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Biological Hazards Training & Certification
Hard Hat Training courses meet all training requirements set by OSHA and Canada.
We Offer Three Types of Biological Hazards Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned Biological Hazards certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
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Training Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
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Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the Biological Hazards Training Course?
Our Biological Hazards safety training course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirement. This training contains sections on microorganisms, fungi, plants, insects, animals, and more.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.
Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 1.5 – 2 hours.
Intended Audience:
- Employees
- Supervisors
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsBiological Hazards Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
Canada Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need Biological Hazards Safety Training?
In line with OSHA requirements, anyone who works with electricity must receive training prior to working on their own. OSHA requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.
When it comes to refresher training, OSHA’s standard in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment.
A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things Biological Hazards
Did You Know?
Each year, Norovirus causes around 400,00 emergency department visits; 60,000 hospitalizations; and 800 deaths. (Source: NFID)
Within the U.S. and Canada, 85% of the population is allergic to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. (Source: Johns Hopkins)
One in three cases of Hantavirus result in death. (Source: CDC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a biological health hazard?
A biological hazard is any organic substance (including bacteria) that can cause harm to humans or other living organisms. Examples of biological hazards are mold, insect stings, and animal droppings.
What are the five biological hazards?
Microorganisms, fungi, plants, insects, and animals.
How do biological hazards enter the body?
There are three main routes of entry: absorption, ingestion, and inhalation. Absorption refers to biological matter entering the body through either the eyes or skin. You can ingest biological matter by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth, or by eating a contaminated food item. To inhale biologicals hazards, you would typically stand near an infected person who is coughing or sneezing.
How do you prevent biological hazards?
The best way to defend against biological hazards is to be aware of them. If you recognize the common risk factors of biological hazards (such as leaky pipes leading to mold) you will be able to prevent biological hazards from interfering with your daily work routine.
Are biological hazards serious?
Some biological hazards can be very serious, even life-threatening. For example, COVID-19 was a biological hazard that spread through the world through inhalation.
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsBiological Hazards Safety Training Course
The Hard Hat Training Series is happy to announce an exciting new course: Biological Hazards Safety Training. Biological hazards include any microorganisms, fungi, plants, insects, and animals that could potentially harm humans. While the buzzing insect near your ear may not seem as dangerous as the chainsaw in your hand, biological hazards have the same potential to cause serious harm or even death.
Biological hazards can be broken down into two main categories: indoor and outdoor threats. Regardless of where they’re located, it’s important to recognize their dangers.
Indoor Hazards:
- Microorganisms: Microorganisms are bacteria that can enter the body and cause a wide range of serious illnesses. While some infections such as the common cold or norovirus can be an annoyance, especially with stomach pains or constant sneezing, others can be potentially life threatening. Infections such as staph or tetanus can invade the body and lead to blindness, amputations, or even organ failure.
- Mold: Many people are already familiar with the dangers of black mold but don’t always realize how common mold is. Mold often grows in residential areas after a leak goes unnoticed or is unproperly fixed. Mold can cause a range of health effects, such as headache, difficulty breathing, and mental fog.
Outdoor Hazards:
- Plants: Poison ivy, oak, and sumac can make life very uncomfortable for anyone who touches their poison-coated leaves unawares. The itchy rash can last up to a month, and the poison can live in clothing for as long as two years. Serious complications can occur if the poison gets into your eyes or throat.
- Insects: The most common issue with insects is allergic reactions to their bites or stings. One simple bee sting could result in anaphylactic shock and death for someone who didn’t even realize they were allergic. Insects can also be distractions for heavy machinery operators who become focused on the insect and lose sight of the task at hand, which can have potentially life-threatening consequences.
- Animals: Did you know that bird droppings can have just as serious health effects as a rattlesnake bite? Droppings from birds and rodents can lead severe respiratory diseases such as hantavirus or histoplasmosis. Of course, that doesn’t negate the seriousness of a bite from a snake. Snake bites can cause skin necrosis and organ failure, so they certainly shouldn’t be underestimated.