Occupational health and safety training: legal obligations

Worker training is one of the keys to controlling health and safety risks in the workplace. The French Labor Code provides for a wide range of mandatory training courses. Let's take a look at these general and specific training courses .

‍General safety training courses

1- The obligation to provide information and general safety training

The employer organizes practical and appropriate safety training for :

the workers he hires;
workers who change workstations or techniques;
temporary employees, with the exception of those called in to carry out urgent work necessitated by safety measures, and who already have the necessary qualifications for such work;
workers returning to work after at least 21 days off (at the request of the occupational physician).

The aim of general safety training is to instruct workers in the precautions to be taken to ensure their own safety and that of others working in the company. It is adapted according to the size of the establishment, its activity, the risks present and the type of employment of the workers. During this training, information will be given to workers to explain :

health and safety risks ;
measures taken to remedy the situation;
circulation conditions within the company ;
working conditions ;
what to do in the event of an accident or disaster.

2- Enhanced safety training

Because of their specific characteristics (regular changes in workplaces, working conditions, short-term assignments (employees on fixed-term contracts, temporary employees, trainees assigned to workstations presenting particular health and safety risks), trainees benefit from enhanced safety training.

Note: Reinforced does not necessarily mean more than for other employees, but at least the same as for an employee with an open-ended contract.)

Specific" safety training

1- Chemical hazards

Workers receive training and information on the precautions to be taken to protect themselves and other workers in the workplace:

Hygiene instructions;
use of personal protective equipment.

This training can be provided in-house.

2- Chemical risk - Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic agents (CMR)

Workers likely to be exposed to CMR agents are provided with safety information and training on :

potential health risks, including additional risks due to tobacco consumption;
precautions to be taken to prevent exposure ;
hygiene requirements ;
wearing and using protective equipment and clothing;
measures to be taken by workers, particularly emergency personnel, to prevent incidents and in the event of an incident.

This safety information and training is adapted to changing risks and the emergence of new ones. They are repeated regularly. This information and training can be provided in-house.

3- Asbestos

Workers likely to be exposed to asbestos are provided with safety information and training on :

potential health risks, including additional risks due to tobacco consumption;
precautions to be taken to prevent exposure ;
hygiene requirements ;
wearing and using protective equipment and clothing;
measures to be taken by workers, particularly emergency personnel, to prevent incidents and in the event of an incident

This safety information and training is adapted to changing risks and the emergence of new ones. They are repeated regularly.

4- Asbestos-specific training

Removal or containment of asbestos-containing materials

Workers assigned to remove or contain asbestos-containing materials are given prior training.

This training is conditional on presentation to the training organization of a document attesting to the worker's medical fitness for the workstation.

This training complies with the requirements set out in Appendix I of the Order of February 23, 2012 and the specific requirements set out in Appendix II of the same Order.

The training periods are :

preliminary training: 5 days for operators, 10 days for supervisory staff ;
refresher course: 2 days.

The training organization validates the training acquired in the form of an individual certificate of competence issued to the worker.

Work likely to give off asbestos fibres

Workers assigned to work likely to emit asbestos fibers receive training beforehand.

This training is conditional on presentation to the training organization of a document attesting to the worker's medical fitness for the workstation.

This training complies with the requirements set out in Appendix I of the Order of February 23, 2012 and the specific requirements set out in Appendix II of the same Order.

The training periods are :

preliminary training: 2 days for operators, 5 days for supervisory staff ;
refresher course: 1 day.

The training organization or employer validates the training acquired in the form of an individual certificate of competence issued to the worker.

5- Biological risk

Workers exposed to biological agents receive safety training covering :

health risks and hygiene requirements ;
precautions to take to avoid exposure ;
wearing and using personal protective equipment and clothing;
waste sorting, collection, storage, transport and disposal procedures;
measures to be taken to prevent or remedy incidents ;
the procedure to follow in the event of an accident.

This training is provided in-house before workers carry out any activity involving contact with biological agents.

It is repeated on a regular basis and adapted to changes in risks, as well as to significant changes in work processes.

6- Work equipment

For all plant workers :

The employer informs all workers in the establishment in an appropriate manner of the risks affecting them due to :

work equipment in their immediate working environment, even if they do not use it personally;
modifications to this equipment.

For workers in charge of operation or maintenance :

The employer shall provide appropriate information to workers responsible for the use or maintenance of work equipment:

their conditions of use or maintenance;
instructions or instructions concerning them, in particular those contained in the manufacturer's instruction manual;
how to deal with foreseeable abnormal situations ;
conclusions drawn from experience to eliminate certain risks.

This training, provided in-house, is renewed and supplemented as often as necessary to take account of changes in equipment.

For workers assigned to the maintenance and modification of work equipment :

Workers assigned to the maintenance and modification of work equipment receive specific training on the requirements to be met, the conditions under which the work is to be carried out, and the materials and tools to be used.

