subject: Hazwoper Training: Addressing Requirements And Refresher Course Issues [print this page] HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. There are five specific groups of employees and their employers that are required to complete this type of training. They are:
*Any company dealing with emergency response operations that includes the release or potential release of hazardous substances. The hazard does not need to be located at the site of the employer.
*Companies or individuals involved in clean-up operations required by any governmental body at any uncontrolled hazardous waste site.
*Businesses involved in hazardous waste operations at a location that is considered a storage, treatment, or disposal facility regulated by certain government regulations.
*Anyone dealing with corrective actions that involves clean up operations at locations covered by RCRA.
*Those involved in voluntary clean up operations at any government mandated uncontrollable hazardous waste site.
While these employers and employees must complete either a 24-hour or 40-hour training course, it will also be required that every individual also complete an 8-hour refresher course annually. One of the main issues that these participants normally have on their mind is the acceptability of online refresher training. The ability to complete the refresher course on a computer is possible, provided certain requirements are met.
First of all, for computer-based refresher course to be acceptable there must be a qualified trainer on hand that will be able to answer all questions the participant may have. Hands-on performance of work tasks must also be able to be assessed properly. The online program must also include topics that are compatible with the duties that have been assigned to that particular worker.
Another common issue that comes up about refresher training is if the course has to be completed in one sitting. The training is allowed to be completed in segments provided that the individual completes the program prior to their anniversary date. Any employee who does not complete the course within 12 months may need to complete the 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER program again if it is determined that their familiarity with health and safety procedures is not up to par; otherwise the employee should take the next available refresher course.
In conclusion, this should make some common issues with HAZWOPER training easier to comprehend and shed light on what needs to be done and who needs to complete this program.
