The Difference Between 24-Hour And 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
Before we address the question of which course you need, let's start by defining exactly what is HAZWOPER?... HAZWOPER is the acronym for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. HAZWOPER was created by OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration), to protect workers involved with or working on sites with hazardous waste or Superfund sites and specifically, those with chemical release emergencies! HAZWOPER is covered under OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120.
Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?
24-Hour HAZWOPER Training:
The 24-hour HAZWOPER Training was created by OSHA for employees who work around hazardous materials who may only occasionally be exposed and are not involved with clean-up operations. Employees that need 24-hour HAZWOPER are most likely considered “Occasional Site Workers”. These employees aren’t required to work with hazardous materials daily.
40-Hour HAZWOPER Training:
The 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training was created by OSHA for employees who work regularly with hazardous materials. This includes employees that store, treat, or who are required to participate in clean-up operations of hazardous materials. Many companies will get 40-Hour HAZWOPER Certification for all employees so they can cover all their bases and they may also receive breaks on insurance.
Is Online HAZWOPER Training Acceptable?
According to OSHA, both the 24-hour and 40-Hour HAZWOPER courses can be taken using online training. Although the 40-hour HAZWOPER can be taken using online training this is only 32 hours of training on the topic you will still be required to take 8 hours of hands-on training, without the hands-on training your certification IS NOT valid!
After completing the training you will also be required to have field experience with a supervisor. 24-Hour HAZWOPER workers are required to complete one day and 40-Hour HAZWOPER workers are required to complete three days.
How Long Is 40-Hour HAZWOPER Good For? How Long Is 24-Hour HAZWOPER Good For?
So when is HAZWOPER Training required? Both the 24 and 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Courses require you to take an 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Course annually to learn about any updates or changes to HAZWOPER and remain compliant with OSHA.
Still a little confused?
The HAZWOPER standard applies to five distinct groups of employers and their employees. This includes employees who are exposed or may potentially be exposed to hazardous substances-- including hazardous waste--and are engaged in one of the following operations as specified by 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v):
- Clean-up operations required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local, or other involving hazardous substances-- that are conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
- Corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.)
- Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites
- Operations involving hazardous wastes that are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 264 and 265 pursuant to RCRA, or by agencies under agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement RCRA regulations
- Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of release of, hazardous substances regardless of the location of the hazard.
Can I Upgrade OSHA 24 To OSHA 40 (HAZWOPER)?
The short answer is yes! If you have already taken the 24-Hour HAZWOPER Course and you find out you need the 40-hour or you just want to upgrade to the 40-hour we offer a 16-hour course where you can upgrade the 24-hour certification to a 40-hour certification!
Looking to upgrade a 24-Hour Certification Try:16 Hour HAZWOPER
Conclusion
In today's blog, we compared the differences between 24-Hour HAZWOPER and 40-Hour HAZWOPER. We reviewed who needs HAZWOPER Training including who needs 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training and Who needs 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training? Next, we went over is online HAZWOPER Training acceptable which included hands-on training for 40-hour training.
The last two things we reviewed were How often do you need 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training and how often do you need 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training? This included a review of The HAZWOPER Standard and who it applies to. The last thing we went over was the ability to upgrade a 24-Hour HAZWOPER Certification to a 40-Hour Certification.
Are You Ready For HAZWOPER Training? Sign Up For A HAZWOPER Training Course Today!
We also offer the HAZWOPER Refresher!
