OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training
Hard Hat Training courses meet all training requirements set by OSHA.
We Offer Three Types of HAZWOPER 40 Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned HAZWOPER 40 certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
Purchase OptionsTraining Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
Purchase OptionsTrain the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the HAZWOPER 40 Training Course?
Our Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-hour training is fully aligned with these regulations, as well as those governing employees working in hazardous waste operations or emergency response.
Our comprehensive 40-Hour course reviews a variety of topics that relate to HAZWOPER, including site characterization, hazard recognition, toxicology, radiation hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination methods. It also covers best practices for preparing for and responding to emergencies that involve hazardous waste.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA. While this training encompasses many important safety standards, you will still need to familiarize yourself with any other federal, state, and local standards that apply to your specific workplace.
See Purchase Options
For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsHAZWOPER 40 Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need HAZWOPER 40 Safety Training?
OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard requires all employees who are exposed to or handle hazardous materials must take a 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER training Course before they are permitted to engage in hazardous waste operations (which training they need will depend on an employee’s job function and responsibilities). Additionally, an 8-hour refresher training must be completed annually.
A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things HAZWOPER 40
Did You Know?
Hazardous materials removal workers identify and dispose of harmful substances such as asbestos, lead, and radioactive waste. . (BLS)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HAZWOPER?
The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) was enacted by OSHA in 1990. It is designed to protect workers involved in the initial stages of a chemical release emergency, the subsequent clean-up of a site once the emergency has been stabilized, and the clean-up of previous chemical contamination.
Who needs HAZWOPER training?
HAZWOPER is designed to reduce the risks of chemical exposure to employees who will be working on an uncontrolled hazardous waste site or a treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). It is also designed for emergency responders.
More specifically, these employees need HAZWOPER:
- Those who may be exposed to high concentrations of poisonous substances
- Those who may be exposed to chemicals that pose explosion or fire hazards
- Personnel entering sites with IDLH atmospheres
- Personnel who may be exposed to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere
- Those who are in charge of emergency response, including evacuations due to IDLH conditions
- Those performing confined space entry
- Anyone who supervises employees performing the above work
Can training be completed online?
Traditionally, HAZWOPER has been taught through conventional, instructor-led programs. However, with technology improvements, online safety training is becoming more accessible to employers. It offers a great deal of flexibility and can be a more cost-effective option than on-site training. HAZWOPER training is well-suited to the eLearning format.
Of course, there are limits to taking HAZWOPER courses online. There are essential components to HAZWOPER that can only be completed on site (donning and doffing PPE, for example). We provide a checklist to help guide trainers, if needed, in this practical assessment; this allows each employer to use the specific PPE and equipment they’ll have onsite. It also allows employers to address site- or job- specific hazards.
How long is HAZWOPER certification good for?
HAZWOPER certification is valid for 12 months, at which time refresher (8-hour) training is required in order to stay certified.
It has been more than 12 months since I took my initial HAZWOPER training or refresher training. What do I do now?
Employees should stay up-to-date in the refresher (8-hour) training; however, it is understandable that courses may be missed because of unavoidable circumstances. If you have missed a refresher training course, you must attend the next available course. If a substantial amount of time has passed since your initial (24- or 40-hour) or refresher training, then you may need to repeat the initial training. The time frame within which it would be necessary to provide extensive retraining must be determined on a case-by-case basis. Ultimately, employees must be trained sufficiently to allow them to perform their expected job duties in a safe and healthful manner.
See Purchase Options
For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsOSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
What Is OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training?
For a long time, we have used hazardous materials for industry. But the hazardous material left over from these operations was often discarded or abandoned. The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard was implemented by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to safeguard employees when handling hazardous materials. It offers information and training standards to businesses, members of the emergency response community, and other professionals.
As the name implies, OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Certification covers 40 hours of workplace safety and health issues. This course aims to inform workers about hazardous chemicals and their properties, as well as the selection and usage of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Those employees who take part in the 40-hour HAZWOPER training program can expect an in-depth understanding of:
- Site characterization
- Decontamination techniques
- Container handling
- Emergency response plans
- Radioactive risks
- Safe work procedures
There are several obligations placed on employers by OSHA and the OSH Act. These obligations must be understood by both employers and employees in order for them to be fulfilled. It is the duty of the employer to ensure that the workplace is free of risks and meets OSHA regulations.
It is mandatory for employers to establish a written hazard communication protocol. This is vital as it informs employees about the chemicals they might be working with. Safety data sheets, employee training, and container labeling are required for the program. The physical and health risks of each chemical onsite must be covered in the training.
Immediately notify your supervisor of any hazards. This is not only the safest course of action to take on the jobsite, but you are also compelled to do so by law. Both verbal and written reports of hazards are acceptable.
Each employee is obligated to adhere to OSHA and NIOSH rules in the same way employers are. All additional safety guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and rules established by national, regional, or corporate authorities are also the responsibility of employees.
Who needs OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training?
The 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training is best suited for employees at a facility with frequent exposure to hazardous materials. This includes those working on the cleanup and restoration of construction sites affected by hazardous materials.
Those who handle hazardous material or “HAZMAT” cleanup require HAZWOPER training. HAZMAT cleanup occurs when harmful biological or chemical contaminants are posing severe risks to people who are near the materials. Biohazard remediation can encompass places that have been contaminated by:
- Animal waste
- Asbestos
- Biological waste
- Blood
- Chemical spills
- Dangerous chemicals
- Lead
- Sewage backups
- Tear gas
- Trauma scene cleanup
The 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training is beneficial to everyone, from regular onsite employees to management staff.
What is the difference between OSHA 30 and OSHA 40?
