Understanding HAZWOPER Training
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard is a set of regulations developed by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to protect workers exposed to hazardous substances. It is designed for employees involved in hazardous waste cleanup, emergency response, and treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous substances.
HAZWOPER training is required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and applies to a wide range of industries, including environmental cleanup, chemical manufacturing, emergency response, and hazardous waste management.
Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?
Industries and Job Roles That Require HAZWOPER Certification
Workers who handle hazardous materials must complete HAZWOPER training. These include:
- Hazardous Waste Cleanup Workers – Those working on EPA Superfund sites, RCRA corrective actions, and contaminated land cleanup projects.
- Emergency Responders – Firefighters, HAZMAT teams, and spill response units responding to chemical leaks and toxic spills.
- Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) Workers – Employees managing hazardous waste at facilities.
- Construction and Demolition Teams – Personnel involved in demolition and remediation of hazardous structures.
- Chemical and Petrochemical Industry Workers – Employees handling hazardous chemical processing and refinery operations.
Did You Know? OSHA requires annual refresher training for employees to maintain their HAZWOPER certification.
Types of HAZWOPER Training & Course Breakdown
40-Hour HAZWOPER Training (Comprehensive Certification)
Required for workers engaging in hazardous waste site cleanup.
Covers:
Toxicology and chemical hazards
Decontamination procedures
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Spill response and hazard communication
OSHA regulatory compliance
Available Online & In-Person
24-Hour HAZWOPER Training (Limited Exposure Certification)
For workers with minimal exposure to hazardous substances.
Covers: hazard recognition
Site characterization and
Basic PPE use.
8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher (Annual Requirement)
OSHA-mandated yearly refresher course.
Updates on regulations, PPE, and emergency response.
Start Your Refresher Course
HAZWOPER Supervisor Training
For site managers and supervisors overseeing hazardous waste operations.
Required in addition to 40-hour or 24-hour training.
Get Supervisor Certification
Why is HAZWOPER Training Important?
- OSHA Compliance – Avoid fines and ensure workplace safety.
- Worker Protection – Reduces risks of chemical exposure, burns, and toxic inhalation.
- Legal Liability – Employers are required to train workers properly under OSHA regulations.
- Emergency Preparedness – Enables fast and effective response to hazardous incidents.
HAZWOPER Certification Requirements & Renewal
- Initial training is valid for 12 months.
- An annual 8-hour refresher course is required to maintain certification.
- Workers who miss the refresher deadline may need to retake the full course.