Introduction

The HAZWOPER standard, established by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.120), is critical for workers and employers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. This course provides comprehensive training on the principles, practices, and requirements of HAZWOPER. It equips participants to safely manage hazardous materials, mitigate risks, and effectively respond to emergencies while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the HAZWOPER standard and its applications in various industries.
2. Recognize hazardous substances and assess associated risks.
3. Learn to implement safety and health programs for hazardous waste sites.
4. Develop skills for effective emergency response and incident management.
5. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls to minimize exposure.
6. Prepare for real-world scenarios through practical exercises and simulations.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Hazardous waste site workers
• Emergency responders
• Health, safety, and environmental (HSE) professionals
• Supervisors and managers of hazardous operations
• Contractors and subcontractors handling hazardous materials
• Anyone seeking certification to work at hazardous sites

Advanced 5-Day Course Outline

Day 1: Fundamentals of HAZWOPER

• Session 1: Introduction to the HAZWOPER Standard

  • Overview of OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.120)
  • Scope, purpose, and applicability of HAZWOPER

• Session 2: Understanding Hazardous Substances

  • Types of hazardous materials and their effects on health and safety
  • Toxicology basics and routes of exposure

• Session 3: Regulatory Framework

  • Key agencies: OSHA, EPA, and DOT
  • Case studies: Real-world examples of non-compliance and their consequences

Day 2: Site Safety and Health Planning

• Session 1: Developing a Site Safety and Health Plan (SSHP)

  • Elements of an effective SSHP
  • Hazard assessment and site characterization

• Session 2: Monitoring and Controlling Hazards

  • Air monitoring techniques and equipment
  • Engineering controls and administrative measures

• Session 3: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Types and levels of PPE (Level A, B, C, and D)
  • Practical workshop: Proper selection, donning, and doffing of PPE

Day 3: Emergency Response Preparedness

• Session 1: Incident Command System (ICS)

  • Roles and responsibilities in the ICS framework
  • Integrating HAZWOPER into emergency response plans

• Session 2: Spill Containment and Control

  • Techniques for managing and containing hazardous substance releases
  • Practical exercise: Setting up decontamination zones

• Session 3: Emergency Response Procedures

  • Responding to fires, explosions, and chemical releases
  • Case study: Lessons learned from historical hazardous incidents

Day 4: Health Monitoring and Medical Surveillance

• Session 1: Medical Surveillance Requirements

  • Importance of medical evaluations for HAZWOPER workers
  • Common tests and procedures

• Session 2: Decontamination Procedures

  • Decontamination methods and equipment
  • Hands-on activity: Establishing and operating a decontamination line

• Session 3: Stress Management and Worker Safety

  • Managing physical and psychological stress in hazardous environments
  • Best practices for worker well-being

Day 5: Practical Exercises and Certification

• Session 1: Field Exercises and Simulations

  • Realistic scenarios: Spill containment, hazard identification, and PPE use
  • Team-based drills for emergency response

• Session 2: Written Examination

  • Testing knowledge of HAZWOPER principles, practices, and regulations
  • Certification requirements and criteria

• Session 3: Review and Feedback

  • Course wrap-up and Q&A
  • Individual feedback on performance during exercises

Conclusion and Certification

• OSHA-compliant HAZWOPER certification
• Access to course materials and ongoing resources
• Networking with industry professionals and experts