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OSHA HAZWOPER Training Courses in Boston, MA; Providence, RI; Portsmouth, NH; and Albany, NY.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) developed the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) program to protect personnel working at hazardous and Superfund abandoned sites. These sites contain polluted and contaminated materials. Following the OSHA regulations ensures the health and safety of personnel.

Employers must provide HAZWOPER training courses to those working with hazardous materials. HAZWOPER training teaches cleanup and emergency response personnel to operate safely, while dealing with dangerous material scenarios. In addition, this training covers practices, policies, and procedures that reduce worksite illness and injury risk related to harmful exposures.

Here we explore the HAZWOPER training courses set forth by OSHA. We begin with the 8-Hour HAZWOPER initial training followed by the 24-hour course, 40-hour course and 8-hour refresher course.


8-Hour HAZWOPER Initial Training Course

The 8-hour initial training course is a one-time requirement. The primary objectives are to meet the Federal OSHA HAZWOPER training requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(4) for General Industry and 29 CFR 1926.65(e)(4) for Construction. In addition, this course intends to meet any HAZWOPER training requirements for EPA and State OSHA regulations.

The course is designed for those exposed to dangerous materials but not directly involved with the cleanup, for example, supervisors. Personnel are taught how to recognize hazardous materials, protect themselves from exposure and what to do in emergencies.


24-Hour Course

This course, regarded as a hazard-recognition course, covers broad potential worksite issues. It’s required for those visiting an uncontrolled hazardous waste operation and is considered an “occasional site worker.” They are not involved with dangerous materials daily, therefore, generally not at high risk. In addition, they are not engaged in cleanup operations.

The 24-hour course includes detecting various types of materials, site safety plans, confined spaces, decontamination, hazard communication, fall protection, toxicology, and regulations.


40-Hour Course

The 40-hour course is for personnel regularly involved in hazardous waste cleanup operations, disposal, storage, emergency response operations and treatment of dangerous substances.

This course covers the same topics as the 24-hour course but is more in-depth. In addition, it covers chemical protective clothing, respirator protection and air monitoring.


8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher Course

This course meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120. It covers refresher training for general site workers at hazardous waste sites who complete tasks involving removing dangerous waste, exposure or potential exposure to hazardous substances, and exposure to health hazards.

How Long Are the 24-Hour and 40-Hour HAZWOPER Courses Good For?

Once personnel have completed the 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER training course, they must take the 8-Hour HAZWOPER refresher course annually. The refresher course keeps personnel OSHA compliant with any HAZWOPER changes.


Sign Up for Your Providence, RI; Portsmouth, NH; Albany, NY, and Boston, MA, OSHA HAZWOPER Training

The HAZWOPER training courses are essential for protecting personnel exposed to on-site hazardous materials. The training levels required depend on the worker’s involvement with dangerous waste. These live classes offer hands-on training with sampling equipment, personal protective equipment, respirators, and practical demonstrations unavailable in online classes. Live courses can also be tailored to the employer’s worksite and specific hazards.

To learn more and decide which HAZWOPER training you need for your employees, contact Phase Associates.

We offer 8-Hour, 24-Hour, 40-Hour and 8-Hour Refresher HAZWOPER courses to Boston, MA; Providence, RI; Portsmouth, NH; and Albany, NY.