HAZWOPER Training - Addressing Requirements and Refresher Course Issues

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operationstraining. The ability to complete the refresher course
and Emergency Response Standard. There are fiveon a computer is possible, provided certain
specific groups of employees and their employersrequirements are met.
that are required to complete this type of training.First of all, for computer-based refresher course to
They are:be acceptable there must be a qualified trainer on
• Any company dealing with emergency responsehand that will be able to answer all questions the
operations that includes the release or potentialparticipant may have. Hands-on performance of work
release of hazardous substances. The hazard doestasks must also be able to be assessed properly. The
not need to be located at the site of the employer.online program must also include topics that are
• Companies or individuals involved in clean-upcompatible with the duties that have been assigned
operations required by any governmental body atto that particular worker.
any uncontrolled hazardous waste site.Another common issue that comes up about
• Businesses involved in hazardous wasterefresher training is if the course has to be
operations at a location that is considered a storage,completed in one sitting. The training is allowed to be
treatment, or disposal facility regulated by certaincompleted in segments provided that the individual
government regulations.completes the program prior to their anniversary
• Anyone dealing with corrective actions thatdate. Any employee who does not complete the
involves clean up operations at locations covered bycourse within 12 months may need to complete the
RCRA.24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER program again if it is
• Those involved in voluntary clean up operationsdetermined that their familiarity with health and
at any government mandated uncontrollablesafety procedures is not up to par; otherwise the
hazardous waste site.employee should take the next available refresher
While these employers and employees mustcourse.
complete either a 24-hour or 40-hour training course,In conclusion, this should make some common issues
it will also be required that every individual alsowith HAZWOPER training easier to comprehend and
complete an 8-hour refresher course annually. One ofshed light on what needs to be done and who needs
the main issues that these participants normally haveto complete this program.
on their mind is the acceptability of online refresher