This training, provided in-house, is renewed and supplemented as often as necessary to take account of changes in work equipment and related techniques.

7 - Personal Protective Equipment

Workers who are required to use personal protective equipment are given appropriate training, including, where necessary, instruction in the use of such equipment.

They are informed of :

risks against which personal protective equipment protects them;
conditions of use of this equipment, in particular the purposes for which it is reserved;
instructions or instructions concerning personal protective equipment ;
conditions for making personal protective equipment available.

This in-house training is repeated as often as necessary to ensure that equipment is used in accordance with operating instructions.

8- Noise

When the risk assessment reveals that workers are exposed to a noise level equal to or greater than 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) in the workplace, the employer must ensure that these workers receive information and training on :

the nature of this type of risk;
measures taken to prevent risks and, if exposure limit values are exceeded, 87 dB(A) or 140 dB(C), to eliminate or minimize risks resulting from noise exposure;
the exposure limit values and exposure values triggering preventive action laid down in Chapter 1;
the results of noise assessments and measurements carried out, with an explanation of their significance and potential risks;
correct use of personal hearing protectors ;
how to detect and report symptoms of hearing impairment;
the conditions under which workers are entitled to individual monitoring of their state of health;
safe working practices, to minimize noise exposure.

This information and training is provided with the assistance of the occupational health department, and must relate to the results of the risk assessment. It may be provided internally or externally.

9 - Mechanical vibration

Where the risk assessment reveals that workers are exposed to risks due to mechanical vibration (2.5 m/s2 for hand-arm vibration and 0.5 m/s2 for whole-body vibration), the employer must ensure that these workers receive information and training on :

measures taken to eliminate or reduce to a minimum the risks resulting from mechanical vibrations;
the results of assessments and measurements of exposure to mechanical vibration;
exposure limit values and exposure values triggering preventive action;
the injuries that could result from the use of vibration-producing work equipment, as well as the usefulness of detecting and reporting the symptoms of such injuries;
the conditions under which workers are entitled to individual monitoring of their state of health;
safe working practices to minimize risks from exposure to mechanical vibration.

10 - Working in ATEX zones

The employer shall provide sufficient and appropriate training in explosion protection for persons working in areas where explosive atmospheres may occur.

11- Artificial Optical Radiation

When the results of the risk assessment show that there is the slightest possibility that workers' exposure limit values will be exceeded, the employer must provide workers with appropriate information and training on :

sources of artificial optical radiation in the workplace ;
the health and safety risks that may result from excessive exposure to artificial optical radiation, and the applicable exposure limit values;
the results of the risk assessment and the measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risks arising from artificial optical radiation;
precautions to be taken by workers to protect themselves and other workers in the workplace;
correct use of work equipment and personal protective equipment;
what to do in the event of an accident ;
how to identify and report adverse health effects resulting from exposure;
the conditions under which workers are subject to individual health monitoring.

This information and training can be provided internally or externally.

Competent person when using laser equipment

When lasers are used, employers must ensure that they or their employees have the appropriate skills to carry out the following tasks under their responsibility:

participation in risk assessments for workers working near laser machines or equipment;
collaborating in the implementation on site of all measures to ensure the health and safety of workers working in the vicinity of laser machines or equipment;
cooperation in the continuous improvement of risk prevention based on the analysis of work situations.

12- Electromagnetic fields

The employer shall ensure that each worker likely to be exposed to a risk related to electromagnetic fields receives all necessary information and training in relation to the results of the risk assessment carried out in accordance with section 4.

This information and training, provided in-house, covers in particular :

the characteristics of electromagnetic field emissions ;
direct biophysical effects and indirect effects that may result from exposure to electromagnetic fields;
measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risks resulting from electromagnetic fields;
precautions to be taken by workers to ensure the protection of their health and safety and that of other workers present in the workplace, in particular the importance of declaring as early as possible to the occupational physician or the health professionals of the occupational health service that they are equipped with implanted or non-implanted, passive or active medical devices;
special rules for workers at particular risk;
what to do in the event of sensory or health effects, accidents or exposure exceeding exposure limit values, and how to report them.

13 - Electrical clearance

The authorization, issued by the employer, specifies the nature of the operations the employee is authorized to carry out. Before issuing the authorization, the employer ensures that the worker has received theoretical and practical training to ensure that he or she is familiar with: the risks associated with electricity, and the measures to be taken to ensure safe work practices when carrying out the operations entrusted to him or her.

The training, provided by a training organization, is renewed every 3 years.

Workers are also trained to give first aid to victims of electrical accidents before the arrival of the doctor or the emergency services organized by the public authorities. This training is given in accordance with the instructions set out in the "Care for the electrically injured" instruction sheet, which must be posted in electrical premises.

