Department Heads and Faculty Deaneries
Provide staff and students with time away from work or study to attend required SSTS training.
Key responsibilities
Everyone has a part to play
Training needs are determined by the work performed, hazards encountered, workplace conditions and assigned roles.
Immediate Supervisors and Principal Investigators
Identify required training for individuals working in laboratories under their care, complete relevant core training, and undertake the same hazard-specific training as their staff and students.
Staff and students
Assist their supervisors in identifying the safety training required for their own work, attend the relevant training and refreshers, and pass each course competency test.
Visitors and guests
Work with their host to identify required training, attend it, and pass the course competency test.
ORMC
Provides training, reviews changing training needs, and introduces or improves courses for the NUS community.
Office of Human Resources
Updates staff training records through ORMC.
Who is covered?
Laboratory, technical, veterinary and research staff, and students undertaking FYP, UROP or postgraduate research involving hazardous chemicals, biological materials, ionising radiation, or Class 3B/4 lasers. This also includes relevant work at non-NUS organisations such as A*STAR, hospitals and industrial-attachment sites.
Progressive learning
Your three-stage training pathway
All staff and students progress from Stage A to Stage C. Supervisors and PIs also identify supplementary add-on courses based on risk assessments.
Start with induction, then build for your work and role
- Stage A: Induction training for new staff and students, providing the foundation for understanding NUS safety and health requirements.
- Stage B: Core and add-on training determined by the risk assessment and specific hazards. For example, hydrofluoric acid work requires Chemical Safety (OSHCHM01) and Safe Use & Handling of Hydrofluoric Acid (OSHCHM02).
- Stage C: Training added when a person is appointed to a defined role such as Fire Warden, Fire Safety Coordinator or First Aider.
Induction training
Foundation training for new staff and students covering the requirements for working safely at NUS.
- University safety and emergency requirements
- Fire safety
- Laboratory induction where applicable
Hazard-specific training
Core and add-on training selected from the hazards and controls identified in the work risk assessment.
- Chemical
- Biological
- Radiation and laser
- General and specialist safety
Appointment-based training
Training tied to assigned roles and responsibilities such as Fire Warden, Fire Safety Coordinator or incident-management roles.
Harmonised safety training: Selected Stage B courses—including Chemical Safety (OSHCHM01), Biosafety for BSL-2 Laboratories (OSHBIO08), and Safe Needle Usage in Research Laboratories (OSHBIO06)—fall under the Harmonised Safety Training Framework. Look for the purple framework badges in the course listings.
Stage A
Induction training
NUS Requirements on Safety, Health and Emergency Management
OSHGEN03All staff: compulsory e-orientation to be completed within one month of joining NUS. In CHRS, select Learning and search for OSHGEN03. This course is not accessible to students.
Effective from 3 August 2015Online Fire Safety Training Course
OSHFS01All staff: compulsory within one month of joining. In CHRS, select Learning and search for OSHFS01. This online course is not available to students. The 16-minute video includes a quiz and assessment. Anyone who previously completed Fire Safety Education or Fire Safety Refresher is exempt. Completion does not replace classroom training required because of an appointment, job role, course requirement or PI determination. Visitors or students identified by their PI because of fire risk may contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg about Fire Safety Education.
Effective from 3 August 2015Laboratory Safety Induction Training
OSHGEN01Compulsory for all new NUS staff working in laboratories and workshops. Provides a general overview of laboratory safety and health and must be completed before performing laboratory activities.
Effective from 3 August 2015Introduction to Laboratory Safety and Health in NUS - Policy, Principles and Practice
OSHGEN02Compulsory before laboratory or workshop entry for newly matriculated undergraduates taking relevant classes in lab-based departments, such as those in the Faculty of Science, NUS Medicine and the College of Design and Engineering. This list is non-exhaustive.
Effective from 3 August 2015Campus Safety & Health: Our Responsibility
OSHGEN10Recommended for newly matriculated undergraduates. Developed by the Working Group on Safety & Health in Higher Education and Research (WG HER). Learners should be able to understand accident causes, identify campus hazards, apply Look-Think-Do to prevent accidents, and respond to emergencies.
Effective from 1 August 2021Stage B
Hazard-specific training
Core courses are paired with add-ons for specific hazards, tasks or responsibilities. Three-year refresher requirements apply where stated.
Chemical safety
Chemical Safety (OSHCHM01)
For individuals performing activities involving hazardous chemicals. Retake after three years. This course is recognised by the WSH Council's Working Group on Safety & Health in Higher Education and Research; personnel from approved member organisations are exempt.
Safe Use & Handling of Hydrofluoric Acid (OSHCHM02)
For individuals working with hydrofluoric acid.
Safe Use & Handling of Pyrophoric Chemicals (OSHCHM03)
For individuals working with pyrophoric chemicals.
Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (OSHCHM04)
For individuals appointed to conduct Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA).
Chemical Spill Response (OSHCHM05)
For individuals appointed to perform chemical spill response.
Biological safety
Biosafety for BSL-1 Laboratories (OSHBIO07)
For individuals conducting BSL-1 work. This course replaces OSHBIO01.
Biosafety for BSL-2 Laboratories (OSHBIO08)
For individuals conducting BSL-2 work. This course replaces OSHBIO01 and is recognised by the WSH Council's Working Group on Safety & Health in Higher Education and Research. Personnel from approved member organisations are exempt.
Safe Handling of Human Tissue and Fluids (OSHBIO03)
For individuals working with material of human origin, including tissue, all cell lines (including commercial cell lines) and body fluids.
