HAZWOPER Refresher Training

HAZWOPER Refresher (29 CFR 1910.120)

In compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.120, this 8-hour annual training is to recertify individuals who have already taken the 40-hour or 24-hour HAZWOPER training. The 8-hour annual refresher-training course can be taken on-line while complying with the OSHA regulations.

HAZWOPER Refresher (HAZMAT) and 40 Hour HAZWOPER Refresher (HAZMAT) Training

OSHA has stated in many interpretation letters that 40 hour HAZWOPER and 24 hour HAZWOPER require site annual HAZWOPER refresher training on the actual PPE an employee will be using in their job. Site specific means just that - the training cannot be done with generic PPE but most be done with the actual equipment in order to fully meet the OSHA regulations. This is big news for employers who thought they met the OSHA regulations by sending someone offsite for the HAZWOPER training.

HAZWOPER Classifications

HAZWOPER (First Responder Awareness). The 29 CFR 1910.120(q) specifies HAZWOPER first responder awareness level training requirements. An initial amount of training is not specified, but a HAZWOPER refresher is required. OSHA requires first responders at the awareness level to receive sufficient training or to have had sufficient experience to:
1) Understand what hazardous substances are and their risks in an incident.
2) Understand potential outcomes of an emergency with hazardous substances.
3) Recognize hazardous substances in an emergency.
4) Understand the role of the first responder awareness individual.
5) Notify the communication center appropriately.

HAZWOPER (First Responder Operations). The 29 CFR 1910.120(q) specifies HAZWOPER first responder operations level training requirements. OSHA requires first responders at the operations level to be trained to respond in a defensive fashion without trying to stop the release. The training program for first responders at the operational level must enable them to contain the release from a safe distance, to keep it from spreading, and to prevent exposures. The amount of training required for first responders at the operations level is at least 8 hours initially with an annual HAZWOPER refresher thereafter.

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Material Technician). The 29 CFR 1910.120(q) specifies HAZWOPER HM technician training requirements. The training received by HM technicians must enable them to assume a more aggressive role than a first responder at the operations level in that they will approach the point of release in order to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance. Therefore, OSHA requires HM technicians to receive at least 24 hours of training in addition to the First Responder Operations training requirements. The hazardous material technician must be able to:
1) Implement the facility's emergency response plan.
2) Use field survey equipment.
3) Function within the Incident Command System.
4) Use PPE.
5) Conduct hazard and risk assessments.
6) Perform advance control, containment, and confinement operations.
7) Use decontamination procedures.
8) Understand and use proper termination procedures.
9) Understand basic chemical and toxicological terminology and behavior.

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Material Specialist). The 29 CFR 1910.120(q) specifies HAZWOPER HM specialist training requirements. The training received by HM specialists must enable them to have a more directed or specific knowledge of the various substances that they may be called upon to contain and allow them to act as a site liaison with Federal, State, local, and other government authorities in regards to site activities.

Therefore, OSHA requires HM specialists to receive the following training in addition to the 24 hours of training required for the HM technician level:
1) Familiarization with the local and State emergency response plans.
2) Use of the site safety and control plan.
3) Application of in-depth hazard and risk assessment techniques.
4) Knowledge of chemical, radiological, and toxicological terminology and behavior.

HAZWOPER (On-scene Incident Commander). The 29 CFR 1910.120(q) specifies HAZWOPER on-scene incident commander training requirements. The training received by incident commanders must enable them to implement all applicable emergency response plans and control and manage the incident. Therefore, OSHA requires incident commanders to be trained at least to the first responder operations level. In addition, incident commanders must be able to implement and run the Incident Command System and facility emergency response plan, and be familiar with the local State emergency response plans and the Federal Regional Response Team.

Emergency Action Plans. The 29 CFR 1910.38 specifies emergency action plan training requirements. OSHA requires the employer to designate and train a sufficient number of persons to assist in the safe and orderly evacuation of employees. The training must include a review of those parts of the plan that the employees must know in order to protect themselves and others in an emergency. This training must take place upon initial assignment, and a written plan must be kept at the workplace for employee review.

40 Hour HAZWOPER

HAZWOPER Training Online

Other Links of Interest