Cadmium Awareness for General Industry Online

Employees covered under the Cadmium General Industry Standard must receive training that ensures they understand the hazards and safe handling practices associated with cadmium exposure in the workplace. This includes awareness of the health risks outlined in the cadmium safety data sheet, as well as understanding where cadmium is used, stored, or released during specific job tasks—especially in situations where exposure may exceed the permissible exposure limit. Training must also cover the engineering controls and work practices used in each employee’s job role, along with proper use, selection, fitting, and limitations of respirators and protective clothing. Employees must be informed about measures they can take to reduce exposure, including hygiene practices, behavioral adjustments such as smoking cessation, and employer-provided protections like PPE, emergency procedures, and safe work systems. In addition, workers must understand the purpose of the medical surveillance program, the contents of the Cadmium Standard and its appendices, and their rights regarding access to exposure and medical records. Employers are also responsible for providing site-specific training alongside third-party instruction, ensuring all safety procedures, equipment use, and emergency responses are clearly documented and aligned with workplace conditions.