People have many questions regarding the OSHA requirements that concern hazardous substances. It is important to get as many facts as possible if you are considering a career that might involve exposure to hazardous materials. Your health, and the health of others, could depend on it.
How Do I Get Certified To Work With Hazardous Material?
If you have never been certified to work with hazardous substances, including waste, you need to take the HAZWOPER 40 hour training course. HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. This standard applies to the following employees:
- Anyone involved in clean-up of hazardous substances, including on a voluntary basis.
- Anyone involved in the operation of a facility that treats, stores or disposes of hazardous substances.
- Anyone involved in an emergency response that involves the release or potential release of a hazardous substance.
Remember that this includes people who will be in charge of employees who work with hazardous substances.
Can I Take The 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training Course Online?
You can take the initial training online, yes. However, your training will not be considered complete under OSHA standards unless you do the following:
- You obtain hands on training in the use of PPE, or Personal Protective Equipment,
- You receive hands on training on the site specific equipment that you will be using in the workplace.
OSHA has deemed hands on training necessary for an employee to receive the full benefits of the course offerings. What this means is, while you can take the majority of the training course online, you still need to have hands on training to satisfy OSHA’s certification requirement.
Where Do I Take The 40 Hour Training Course Online?
Many companies have received OSHA approval to offer the online portion of the 40 hour HAZWOPER course. When you visit a site, make sure the courses are noted as being OSHA approved. This should be displayed on the front page of the website. Also, look for a contact toll-free number so you can call a representative if you have any questions. A reputable company should go out of its way to work with you and offer you guidance.
So The Online Course Will Be Accepted By My Employer?
It is up to you to verify that the course you want to take will be accepted by your employer. Remember that an employer cannot authorize you to take less training than what is required for your specific job under OSHA standards. However, an employer can have more stringent requirements that you must meet. Again, it is up to you to verify what your employer wants you to do. Check with your supervisor or your human resources department.
What Can I Expect In A Good Online HAZWOPER 40 Hour Course?
This course is extensive and should include the following:
- Training on the purpose of OSHA and how it contributes to workplace safety
- Recognizing problems before and as they develop
- Training on the identification of hazardous materials
- Training on the compounds, mixtures and materials that are classified as explosive, chemical, flammable or radiological
- Respiratory protection and other PPE standards
- Decontamination standards and air monitoring.