January 2017 SPRAY 27 • Actions to Take in the Event of a Security Breach • Organizational Security Structure Delivery Methods There are many training delivery methods but they can generally be categorized into one of four major types: 1. Web-based 2. Computer-based 3. Classroom 4. Hands-on/Mentor Each delivery method has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of web-based and classroom training are compared and contrasted in Table 1 and Table 2. Training Effectiveness An effective hazardous materials transportation training program includes a series of well-written training modules, learning assessments, a comprehensive examination and certification upon successful completion of the course material and examination(s). An effective training program: • Promotes a safe workplace and appropriate safe work practices • Protects employees, transportation partners, the community and the public • Improves a company’s productivity and efficiency • Develops employee skills • May prevent or reduce civil penalty fines or other sanctions • Ensures the safe and secure shipment of hazardous materials • Reduces likelihood of a catastrophic event such as fire or explosion • Promotes an understanding of why compliance and safety is necessary Table 2. Classroom Facilities should give serious consideration to providing training more frequently than once every three years as these requirements are very dynamic and subject to change in the intervening three-year cycle. Web-based training programs are ideal for this type of training and for training new employees. Instructor Qualifications Instructor qualifications are also an important element of an effective training program. Dangerous goods instructors may have varying degrees of subject matter expertise and teaching skills. In addition to understanding the subject matter, instructors should understand the best method of delivery for the given audience and be able to effectively communicate very difficult concepts or requirements. Recordkeeping The hazardous materials employer is responsible for maintaining training records for each hazardous materials employee. These records must be kept for the duration of the three-year training cycle while the hazardous materials employee is employed and for 90 days after the employee changes employment. Training records must be made available by the employer for review of an audit by the regulatory authorities upon request. Training records must include the following: • The hazardous materials employee’s name • The most recent training completion date • A description of, copy of or reference to the training materials used to meet the training requirements • The name and address of the person providing the training • A certification that the person has been trained and tested as required For questions regarding hazmat transportation training, contact the DOT Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration at (800) 467-4922 or the author at steve@shipmate.com or (310) 370-3600. SPRAY Advantages Disadvantages Provides standardized training ensuring a consistent message Bandwidth limitations can place constraints on certain media types Decreases the time employees are out of the office Hazmat employees must be selfdirected and comfortable using the web Allows for quick updates for rapidly changing material Hazmat employees may be distracted or interrupted Training is more accessible to a larger audience It is difficult to provide opportunities for hands-on experience Cost effective way to refresh existing training Some may find it difficult to engage and retain Training is more convenient for employees Limited interaction with an instructor No travel costs Difficult to assess employee progress in real time Little or no cost associated with obtaining new media updates Compatible equipment may not be available Table 1. Web-Based Training Advantages Disadvantages Provides an instructor and a structured approach to teaching Potential personality differences between the trainer and the hazmat employees Allows for real time discussion and provides interaction that isn’t easily duplicated even with the most advanced technology Fellow trainees can dictate the pace of the training, leaving some students behind, and others bored with a pace that is too slow for them Allows for constructive team building Difficult to guarantee outcomes Personalized assistance from the instructor can address individual student needs Scheduling based on trainer or facility availability, not employee needs Leverages instructor skills and experience Costs for travel, training, and Easy to confirm whether the instructor hazmat employees have taken the course
Spray January 2017
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