Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Courses in New England

What Is the OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard?

The OSHA HAZWOPER standards are specified in 29 CFR 1910.120 for the general industry and 29 CFR 1926.65 for the construction industry. These standards include the required operational procedures for the safe handling, transportation, storage, cleanup, and disposal of hazardous substances.

They focus on the employer’s responsibility in ensuring that their employees are prepared when it comes to dealing with hazardous substances and executing emergency responses. They also require workers to be properly trained so that they can perform their duties without putting themselves or other people in danger. Thus, reducing the risk of serious injuries and health complications as well as creating a safe workplace.

Who Is Required to Have OSHA HAZWOPER Training?

The OSHA standard specified five groups of employees and employers who should complete a HAZWOPER certification. These are those who work in:

• Corrective actions at sites specified under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
• Clean-up activities required by governmental bodies at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
• Voluntary clean-up activities at recognized uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
• Operations related to hazardous waste at treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) sites that are regulated under RCRA
• Emergency response operations dealing with potential hazardous substance releases

In addition to the above situations, employees who work in hazardous waste facilities but don’t necessarily handle hazardous substances themselves should also receive training.

Examples of Jobs That Require HAZWOPER Training

Workers Who Should Take a 40-Hour HAZWOPER Course

• General site workers (equipment operators and general laborers)
• On-site supervisors and management
• Other general site workers

Workers Who Should Take a 24-Hour HAZWOPER Course

• Emergency responders
• Hazardous materials supervisors
• Hazardous materials specialists
• Hazardous materials technicians
• On-site incident commanders
• Management and supervisors
• TSD facility workers

What Does OSHA Consider a Hazardous Substance or Situation?

HAZWOPER standards apply to the following hazardous substances and conditions as specified by OSHA:

• IDLH environments
• Oxygen-deficient atmospheres
• Evacuation situations
• Explosion and fire hazards
• Life-threatening situations
• High concentrations of toxic substances
• Conditions that require immediate attention

Which HAZWOPER Course Do You Need?

The type of training you will need will depend on your job role and duties. While an annual 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher course is required for those who have already completed their initial training, 24-hour and 48-hour trainings are for:

• 40-Hour HAZWOPER Course – For workers whose risk is at the highest like those working with hazardous substances regularly and need to wear PPE often.
• 24-Hour HAZWOPER Course – For workers who are not involved in handling hazardous substances directly but come into contact with them occasionally

What Is the Difference Between 24-Hour and 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER 40-hour is more in-depth compared to 24-hour training. Moreover, a 40-hour course is taken by most new employees who will always be exposed to hazardous substances. A 24-hour course is designed for workers who are exposed to minimal levels of hazardous substances.

Enroll in Our Affordable OSHA HAZWOPER Courses in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Beyond Now!

Book your online or in-person HAZWOPER training with us now and get your HAZWOPER certification at prices you can afford! Learn how to handle hazardous materials safely and protect yourself from the dangers of potential hazardous substance releases. For employers, we help you protect your business from costly liabilities and violations by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations. Contact us now!

Learn More Below:

• What is HAZWOPER and Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?
• Everything You Need to Know About the HAZWOPER Levels of Training & Requirements
• HAZWOPER vs HAZMAT: What Are Their Differences & Which Training Do You Need?