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Course overview

According to OSHA standard 29 CFR Part 1910.120, HAZWOPER training is required for any workers who perform cleanup, emergency response, or corrective actions that involve the uncontrolled release of hazardous substances.

HAZWOPER is the acronym used for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Rescue. Any employee working with hazardous substances, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, and engaged in work operations where they handle, store, treat, or dispose of hazardous materials should be given HAZWOPER training.

Workers who may be exposed to, or potentially exposed to, hazardous substances should also be given adequate training by employers. Workers exposed to contaminated substances at hazardous waste sites that exceed the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be provided with HAZWOPER training.

What will I learn?

1. Regulatory Overview
2. Hazard Recognition
3. Health and Safety Hazards
4. Personal Protective Equipment
5. Site Safety and Control Measures
6. Decontamination Procedures
7. Emergency Response Planning
8. Spill Response and Cleanup
9. Waste Management
10. Medical Surveillance

Requirements

Have basic safety knowledge.
Work in roles involving hazardous substances (e.g., construction, emergency response).
Be at least 18 years old.
Be physically fit for training and drills.
Understand the course language (usually English).
Be committed to safety practices.
Register with an accredited training provider.

FAQs

1. What is HAZWOPER training?
HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. It prepares workers to recognize and work safely around hazardous substances, waste operations and emergency situations.
2. Who needs HAZWOPER training?
HAZWOPER training is intended for workers involved in hazardous waste cleanup, hazardous substance operations, treatment/storage/disposal facilities and certain emergency response activities.
3. What does a HAZWOPER course cover?
The course covers hazardous substance hazards, PPE, hazard recognition, exposure control, emergency response, decontamination and safe work practices.
4. What is the difference between HAZWOPER 8-hour, 24-hour and 40-hour training?
The required training depends on the worker’s duties and exposure. Generally, 40-hour training applies to general site workers with greater exposure, while 24-hour training applies to certain workers with limited or lower exposure; 8-hour training is commonly used for annual refresher or additional training.
5. Is HAZWOPER training required by OSHA?
For workers covered by OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard, 29 CFR 1910.120 sets specific training requirements based on their role, work activities and exposure to hazardous substances.
6. Is HAZWOPER certification the same as OSHA certification?
HAZWOPER training is based on OSHA requirements, but OSHA does not approve or certify individual HAZWOPER training providers. The appropriate training and documentation depend on the applicable job role and standard.
7. Is HAZWOPER training required every year?
Many workers covered by the HAZWOPER standard must complete 8 hours of refresher training annually to maintain the required level of competency.
8. Can HAZWOPER training be completed online?
Online learning can be part of HAZWOPER training, but OSHA states that required initial 24- or 40-hour training must include appropriate hands-on training and practical experience.
9. What jobs require HAZWOPER training?
HAZWOPER training can be relevant to hazardous waste cleanup, environmental services, chemical handling, emergency response, industrial operations and other jobs involving hazardous substances.
10. How do I choose the right HAZWOPER training course?
Choose the training level based on your job duties, exposure potential and employer/site requirements. The 8-, 24- and 40-hour options have different applications under the OSHA HAZWOPER standard.