Are you interested in working at a job that might require handling hazardous material? You have probably heard about OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and know they have a lot to do with the regulations that keep a workplace or jobsite safe. You might not know which courses, training or certification you need to take, though. The following are some questions and answers that should help you.
What Does HAZWOPER Even Mean?
HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. It is an OSHA standard of operation and response that applies to employers and their employees when cleaning-up or taking corrective actions at any site that involves hazardous substances, including hazardous waste. These standards also apply to the operations of any site or facility that is involved in hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal. Finally, the standards must be met by anyone involved in an emergency response to the release or threat of release of a hazardous material, regardless of location of the substance.
Do I Need The 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training Course?
If you are going to be exposed or potentially exposed to hazardous substances due to your job description, you will need to take the 40 hour training course. This includes workers who are expected to clean-up sites that contain hazardous substances, and workers who are involved in the daily maintenance and performance of a site that stores, treats or disposes of hazardous substances. Emergency response personnel who might be directly exposed to hazardous substances must also complete the 40 hour training course.
When Should I Take The 24 Hour HAZWOPER Training Course?
This course is offered for people who will be visiting hazardous waste sites on an occasional basis. This can include both supervisors and hourly workers. People who have to take the 24 hour HAZWOPER training are those who are unlikely to be exposed to hazardous substances, or who will experience exposure levels that are permitted under federal guidelines.
What About The 8 Hour HAZWOPER Training Course?
This is the refresher course that must be taken every 12 months by all those employers and employees who are otherwise certified under the HAZWOPER 40 hour training course. That means anyone who could be exposed to hazardous substances due to their job descriptions or duties must take this refresher course.
Do I Have To Take Any Tests?
At the end of all HAZWOPER training courses you will be required to take a quiz or quizzes to demonstrate your knowledge level. You must receive a 70% pass score or higher to receive certification. There are no exceptions.
What Will I Be Learning?
All courses will cover regulations regarding hazardous substances, as well as the role of OSHA in keeping workplaces safe. They will also all cover how to recognize and identify hazardous substances, and what protection should be taken. Obviously, the 24 and 40 hour training courses have more modules covering more information. Some of these will include emergency notifications, elements that make a site secure, identifying and using different safety equipment and proper documentation and recordkeeping.