Answer:
OSHA authorizes Outreach trainers to conduct occupational safety and health awareness training through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. Individuals who meet the course prerequisites and a complete a one-week OSHA trainer course receive a certificate of completion and an authorized Outreach trainer card. Outreach trainer courses are based on one of the following subject areas: disaster site workers (second responders), construction, general industry, or maritime. Upon successful completion of the trainer course, Outreach trainers are authorized to teach classes based on the trainer course subject area. These include a 15-hour course for disaster site workers (second responders), as well as 10- and 30-hour Outreach training classes in construction, general industry, or maritime safety and health hazards. Authorized Outreach trainers are responsible for distributing OSHA class completion cards to trainees that successfully complete the class. The OSHA Outreach Training Program is a voluntary program. The training courses do not meet the training requirements for any OSHA standards. However, some states have enacted laws mandating the training. Some employers, unions, organizations or other jurisdictions may also require this training.
To become an authorized OSHA Outreach trainer, you must complete a required OSHA trainer course and complete/meet the necessary prerequisite requirements:
- For Construction Industry: 1. Completion of OSHA #510 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for the Construction Industry and 2. Five years of construction safety experience (a college degree in occupational safety and health, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation, in the applicable training area may be substituted for two years of experience) and 3. Completion of OSHA #500 Trainer Course in Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction.
- For General Industry: 1. Completion of OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry and 2. Five years of general industry safety experience (a college degree in occupational safety and health, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation, in the applicable training area may be substituted for two years of experience) and 3. Completion of OSHA #501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry.
- For Maritime Industry: 1. Three years of maritime industry experience and 2. At least one of the following: Two years of occupational safety and health experience (with a broad focus) in any industry; a degree in occupational safety and health from an accredited college or university; Certified Safety Professional (CSP) designation; Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH); designation; Certified Marine Chemist (CMC) designation; or Certified Safety Health Manager (CSHM) designation and 3. Completion of OSHA #5400 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for the Maritime Industry.
- For Disaster Site Workers: 1. Completion of OSHA #500 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for the Construction Industry or OSHA #501 Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for General Industry and 2. Three years safety training experience and 3. Completion of the 40-hour HAZWOPER training and 4. Completion of OSHA #5600 Disaster Site Worker Train-the-Trainer Course.
The OSHA-numbered courses listed above are only offered by authorized OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers which are located throughout the United States. For a complete list of OTI Education Centers and their courses visit the OSHA Web site at http://www.osha.gov/dte/edcenters/index.html.