14 - Machine operation

Driving self-propelled mobile work equipment and lifting equipment is reserved for workers who have received appropriate training.

The aim of this training is to provide drivers with the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely.

Its duration and content must be adapted to the work equipment concerned.

This training, provided in-house or by a training organization, is completed and updated whenever necessary.

To operate work equipment (tower cranes, mobile cranes, auxiliary vehicle-loading cranes, self-propelled rider-controlled handling trucks, mobile elevating work platforms, remote-controlled or rider-controlled site machinery), workers must hold a driving licence:

The driving license is drawn up and issued to the worker by the site manager, on the basis of an assessment of the worker's aptitude and ability to drive, carried out by the latter.

This assessment takes the following three elements into account:

an aptitude test carried out by the occupational physician;
A test of the operator's knowledge and skills in the safe operation of work equipment;
knowledge of the site and the instructions to be followed on the site(s) of use.

Note: driving authorization is conditional on maintaining medical fitness.

For other machines and lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes, which do not require a driver's license.

Driving self-propelled mobile work equipment and lifting equipment is reserved for workers who have received appropriate training.

The aim of this training is to provide drivers with the knowledge and skills they need to drive safely.

Its duration and content must be adapted to the work equipment concerned.

This training can be provided in-house or by a specialized training organization. This training is completed and updated whenever necessary.

15 - Elevators and goods lifts

All workers carrying out inspection, maintenance and technical control work, as well as repair and conversion work on the following permanently installed equipment: elevators, goods elevators, passenger elevators with a speed not exceeding 0.15 meters per second, including temporary workers or workers on fixed-term contracts, receive special training from the company employing them. This training is repeated as often as necessary, particularly when new technologies are introduced.

This training, provided in-house, covers in particular :

the risk assessment contained in the safety study, to facilitate understanding of the organizational and technical measures it recommends, and their implementation;
work methods and intervention procedures applicable to equipment on which the worker may be called upon to intervene;
the work equipment and personal protective equipment to be used.

The training includes a period of practical exercises under the supervision of a tutor appointed by the employer. The tutor is suitably qualified and familiar with the safety principles applicable to the work in question.

The length of the tutoring period is defined by the employer according to the employee's qualifications and experience. It enables the employee to acquire the know-how corresponding to the theoretical content of the training course.

After training and evaluation, the employee receives a certificate. The certificate indicates the date and duration of training.

16 - Scaffolding (erection, dismantling, modification)

Scaffolding may only be erected, dismantled or significantly altered under the supervision of a competent person and by workers who have received appropriate training specific to the operations envisaged. This training includes :

understanding the plan for erecting, dismantling or converting the scaffolding;
safety when erecting, dismantling or converting scaffolding;
measures to prevent the risk of people or objects falling;
safety measures in the event of changing weather conditions that could be detrimental to people by affecting the safety of the scaffolding;
conditions for permissible structural forces;
any other risks that the above-mentioned assembly, disassembly and conversion operations may entail.

This training, provided within the plant or by a training organization, is renewed and supplemented as often as necessary to take account of changes in work equipment and related techniques.

17 - Rope access

Workers using rope access and positioning techniques receive adequate and specific training in the operations envisaged and in rescue procedures.

This training covers :

the safest behaviours and gestures, using demonstrations where possible;
the operating procedures adopted if they have an impact on his safety or that of other workers;
the operation of protection and emergency devices and the reasons for their use ;
what to do when someone is involved in an accident.

This training, provided within the plant or by a training organization, is renewed and completed as often as necessary to take account of changes in equipment.

18 -Radioprotection

Workers likely to work in a supervised and/or controlled area receive training in :

the characteristics of ionizing radiation ;
the health effects that may result from exposure to ionizing radiation, and, where applicable, the impact of smoking on radon exposure;
the potentially harmful effects of exposure to ionizing radiation on the embryo, particularly during early pregnancy, and on the unborn child, as well as the need to declare a pregnancy as early as possible;
the name and contact details of the radiation protection advisor ;
measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with ionizing radiation;
conditions of access to demarcated areas;
special rules for pregnant or breast-feeding women, workers under 18, workers on fixed-term contracts and temporary workers;
individual exposure monitoring and access to dosimetric results;
what to do in the event of an accident or incident ;
special rules for radiological emergencies ;
where applicable, aspects relating to safety and the possible consequences of loss of adequate control of high activity sealed sources.

When the worker is exposed to radon only, the information or training covers in particular :

the natural origin of radon and its transformation into solid radioactive particles ;
potential health effects and interactions with smoking ;
ways of preventing radon exposure ;
the links between radon activity concentration in the air and the effective dose for a worker.

These two training courses, provided either in-house or by a training organization, are renewed at least every three years.

