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.
• Acciones correctoras relacionadas con operaciones de limpieza en emplazamientos cubiertos por la Ley de Conservación y Recuperación de Recursos de 1976 (RCRA) en su versión modificada (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).
• Operaciones voluntarias de limpieza en lugares reconocidos por organismos federales, estatales, locales u otros organismos gubernamentales como lugares de residuos peligrosos no controlados.
• Operaciones relacionadas con residuos peligrosos que se llevan a cabo en instalaciones de tratamiento, almacenamiento y eliminación reguladas por el Título 40 del Código de Reglamentos Federales, Partes 264 y 265, de conformidad con la RCRA, o por organismos bajo acuerdo con la Agencia de Protección Medioambiental de EE.UU. para aplicar la normativa RCRA.
• Operaciones de respuesta de emergencia en caso de vertido o amenaza importante de vertido de sustancias peligrosas, independientemente de la ubicación del peligro.

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