HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training is a crucial program established by OSHA (19 CFR 1910. 120) to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials and waste. It applies to various industries and aims to equip workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to mitigate risks and respond effectively to hazardous situations. In this blog, we will explore the importance of HAZWOPER training, its different levels, the industries it covers, and where to obtain this essential training.
1) What is OSHA?
Occupational Safety and Health Administration(OSHA) is a federal agency in the United States that operates under the U.S. Department of Labor. Some of its tasks include Setting Standards, conducting inspections, providing training, outreach on workplace safety, and record keeping and reporting.
2) What is HAZWOPER training?
HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training is a specialized training program under OSHA regulation 19. CFR 1910.120. It is aimed at individuals who work with or may be exposed to hazardous materials and hazardous waste.
This training is applicable to a range of industries where workers may encounter hazardous substances or engage in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Some of the industries covered by HAZWOPER training include:
1) Construction
2) Manufacturing
3) Oil and Gas
4) Transportation and Logistics
5) Waste Management
6) Emergency Response and Public Safety
7) Environmental Consulting
8) Healthcare and Laboratories
9) Government and Military and many more.
It's important to note that HAZWOPER training requirements may vary within each industry based on specific job roles, responsibilities, and regulatory requirements. Employers should assess the risks and compliance needs within their industry to ensure the appropriate level of HAZWOPER training for their workforce.
Let us view in detail the HAZWOPER types in detail and about each level.
3) Types of HAZWOPER Training:
1) HAZWOPER Awareness Level (4 hours):
This is specified in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: General laborers, administrative staff, security personnel, and workers who may encounter hazardous substances but do not handle them directly.
Training Focus: Basic understanding of hazardous materials, their risks, and general safety practices to prevent exposure.
2) HAZWOPER Operations Level (8 hours):
This is specified in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: Field operators, maintenance technicians, site supervisors, and personnel who may respond to hazardous material incidents.
Training Focus: Identifying hazards, using personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing control measures, and safe response to incidents.
3) HAZWOPER Technician Level (24 hours):
This is specified in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: Hazardous materials technicians, spill response team members, environmental specialists, and individuals directly involved in handling and responding to hazardous materials incidents.
Training Focus: Advanced techniques for handling hazardous materials, implementing decontamination procedures, and participating in hazardous materials response operations.
4) HAZWOPER Specialist Level (24-40 hours):
This is specified in 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: Decontamination specialists, toxicologists, hazardous materials coordinators, and professionals specializing in specific areas of hazardous materials response.
Training Focus: In-depth knowledge of specific hazardous materials and advanced techniques for handling, managing, and mitigating their risks.
5) HAZWOPER Incident Commander (24-40 hours):
This is outlined in regulation 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: Emergency response team leaders, incident commanders, and supervisors responsible for overseeing and managing hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
Training Focus: The training covers a range of topics, including incident command system (ICS) principles, leadership and decision-making, hazard assessment and control, communication and coordination, resource management, and regulatory requirements.
6) HAZWOPER Refresher Training (8-24 hours):
This is outlined in regulation 29 CFR 1910.120(q) of the OSHA regulation.
Job Roles: Individuals who have completed initial HAZWOPER training and require periodic refreshers to maintain their skills and knowledge. Refresher training is typically required annually or every three years, depending on the job role and industry.
Training Focus: The training focuses on reinforcing key concepts, regulations, and best practices related to hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
Employers should evaluate the hazards associated with their operations and ensure compliance with relevant regulations to determine the appropriate level of HAZWOPER training needed for their workforce.
Get trained online:
Successful completion of the HAZWOPER 40-hour general training program equips workers with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to work safely in hazardous waste operations. It helps create a safer work environment, promotes regulatory compliance, and reduces risks associated with hazardous materials in the Oil and gas industry.
At LearnToDrill, we are developing the HAZWOPER 40-hour training which is mainly aimed at general training conducted at hazardous waste sites that may or may not expose workers to hazardous substances in accordance with the 19. CFR 1910.120(e) of OSHA Regulations.
For any queries, reach out to info@learntodrill.com