19 - Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)

The PCR must hold a certificate issued on completion of radiation protection training. The certificate is valid for 5 years.

Through its levels, sectors and options, this training is adapted to the nature and extent of the radiological risk, and to the conditions under which the activity is carried out. It is broken down into two types of skills - knowledge and know-how - adapted to the work environment and associated risks.

This training is provided by a training organization.

Initial PCR training includes :

A theoretical module on the main principles of radiation protection and radiation protection regulations;
an applied module consisting of tutorials and practical work, combining real-life situations in adapted facilities specific to each sector and option.

The total duration of level 2 training, industry sector, nuclear option is 97 hours, corresponding to the sum of the 84 hours of the double option "sealed radioactive sources and unsealed radioactive sources" and the 13 hours of the nuclear module.

Training renewal

Renewal training comprises a theoretical module and an applied module. It is open to anyone holding a training certificate as a competent person in radiation protection that is valid on the date of the knowledge test.

More specifically, the total duration of level 2 renewal training, industry sector, nuclear option is 31 hours, corresponding to the sum of the 24 hours of the double option "sealed radioactive sources and unsealed radioactive sources" and the 7 hours of the nuclear module.

20 - CAMARI

To use industrial radiology equipment and categories of equipment, workers must hold a certificate of aptitude for handling the equipment, known as a "CAMARI".

Tests of knowledge

The Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire issues the CAMARI subject to successful completion of the knowledge assessment tests organized by the Institut, which include :

a written test covering the educational objectives defined in Appendix 1. If successful, the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire will issue a provisional certificate valid for one year, enabling the candidate to prepare for the oral test;
an oral test after a probationary period of at least three months.

During this probationary period, the candidate must have regularly handled at least one of the industrial radiology machines set out in the decision of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (Autorité de sûreté nucléaire) provided for in article R. 231-91 of the French Labor Code, for which he or she is applying. These manipulations are carried out under the supervision of a professional holding a valid CAMARI, responsible for operations linked to the use of the equipment. In addition, the candidate takes part in all operations required for the use of this equipment and appropriate preventive measures, such as marking out, maintenance, storage and transportation. At the end of this period, the candidate draws up a report describing the actions he or she has undertaken, together with the corresponding radiation protection measures. This report is sent to the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire prior to the oral test.

If you pass the oral test, the CAMARI is issued for a renewable period of five years.

21 - Prior training

In order to take the knowledge test, candidates must attend a training course provided by a training organization with at least one trainer who can justify :

a qualification at least equal to level IV as defined by the French Ministry of Education in a technical or scientific field,
competence in radiation protection and at least one year's professional experience in the industrial radiology activity taught.

The course is offered in three options:

electric X-ray generator ;
particle gas pedal ;
industrial radiology equipment containing at least one radioactive source.

It comprises two modules, the pedagogical objectives and minimum duration of which are defined in Appendix 1 of the Order of December 21, 2007:

a theoretical module on the principles of radiation protection and radiation protection regulations, common to all three of the above options;
a practical module, specific to each of the above options.

The training organization issues a training certificate to each candidate, after verifying that the training objectives have been met. This certificate includes the following information:

candidate's full name ;
candidate's date and place of birth ;
option(s) taught ;
teaching dates for each module ;
name and address of training organization.

22- First aid at work

A member of staff is trained as a first-aider to give first aid in an emergency in :

each workshop where dangerous work is performed;
every worksite employing at least twenty workers for more than a fortnight where hazardous work is carried out.

Initial training lasts 14 hours. This is repeated every two years, and for a period of 7 hours the employee benefits from skills maintenance. What's more, this training is provided by company SST instructors or training organizations.

As a reminder, workers trained in this way cannot replace nurses.

23 - Gestures and postures

Workers whose work involves manual handling benefit from :

information on the risks they run when activities are not carried out in a technically correct manner;
adequate safety training in handling operations.

During this training, which must be essentially practical in nature, people are instructed in the gestures and postures they need to adopt to carry out manual handling safely.

This training is provided in-house or by training organizations.

24 - Screen work

The employer is responsible for informing and training workers on how to use the screen and the work equipment in which it is integrated. More specifically, this information and training is provided in-house.

It goes without saying that every worker benefits from this training prior to his or her first assignment to work on a display screen, and whenever the organization of the workstation is substantially modified.

25 - SSCT training for CSE / CSSCT members

SSCT training for members of the CSE / CSSCT aims to :

develop their ability to detect and measure occupational hazards, and their capacity to analyze working conditions;
introduce them to methods and procedures for preventing occupational hazards and improving working conditions.

It should be stressed that this training is provided by an accredited organization.

The minimum duration is five days in companies with at least three hundred employees, and three days in companies with fewer than three hundred employees. This training is repeated once the representatives have served for four years, consecutively or otherwise.

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Photo credit: Dylan Gillis