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HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response)

OSHA standard establishing safety requirements for workers involved in hazardous waste operations, cleanup, and emergency response.

Key Facts

  • 40-hour initial training for general site workers
  • 24-hour training for occasional site workers
  • 8-hour annual refresher for all HAZWOPER workers
  • Medical surveillance includes baseline and annual physicals

HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) covers employees at: hazardous waste treatment/storage/disposal facilities, hazardous waste cleanup sites, and emergency response operations for hazardous substance releases. Requirements include: 40-hour initial training (24-hour for occasional site workers), 8-hour annual refresher, medical surveillance including baseline and annual physicals, and personal protective equipment programs. Medical surveillance must include a comprehensive occupational health history and physical examination with emphasis on specific hazardous exposures.

Hazard & Safety Programs Compared

OSHA-mandated programs for handling hazardous materials and protecting workers.

TypeScopeKey StandardTraining RequiredIndustries
HazComChemical communication29 CFR 1910.1200Initial + when new chemicals introducedAll with chemical exposure
HAZWOPERHazardous waste ops29 CFR 1910.12024–40 hrs initial + 8 hr annualCleanup, TSD, emergency
HazMatHazardous material transport49 CFR 171–180HazMat endorsement + CDLTransportation, oil & gas
PPEPersonal protection29 CFR 1910.132Proper use, care, and limitationsAll with physical hazards

Related Services

HAZWOPER Physical Examination

Related Industries

Oil & GasConstructionGovernment

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