OSHA Safety Training for Workers Handling Hazardous Wastes

The hazardous waste results from hazardous materials spilled from an accident or equipment failure. A trained personnel must respond to these events to minimize the danger and risks to workers, the environment and to the bystanders. All employees responding to such events must be trained before they are given the task and it is mandated by OSHA. The level of the HAZWOPER safety training depends on the work responsibility of the workers.

• First responder awareness level training: Those personnel who are likely to find or see a hazardous substance release and those responsible for notifying the proper authorities must go through this level of training. The training should include: Identifying the hazardous substances, evacuation plan and its execution, site security and who to notify about the event.

• First responder operations level training: Under this training, personnel are trained to respond to an event to protect property, workers and the environment from contamination. A total number of 8 hours is required for this training.

• Hazardous materials technician: For those technicians whose responsibility it is to stop the hazardous substances release must go through training. A minimum of 24 hours of training is required for this HAZWOPER training.

• Hazardous materials specialist: The hazardous materials specialists must have additional knowledge about the hazardous substances that is involved in a spill. They must get a 24 hour HAZWOPER training for their work that includes identification and classification of hazardous substances usuing proper use of test, verifying the proper usage of PPE for the specific hazard and an in depth knowledge of control and containment techniques.