Yes, in order for your HAZWOPER certification to remain valid, you must take the 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher training every year. The HAZWOPER certifications are valid for up to 12 months from the date of completion. This training serves as an annual refresher for all employees, regardless of whether or not you previously completed 40-Hour HAZWOPER training or 24-Hour HAZWOPER training.
No, you do not need to complete all sections of the 8-hour HAZWOPER course at one time. It's possible to spread refresher training out, as your schedule permits. Just make sure the entire course is completed by the anniversary of your last completed training.
Yes, our 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher training does cover these new standards.
In 2013 OSHA updated their Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) so that it aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). These new requirements now have standards for classifying physical, environmental, and health hazards. The GHS provides you with what needs to be included on the labels for hazardous chemicals as well as the safety data sheets.
There are a number of people who need the HAZWOPER certification who have a number of specific job profiles. These profiles generically include:
- Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) personnel who handle hazardous waste
- Uncontrolled Hazardous Waste Site Operators
- Emergency Responders in charge of dealing with an emergency that involves hazardous materials
Common professions that require HAZWOPER training are general site workers, equipment operators, and laborers, that manage hazardous materials, and emergency responders.
If your exposure to hazardous materials is under the permissible exposure limits (PELs), you are a perfect candidate for the 24-hour HAZWOPER training course. If you work with or near hazardous materials as part of your employment, and your exposure is at or greater than the permissible exposure limits (PELs), you are looking at the OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training course.
