Hazwoper training is an important requirement for those working in hazardous materials sites, as it helps them protect themselves and their workplace from the potentially harmful effects of such materials. But how often must Hazwoper training be conducted, and what does it involve? Read our guide to find out all you need to know about Hazwoper training and its requirements.
Understand OSHA’s Training Requirements for Hazwoper Certification
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most important factor when deciding how often Hazwoper training must be performed is the type of work being done. Hazwoper training must be conducted when an employee is beginning work in a hazardous materials site, but after that, OSHA requires refresher training as necessary. This usually means job-specific and technology-specific training at least once every 12 months, as well as whenever there are changes to regulations or procedures for working with hazardous materials.
Determine Type of Employee Who Requires Training
It is important to ensure that all the employees who require Hazwoper training receive it. Depending on the nature of their work, some may not need training at all, and for those that do, regular refreshers are needed. A site’s employees can be divided into five different groups when considering who needs Hazwoper training and how often: supervisors/managers, leading personnel, team members/workers, non-production workers (i.e., medical staff), and operators/users of hazardous materials.
Review the 8-Hour Refresher Training Requirement
All employees who work with hazardous materials or in hazardous locations must complete an 8-hour refresher course every 12 months. This training is required to keep workers informed of any changes in workplace safety regulations and to ensure they are aware of the most recent safety information and procedures. The refresher course should cover the topics already covered in the initial Hazwoper training as well as any new developments that have taken place during the past 12 months.
Calculate Training Frequency According to Type of Hazard
Depending on the type of hazardous environment, employers may need to increase the frequency of Hazwoper refresher training. Employees working in highly hazardous environments such as radioactive materials and controlled wastes require 8 hours of training every 6 months, whereas those working with Category 3 waste require 16 hours of training every 12 months. Employers must take into account the specific requirements for their environment and set the appropriate frequency of Hazwoper refresher training.
Identify When Annual or Bi-Annual Hazardous Waste Site Refresher Training is Necessary
In order to ensure that employees are properly equipped to handle hazardous waste sites, employers should conduct an annual assessment of their environment and the specific hazardous materials present. Based on this assessment, employer must determine whether annual or bi-annual refresher training is necessary. Employers also need to consider any new personnel added to their workforce who require Hazwoper training and provide regular awareness programs throughout the year.
