HAZWOPER application steps and operations

When Does HAZWOPER Apply?

Five Groups Covered Under the HAZWOPER Standard

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.120, there are five groups that employers and employees must comply with in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard. These types of operations are where workers may be exposed to hazardous substances during cleanup, corrective actions, voluntary cleanup operations, emergency response, or hazardous waste management.

Group 1. Hazardous waste cleanup companies operating at uncontrolled sites

This includes contractors and environmental remediation firms that perform cleanup at abandoned facilities, spill zones, Superfund sites, brownfields, or any location classified as an uncontrolled hazardous waste site. Cleanup operations performed inside a controlled manufacturing facility are typically not covered by HAZWOPER unless uncontrolled contamination exists.

Group 2. Companies performing corrective actions under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Organizations that conduct cleanup, remediation, or corrective action at hazardous waste release locations regulated by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 fall under HAZWOPER requirements, especially when responding to leaks, spills, or contamination events.

Group 3. Government or public entities conducting voluntary cleanup operations

Federal, state, tribal, or municipal agencies that voluntarily undertake hazardous waste cleanup activities at uncontrolled sites must follow HAZWOPER procedures to ensure worker protection and regulatory compliance.

Group 4. Facilities that treat, store, or dispose of hazardous waste (TSDFs)

Workers at Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) regulated under RCRA are covered by HAZWOPER under 29 CFR 1910.120(p), which requires initial and annual training for employees who handle or may be exposed to hazardous waste.

Group 5. Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) emergency response organizations and teams

This includes industrial emergency response teams, municipal fire departments, HAZMAT response units, and private spill response contractors who respond to the release or potential release of hazardous substances. These operations are governed by 29 CFR 1910.120(q) and require specialized initial training and ongoing competency.

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