OSHA requires HAZWOPER training for three main groups of professionals/personnel:
1. Facility emergency response personnel.
HAZWOPER training is required for personnel who respond to emergency releases of hazardous substances, wherever the release occurs. OSHA divides the emergency responder category based on each employee's level of responsibility during an emergency release.
This HAZWOPER infographic illustrates the levels of emergency responders and what HAZWOPER training is required for each employee.
HAZWOPER "emergency response” actions include activities like sounding alarms, covering drains and vents, actively approaching the area of a release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop it, and overseeing the facility’s response to emergency releases. HAZWOPER training requirements for emergency response personnel are covered under HAZWOPER regulations in 29 CFR 1910.120
paragraph (q)(6).
2. Personnel who work at “uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.”
This includes managers, supervisors, and any employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances health hazards, or safety hazards during cleanup activities—including those with non-cleanup duties, like utility workers.
Common job responsibilities that require HAZWOPER training include assessing the site, operating equipment on site, excavating drums and other containers, monitoring hazardous substances, taking environmental samples, handling drums of hazardous waste, supervising personnel, and more.
This HAZWOPER infographic illustrates the types of site cleanup personnel who need HAZWOPER training. HAZWOPER training requirements for site cleanup activities are covered under HAZWOPER regulations in 29 CFR 1910.120
paragraph (e).
3. Personnel who work at hazardous waste Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs).
HAZWOPER training rules for TSDFs are covered under HAZWOPER regulations at 29 CFR 1910.120,
paragraph (p).