Training & Programming
Trainings Open to Faculty, Staff, and Students
Register for Laboratory Safety Training
General Safety Training:
Required training for those working on the University campuses in the presence of potential hazards.
Register for General Safety Training
Duration: 1 hour
Questions - email safety
gwu [dot] edu
Spring 2025 dates have been posted for both the Foggy Bottom and VSTC Campuses!
Questions - email: communityedgwemerg [dot] com
Active Threat Training
Participants will learn: active shooter trends & characteristics, actionable techniques you can use to prepare for and/or respond to an active shooter incident, practical survival tips to help you survive an active shooter incident, techniques you can use to potentially prevent an active shooter attack, and GW University-specific resources to help you prepare for; mitigate; respond to; and recover from an active shooter incident.
Duration: 1 hour
Respirator Safety & Fit Testing
This training reviews the potential respiratory hazards while performing on-the-job tasks and recognizing conditions where respirators are needed. This course outlines the procedures for respiratory protection to include proper fitting and use of a respirator.
Duration: 1 hour
R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense Training
GWPD provides an opportunity to develop and enhance self-defense options using the Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) training model for women.
To register or to learn more about the course, please go to
GWPD R.A.D. Training Information
Trainings Open to Faculty and Staff ONLY
- Asbestos & Lead Safety
Asbestos Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This training provides staff with the proper education about the hazards of asbestos and lead and where they could be found on GW campuses and protection from exposure.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Back Safety
Back Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees who often have to lift heavy items during the work day. This course will educate you on three primary ways to maintain a healthy back while working use proper lifting techniques, maintain a healthy weight and exercise to keep the back muscles strong. As a participant, you will get a chance to practice proper lifting techniques during the class.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Bloodborne Pathogen
Bloodborne Pathogen
Description: The course covers biosafety levels of research areas, Universal Precaution vs. Standard Precaution and maintaining good infection control practices while working at GW. This course also includes a demonstration of proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is highly recommended to take Laboratory Safety training prior to this course.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: GW employees who will be in contact with blood and/or human or animal bodily fluids.
For more information visit the Office of Lab Safety website.
- Confined Space
Confined Space
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. Entry into certain types of confined spaces, such as manholes, crawlspaces, tanks and pipe chases, may pose a significant risk to workers. Employees who may need to enter these spaces should be trained in the safe work practices and Personal Protective Equipment required. Training must be provided prior to entry into space and repeated whenever there are changes in hazards.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This course provides the understanding of electrical hazards in and around the workplace.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Fall Protection
Fall Protection
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This course enables employees to recognize the hazards of falling when working on elevated surfaces (e.g., roofs, scaffolds, aerial lifts).
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- General Safety
General Safety
Description: To learn the basics of how to prepare for emergencies on-campus. You will learn chemical labelling, fire prevention tips, and emergency resources available at GW.
Duration: 1 hour
Contact safety
gwu [dot] edu for additional information.- GHS Right-To-Know HazCom
GHS Right-To-Know HazCom
Description: This annual training was developed to educate the GW community on the new Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of chemical classification and labeling.
Duration: 2 hours
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees, Research Faculty, Research Staff and Research Support Staff
- Hot Work and Red Tag Permit
Hot Work and Red Tag Permit
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This training review the definition and process for when, where, and how to get a hot work or red tag permit.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Lead Safety
Lead Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This training provides staff with the proper education about the hazards of lead, where lead may be found on GW campuses, and protection from exposure.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Lock Out / Tag Out Safety
Lock Out / Tag Out Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This training review the definition and process for when, where, and how to use the university’s lock out/tag out system.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Motor Vehicle Safety
Motor Vehicle Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees on how to maneuver motor vehicles or utility vehicles across the GW campuses. This course will educate staff about general driving techniques and tips on how to maintain the motor vehicle.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees
- Power Tool Safety
Power Tool Safety
Description: Required annual training for Division of Operations employees. This course teaches staff the hazards of working around and with power tools, machine guarding, electrical safety tips, and how to use proper protective equipment while using power tools.
Duration: 1 hour
Target Audience: Facilities, Planning, Construction and Management employees