OSHA HAZWOPER

HAZWOPER is an acronym for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response and represents a set of guidelines produced and maintained by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which regulates hazardous waste operations and emergency services in the United States and its territories. With these guidelines, the U.S. government regulates hazardous wastes and dangerous goods from inception to disposal. Hazardous waste regulations for general industry are covered in 29 CFR 1910.120 and for construction in 29 CFR 1926.65.

What is HAZWOPER?

HAZWOPER applies to a wide range of operations, including clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites, voluntary clean-up operations, emergency response operations, and storage, treatment, and disposal facilities. The primary objective of HAZWOPER is to safeguard workers’ health and safety by implementing comprehensive training programs, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

General Industry

HAZWOPER training for general industryAs per 29 CFR Part 1910.120, the three levels of HAZWOPER training are:

  1. First Responder Awareness Level: This level of training is for individuals who, as part of their job duties, could potentially witness or discover a hazardous substance release. The training provides them with the basic knowledge to recognize the presence of hazardous substances, understand the risks involved, and know how to initiate an emergency response by notifying the appropriate authorities.
  2. First Responder Operations Level: The Operations level training is for individuals who respond to hazardous substance releases or potential releases to protect people, property, and the environment. These individuals take defensive actions without actually trying to stop the release. They receive training on hazard recognition, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, basic containment techniques, and safe practices to support the response efforts.
  3. Hazardous Materials Technician Level: The Technician level training is for individuals who respond to hazardous substance releases or potential releases to protect people, property, and the environment by stopping or controlling the release. They are trained to perform more aggressive actions using specialized PPE and equipment. The training includes advanced hazard assessment, risk management, chemical-specific knowledge, and advanced containment and control techniques.

It’s important to note that these three levels of HAZWOPER training apply specifically to emergency response operations and are outlined in 29 CFR Part 1910.120. Additional levels of training exist for individuals involved in other hazardous waste operations, such as clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites and storage, treatment, and disposal facilities.

Construction Industry

HAZWOPER training for constructionAccording to 29 CFR 1926.65, the levels of HAZWOPER training are as follows:

  1. HAZWOPER General Site Worker: This level of training is for workers engaged in hazardous substance cleanup operations or other activities at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. It includes employees involved in activities such as excavation, hazardous substance removal, and other related tasks. General Site Worker training provides knowledge about potential hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, decontamination procedures, and emergency response protocols.
  2. HAZWOPER Specialist: The Specialist level training is intended for individuals who have specific expertise or skills related to hazardous substance response. These individuals are responsible for tasks such as site characterization, chemical analysis, or specific engineering controls. The training focuses on advanced knowledge and techniques relevant to their area of specialization.
  3. HAZWOPER On-Scene Incident Commander: This level of training is for individuals who will assume control at hazardous substance incident sites. On-Scene Incident Commanders are responsible for assessing the situation, making critical decisions, and directing the response efforts. Training includes incident command system protocols, emergency response planning, and coordination of various resources to effectively manage the incident.

It’s important to note that these levels of HAZWOPER training, as outlined in 29 CFR 1926.65, are specific to the construction industry. They apply to hazardous substance cleanup operations and other related activities at construction sites. Different industries may have their own specific regulations and training requirements under HAZWOPER.

Training Duration and Recertification

Training duration varies depending on the level and job requirements. It can range from a few hours for basic training to several days for more advanced levels. OSHA mandates annual refresher training to keep employees updated on regulations and best practices.

HAZWOPER Training Online

  • 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual HAZWOPER Refresher Course: This 8-hour refresher course is designed to provide a review of key HAZWOPER training topics for affected employees who have previously completed their 24-hour HAZWOPER or 40-hour HAZWOPER training course.
  • 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training: The 24-Hour HAZWOPER training course is required for employees who encounter hazardous substances occasionally and are not involved in hazardous waste clean-up operations as mandated by the U.S. Government using the HAZWOPER training standard in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.
  • 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training: The Hazwoper 40-Hour course is required for employees who are engaged in Hazardous Waste Clean-up & Removal or other activities that could expose or potentially expose them to hazardous substances as mandated by the U.S. Government using the HAZWOPER training standard in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.