Biosafety Legislations & Guidelines (OSHBIO04)
From 1 June 2016: Individuals appointed to identify and monitor legislation for the laboratory or department.
From 28 November 2024: New Principal Investigators, all individuals appointed to identify and monitor legislation for laboratories or departments, and all individuals involved in importing, acquiring, transferring or handling biological materials.
From 14 August 2026: All Principal Investigators conducting life-science research whose laboratories handle biological materials, all individuals appointed to identify and monitor legislation for laboratories or departments, and all individuals involved in importing, acquiring, transferring or handling biological materials.
Safe Needle Usage in Research Laboratories (OSHBIO06)
For individuals using needles in life-science research. Those who completed SingHealth Needle Safety in Research Laboratories are exempt.
Safe Handling of Non-human Primate Derived Materials (OSHBIO09)
For individuals handling macaque-derived materials.
Viral Vector Safety and Regulations Training (OSHBIO10)
For individuals working with viral vectors.
Biological Spills and Emergency Response (OSHBIO05)
For individuals appointed to contain biological spills.
Radiation and laser safety
Laser Safety Training (OSHRAD02)
For activities involving Class 3B or Class 4 lasers. Retake after three years.
Safe Handling of Radioactive Materials (OSHRAD03)
For activities using radioactive materials or equipment containing them, such as gauges and gamma irradiators. Retake after three years.
Safe Handling of X-ray Machines (OSHRAD04)
For individuals using X-ray machines or equipment capable of producing X-rays. Retake after three years.
Basic MRI Safety Training (OSHRAD05)
For people accessing an MRI controlled area but not operating MRI machines or scanners.
MRI Safety Training for Operators (OSHRAD06)
For people accessing MRI controlled areas and operating MRI machines or scanners.
General safety
Respiratory Protection for First-time Users (OSHGEN04)
For NUS staff and students required to wear respirators during teaching or research work. Returning users taking a refresher should complete OSHGEN05 instead.
Respiratory Protection for Returning Users (OSHGEN05)
Refreshes correct respirator use one year after completion of the first-time user programme.
Risk Management for Laboratories (OSHGEN06)
For staff and students conducting laboratory risk assessments; Safety Leads are highly encouraged to attend.
Risk Management for General Workplaces (OSHGEN07)
For staff and students conducting general-workplace risk assessments; Safety Leads are highly encouraged to attend.
Field Research Safety (OSHGEN08)
For staff and students conducting field research; Field Research Leads are highly encouraged to attend.
Incident Investigation and Root Cause Analysis (OSHGEN09)
For staff and students who investigate incidents as lead investigators or investigation-team members.
Fire safety and ergonomics
Customised Fire Safety Training
Available to faculties, offices, student bodies and groups, normally with at least 20 participants. Contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.
NUS Office Ergonomics Training (OSHERGO01)
Covers office ergonomic hazards, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, good practices, workstation self-evaluation and control measures.
NUS Laboratory Ergonomics Training (OSHERGO02)
Covers laboratory ergonomic hazards, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, good practices, workstation self-evaluation and control measures.
Stage C
Appointment-based training
Course selection depends on the responsibilities assigned to the individual.
Fire Safety Education Course
Compulsory for appointed Building Fire Coordinators, assistants, wardens and assistant wardens; all laboratory technical staff handling petroleum and flammable materials; and other laboratory personnel identified by their PI. The course covers fire development, response and hands-on use of extinguishers, blankets and hose reels. It is also recommended for others seeking practical fire-safety knowledge. For enquiries, contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.
Fire Warden Training Course
Compulsory for appointed Building Fire Wardens and assistants. This half-day course covers inspections, safe fire-alarm procedures, incident lessons and lifesaving skills. Fire Safety Education or equivalent is a prerequisite; both courses may be taken on the same day where places are available. For enquiries, contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.
Fire Safety Coordinator Course
Compulsory for appointed Building Fire Safety Coordinators and assistants. This full-day course covers NUS fire-safety management, Fire Emergency Plans, annual drills, building inspections, regulatory requirements and campus emergency preparedness. Fire Safety Education or equivalent is a prerequisite. For enquiries, contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.
Fire Safety Refresher Course
Compulsory for laboratory staff after Fire Safety Education, under requirements including the Fire Safety (Petroleum & Flammable Materials) Regulations 2005. This two-hour programme includes a quiz, incident lessons, scenario discussion and practical use of extinguishers, blankets and hose reels. It is also recommended for other previous Fire Safety Education participants. For enquiries, contact ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.
Crisis Management: Business As Usual
A two-day course for Unit Incident Commanders, deputies, managers, senior Unit Incident & Crisis Committee members, staff and the NUS CEM Team. Nominations are coordinated through the Unit Incident Commander, normally about one month before the course.
Safety and Health Management System (OSHSMS01)
Recommended for PIs, laboratory supervisors and research personnel who conduct risk assessments and develop laboratory safety systems.
Chemical Spill Response (Hands-on)
Train-the-trainer course for Safety and Health Coordinators in departments with chemical laboratories, enabling them to teach departmental staff and students. Completion of the online Chemical Spill Response course (OSHCHM05) is required first.
Biological Spills and Emergency Response (Hands-on)
Train-the-trainer course for Safety and Health Coordinators in departments using biological material, enabling them to teach departmental staff and students. Completion of the online Biological Spills course (OSHBIO05) is required first.
Access and support
Take training and find resources
Need help?
Safety training support
For general SSTS and ORMC training enquiries, contact ormctraining@nus.edu.sg. For fire-safety courses managed by Campus Emergency & Security, contact the University Campus Infrastructure team at ucibox26@nus.edu.sg.