HAZWOPER in General Industry: What Is It and When Is It Required?

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(Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, www.dvidshub.net)

HAZWOPER is an area of much misunderstanding among employers and safety professionals alike. Too often, this topic is either neglected or taken too far. Therefore, it is important to clarify what HAZWOPER is, why it is necessary, and who it affects.

What is HAZWOPER?

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard, otherwise known as HAZWOPER, falls under 29 CFR 1910.120 for General Industry. However, it must be noted that the HAZWOPER standard for Construction is 29 CFR 1926.65 and is considered identical to its counterpart. 

The HAZWOPER standards were developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers who have the potential to be exposed to hazardous materials from possible related injuries and illnesses. More specifically, the HAZWOPER standards provide information and training requirements to improve workplace health and safety where there is the possibility for the release of hazardous materials or substances. 

HAZWOPER applies to the following categories of operations unless the employer can demonstrate that there is no possibility for employee exposure:

  • Cleanup involving environmental remediation activities at Superfund sites, Brownfield sites, abandoned industrial sites, and other similar locations. These sites are recognized by federal, state, or local governments as having the potential for worker exposure to hazardous materials.  

  • The handling of hazardous waste at treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

  • The generation of hazardous waste such as at manufacturing facilities where there is the potential for an uncontrolled release of hazardous materials. 

  • Emergency response involving releases of or potential for releases of hazardous materials at public and private facilities, research laboratories, universities, chemical facilities, railroads, roads/highways, and any other locations.  This type of work is performed on an emergency basis to contain and control the hazardous material release.

HAZWOPER Training Requirements

The training requirements under HAZWOPER are broken down into 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour courses. Once one of these courses is taken, the attendees must receive a written certification confirming successful completion.

HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training

This initial training requires a minimum of 40 hours (5 days) of instruction off-site and a minimum of three days of actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained and experienced supervisor or lead person. It is required for workers who are engaged in activities that can expose them to hazardous materials or substances and related health hazards. This training applies to general site workers such as equipment operators, general laborers, and supervisory personnel. 

HAZWOPER 24-Hour Training

This initial training requires a minimum of 24 hours (3 days) of instruction off-site, and a minimum of one day of actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained and experienced supervisor or lead person. This training is required for the following types of workers:

  • Those who are on-site only occasionally and for a specific task that is unlikely to cause them to be exposed to hazardous materials or substances over permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits.

  • Those who are regularly on-site who work in areas that have been determined to not exceed the permissible exposure limits and published exposure limits. Also, it is established that there are no related health hazards or potential for an emergency to occur.

HAZWOPER 8-Hour Training

This refresher training requires a minimum of 8 hours (1 day) of instruction on an annual basis for workers who have already completed either the HAZWOPER 40-hour or 24-hour training. 

HAZWOPER Training Recommendations:

The 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour training can be provided in a classroom or computer-based setting but must include a hands-on component for valuable practical experience. Effective HAZWOPER training may include but not be limited to hands-on exercises such as donning and doffing personal protective equipment, navigating through a safety data sheet, and drum handling. Employers should also seek to hire HAZWOPER trainers with knowledge and experience in hazardous waste operations and the emergency response industry.

KERAMIDA is a full-service health and safety consulting firm that offers interactive on-site classroom instruction for the HAZWOPER 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour refresher training. Fill out our quick response form or call (800) 508-8034 to speak with one of our training professionals today.

Blog Author

Andrew Tirmenstein
Senior Project Manager, Security, Health and Safety Services
ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 Auditor
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Andrew at atirmenstein@keramida.com.