Please use the HAZWOPER Training Selector on a desktop computer.

What is a hazardous substance?

OSHA developed the HAZWOPER Standard to protect emergency responders, site cleanup workers, and others who may be exposed to "hazardous substances." In the HAZWOPER regulations, OSHA defines "hazardous substances" to include four categories:

"CERCLA Hazardous Substances"
(Listed in 40 CFR 302.4)

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) authorizes US EPA to maintain a list of substances that can damage the environment if released. The list of CERCLA hazardous substances includes hundreds of substances, from acetone and ammonia to xylene and zinc.

"Hazardous Materials"
(As defined by 49 CFR 171.8)

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) defines a “hazardous material” as any substance or material that meets one or more of the criteria of a Hazard Class or Division described in 49 CFR 173, or any material that does not meet those criteria but DOT deems a hazardous material (e.g., Class 9).

"Hazardous Waste"
(As defined by 40 CFR 261.3)

Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a hazardous waste is a waste that either:

Exhibits one or more hazardous waste characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity), or
Is described on one of the lists of hazardous wastes in the RCRA regulations (F, K, P & U).

"Biological agents"
and "other disease-causing agents"

Agents "...which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any person...will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions, or physical deformation..."

Watch the tutorial.

Send this to my email inbox.

I like Lion's workshops the best because they really dig into the information you need to have when you leave the workshop.

Tom Bush, Jr.

EHS Manager

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The exercises in the DOT hazardous materials management course are especially helpful in evaluating your understanding of course information.

Morgan Bliss

Principal Industrial Hygienist

The instructor did an excellent job presenting a very dry subject; keeping everyone interested and making it enjoyable.

Marc Bugg

Hazardous Waste Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion's course was superior to others I have taken in the past. Very clear in the presentation and the examples helped to explain the content presented.

George Bersik

Hazardous Waste Professional

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

Download

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.