 3 years.
- Viral Vector Training (VVT) & BSL-2+ Training: Essential for research involving viral vectors, emphasizing safety precautions in BSL-2+ labs. Trojan Learn likely manages registration, and renewal is every 3 years.
- Radiation Safety (RAD): For those working with radioactive materials or radiation sources, covering safe practices and waste management. Course access and records are often managed via Trojan Learn.
- Radiation Safety Refresher: An online refresher course, likely accessible through Trojan Learn, for those who have completed the main Radiation Safety course.
- X-ray Safety: Specifically for users of X-ray and radiation-producing devices. The online course is directly available through Trojan Learn. Annual renewal is mandatory.
- Irradiator Training (IRR): Hands-on training for irradiator users. Registration for in-person sessions is via Trojan Learn. X-ray Safety training on Trojan Learn is a prerequisite.
Biological and Chemical Safety
Courses focusing on biological and chemical hazards are also critical:
- Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP): For anyone potentially exposed to blood or infectious materials. Annual renewal is required, and training resources may be accessible via Trojan Learn.
- Bloodborne Pathogens Refresher: Can be done in-house as part of the Annual Safety Refresher or via online training (possibly through Trojan Learn) as assigned by the PI. Annual renewal applies.
- Controlled Substances (CST): For all users of controlled substances at USC. The online training is on Trojan Learn, with a 3-year renewal requirement.
- Shipment of Biological Materials and/or Dry Ice (BHS): Covers proper biosample shipping. Renewal is required every two years, and training resources might be found or tracked through Trojan Learn.
General Safety and Awareness
Beyond specific hazards, some courses promote general safety awareness:
- Annual Safety Refresher (ASR): Provided by the PI or designee, covering specific safety topics relevant to research staff.
- Heat Illness Prevention: For employees working outdoors or in hot environments, discussing heat-related illnesses and prevention. This online training may be accessed via Trojan Learn.
- Principal Investigator Safety Management Training: A one-time training for PIs managing areas with hazardous materials, outlining safety responsibilities and best practices.
Utilizing Trojan Learn for Your Safety Training
Trojan Learn serves as the central hub for many USC safety training courses. You can use it to:
- Discover Required Courses: While the Research Training Finder helps identify needs, Trojan Learn often lists courses relevant to your profile.
- Register for Courses: Many online and in-person sessions are registered through Trojan Learn.
- Complete Online Modules: Several courses, like X-ray Safety and Controlled Substances, are delivered directly on Trojan Learn.
- Track Your Training History: Trojan Learn keeps a record of completed courses, aiding in compliance and renewal management.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety Through Trojan Learn
USC is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Completing the required safety training, facilitated by Trojan Learn, is a crucial responsibility for all employees and researchers. By utilizing the Research Training Finder and actively engaging with Trojan Learn, you can ensure you are compliant with safety regulations and contribute to a safer USC community. Make Trojan Learn your first stop for all your USC safety training needs.
