Laboratory Safety Training Matrix

Laboratory Safety Training

Recurring Training Update: Recurring safety training requirements are now in effect in Workday Learning. Designated foundational laboratory safety courses generally recur every three years, while training associated with higher-risk activities or specific regulatory requirements may recur annually. Personnel should review their assigned courses and due dates in Workday Learning.

Cornell University requires safety training based on laboratory activities, hazards, equipment, and applicable regulatory or institutional requirements. Training requirements are cumulative where applicable: personnel must complete all training relevant to their assigned work. Additional laboratory-specific instruction, specialized training, or training required by permits or approved safety protocols may be necessary. Laboratory-specific training must be documented by the laboratory.

Recurrence intervals: Annual and three-year intervals are identified below where supported by the October 9, 2026 EHS recurrence report. Courses without a listed interval should not be assumed to be nonrecurring. Workday Learning provides individual course assignments and due dates.

General Safety Training

Required for all laboratory personnel

• Health & Safety Basics (EHS 2655) 
• Laboratory Safety (EHS 2555) — Every 3 years

Chemical & Hazardous Materials Safety

Required for laboratory personnel whose work involves applicable chemical hazards or regulated chemical waste. General safety training also applies.

• Chemical Waste Disposal (EHS 2716) — Annual
• Cleaning Up Small Lab Spills (EHS 2394) — Every 3 years

Biological Safety

Required as applicable for research involving biological materials, biological hazards, or containment equipment. General safety training and other hazard-specific requirements also apply.

• Biosafety Level 2 (EHS 5060) — Every 3 years
• Bloodborne Pathogens (EHS 1074) — Annual
• Working Safely in Biosafety Cabinets (CVM 1074) — Every 3 years

Radiation & Laser Safety

Required based on the use of radiation-producing equipment, radioactive sources, or lasers. Additional authorization and training requirements may apply.

• Radiation-Producing Equipment Safety (EHS 5033) 
• Radiation Safety Sealed Source (EHS 5325) 
• Laser Safety (EHS 2397) — Every 3 years

Specialized Training

Required as applicable for specific equipment, hazardous materials, and specialized research activities. These courses supplement other training required for the work.

• Magnetic Field Safety (EHS 5035) 
• MRI Safety for CMRIF Research Use (EHS 2960) 
• Fume Hood Safety & Energy Conservation (EHS 3355) — Every 3 years
• Centrifuge Rotor Safety (EHS 2330) — Every 3 years
• Waste Anesthetic Gases Safety (EHS 2815) 
• Cryogen Safety (EHS 3055) — Every 3 years
• Hydrofluoric Acid Safety (EHS 2348) — Annual
• Methylene Chloride (EHS 2656) 
• Respiratory Protection (EHS 2381) — Annual 
  Respirator use also requires applicable medical evaluation, fit testing, and other elements of Cornell's Respiratory Protection Program.

Research Compliance Training

Required as applicable for controlled substances and research-specific compliance obligations.

• Research Use of Controlled Substances (EHS 5198) — Annual

How to Check Your Training Requirements

1. Sign in to Workday Learning.
2. Review Required for You and Continue Learning for assigned training and due dates.
3. Complete required training by the assigned due date.
4. Contact Environment, Health and Safety if an assignment does not appear to match your research activities or responsibilities.

Important: This matrix summarizes common laboratory safety training requirements and is not an exhaustive inventory. Initial training must be completed before applicable work begins. Recurring online training does not replace laboratory-specific instruction, competency assessment, or training required by applicable permits, protocols, or regulations.

Updated October 2026 | Cornell University Environment, Health and Safety | Research Safety