While there are numerous risks associated with operating in the industrial setting, one of the most dangerous aspects is the potential of encountering hazardous substances or waste.
Fortunately, your business can protect its teams from the dangers of handling hazardous waste by adhering to OSHA’s standards and training requirements.
Specifically, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the HAZWOPER OSHA standard and provide all applicable employees with HAZWOPER training.
What is HAZWOPER Training?
HAZWOPER training is a workplace safety program aligned with the HAZWOPER OSHA standard. The acronym “HAZWOPER” stands for “Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.”
This standard, outlined in OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.120, aims to prevent injuries and illnesses from contact with hazardous materials. It outlines training expectations for individuals in areas where hazardous waste may be encountered. This includes general site workers and emergency responders who must be able to recognize and manage risks.
Who is Required to Have HAZWOPER Training?
HAZWOPER training applies to three categories of workers:
- Those assigned to clean up hazardous waste sites
- Workers at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities
- Emergency response teams
Emergency responders face stricter training demands, since their roles involve rapid decision-making during dangerous events. Training is also advised for staff who frequently enter environments with:
- Explosion or fire hazards
- Confined spaces
- Elevated chemical concentrations
- Low oxygen
- Dangerous atmospheric conditions
This instruction gives workers practical knowledge to operate safely in such situations.
Work Environments that Benefit from HAZWOPER Training
All of the above work environments will benefit from HAZWOPER OSHA training. While workers in the fields mentioned above voluntarily choose to place themselves in potentially hazardous environments, it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they have the skills necessary to work safely.
Employers that fail to adhere to OSHA’s training requirements not only endanger their workers but also expose themselves to significant civil liability.
If your organization’s activities involve the use, production, management, or cleanup of hazardous waste, it will benefit from HAZWOPER training, as will your staff. As such, you should strongly consider incorporating HAZWOPER training into your annual training schedule, even if you’re not required to do so under OSHA guidelines.
HAZWOPER Training Options
Selecting the appropriate HAZWOPER instruction depends on job duties and the likelihood of contact with hazardous substances.
40-Hour HAZWOPER Training (also known as HAZWOPER 40)
This option applies to those directly involved in hazardous waste activities, including site workers, equipment operators, and supervisors. Topics include:
- Hazard recognition
- Toxicology basics
- Use of protective gear
- Decontamination processes
In addition to classroom instruction, OSHA requires hands-on practice and supervised field experience.
24-Hour HAZWOPER Training
This course suits workers with limited tasks at hazardous sites, such as visitors or employees with lower exposure risk. It includes:
- Identifying hazards
- Personal protection methods
- Emergency response practices
It offers a shorter format and less field training compared to the 40-hour option.
8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher
Workers who have completed the initial 24- or 40-hour training must complete an annual refresher. This session includes:
- Updates on rules or procedures
- Review of safety techniques
- Discussion of new workplace risks
Missing this annual requirement may lead to retraining and a lapse in compliance.
HAZWOPER Training Delivery Options
HAZWOPER OSHA training online is a popular choice for workers and employers who prefer a flexible schedule. This format allows participants to complete coursework remotely, while still fulfilling OSHA classroom requirements.
After identifying the required instruction, it’s time to decide how it will be delivered.
Online vs. In-Person Training
Many providers offer HAZWOPER training through digital platforms. OSHA permits this format for the classroom part of the 24-hour and refresher courses. However, practical exercises such as PPE use must be completed face-to-face.
Before registering, confirm that the course includes the necessary field components if required for your role.
Choose HAZWOPER training based on role and risk!
Training should align with an employee’s responsibilities and possible contact with hazardous substances. Employers are expected to assess jobsite conditions and assign the appropriate instruction. When in doubt, consult a safety training expert.
Benefits of HAZWOPER Training
HAZWOPER training supports both employees and the business:
For Employees:
- Fewer workplace injuries
- Lower exposure to harmful materials
- Greater confidence while handling hazardous waste
For Employers:
- Reduced workers’ comp claims
- Less exposure to lawsuits
- Fewer OSHA violations
- Improved employee trust and reliability for clients
Providing this training helps reinforce workplace safety habits and reduces the chance of preventable incidents.
Recertification and Recordkeeping
OSHA expects employers to track employee training and keep documentation current. The 8-hour refresher must be completed each year to maintain certification.
Contact Safety by Design for OSHA Training in Houston, Texas
The HAZWOPER OSHA standard and associated training are highly valuable for promoting workplace safety compliance at facilities that handle hazardous waste. With that in mind, it’s imperative that you make it possible for your employees to receive this training by partnering with an experienced provider like Safety By Design.
Safety By Design is the premier safety consulting firm in the Lone Star State. We also offer on-site OSHA HAZWOPER training to clients in and around Houston, Texas.
Contact Safety By Design today to learn more about our services or schedule on-site HAZWOPER training with our team of experts.
Thank you for visiting our website! We appreciate your interest in workplace safety. Please note that Safety by Design is not affiliated with OSHA. However, we can assist you with the following OSHA-related services:
- OSHA Mock Inspection
- OSHA Training
- Facilitate OSHA Inspections and Citations
If you need to file a complaint with OSHA, please call 800-321-6742 (OSHA) or visit this page for other methods to contact them.
