Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Refresher Course

Target Audience:

Employees who participate, or are expected to participate, in emergency response and who are certified for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).

Summary and Objectives:

In accordance with OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120, all responders who enter a hazardous area, including an area where a hazardous substance is present, must receive certain training. The training requirements for emergency response workers depend upon the job function and duties of the worker during the emergency operation. Employees who participate, or are expected to participate, in emergency response and who are certified for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) are required to receive 8 hours of refresher training annually which meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.(e)(8). The annual refresher training for each of the emergency responder must be of sufficient content and duration to maintain their competencies, or the worker must demonstrate competency in those areas at least yearly.

Possible Course Objectives:

• Estimate the Size of a HAZMAT Endangered Area.
• Survey Hazardous Material Incidents at the HAZWOPER Level.
• Collect Hazard and Response Information at the HAZWOPER Level.
• Determine the Potential Harm of a Hazardous Material.
• Identify Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety Precautions.
• Identify and Select Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Identify Decontamination Methods.
• Advise On-Scene Control Measures.
• Develop a Plan of Action for a Hazardous Material Incident.
• Identify the Incident Management System (IMS).

Competencies Addressed: 

Hazardous Materials - Intermediate, Health and Safety Awareness - Intermediate, Safety, Health, & Emergency Management - Intermediate