Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!

Welcome to our FAQ’s page where you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Who is OSHA and where do I find out more information about them?

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the main federal agency charged with the enforcement of safety and health legislation.

OSHA was established following the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Act allows states and territories to regulate worker safety at the local level. “State plan” states adopt the federal regulations or issue more stringent requirements. At no time can a state issue or enforce regulations that are less protective than the federal version. Approximately one half of the states and territories have their own OSHAs. Learn more at www.osha.gov.

We are very familiar with OSHA requirements in all 50 states, and will help you maintain the proper compliance. Contact us for more information!

Do all OSHA rules apply to all employers at all times?

OSHA has established regulations that cover a broad range of industries and operations at the state and federal levels.

These regulations include the General Industry Safety Orders–implemented by almost all industries; Construction Industry Safety Orders which apply when major construction activity takes place; Electrical Safety Orders which apply when electrical work takes place; and many more. The standard application of the rules is spelled out in the first section of each group of rules.

If you have questions, email or call and we can help you.

What does it mean to be OSHA-certified, and who does the certification?

As a general rule, OSHA does not certify employees, trainers, or training programs.

OSHA sets the rules and it is up to each employer to “certify” that their staff is in compliance with applicable OSHA regulations. A certificate is issued by an employer or by a training firm, such as SCM Safety, to verify that the correct standards have been met.

An important reason to choose SCM: we have a letter from OSHA stating that our training programs meet their standards. In fact, Cal-OSHA sends companies to us for online training, including DHL, UPS and FEDEX.

What postings are required to be displayed at my worksite?

You are required to display several postings.

Review the list at California Department Of Industrial Relations-Workplace Settings. Contact us for more information.

Does OSHA require that I mount a fire extinguisher in my building?

Yes.

Numerous codes and regulations, including OSHA, the Fire Code, and NFPA standards dictate the types and locations of fire extinguishers required in the workplace. Contact us for more information.

What training is required by DOT for the handling of hazardous materials?

The DOT requires that you receive training if you:

  • Load, unload or handle hazardous materials.
  • Test, recondition, repair, modify, mark or label containers, drums or packaging as qualified for use in hazardous materials transportation.
  • Prepare hazardous materials for transportation.
  • Are responsible for transporting hazardous materials, or supervise those who do.
  • Operate a vehicle used for transporting hazardous materials.

The DOT requires that you receive training in:

  • Hazard communication – regarding hazards of the materials; how to read and understand a Material Safety Data Sheet.
  • Security awareness.
  • Placarding and Labeling.
  • Use of the DOT HAZMAT Tables.
  • Shipping documentation and packaging.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Safe work procedures.
  • Emergency procedures.

Call us to book DOT training at your site, or sign up for online DOT training at Hazmatschool.com!

How do I find out whether my state has it’s own OSHA state plan, including superseded federal or state rules?

To find out, review the list of states with their own OSHA plans listed below.

For California, Cal-OSHA is the primary authority in most workplaces. Cal-OSHA regulations are found in Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. Learn more at www.osha.gov and the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health.

Click here for the list of states.

Will I receive the same value from an Online Course as a Classroom Course?

Yes! Both our online and classroom courses are written by SCM Safety instructors. Our online courses meet the exact same OSHA requirements as our traditional classroom training programs. The material is clear, relevant and interesting.

Additionally, our online courses have the Remote Instructor ™, a specialized team of instructors that interact with students online, answering questions and reviewing student work to ensure students understand the material. Many programs, such as Blood-borne Pathogens, have regulatory requirements requiring access to a qualified teacher. Our Remote Instructor™ capability satisfies this requirement.

Busy professionals who need a course, but don’t have time during the work day, take our online courses after hours, on the weekend, anywhere. If you can’t take an 8-hour class in one stretch, log on and complete it when you can. Most courses allow up to one month for completion.

Onsite and Classroom Training

We also offer site-specific training programs at your location, providing training that is unique to your needs.

Our open enrollment courses are available on a regular basis at our training center in San Ramon, California. Some students learn more easily by interacting with other students.

Customized Training Solutions

We tailor our approach to your organization’s unique needs.

Contact Us

Please send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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