HAZWOPER Training Levels

Because of the wide range of responsibilities in this field, there are many job roles, each with different training requirements. These job roles will come under one of three Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training levels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines these in 29 CFR 1910.120, detailing training levels, job classifications and corresponding training standards. Ultimately, it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers are adequately trained and the work environment remains safe. The HAZWOPER training levels are General Site Cleanup Operations 29 CFR 1910.120(e), Emergency Response 29 CFR 1910.120(q) and RCRA TSDF Operations 29 CFR 1910.120(p). RCRA stands for the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

General Site Cleanup Operations Level – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e)

Under OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120(e)), the General Site Worker training requirements are designed to protect employees engaged in hazardous waste operations at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, such as Superfund locations, industrial cleanups, or sites contaminated by chemical releases. This is the most common HAZWOPER training level.

40 Hour HAZWOPER Training – General Site Workers

Workers who are regularly exposed to hazardous substances and who may face exposure levels at or above permissible exposure limits (PELs) are required to complete the 40 hour training. This level applies to equipment operators, general laborers, field technicians, and other site personnel who directly handle hazardous materials during cleanup, removal, or remediation activities.

HAZWOPER Training Level Topics

The training provides comprehensive instruction in:

• Chemical hazard recognition and toxicology

• Site characterization and air monitoring

• Decontamination procedures

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) use and limitations

• Confined space awareness

• Emergency response procedures and medical surveillance

• Health and Safety Plan (HASP)

• Site-specific hands-on training

After completing classroom or online training, workers must also receive a minimum of three days of supervised field experience under the direct supervision of a qualified and experienced supervisor. To remain compliant, employees must complete an 8-hour HAZWOPER refresher course annually to maintain their certification.

24 Hour HAZWOPER Training – Occasional Site Workers

The 24 hour training is required for employees who visit or work occasionally on contaminated sites and are unlikely to be exposed to hazardous substances at or above PELs. These workers may include site visitors, support staff, or supervisors who perform limited tasks without direct contact with hazardous materials.

HAZWOPER Training Level Topics

This course covers topics such as:

• Basic hazard communication and toxicology

• PPE awareness and selection

• Site safety and health procedures

• Decontamination basics

• Emergency response awareness

• Site-specific hands-on training

After completing the 24 hour training, workers must receive at least one day of on-site, supervised field experience to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment.

Supervisor

Supervisors must complete the same 40 hour training and field experience as General Site Workers before taking an additional 8 hour HAZWOPER Supervisor course, which covers supervisory responsibilities and additional safety topics.

Refresher Training

All site cleanup operation roles require an annual 8 hour refresher course, tailored to the individual’s job duties.

Emergency Response Level – 29 CFR 1910.120 (q)

The Emergency Response training level, outlined in OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard (29 CFR 1910.120(q)), applies to employees who respond to the release or potential release of hazardous substances—such as chemical spills, leaks, fires, or explosions—regardless of the location or industry. This section is specifically designed to protect emergency responders, including firefighters, hazmat technicians, first responders, and incident commanders, by ensuring they are trained to safely manage hazardous material incidents in accordance with federal safety standards.

Under 29 CFR 1910.120(q), OSHA identifies multiple training classifications based on the employee’s role, responsibility, and degree of involvement in emergency response activities:

1. First Responder Awareness (FRA)

Employees who may witness or discover a hazardous substance release and who are trained to initiate an emergency response by notifying the proper authorities. They do not take any further action beyond notification.
Training requirement: Sufficient training or experience to demonstrate competency in hazard recognition and notification procedures.

2. First Responder Operations (FRO)

Personnel who respond defensively to contain the release from a safe distance and prevent its spread. These individuals do not attempt to stop the release.
Training requirement: At least 8 hours of training focusing on defensive tactics, hazard recognition, PPE awareness, and basic spill containment.

3. Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Technician

Responders who take offensive action to stop the release or control the source of the hazardous substance. This includes plugging, patching, or containing leaks.
Training requirement: At least 24 hours of training equivalent to the operations level, plus hands-on instruction in advanced control techniques, air monitoring, and PPE use.

4. HAZMAT Specialist

Individuals who provide technical assistance and expertise to technicians and command staff. They have a deeper understanding of chemical, biological, and radiological hazards and coordinate with government agencies during major incidents.
Training requirement: At least 24 additional hours beyond the technician level and demonstrated competency in specialized hazard assessment and mitigation.