For everyone who qualifies, HAZWOPER 40 is federally required. HAZWOPER 40 specializes in hazardous waste, while OSHA 30 is an introduction to worker safety and OSHA requirements in general. Toxicology, radiation risks, decontamination, material sampling, and more are covered in OSHA 30.
OSHA Outreach Training
The Outreach Training Program is a totally voluntary program. The program strives to advocate for health and safety in the workplace and increase awareness of occupational hazards and workers’ rights. According to OSHA guidelines, employers must give their employees additional training on the unique hazards of their jobs.
Workers can get basic and advanced training about common safety and health risks in the workplace through the OSHA Outreach Training Program. At the conclusion of the program, students earn an OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour course completion card.
The OSHA Outreach Training Program offers direction on identifying, avoiding, eliminating, and preventing occupational hazards. Additionally, OSHA overview material—such as worker rights, employer obligations, and complaint filing procedures—are covered in outreach classes.
Program Benefits
- Encourages a culture of safety
- Participatory instruction through practical exercises
- Topics can be modified by the instructors to meet the unique requirements of their students
- Highlights the value of safety and health to workers
- Outreach training is offered in languages other than English
Hazard Recognition
The process of determining if a specific circumstance, material, situation, etcetera, may potentially cause harm is known as hazard recognition. Employees have the right to be aware of the risks to which they may be exposed, how to determine such risks, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Part of hazard recognition is having an exposure control plan. The exposure control plan (ECP) is a written document that details steps to take to avoid or deal with BBP exposure. If there is any risk of exposure to blood or other infectious material, regulations mandate an ECP. Each ECP will be unique because they address risks that are unique to each worksite.
Hazard recognition and a plan of prevention are essential to any workplace, especially one where harmful chemicals are in close proximity. Take for instance the experience of Bruno. Bruno was using a forklift to transport caustic chemicals on a worksite. Bruno became distracted and accidentally pierced a tote while still carrying the chemical, releasing a dangerous spill. With the help of a coworker, Bruno tried to clean up the accident, but he was splashed by the hazardous chemical. Bruno needed medical treatment after suffering chemical burns to his eyes, legs, and feet.
Online Training
Can OSHA HAZWOPER Training Be Done Online?
Yes, Hard Hat Training makes it easy for employees to earn their Hazwoper 40 certification on their own schedule. All our courses are OSHA Aligned and include the necessary safety information. We have a current Hazwoper 40 Training & Certification available for purchase. It is available as an online course, but we also provide training kits and a train the trainer program.
We at Hard Hat Training work hard to make safety training efficient and interesting. For this reason, we provide a portfolio of more than 200 thorough training courses at reasonable prices. Created with employees in mind, our HAZWOPER 40 training keeps users interested through a fully narrated course.
What’s in the HAZWOPER Online Training Course?
HAZWOPER training is designed to reduce the risks of chemical exposure for employees who will be working on an uncontrolled hazardous waste site or a treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF). Our Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) 40-hour training is fully aligned with these regulations, as well as those standards governing employees working in hazardous waste operations or emergency response.
Our comprehensive 40-hour course reviews a variety of topics that relate to HAZWOPER, including site characterization, hazard recognition, toxicology, radiation hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and decontamination methods. It also covers best practices for preparing for and responding to emergencies that involve hazardous waste. This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare you for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam, as required by OSHA.
Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 40 hours.
Intended Audience:
- Employees
- Supervisors
OSHA Requirements: This course meets the following OSHA Requirements:
- 29 CFR Part 1910.120
- 29 CFR 1926.65
Why Buy Our Online HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certification and Training Course?
- Complete Training: Our goal is to keep you safe and save you money. Train using a program that helps you retain what is learned so that you can put it into practice on job sites.
- Cost-Effective: Hiring a trainer to come on site can be expensive. That is why we developed our online curriculum to lower costs while still providing a professional training experience. (Check out our bulk pricing tiers below!)
- Records Tracking System: We offer an easy-to-use management system. If you have multiple students who are receiving the training, you can have access to all of their records, certificates, observation guides, and more! (Contact us if you would like us to quickly create a company account for you.)
- Train Your Way: You can use this online training program for new hire training, refresher training, or to train remotely. Access it from anywhere and work on your schedule.
- Interactive Learning: Special reminders and quiz questions throughout the course prepare students for the final exam so that it is passed the first time.
- Corporate License: Do you want to host this course on your own server? Contact us about obtaining broadcasting rights for this and any of our other online courses.
Training Benefits
Here are some benefits of the 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training that can benefit by management and employees alike, upon course completion:
- Safety: The HAZWOPER training provides employees with fundamental information about hazardous materials and their properties. The reduced health and safety risks aid in fostering a culture of safety and well-being at all organizational levels.
- Compliance: The HAZWOPER course assists employees, managers, and supervisors in ensuring adherence to OSHA rules and regulations.
- Federal Safety Awareness: Workers who have completed this course are more knowledgeable of the various federal safety and health laws, which lowers the likelihood of serious errors or mishaps.
- Cost Reduction: Workers are taught to handle hazardous waste and reduce both the direct and indirect expenses associated with employee turnover and injuries. Organizations and facilities can avoid fines and costs by ensuring alignment with OSHA rules through HAZWOPER Training.
- Marketability: Employees can increase their marketability and strengthen their applications by earning the HAZWOPER certification.
- Mobile Learning: Workers can complete the training at their own leisure and keep track of their progress.
Effective HAZWOPER training is without a doubt essential for ensuring the safety of employees engaged in operations and activities at a hazardous waste plant. For these professionals, the 40-Hour HAZWOPER course is crucial because it offers a wealth of knowledge about important safety and health subjects and guidelines to ensure a safe workplace for both employers and employees.
For more information check out our related articles Is OSHA 40 the same as HAZWOPER 40? and How difficult is the HAZWOPER 40 test?