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HAZWOPER is a whopper of an acronym, but it denotes an incredibly important standard that impacts many industries. Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) denotes a set of standards developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). 

Certain businesses and workers have a greater risk of exposure to hazardous substances than others, and they need training to understand the unique dangers involved and learn how to safely handle such substances.  

A HAZWOPER certification helps to improve workplace safety and prevent incidents that could lead to illness, injury, or death. Who is this certification for and how do you obtain yours? 

Who Is Affected by HAZWOPER? 

HAZWOPER is intended to prevent and protect workers from harm in scenarios involving hazardous substances, which could include chemical fires, storage tanks leaking hazardous substances, or mechanical breakdowns in chemical processes, for example.  

OSHA recognizes five distinct groups of businesses or employees engaged in activities that require adherence to HAZWOPER standards, including: 

• Government-mandated clean-up operations at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites 
• Corrective actions at hazardous waste sites (under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA) 
• Voluntary clean-up operations at hazardous waste sites 
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations operations involving hazardous waste 
• Emergency response operations at the location of hazardous substance release (or threat of release) 

This impacts employers, employees, and emergency response workers who could come into contact with hazardous materials. It is especially important for anyone who directly handles hazardous substances or works in areas where toxic, corrosive, or suffocating substances are present. 

It’s also suitable for anyone who works in enclosed spaces or environments with potentially insufficient oxygen levels. This certification is required for anyone working at contaminated sites, emergency response, or hazardous waste treatment storage and disposal facilities. 

How to Obtain a HAZWOPER Certification 

To obtain this specialized certification, OSHA requires that you first complete a 40-hour course that includes information on topics like: 

• Hazard recognition and identification 
• Selecting, using, and maintaining personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for handling hazardous materials 
• Protocols and procedures for spill response and clean-up 
• Decontamination procedures 
• Emergency response procedures 
• Safe entry procedures for contaminated spaces 
• Developing and implementing site-specific safety plans 
• Medical surveillance of workers exposed to hazardous materials 
• OSHA and EPA regulatory standards 

Some workers may have to submit to a standard baseline medical/physical exam, including a pulmonary function test (PFT) and, in some cases, a respirator fit test. Everyone must pass lesson quizzes and a final exam to obtain certification. 

To earn a passing score on the final exam, you must answer at least 70% of the questions correctly. You are required to renew your certification annually by completing an 8-hour certification refresher course. 

Finding the Right Training Program 

Whether you are required to complete HAZWOPER training and obtain certification for your job or you want to open doors to new career opportunities, it’s best to find a program designed for working professionals, with 24/7 online access that allows for self-paced learning. 

If you’re interested in obtaining your HAZWOPER certification, contact RocketCert now to sign up for an approved course.