Osha Hazwoper Training Requirements - What You Need To Know

Osha Hazwoper Training Requirements - What You Need To Know

Author: Christine

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. According to OSHA, this standard applies to five groups of employers and their employees and specifically includes any employees who are exposed to hazardous substances and who are engaged in several operations including clean-up, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Workers involved in an emergency response operation dealing with hazardous waste are also covered under the HAZWOPER standard, as well as workers who have to perform duties at a waste site where hazardous contamination is expected. These workers must be fully trained and protected.

An interpretation letter provided by OSHA gives some guidance as to what constitutes a hazardous substance or situation: (For the specific standard, visit: http://www.osha.gov/html/faq-hazwoper.html#faq6)

• - High concentrations of toxic substances.


• - Situation that is life or injury threatening.


• - Imminent Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) environments.


• - Situation that presents an oxygen deficient atmosphere.


• - Condition that poses a fire or explosion hazard.


• - Situation that required an evacuation of the area.


• - A situation that requires immediate attention because of the danger posed to employees in the area.

Employees and employers covered by the OSHA HAZWOPER standard have to take the initial HAZWOPER training which consists of a 24 or 40 hour course to become HAZWOPER certified. What's more, each year those who have taken the initial training are required to take an 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher course. This refresher course is designed to meet the annual requirement for hazardous waste operations and emergency response workers.

As with many OSHA training courses, HAZWOPER training is available online for the employee and employer's convenience. USFOSHA.com offers an online 8-hour Hazwoper refresher training that is interactive, fully narrated and will show each student how to comply with hazard management and hazardous waste regulations in accordance with OSHA standards.

You have 6 months to complete all HAZWOPER training and can complete the course at your pace, in sections, from home, work or the jobsite. As long as you have internet access, that is all you need. Upon completion you will be mailed your official OSHA Training Institute Education Center Program Certificate.

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About the Author

Christine is a writer for the American Safety Council, approved OSHA training provider at www.usfosha.com