5 Levels of HAZWOPER Training Explained for Emergency Responders

Personnel who respond to or may encounter emergency hazardous substance releases must complete Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training.

To comply with OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard, you need to know how much training is required for each level of emergency response, and who is permitted to provide OSHA HAZWOPER training.

5 Levels of HAZWOPER Emergency Responders

To respond effectively to an emergency release, a team of employees must work together, all doing their part safely and effectively. OSHA recognizes this, and splits its HAZWOPER emergency responder category into five “levels," each with its own training standards.

For each emergency responder level, OSHA requires annual refresher training. Refresher training for emergency responders must be "of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies” [29 CFR 1910.120(q)(8)].

HAZWOPER Level One Training Requirements and Recommendations

Level one emergency responders are at the “awareness level.” These employees do not carry out any active response. For instance, when they see a spill or release, their only responsibility is to call the hazmat team.

Level one, i.e., awareness-level, emergency responders must complete “sufficient training” and annual refresher training. For initial and refresher training, Lion recommends its 2 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Awareness Training online course.

HAZWOPER Level Two Training Requirements and Recommendations

Level two emergency responders are at the “operations level.” Operations-level responders are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without trying to stop a release. These employees work to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent hazardous substance exposure.

Examples of defensive response actions include remotely shutting down pumps or ventilation, putting covers on floor or storm drains, or placing absorbent booms to prevent spreading of hazardous substances.

Level two emergency responders must demonstrate level one competence and complete 8 hours of initial training or “sufficient experience to demonstrate competency” in key areas. These employees must also complete an annual refresher.

For initial training, Lion recommends its 8 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Initial – First Responder Level II Training online course. For refresher training, we recommend 4 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher – First Responder Level II Training.

HAZWOPER Level Three Training Requirements and Recommendations

Level three emergency responders are “hazmat technicians” who will respond offensively by aggressively trying to stop a release. These employees will approach the point of release to plug, patch, or otherwise stop the release of a hazardous substance.

Because they take aggressive action in areas where the risk of hazardous substance exposure is especially high, employees at the technician level must complete extensive training to develop emergency response competencies like hazard recognition, PPE selection and use, and decontamination practices.

Level three emergency responders must complete 24 hours of initial training and are required to complete refresher training annually.

For initial training, Lion recommends its 24 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Initial Training – Emergency Response Technician Level III online course. For refresher training, we recommend 8 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher Training – Emergency Response Technician Level III.

HAZWOPER Level Four Training Requirements

Level four emergency responders are “hazmat specialists.” These are individuals who respond with and provide support to hazardous materials technicians and the incident commander. Their duties parallel those of the technician; however, they require a more direct and specific knowledge of the substances that could be involved in a release.

For a new specialist, OSHA requires 24 hours of initial training equal to the Hazardous Materials Technician Level. Lion does not offer training appropriate for Hazardous Materials Specialists.

HAZWOPER Level Five Training Requirements and Recommendations

Level five emergency responders are “on-scene incident commanders.” On-scene incident commanders carry overall responsibility for managing the emergency scenario by establishing objectives, planning, strategizing, and implementing tactics. In other words, these employees lead the response team.

Level five incident commanders must receive 24 hours of initial training, and training on additional Incident Commander topics. These employees must also complete an annual refresher.

For a new incident commander, Lion recommends these two courses:

1. 24 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Initial Training – Emergency Response Technician Level III
2. 4 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER – Incident Commander Level V Training

For an incident commander in need of annual refresher training, Lion recommends these two courses:

1. 4 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER Refresher – First Responder Level II Training
2. 4 Hour OSHA HAZWOPER – Incident Commander Level V Training

Who Can Train Employees on HAZWOPER?

Not just anyone can train employees on HAZWOPER topics. OSHA mandates qualifications for trainers throughout the HAZWOPER Standard.

For all types of HAZWOPER training, OSHA requires that trainers have "satisfactorily completed a training program for teaching the subjects they are expected to teach or have the academic credentials and instructional experience necessary for teaching the subjects." Trainers must be able to demonstrate competent instructional skills and a good command of HAZWOPER subject matter.

HAZWOPER Training Decision Maker

Not sure which HAZWOPER course is for you? Lion’s interactive HAZWOPER Training Decision Maker will help you select training that's appropriate for your occupation, job role, and experience level.

Tags: emergency response, HAZWOPER, osha