Virtual Training and Reopening
Virtual refresher training begins
Today, May 13, 2020, Chem Scope, Inc. received approval from the DPH to conduct virtual refresher trainings for all previously approved lead and asbestos courses.
(This excludes EPA Lead Safe RRP courses, which are addressed at the bottom of this post.) We will begin scheduling classes as soon as possible. It remains the case that licensing will not expire for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis and the following six months. For more information, see our post here: https://chem-scope.com/due-to-covid-19-dph-certification-license-and-permit-renewal-suspended/ For that reason, lead and asbestos professionals may still choose to delay training.
Initial training still suspended
Our approval for virtual trainings only includes refresher training, not initial training. Governor Ned Lamont’s May 20, 2020 phase 1 reopening of Connecticut includes restaurants, offices, hair salons, barbershops, retail stores, outdoor museums, and outdoor zoos. We do not understand this to include occupational training or other classroom gatherings, such as in-person initial trainings and the extensive hands-on activities associated with them. Initial training scheduling will be possible as soon as state and federal guidance allows it. We apologize for the continued inconvenience!
Class cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns? Need a custom class?
Students who were unable to attend refresher courses in April and May due to cancellations will be contacted over the next few days about our new virtual training schedule. Custom scheduling is also possible. Contact our training instructor Leigh Elijah (leigh@chem-scope.com) for more information.
Requirements for Virtual Training
Requirements for attending virtual training include (1) a government-issued photo ID, (2) a PC or Mac computer, (3) a stable internet connection, (4) a functioning webcam, (5) a functioning keyboard, and (6) a functioning mouse. Tablets will not be supported. A functional headset with microphone will be recommended. Each student must be able to download and use the most recent version of Zoom. Students must be able to type to participate in worksheet-based online hands-on activities, or they must be able to print the worksheet, answer by writing, and send a picture to the instructor.
Screenshots will be taken throughout the class to document that each student is present for the entire course. Students must arrive on time to class (typically, 8:00 am EST). Students are also encouraged to be present in the class 30 to 15 minutes early to allow for troubleshooting.
Many of our students will be new to virtual training. If you have questions or concerns about whether virtual training is right for you, please contact our training instructor Leigh Elijah (leigh@chem-scope.com).
What about EPA Lead Safe RRP classes?
EPA Lead Safe RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) initial 8-hour courses require hands-on training in a group setting, even when the lecture portion of the course is online. This presents a challenge until the state of Connecticut opens more fully.
If you need a refresher, however, fully online training is a good option at this time. There are several training providers on the EPA approved list, though Chem Scope does not offer online RRP refreshers at this time. We have had a chance to review online class materials offered by the company ProTech, and we are happy to provide a link to those who are interested. Email leigh@chem-scope.com for more information.
Note: an online RRP refresher certificate will be good for only 3 years, not 5, and the subsequent refresher must be in-person. Online refreshers without hands-on training are only allowed for every other refresher. Online refresher training is only possible if a student’s current training has not yet expired.