HAZWOPER VS HAZMAT
Today we are going to talk about HAZWOPER vs HAZMAT. First, we will discuss what each one is including their definitions. We will then cover types of training related to each one and who needs this training. Last we will compare the two and talk about the differences and similarities.
What Is HAZWOPER?
HAZWOPER stands for or is an acronym for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. OSHA created HAZWOPER standards for General Industry 29 CFR 1910.120 and Construction 29 CFR 1926.65. HAZWOPER is for people who work with or are exposed to hazardous substances on the job.
The HAZWOPER standard applies to
- Clean-up operations required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local, or other involving hazardous substances, 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 hazard's location.
Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?
There are three different training courses covered under HAZWOPER.
24-Hour HAZWOPER (1910.120) – This course is for people that are sometimes called “Occasional Site Workers” people that don’t deal directly with hazardous materials.
40-Hour HAZWOPER (1910.120) – This course is for people who are involved in direct clean-up operations, and people that are exposed to hazardous materials during normal job duties.
8-Hour HAZWOPER (1910.120) – This is the annual refresher for both the 24 and 40-hour HAZWOPER courses.
What Is HAZMAT?
HAZMAT is the abbreviation for hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are defined as, “Substances that pose a significant risk to health, property, or the environment.”
Some examples of Hazardous Materials include:
- Explosives
- Gases
- Flammable Liquids
- Corrosives
- and more!
Who Needs HAZMAT Training?
Anyone involved with the transportation of hazardous materials including anyone that handles, prepares, transports, or ships HAZMAT must receive DOT HAZMAT Training. When someone refers to HAZMAT Training this is usually the course they are referring to.
HAZWOPER VS HAZMAT
So what is the difference between the two and how do they relate to each other that has so many people confused? HAZWOPER Training involves people who work on hazardous sites including cleanup and superfund sites. HAZMAT Training usually involves the shipment of HAZMAT or hazardous materials.
The two do relate though many times someone shipping hazardous materials where they will be in an IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health) environment will be required to have HAZMAT and HAZWOPER training according to OSHA. It is always a good idea to check with a safety supervisor or call us at 1-800-711-2706 if you aren’t sure what kind of training you need!
