40 Hour HAZWOPER Training Online

40 Hour HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) - outline

40 Hour HAZWOPER Online Standard

The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) or 40 hour hazwoper section of the OSHA regulations is the centerpiece of worker protection standards for handling hazardous materials on abandoned waste sites and emergency response scenarios. The major requirements are training for personnel engaged in the handling or use of hazardous substances, a written site-specific health and safety plan, use of personnel protective equipment (PPE) when needed, and development of an emergency response plan. Depending on the job classification, a 40-hour (worker) or at least 24 -hour (supervisor) initial HAZWOPER training must be taken prior to working with hazardous substances. Also, an annual 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher training is required to maintain the initial training certification. The training must train workers and supervisors on a) personnel responsible for safety, b) health and other hazards at the worksite, c) use of PPE, d) minimization of risks to work hazards, e) safe use of engineering controls and equipment at the site, f) medical surveillance requirements, and g) the contents of the site specific health and safety plan. These are the requirements as listed in the OSHA regulations.

Perimeter Reconnaissance

At a 40 hour hazwoper site in which the hazards are largely unknown or there is no need to go on site immediately, visual observations should be made, atmospheric concentrations of airborne pollutants at the site perimeter should be monitored, and samples should be collected near the site. While these data are not definitive indicators of onsite conditions, they can assist in the preliminary evaluation.

Perimeter reconnaissance of a 40 hour hazwoper site should involve the following actions:
· Develop a preliminary site map, with the locations of buildings, containers, impoundments, pits, ponds, and tanks.
· Review historical and current aerial photographs. Note:
· Disappearance of natural depressions, quarries, or pits.
· Variation in reforestation of disturbed areas.
· Mounding or uplift in disturbed areas or paved surfaces, or modifications in grade.
· Changes in vegetation around buildings.
· Changes in traffic patterns at the site.
· Note any labels, markings, or placards on containers or vehicles.
· Note the amount of deterioration or damage of containers or vehicles.
· Note any biologic indicators, such as dead animals or plants.
· Note any unusual conditions, such as clouds, discolored liquids, oil slicks, vapors, or other suspicious substances.
· Monitor the ambient air at the site perimeter for:
- Toxic substances.
- Combustible and flammable gases or vapors.
- Oxygen deficiency.
- Ionizing radiation.
- Specific materials, if known.
· Note any unusual odors.
· Collect and analyze offsite samples including:
- Soil.
- Drinking water.
- Ground water.
- Site run-off.
- Surface water.

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