Home » Blog

What is 24 Hour & 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training?

You may have heard about this training but not known what it is or even what the word HAZWOPER stands for. Let’s address the basics first and then dive in to the details. HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. This standard was enacted by OSHA in 1990 and was meant to protect workers that are involved in the initial stages of a chemical release emergency, the clean-up after the emergency has been stabilized, as well as the clean-up of chemical contamination from the country’s past industrial legacy.

24 or 40 Hours – Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

Generally speaking, HAZWOPER training is important for the following reasons:

  • To comply with OSHA requirements
  • To comply with State and employer requirements
  • To safeguard your health in case of an emergency
  • To prevent accidents and injuries to yourself and others

As soon as you start researching HAZWOPER training you will find that, while there are many offerings for the initial training, it really comes down to 24-hour training and 40-hour training. But which training is right for you?

24 Hour HAZWOPER 40 Hour HAZWOPER
Understanding Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) and HAZWOPER Training

Those who deal with hazardous material where their exposure is below PEL are candidates for the 24-hour HAZWOPER training.

This applies to general site workers who may occasionally come into contact with hazardous substances, but are not involved in hazardous waste clean-up operations.

If you are exposed to hazardous material that exceeds the PEL then you will need the 40-hour HAZWOPER training.

This applies to workers that directly come into contact with hazardous substances for the purpose of storage, treatment, and clean-up operations. This means workers must be trained in personal protective equipment (PPE) use.
Who Should Take this HAZWOPER Training?
  • New workers employed in hazardous waste operations
  • On-site managers and supervisors directly responsible for, or who supervise employees
  • Technicians, assistants, specialists, and other workers involved in handling hazardous materials
  • Workers involved in groundwater monitoring, land surveying, or geophysical surveying and expected to work on a hazardous waste site
  • Workers who handle tanks that store/treat and pipes which pump in/out contaminated waste
  • Workers who may work near sites that are contaminated such as hazardous waste treatment plants
  • Clean-up operations crews of hazardous waste sites
  • Workers who handle contaminated waste, soil, water, etc.
  • Workers who work at a listed or proposed for listing site under the Superfund National Priority List
What is the OSHA HAZWOPER Standard?

OSHA HAZWOPER certification courses provides you with a complete education on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.120 including the 1910.120(e)(3) (initial training).

OSHA HAZWOPER certification courses provides you with a complete education on OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.120 including the 1910.120(e)(3) (initial training).
Can HAZWOPER Training be Completed Online?

Yes, OSHA requires 24-hours of initial online training and one day of field experience, which must be completed under the direct supervision of a trained supervisor.

Yes, OSHA requires 40-hours of initial training online and at least three days of field experience, which must be completed under the direct supervision of a trained supervisor
Learn More 24 Hour Course 40 Hour Course

A Brief Guide to H2S Training

Hydrogen sulfide is a naturally occurring gas that is toxic in large concentrations. While you will likely not come in contact with hydrogen sulfide in your personal life, you may be susceptible to hydrogen sulfide exposure at work–especially if you work in an industry where hydrogen sulfide exposure is a common occurrence! Read more