HAZWOPER vs HAZMAT: What Are Their Differences & Which Training Do You Need?

The difference between Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) can be confusing. But though similar, HAZWOPER and HAZMAT training are implemented by different agencies and cover different regulations.
In general, HAZWOPER training involves workers in clean-up activities, corrective actions, and emergency response operations in hazardous sites. On the other hand, HAZMAT training covers the transportation of hazardous materials. Keep reading to know more about HAZWOPER vs HAZMAT to ensure that you’re getting the right training.

What’s the Difference Between HAZMAT and HAZWOPER?

The main difference between HAZWOPER and HAZMAT is that HAZWOPER is governed by OSHA while HAZMAT falls under DOT. But though HAZMAT covers hazardous materials in transit, there are still uncontrolled substances that require emergency response. This is where the two overlap.

What Is HAZWOPER?

The HAZWOPER standard, referred to as 29 CFR 1910.120, was developed by OSHA to protect individuals working in hazardous sites while on the job. OSHA regulates hazardous waste activities and emergency response services. These include proper handling, storage, transportation, clean-up, and disposal of hazardous substances.

What Is HAZMAT?

Since HAZMAT was mentioned a few times in the HAZWOPER standard, this might have caused confusion. But take note that people who mention HAZMAT training are most likely referring to DOT’s Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR) training. The HMR requirements aim to prevent or reduce HAZMAT incidents during air, water, or highway transportation through proper handling before, during, and after transit. This includes appropriate packaging.

Training Requirements: What is the Difference Between HAZWOPER Training and DOT HAZMAT Training?

HAZWOPER and HAZMAT training have different scopes. Below are the  key differences between the two based on the covered personnel, training scope, and training duration:

1. Covered Personnel

Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER training is required for anyone who will be exposed to hazardous substances in their work. OSHA mentioned three general categories of workers, including management and supervisors, who will need HAZWOPER training:

• General on-site workers like laborers and equipment operators
• Workers at Treatment, Storage, and Disposal (TSD) facilities
• Emergency responders

Who Needs HAZMAT Training?

HAZMAT employers are required to train their HAZMAT employees. A HAZMAT employee is defined in the HMR as those who are directly involved in HAZMAT transportation safety such as:

• Owner-operator of motor vehicles transporting HAZMAT
• People who:

• Load, unload, or handle HAZMAT
• Design, manufacture, fabricate, inspect, test, recondition, repair, modify, or mark packaging used for transporting HAZMAT
• Prepare HAZMAT for transportation
• Are responsible for transporting HAZMAT
• Operate vehicle for HAZMAT transportation

2. Training Scope

Below are the hazardous substances and materials along with situations covered in HAZWOPER and HAZMAT training:

HAZWOPER Training Scope

Hazardous substances, as defined under section 1910.120(a)(3) of the HAZWOPER standard, refer to substances that can compromise the safety or health of employees. These include:

• Substances defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)
• Disease-causing agents including biological agents that can cause death and health complications
• Substances listed under HMR 172.101
• Hazardous wastes defined in 49 CFR 171.8 and 40 CFR 261.3

In addition, the following operations are covered under HAZWOPER training:

• Clean-up operations that involve hazardous substances
• Corrective actions at sites included in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA)
• Uncontrolled hazardous waste site voluntary clean-ups

• Treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) operations
• Emergency responses

Also, below are some topics that should be covered in a HAZWOPER training:

• Understanding hazardous substances and their risks along with identification
• Understanding radiological, chemical, and toxicological terminology and behavior
• Implementing emergency response plans, incident command systems, decontamination, confinement, containment, and control operations
• Understanding termination, operating, and hazard & risk assessment procedures and techniques
• Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Developing site safety and control plans

DOT HAZMAT Training Scope

For HAZMAT training, hazardous materials are defined by DOT as those including:

• Hazardous substances
• Hazardous wastes
• Elevated Temperature Material
• Marine Pollutants
• Materials listed in the Hazardous Materials Table
• Materials defined in the General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings

Examples are:

• Explosives
• Gasses
• Flammable liquids and solids
• Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Poisonous and infectious substances
• Radioactive materials
• Corrosives

In addition, HAZMAT training requirements include the following:

• General awareness/familiarization training for providing familiarity with the HMR
• Function-specific training
• Safety training concerning methods for avoiding incidents and protecting employees from hazards
• Security awareness training to improve transportation security
• In-depth security training that includes security objectives, structures, procedures, and responsibilities
• Driver training

Moreover, other important aspects of HAZMAT training are identifying hazardous substances and proper packaging based on the material type.

3. Duration and Frequency of Training

Another major difference between HAZMAT and HAZWOPER is that HAZWOPER training has set specific numbers of training hours. On the other hand, the duration of HAZMAT training will depend on your role. Also, higher roles will most likely have longer training hours.

HAZWOPER Training	HAZMAT Training
– New full-time employees need to take an initial 40-hour training – Occasional workers can take an initial 24-hour training – An 8-hour annual refresher training should be taken	– Initial training for new HAZMAT employees needs to be taken within 90 days of employment including those who changed job functions – Recurrent training should be taken at least once every three years

HAZWOPER Training Levels 

HAZWOPER also has different tiers for emergency responders that determine the type of training they should be taking.

• First Responder Awareness (FRA) Level
• First Responder Operations (FRO) Level
• Hazardous Materials Technician
• Hazardous Materials Specialist
• On-Scene Incident Commander

As mentioned, the HAZMAT training duration doesn’t have a clearly-defined number of training hours. As for HAZWOPER’s FRA level, it only requires minimal training and most of the tiers will require at least a 24-hour training and an annual 8-hour refresher.
Also, HAZMAT training completion often means you need to take multiple courses due to the different training requirements. But while some online training platforms offer standalone courses, there are also those that combine multiple topics into one for supervisors who take on multiple roles.

FAQs

Conclusion

HAZWOPER and HAZMAT are similar policies that have been causing confusion to many people. Making sure that you understand their differences will guarantee that you will be choosing the right training appropriate for your role. It also ensures compliance with regulations regarding the proper handling of hazardous substances.

Reach out to us now for HAZWOPER training services in the New England region and beyond including Maine, New Hampshire, and Boston. We offer various environmental health and safety training programs along with hazardous material surveys. Contact us now!