There are many different HAZWOPER training courses, each with its requirements. The course your employees need is based on their level of exposure and the specific types of hazardous materials they are likely to come in contact with.

Employees exposed to hazardous substances at clean-up operations or dangerous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities are generally required to take a 40-hour HAZWOPER course. They must also complete three days of field training under a trained, experienced supervisor.

What Are The Different Types Of HAZWOPER Training Courses?

HAZWOPER training courses are designed to teach workers about the safety protocols for working at hazardous sites. OSHA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration require these courses.

There are three different types of HAZWOPER courses: 

1. Level 1 (first responder)
2. Level 2 (clean-up site workers)
3. Level 3 (emergency responders) 

All come with their own specific set of training requirements.

All HAZWOPER training courses comply with OSHA standards and provide a basic understanding of safety protocol for chemical waste disposal and emergency response. But each also requires a different amount of practical field experience.

8-hour HAZWOPER

OSHA requires all employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances in their work to receive safety training. This includes workers in various occupations, from bricklayers to electricians to equipment operators and supervisors.

Depending on the employee’s job duties and specific site tasks, several training courses can help you meet your HAZWOPER training requirements.

This course is designed to satisfy the annual refresher training requirement for all New York state hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) workers. The online course features interactive exercises, industry-specific examples, and audio narration to teach you everything you need to know about working with hazmat. You can take it at your own pace and receive a downloadable certificate immediately after completing the course.

24-hour HAZWOPER

Suppose your job duties include:

• Responding to chemical spills.
• Cleaning up a Superfund site or drug lab.
• Even helping clean up from a natural disaster.

In addition, you may need to complete OSHA HAZWOPER training, pass an exam, and earn a certification.

OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standards protect workers exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. They are also designed to help employers protect employees from work-related hazards.

40-hour HAZWOPER

The 40-hour HAZWOPER course is the training required by most employees new to uncontrolled hazardous waste or emergency response operations. This includes general site workers (laborers and equipment operators) and on-site management or supervisors.

This training covers the basics of safety and health in an uncontrolled hazardous waste or emergency response environment. The 40-hour HAZWOPER course includes three mandatory days of field experience under a trained, experienced supervisor. This is the only way to ensure you completely understand the material you are learning and will fulfill your off-site training requirement.

Why is HAZWOPER training necessary?

Working with hazardous materials is dangerous, and workers must be able to work safely. Employers have several training options to help employees stay safe.

Whether you need 24-hour or 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training, OSHA training 40-hour online courses are a great way to take the course on your terms. You can log in and out of the course as needed to ensure you take the necessary breaks throughout the day.

Why Choose an Online Program?

While you may have a specific deadline to complete your, there are many benefits to choosing an online program. You can split up the learning sessions however you like and take short mental breaks as needed to keep your focus on the material.

You can also access a certified instructor who will answer your questions via email. You’ll receive a prompt response within 24 hours, and your instructor can help you learn more about the HAZWOPER Standard and important regulations, agencies, and workplace protections.

HAZWOPER training is designed for which workers?

Workers who work on or near hazardous sites. These include those who are in the clean-up or disposal of hazardous materials and people working on uncontrolled and abandoned waste sites.

OSHA defines general site workers as those exposed to hazardous substances regularly and must undergo HAZWOPER training before beginning work at a hazardous waste site. In addition, OSHA classifies these as “Occasional Site Workers.”

How Often Do I Need To Take A Refresher Course?

Once you’ve completed an initial 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER course, you must take a refresher course every year to remain certified and keep up with industry changes. However, this cannot be easy to fit into your schedule if you have busy work and personal life.

Workers who remove hazardous waste at sites and employees who respond to emergencies involving hazardous substances are also required to take 8-hour HAZWOPER Refresher courses each year. These individuals can also benefit from understanding the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals so they know how to handle and dispose of hazardous materials properly.