Training product users

Manufacturers and providers could improve the information available on their products. User s guidance could be clearer, field demonstrations and training could be developed in order to familiarize end-users with these kind of tools. Information reduces the perceived risks and plays and important part in the process of acceptance. 

Everyone needs training for safety. Within a company there are new employees and experienced employees. There are supervisors and managers and special committees and teams. Product users and the general public need training in safety. 

Product Users Many product users need training in safe use of products. Recall (Chapter 7) that legal principles often require warnings and instructions with products to minimize liability. Usually, manufacturers provide manuals and instructions with their products. The safety information must be clear and understandable for aU potential users. There may be a need for instructions in several languages. Instructions may include warnings of various types interspersed throughout the instructional materials. For some products, a CD or other video product provided with the product may cover enhanced instructions. 

There are many training methods. The method to use depends on many factors, including subject content and delivery method. For example, there are few ways to reach the public or most product users. Sometimes producers can provide warning signs or user manuals only. Sometimes they use advertisements, notices through social media or features on radio and television shows to reach product consumers. 

Caulks give off organic compounds. Some of these are carcinogenic. Users are reminded here that they should have the Manufacturers Data Sheets for any chemicals they use. These sheets identify hazardous aspects in the use of the products. OSHA requires that contractors have these sheets available for employees and that a safety training program be in effect for these products. 

Contractors, contract manufacturers, transporters, warehouses, and end users of reactive chemicals should be informed not only of chemical reactivity hazards, but provided information or training on how to control them. This should be done as part of product life-cycle management and Responsible Care/Product Stewardship. Specific issues needing to be addressed may include but probably are not limited to those that are highlighted during the hazard/risk analyses (Section 4.5), including ... 

To be successful, an organization must offer services and products that meet a well-defined purpose or need. A company must satisfy its users, including delivery time scales. It should be ensured that applicable standards, statuary requirements, and specifications are in compliance. The offered product or services should be within budget and provide value. Companies should ensure that their total operations are carefully reviewed before implementation to reduce the occurrence of error and quickly correct any error inadvertently made. Control should be demonstrated on changes through proactive communication and feedback loops between the company and external interfaces. Training needs must be identified to promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Other chemicals, too, should be sold to or handled only by people who are trained and equipped to handle and use them safely. Dow s Product Stewardship Program works to assure that handlers and users of Dow products are aware of specific hazards and are trained and equipped to handle them. 

Employees should be fully informed of the potential hazards associated with their jobs. Regulations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard, require that hazard information be communicated not only to employees, but also to users of manufactured products (OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication). Information is communicated partly through material safety data sheets and labels. Education and training of employees about health hazards they may encounter on the job, along with appropriate protective measures, should be conducted by a multidisciplinary health team of relevant specialists and trained health educators. 

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