When chemical spills or other toxic environmental accidents occur, professionals will employ HAZWOPER training to protect workers, the public, and the environment. Short for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard, HAZWOPER is a set of regulations that dictate the proper ways to analyze, isolate, and cleanup a dangerous site. To shed more light on this important aspect of work and environmental safety, here are a few basic points to know about HAZWOPER.

What Are HAZWOPER Regulations?

When hazardous waste is present at a worksite, HAZWOPER regulations specify that agencies must abide by the following tasks.

• Perform a site analysis to pinpoint the details and extent of the contamination.
• Provide employees with pertinent information regarding hazardous sites where they may be working.
• Employ professionals who have proper HAZWOPER training.
• Use engineering controls to protect workers from exposure.
• Enroll exposed workers in a medical surveillance program.
• Provide personal protective equipment to any individual entering a hazardous site.
• Monitor the air quality at all stages of cleanup.
• Outline decontamination procedures.
• Put emergency response plans into place.

Who Needs HAZWOPER Training?

When a governmental body recognizes a hazardous waste cleanup site, those entering the area should possess the proper level of HAZWOPER training for their specific job duties. You will likely need training if you are the operator of an uncontrolled hazardous waste site, an emergency responder, or work in the treatment, storage, and disposal facility.

What Does the HAZWOPER Training Process Involve?

The specific level of HAZWOPER training required for a worker will ultimately depend on the extent of their job performances. Typically, full-time site workers will need to complete a 40-hour training course. However, shorter options are available for those with minimal responsibilities.

The first part of the training involves a series of instructor-led courses that review specific regulations. Lessons may be provided all at once or in increments. Sometimes, this portion of training is available through e-learning platforms.

The second part of the training consists of multiple hands-on learning modules. For example, those in training will practice proper dressing and respirator use procedures. These lessons allow professionals to get familiar with the equipment and master proper response tactics.

Specializing in groundwater sampling, well monitoring, and soil screening, GeoTek Alaska offers a wide variety of services that follow HAZWOPER standards. Utilizing advanced tools, these highly-trained professionals can provide precise analyses to measure the extent of site contamination, as well as assist with cleanup procedures in a regulatory-compliant fashion. To learn more about these services, visit this geotechnical drilling contractor online or contact the Anchorage, AK, office at (907) 569-5900.