The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the leading authority in regards to working conditions and regulations in a workplace. They implement various types of training programs. HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response) is one of these particular programs.
- What is HAZWOPER?
HAZWOPER stands for hazardous waste operations and emergency response. It specifically deals with hazardous materials across various fields on a state, local and federal level. Whether or not the materials the person comes in contact with are defined as hazardous waste depends on the material and its effect on a person. For instance, hazardous wastes have the potential to a harm a person or the environment in some way.
- What Classifies as a Hazardous Waste?
It contains a chemical that’s unhealthy for humans or the environment and…
- May ignite
- May cause corrosion
- May be toxic if ingested
- What Are Some Examples of Hazardous Wastes?
- Wood preserving wastes
- Electroplating and other metal finishing wastes
- Petroleum refinery byproducts
- What Are Some Fields that Require HAZWOPER Certification?
- Wood preservation
- Explosives manufacturing
- Petroleum refining
- Veterinarian pharmaceuticals manufacturing
- Iron and steel production
- Secondary lead processing
- Does Those in the Medical Field Need HAZWOPER Training?
There’s a difference between biohazardous waste and hazardous waste. Hazardous waste doesn’t spread infectious disease, nor does it stem from products or services provided in a medical setting. The biohazardous removal procedure isn’t regulated by OSHA and has a different set of standards.
- Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?
Everyone in a facility that has hazardous waste should receive the training. This includes people who are in other departments of the building because even though they don’t work with the substances every day, they may come in contact with them at some point in time.
- Does the Certification Require Renewal?
The certification does require renewal on a regular basis. The renewal program is a short training session that lasts eight hours. One training program is only good for one year and must be renewed once per year each year.
- How Long is the Course?
This depends on which course a person opts to take. The shorter version only requires 24 hours of training while the longer version takes 40 hours to complete. The class you need to take depends on the type of job the person has and the amount of experience the person has.
- Are Classes Available Online?
The class is available online and may be taken at the person’s leisure as long as the entire training course is completed within six months of beginning it.
- Is This Class Certified By OSHA?
Yes, the class is certified under OSHA, meaning it counts toward the person’s requirement of needing the course.
