Top 10 HAZWOPER questions and compliance tips

HAZWOPER compliance is one of those OSHA requirements that targets health, safety, and the environment all at the same time. And since these requirements are scattered across multiple OSHA standards, it can be confusing to keep track of compliance. These HAZWOPER questions and answers should help you get on the right track.

Top 10 HAZWOPER questions

Below are answers to 10 HAZWOPER questions covering the basics of compliance.

What is HAZWOPER?

HAZWOPER stands for “hazardous waste operations and emergency response.” It refers to several OSHA standards designed to protect anyone who might be exposed to hazardous substances at work.

Which OSHA standards apply to HAZWOPER compliance?

The OSHA standards that contain HAZWOPER requirements include:

• 29 CFR 1910.120 (general)
• 29 CFR 1926.65 (construction)

These standards are identical to one another.

What operations fall under HAZWOPER compliance?

HAZWOPER compliance applies to operations that involve:

• Hazardous waste from treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDFs) that fall under the RCRA
• Cleanup of hazardous waste at sites that fall under RCRA compliance
• Hazardous waste NOT generated at a TSDF
• Emergency response activities that involve hazardous substance releases or the risk of a release
• Government-required cleanup activities at hazardous waste sites where hazardous substances are present

Who needs HAZWOPER training?

Anyone, including emergency response personnel, who works in a HAZWOPER-regulated operation must complete training.

What are the three main types of HAZWOPER training?

The three types of HAZWOPER training include:

• 40-hour training for workers involved in cleanup operations
• 24-hour training for workers handling hazardous substances.
• 8-hour refresher training for workers who have already completed the initial training

How often do you need to renew HAZWOPER certification?

You must renew your HAZWOPER certification once per year by taking an 8-hour refresher course.

What are HAZWOPER emergency response activities?

As it applies to HAZWOPER compliance, emergency response refers to any situation where there’s an uncontrolled hazardous substance release or a potential release happening.

Can you take HAZWOPER training online?

If the HAZWOPER training course meets OSHA’s requirements, then you can take it online.

Are certain workers exempt from HAZWOPER training?

Only workers directly involved in HAZWOPER regulated processes are required to take the training. But employees should still receive awareness training, so they know the potential safety risks in their work area.

What is the difference between HAZWOPER and HAZMAT?

While HAZWOPER deals specifically with hazardous waste operations, HAZMAT covers a much broader range of topics and materials, including handling, transportation, use, and more.

Tips for lasting HAZWOPER compliance

The keys to maintaining HAZWOPER compliance are:

Hazard communication: OSHA requires you to communicate hazardous waste information with both your employees and contractors. Carefully consider how you’ll communicate changes and how you’ll make this information available to anyone who wants to review it.

Compliance audits: OSHA compliance isn’t something you can achieve and then maintain without any oversight. Not only do regulations change over time, but the variables within your company change too. As people move in and out of the operation, you’ll need ensure continued compliance. The best way to do this is by scheduling a HAZWOPER compliance audit annually or semi-annually, depending on the scope of the audit.

Recordkeeping and documentation: Never underestimate the role that documentation plays in regulatory compliance. Some of the documents you need for HAZWOPER compliance include:

• Site health and safety plan
• Workplan (operations tasks and objectives)
• Emergency response plan
• Employee training documentation

To ensure compliance, keep these documents updated and centrally located with EHS reporting software. In the event of an audit or investigation, you’ll be able to access the documentation quickly and be confident that it’s accurate and compliant.