The 40 hr HAZWOPER training was created by OSHA for regular site workers (such as equipment operators, general laborers, and supervisory personnel) engaged in hazardous substance removal or other activities which expose or potentially expose workers to hazardous substances and health hazards. In addition, on-site management and supervisors directly responsible for, or who supervise employees engaged in, hazardous waste operations should take this 40 hr initial course.

Additionally, some specific removal activities such as Methamphetamine Lab Decontamination and Mercury Abatement require HAZWOPER training although not specified in the HAZWOPER standard directly.

This training includes the 40 hrs of offsite instruction in accordance with OSHA 1910.120(e)(3)(i) and 1910.120(e)(4). Attendees will need to complete a minimum of three days actual field experience under the direct supervision of a trained experienced supervisor. Field training is not included and is the responsibility of the employer/student post course.

The HAZWOPER standard applies to five distinct groups of employers and their employees. This includes employees who are exposed or may potentially be exposed to hazardous substances– including hazardous waste–and are engaged in one of the following operations as specified by 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v):

• Clean-up operations required by a governmental body, whether federal, state, local, or other involving hazardous substances– that 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 body 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 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 location of the hazard.

Additionally, some specific removal activities such as Methamphetamine Lab Decontamination and Mercury Abatement require HAZWOPER training although not specified in the HAZWOPER standard directly.