(1) Initial training.

(a) Each affected employee involved in the operation of a process, and each affected employee prior to working in a newly assigned process, must be trained in an overview of the process and in the applicable operating procedures in WAC 296-67-327.

(b) Each affected employee involved in the maintenance of a process, and each affected employee prior to performing work within a newly assigned process, including affected employees of contractors, must be trained in an overview of the process and in the hazards and safe work practices related to the process.

(c) The training must include the following material applicable to the employee's job tasks:

(i) Safety and health hazards;

(ii) Procedures, including emergency operations and shutdown; and

(iii) Safe work practices.

(2) Refresher and supplemental training.

(a) At least every three years, and more often if necessary, the employer must provide effective refresher and supplemental training to each operating employee to ensure that each employee understands and adheres to current operating procedures.

(b) At least every three years, and more often if necessary, the employer must provide effective refresher and supplemental training to each maintenance employee to ensure that each employee understands and adheres to current maintenance procedures.

(c) The employer, in collaboration with the employees involved in operating or maintaining a process, must determine the appropriate frequency and content of refresher training.

(3) Training certification.

(a) The employer must ensure that each affected employee involved in operating or maintaining a process has received, understood and successfully completed training as specified by this section.

(b) The employer, after the initial or refresher training, must prepare a certification record containing the identity of the employee, the date(s) of training, the means used to verify that the employee understood the training, and the signature(s) of the person(s) who administered the training.

(4) The employer must develop, implement, and maintain an effective written program that includes the following:

(a) The requirements that an employee must meet in order to be designated as qualified; and

(b) Employee testing procedures to verify understanding and to ensure competency in job skill levels and work practices that protect employee safety and health.

(5) Within 24 months of the effective date of Part B of this chapter, the employer must develop, implement, and maintain an effective written training program to ensure that all affected employees are aware of and understand all PSM elements described in this part. Employees and employee representatives collaborating as part of a team pursuant to Part B of this chapter must be trained in the PSM elements relevant to that team.