HAZWOPER Training

HAZWOPER? What on earth is that?
HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response and is what you need to know to work with hazardous wastes.

Who needs HAZWOPER Training?
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ruled that people must be HAZWOPER trained if they work with, or are around, hazardous wastes. The purpose of the training is to make sure that people are as safe as possible when potential or actual contact with hazardous wastes is likely.

How much training do you need?
There are three kinds of HAZWOPER training.

40hr training is the most comprehensive training and is what most people need. Usually this training is given over 5 days (8 hours each day).

24hr training is only for “occasional site workers” that have very limited contact with hazardous wastes. The main difference between the 24 hour and 40 hour course is that the 24 hour training student should not be involved in activities where a face mask or breathing help might be needed.

8hr training is known as “refresher training” and is for people who have already taken the 40 hr or 24hr training but need to update their certification. HAZWOPER certification from 40 hr and 24 hr training is valid for 1 year, so as long as you take an 8 hr refresher course before the year is up, you will continue to be HAZWOPER certified.

Have more questions about the kind of HAZWOPER training you may need? Contact any of the people listed on the table that follows below.

Where can I get HAZWOPER training?
The table below lists agencies and private companies that offer HAZWOPER training. Private companies offer trainings for individuals at their company location. Private companies will also come to your location for group trainings. Group trainings can be more cost effective if you know 8 or more people that are looking for HAZWOPER training.

Wanda Ballot in Noorvik organized a very successful group HAZWOPER training for people in her community and nearby communities. If you are considering a group training in your community, it might be helpful to call Wanda for some advice. You can contact Wanda at 636-2144 or 636-2224, or email wballot@maniilaq.org

The Native Villages of Selawik (contact Raven Sheldon at 484-2006) and Toksook (contact Molly Charlie at 427-7114) also hosted on-site 40 HAZWOPER courses and invited near-by Villages to attend. Contact them for advice/opinions on how their courses went, and about the companies they hired to teach the courses.

In addition to the table below, the EPA has a list of companies that offer HAZWOPER (click on this link http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/OMP.NSF/webpage/Alaska )

Any more questions?
Do you have more questions about HAZWOPER training (or any other solid waste questions)? Contact Ray Paddock at Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes. 1-800-344-1432 ext 7184
rpaddock@ccthita.org