The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your HAZWOPER Training

Working with hazardous materials requires specialized knowledge and skills to ensure safety on the job and for the surrounding environment. If you work on jobsites where hazardous materials may be present, HAZWOPER training is likely required for your position. 

Let’s break down everything you need to know about this critical training!

What Exactly is HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, a comprehensive safety standard established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This specialized training prepares workers to safely handle scenarios involving hazardous substances by teaching essential policies, practices, and procedures that minimize the risk of injury and illness from harmful exposures.

Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

Most workers who are new to uncontrolled hazardous waste or emergency response operations are required to complete 40 hours of HAZWOPER training.

Roles that require this training may include:

• Equipment operators
• General laborers
• Other general site workers
• On-site management and supervisory personnel

According to OSHA standards, HAZWOPER training applies to workers and employers involved in five specific types of operations:

1. Cleanup operations required by government bodies at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
2. Corrective actions involving cleanup at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
3. Hazardous waste operations at treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities regulated under RCRA
4. Operations at non-TSD facilities that generate hazardous waste
5. Emergency response operations where there’s potential release of hazardous substances

Understanding the Different HAZWOPER Courses

Through our partnership with the OSHA Education Center, HeatSpring offers three HAZWOPER training options based on your job responsibilities and exposure risk:

40-Hour HAZWOPER Training

This comprehensive course is designed for workers who are new to uncontrolled hazardous waste operations or emergency response actions.

After the online on-demand training, learners must complete at least three days of supervised field experience with their employer.

24-Hour HAZWOPER Training

24-Hour HAZWOPER training is required for workers who are on site occasionally to perform specific limited tasks.

Learners completing the 24-hour course will need a minimum of one day of supervised field experience with their employer.

8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher

All learners who complete either the 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training must take this annual refresher course to maintain compliance, as required by OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120.

What You’ll Learn in HAZWOPER Training

HAZWOPER courses cover a wide range of safety and health topics essential for working with hazardous materials:

• Identifying different types of worksite hazards
• Techniques for detecting hazardous materials
• Handling site emergencies
• Understanding toxicology
• Safe handling of drums and containers
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) levels and usage
• Developing site safety and decontamination plans
• Fire protection and prevention strategies
• Proper materials handling procedures
• Respirator use and other PPE

The depth of coverage varies by course, with the 40-hour option providing the most comprehensive education.

What Qualifies as a Hazardous Substance?

Under OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard, hazardous substances include hazardous waste and other substances that can cause adverse effects to your safety and health. This includes:

• Substances defined under section 101(14) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)
• Biological and disease-causing agents
• Hazardous substances listed by the Department of Transportation (49 CFR 172.101)
• Wastes defined in 40 CFR 261.3
• Substances defined as hazardous wastes in 49 CFR 171.8

Keeping Your Training Current

All workers that fall under the HAZWOPER standard must complete 8 hours of refresher training annually to maintain their training.

Ready to Get Started?

HeatSpring offers all three HAZWOPER courses: 40-Hour, 24-Hour, and 8-Hour Refresher. Proper HAZWOPER training provides you with essential knowledge and skills to protect yourself and others when working with hazardous materials while also meeting critical regulatory requirements.

Contact your employer to determine which certification level is right for your position and to understand how to complete the required hands-on training components.