Governments around the world produce considerable hazardous waste, and disposing of it properly is necessary to ensure the environment remains clean and habitable. HAZWOPER, which stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard, is a policy mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that is designed to protect workers who handle hazardous materials. If you're planning to develop a site that previously housed hazardous items, here are some answers to common questions about the process.

What You Need to Know About HAZWOPER

Who does this standard apply to?

Those who work in specific operations must follow the rules defined by HAZWOPER. These operations can be either required or voluntary, and they include cleanup as required by any governmental body at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites and corrective cleanup actions at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. As for nonmandated cleaning, this applies to voluntary cleanup at uncontrolled sites and emergency responses to the release of hazardous substances, no matter the location. This is important if you plan to develop a plot of land that may be contaminated, as you must remove hazardous materials to ensure safe construction.

What is HAZWOPER training?

Training involves successfully passing an approved HAZWOPER course. It includes either 24 or 40 hours of classroom time, based on the types of material exposure a worker might encounter during the course of the job. After passing the course, they must complete an eight-hour refresher course every 12 months to ensure they comply with changing regulations.

What are the benefits?

When you hire a company whose employees have completed this type of training, you enhance the safety protocols for the facility, community, and environment. Training is focused solely on the dangers workers can encounter and the safety measures needed to mitigate these dangers. Licensed, trained contractors can properly handle corrosive, explosive, flammable, and toxic materials that present a risk to their health and to the health of others. This means you can complete your project without delays and fines.

Is HAZWOPER a new concept?

No, it's been utilized for more than 30 years. Congress authorized the program in 1986, and the full protocol was published in 1990. Since then, it has played a key role in worker and environmental safety. It is particularly useful in older factories and new developments, as the standards for cleaning and disposing of hazardous materials have changed drastically over the years.

If you need trained HAZWOPER contractors to help you remove dangerous materials, contact GeoTek Alaska in Anchorage. Since 2002, these geoscientists have been serving people throughout Alaska. They provide a variety of geotechnical and geophysical services, including auger drilling, soil and groundwater sampling, and well monitoring. Call (907) 569-5900 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to explore their services.