HAZWOPER: Understanding HAZWOPER

Hazardous materials and waste are part of many work situations, and can be found on many types of job sites. It is so important that employees know how to recognize these potentially dangerous substances, as well as how to handle and dispose of them properly, that OSHA mandates that anyone working with these substances receive comprehensive training in this area.

In 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to regulate the handling of hazardous waste "from cradle to grave". Since then other regulations have followed, including OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.120, also known as HAZWOPER. As part of these regulations, there are varying requirements for employee training, depending on an employee's specific level of involvement with hazardous materials.

Understanding HAZWOPER was designed to explain the regulations and to help employees begin to reduce or eliminate potential exposure to hazardous materials in their work environments.

Topics covered in Understanding HAZWOPER include:

• History of the HAZWOPER regulations.
• Definitions of hazardous chemicals and waste.
• Container labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
• The Site Safety and Health Plan.
• HAZWOPER training requirements.
• The Site Control Program.
• Monitoring of hazardous substances.
• The Medical Surveillance Program.
• Decontamination.

A Brief Timeline of HAZWOPER Safety

1976 - The EPA created the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to regulate the handling of hazardous waste.

1986 - OSHA was given the task of protecting HAZMAT workers.

1990 - OSHA issued the HAZWOPER regulation, which requires a number of specific levels of employee training, depending on an employee's involvement with hazardous materials.

Languages Available (sold separately): English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese (subtitle)

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