5. On-Scene Incident Commander

Personnel who assume control and management of emergency response operations. They must be fully trained in the incident command system (ICS), site safety, and coordination of multi-agency response teams.
Training requirement: Training equal to the operations and technician levels, plus additional instruction in command, control, and communication procedures.

Annual Refresher Training

All emergency responders must complete annual refresher training or demonstrate competency in their assigned roles to remain OSHA compliant. Training records must be documented and retained by the employer.

RCRA TSDF Operations Level – 29 CFR 1910.120 (p)

The RCRA Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) training level, established under OSHA’s standard (29 CFR 1910.120(p)), applies to employees who work at hazardous waste management facilities regulated under RCRA. These facilities handle the treatment, storage, or disposal of hazardous waste, often as part of long-term waste management or corrective action programs.

Who Must Be Trained

All employees involved in hazardous waste management activities at RCRA-permitted TSDFs are covered under this section, including:

• Waste treatment and storage operators

• Maintenance and support personnel who may be exposed to hazardous materials

• Supervisors and managers overseeing waste handling operations

• Emergency response and spill control team members

Initial Training

Before beginning work, each new employee must receive a minimum of 24 hours of initial instruction. This training must cover the hazards present at the facility, safe work practices, use of PPE, and emergency response procedures. The training should include both classroom (or online) components and hands-on instruction, ensuring employees can competently perform their job duties in a hazardous environment.

HAZWOPER Training Level Topics

• Overview of pertinent regulations

• RCRA waste classification, labeling, and documentation

• Chemical hazard recognition and toxicology

• PPE selection and maintenance

• Air monitoring and exposure control

• Decontamination and spill response procedures

• Emergency preparedness and evacuation planning

• Health and Safety Plan (HASP) implementation

Supervised Field Experience

Following classroom or online instruction, new employees must work under the direct supervision of a trained and experienced worker until they have demonstrated the required proficiency to safely perform their tasks independently.

Annual Refresher Training

Each TSDF employee must complete an 8-hour refresher course every 12 months to remain OSHA compliant. The refresher reinforces critical safety topics, introduces regulatory updates, and ensures ongoing competency in safe waste handling and emergency procedures.

Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE, is a critical component of any HAZWOPER operation. It serves as the final line of defense between workers and the hazardous environments they encounter. OSHA categorizes PPE into four primary types of protection: respiratory, eye and face, skin, and hearing.

1. Respiratory Protection

Respiratory PPE safeguards workers from inhaling contaminated air, toxic vapors, or airborne particulates commonly found at hazardous waste sites. Only respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be used. Depending on the environment, responders may use air-purifying respirators (APRs) that filter contaminants, or supplied-air respirators (SARs) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) systems that provide clean air from an external or self-contained source. Proper fit testing, maintenance, and training are essential for effective respiratory protection.

2. Eye and Face Protection

Eye and face protection — including safety goggles, face shields, and chemical splash guards — are designed to prevent injuries caused by flying debris, sparks, and corrosive liquids. Workers must be trained to select and properly use the appropriate protective gear for each task to avoid serious or permanent injury.

3. Skin Protection

PPE for skin protection may include chemical-resistant gloves, suits, aprons, boots, and encapsulating ensembles designed to prevent contact with toxic chemicals, corrosives, and infectious agents. These barriers are particularly important during spill cleanup, decontamination, and emergency response operations. Proper selection depends on the type of hazard, duration of exposure, and material compatibility.

4. Hearing Protection

Excessive noise exposure can cause permanent hearing loss, disorientation, and fatigue. At HAZWOPER sites, loud machinery, pumps, or ventilation systems can produce unsafe decibel levels. Using hearing protection devices such as earplugs, earmuffs, or noise-attenuating helmets helps maintain communication while preventing long-term hearing damage. Employers must conduct noise exposure assessments to determine when hearing conservation measures are required under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95.

While managing hazardous materials can seem daunting, proper PPE training helps responders work safely and confidently. Comprehensive HAZWOPER courses — including the 8-hour refresher, 24-hour, and 40-hour programs— provide detailed instruction on PPE selection, use, limitations, and decontamination in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120.

Through certified programs offered by providers such as OSHACode, employees and employers gain the skills to recognize hazards, choose the correct protective gear, and comply with federal safety standards — ensuring protection in even the most hazardous environments.

Sources

Emergency Response and Preparedness

OSHA HAZWOPER Hands-on Training Requirement

Medical Surveillance Requirements

U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration

https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/1992-08-27-1

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-resource-conservation-and-recovery-act

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