What Occupations Need HAZWOPER Training?

Written by Mary Salatino

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training is a protective measure for people who work with hazardous waste. This necessary training covers topics such as spotting hazards and responding to emergencies, making sure both people and the environment stay safe from harmful materials.

In this article, we examine the details of HAZWOPER certification — what it is, who needs it, the different types and more. We explain why this certification is beneficial and highlight important pieces of the corresponding Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard.

What Is HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER is a set of standards and regulations developed by OSHA. HAZWOPER establishes guidelines for the safe handling, clean-up, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous materials in both routine and emergency situations.

The primary objectives of HAZWOPER are to protect the health of individuals who are exposed to hazardous materials and to prevent environmental contamination. The regulations outline specific requirements for schooling, personal protective equipment (PPE), work practices and emergency response procedures.

HAZWOPER applies to a range of industries and workplaces where hazardous materials are present, including but not limited to environmental remediation, chemical manufacturing, waste management, construction and emergency response teams.

Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

Occupations that need hazardous waste operations and emergency response training typically include those who come into any type of contact with hazardous materials.

Individuals who require HAZWOPER training include:

• Toxic waste handlers: Workers responsible for the collection, transport, treatment and disposal of contaminants.
• Emergency responders: Personnel who may be asked to manage hazardous material spills or releases, including firefighters, paramedics and HAZMAT team members.
• Industrial workers: Individuals tasked with cleaning facilities that handle hazardous substances, such as chemical plants or laboratories.
• Construction workers: Those involved in projects where toxic agents may be encountered, such as asbestos removal or demolition of buildings containing lead-based paint.
• Government associates: Federal, state or local government personnel involved in cleanup tasks require proper education.
• Waste management personnel: Individuals who are responsible for managing hazardous waste at treatment, storage and disposal facilities.
• Site supervisors and managers: Individuals overseeing sites where toxic compounds are present, ensuring compliance with operational protocols and regulations.
• Environmental consultants: Professionals who assess and manage environmental risks.
• Healthcare workers: Individuals responsible for developing and implementing safety programs and protocols, ensuring compliance with regulations across various industries.

It's important to note that HAZWOPER training requirements vary depending on the level of involvement with hazardous materials and the specific responsibilities of the role. Check with your employer to determine what is mandatory for your position.

Types of HAZWOPER Training

HAZWOPER training is structured into different levels based on the duration and intensity of the training, as well as the level of involvement with dangerous contaminants. Here are the different types:

40-Hour HAZWOPER Training

40-hour HAZWOPER training is mandatory for people who are directly involved in hazardous waste management and emergency response. This instruction covers topics including hazard recognition, toxicology, chemical safety, personal protective equipment usage, decontamination procedures and emergency response protocols.

Our course also includes hands-on exercises and simulations to provide practical safe-handling experience. This level of education is helpful for people who may be exposed to hazardous substances at or above permissible exposure limits (PELs) or who are involved in emergency response.

You must take an annual refresher course to maintain your certification.

24-Hour HAZWOPER Training

24-hour HAZWOPER training is a condensed version of the 40-hour program and is necessary for workers who have limited exposure to hazardous materials or who are not directly involved in handling or clean-up activities. This includes technicians, specialists, supervisors and other positions where hazards do not exceed PELs.

Topics include toxicology, agencies and regulations, site safety planning, decontamination and more. Individuals are obligated to complete an eight-hour refresher course once a year to keep their certification. You may need to retake the course if you miss the deadline.

8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training

The 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher training course is required annually for people who have already completed either the 40-hour or 24-hour training. This refresher course reinforces key concepts, updates workers on any regulatory changes and provides the opportunity to brush up on safe handling techniques.

Positions that require refresher training include equipment operators, HAZMAT specialists, on-scene incident commanders and more. Always check with your employer to determine when your refresher training is needed.

Overall, the different types of training cater to the varying levels of worker's involvement in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. By completing the appropriate level of training, individuals can acquire the necessary skills to protect themselves, their coworkers and the environment from the risks associated with hazardous materials.

Core Components of HAZWOPER Education

In general, instruction focuses on the following topics:

Hazard Recognition

HAZWOPER training emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding the hazards associated with hazardous materials. This includes recognizing the physical, chemical and biological hazards present in the workplace, as well as understanding the potential health effects of exposure to these hazards.

Students will learn to identify risky substances, assess risks and implement controls to mitigate exposure, such as engineering controls, administrative controls and safe work practices.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

You'll also learn about the selection, use and maintenance of PPE to minimize exposure to dangerous materials.

This includes understanding the different types of PPE available, such as respirators, chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, goggles and face shields, and knowing when and how to use them effectively. Training also covers proper donning and doffing procedures, inspection of PPE for defects and decontamination of PPE after use.

Decontamination Procedures

Decontamination procedures teach team members to remove high-risk substances from their person, equipment and the environment. This involves understanding the various methods of decontamination, such as physical removal, chemical neutralization and biological disinfection.

Additionally, staff will learn the steps involved in setting up decontamination zones, establishing decontamination procedures and implementing decontamination protocols.

Emergency Response Protocols

Responding effectively to emergencies involving hazardous materials can potentially save someone's life. You'll learn to handle emergencies such as spills, leaks, fires and releases. This includes understanding emergency response procedures, activating emergency communication systems, evacuating the area safely and initiating appropriate response actions to contain and mitigate the incident.

Training also covers the roles and responsibilities of emergency response team members, coordination with outside agencies and post-incident reporting and debriefing.

OSHA Standards

OSHA works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set the training requirement standards. Both general industry and construction workers must complete the relevant training as per OSHA standards 29 CFR 1910.120 and 29 CFR 1926.65. These standards encompass various substances, including but not limited to chemicals, toxins and other harmful materials encountered in the workplace.

Benefits of HAZWOPER Instruction

HAZWOPER education offers a multitude of benefits for both employers and employees. For employers, having certified personnel means enhanced workplace safety and reduced liabilities. By ensuring that workers are adequately trained to handle hazardous materials, employers can minimize the risk of accidents, injuries and environmental incidents. This not only protects the well-being of staff members but also protects the company's reputation and financial interests.

Moreover, HAZWOPER-certified laborers are fit to maintain regulatory compliance, helping to avoid costly fines and penalties. Their proficiency in hazard recognition, emergency response and proper handling of hazardous substances contributes to a more efficient and productive work environment.

For employees, certification opens doors to new career opportunities and advancement possibilities. Many industries require qualification for certain job roles, making certified individuals more competitive in the job market. Additionally, this training demonstrates a commitment to professionalism and risk management, enhancing an individual's credibility and earning potential within their field.

HAZWOPER training stands as a cornerstone of well-being in hazardous waste handling and emergency response. By equipping people with essential skills, HAZWOPER certification ensures not only their protection but also the preservation of the environment. With stringent standards set by OSHA in collaboration with the EPA, industries are held to a high standard of preparedness and protective measures.