Does HAZWOPER 40 Expire?

Working with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) is governed by specific regulations and training standards. HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) training is a core requirement for many roles, and it must be maintained over time.

This blog reviews the validity period for HAZWOPER 40-hour training, the annual refresher requirement, and answers to other common questions about staying compliant.

What Does HAZWOPER Stand For?

HAZWOPER is an acronym that stands for the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. HAZWOPER is a standard set by OSHA in 1990 to train employees on how to handle and work with hazardous materials. Employers who do the following general types of work are covered by the HAZWOPER standard:

• Clean up hazardous waste sites
• Treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste
• Respond to emergencies involving the release of hazardous substances

By giving everyone the required safety standards and training, HAZWOPER training aims to safeguard employees engaged in hazardous waste clean-up and emergency response operations. Because HAZWOPER training activities get more complicated, there are five different levels of HAZWOPER training.

What Are the 5 Levels of HAZWOPER Training?

OSHA 29 CRF 1910.120(q) outlines training requirements for HAZWOPER's five levels of emergency responders, which are directly related to their roles and activities. The levels are as follows:

1. First Responder Awareness Level
2. First Responder Operations Level
3. Hazardous Materials Technician
4. Hazardous Materials Specialist
5. On-Scene Incident Commander

Let’s break down those levels further. Along with the five levels, there are three types of HAZWOPER training (8-hour, 24-hour, and 40-hour). We will discuss those later in the article.

HAZWOPER Level I

HAZWOPER Level I is for first responders who witness hazardous substance releases, typically on-site in warehouse or lab jobs. These workers need to be trained on how to properly start an emergency response sequence and get the right people involved through clear communication channels.

This training is the basis for all other levels because it builds on the core skills that are taught here. HAZWOPER Level I involves training on triggering alarms, making announcements, notifying security, calling 911, and enlisting on-site hazmat teams. They must be able to display awareness, accurately identify and recognize dangers, grasp risks and potential outcomes, and play a role in an emergency response plan.

HAZWOPER Level II

The First Responder Operations Level training is for people or groups who are called to a possible or actual release of a dangerous chemical to protect people and the environment and keep property or inventory safe.

Employees in first responder operations must complete at least 8 hours of training or similar work experience and demonstrate capabilities in the following areas:

• Risk evaluation
• Terminology and definitions
• Correct choice, application, and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Fundamental containment, control, and confinement operations
• Operational knowledge of emergency protocols

The best offense is always a good defense, and that is where response training comes in. HAZWOPER II focuses on containment, prevention of spread, and exposure as its primary objectives. To avoid spread, HAZWOPER Level II procedures include remote pump shutdown, vent closure, drain cover, and absorptive substance placement.

HAZWOPER Level III

Those known as "emergency response technicians," who are in charge of responding to the release or possible release of hazardous materials and acting to patch, plug, or otherwise stop future release, must complete HAZWOPER III training.

They must complete at least 24 hours of instruction and demonstrate that they:

• Understand how to evaluate risks and hazards
• Know important practices and key terms related to safety
• Can carry out emergency response plans and actions
• Know which personal protective equipment (PPE) to use and how to use it properly
• Are able to work within the Incident Command System (ICS)
• Know how to use specialized tools and equipment to identify and confirm both known and unknown materials
• Can perform advanced tasks for controlling and containing situations

HAZWOPER Level IV

HAZWOPER IV training is for a Hazardous Materials Specialist. This is a title given to persons who provide further assistance to hazardous materials technicians.

They are comparable to a hazmat technician, but they need to be more knowledgeable. They also serve as a contact between the corporation and any authorities that may be present on site. Specialists must finish at least 24 hours of training equivalent to that of the technician level.  They must also demonstrate acceptable expertise in areas of emergency response, such as:

• Create and carry out effective emergency response plans and procedures
• Use specialized equipment and tools in the field
• Perform containment, confinement, or control tasks
• Have the necessary knowledge of emergency responses and hazardous materials

HAZWOPER Level V

HAZWOPER Level V training focuses on on-scene incident command. It is designed for those who manage or oversee a HAZMAT team, a facility or site emergency response plan, and/or an Incident Command System (ICS).

On-Scene Incident Commanders manage emergencies by strategizing, developing, and implementing preventative measures, organizational safety objectives, and handling hazardous materials risks. Commanders are  required to complete a minimum of 24 hours of training and demonstrate acceptable competence in performing the following tasks:

• Basic knowledge of hazardous waste and its risks
• Understanding of the Federal Regional Response Team
• Create and carry out emergency response plans for the company, local area, and state, including the ICS

Who Should Take a HAZWOPER Training?

The HAZWOPER compliance course is applicable to five groups of employees and employers. The groups include employees who are exposed or likely to be exposed to hazardous chemicals or engaged in any of the following five duties as indicated in 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v):

1. Corrective actions that may involve clean-up operations of sites that are covered under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.).
2. Voluntary clean-up duties at sites that are recognized by the local, state, federal, or any other governmental body as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
3. Clean-up operations involving hazardous substances, enforced by the local, state, federal, or any other governmental body.
4. Emergency response operations to address the release of a potential threat or hazardous substance.
5. Actions involving dealing with hazardous waste and are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by the Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 264 and 265 pursuant to RCRA, or by agencies under agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement RCRA regulations.

Employees and employers meeting the requirements are required to complete HAZWOPER training. The level of training required defers and depends on the role that the employee performs. “The level of training the employer must provide depends on the role the employee will perform in response.

Employees must be trained to the first responder operations level if they will be part of the initial response for protecting persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the hazardous substance release. Employees who respond for the purpose of actually stopping the release must be trained as hazardous materials technicians,” as noted by OSHA.

What Are the Various Levels of HAZWOPER Training?

HAZWOPER training is offered at three levels: 8-hour refresher training, 24-hour training, and 40-hour training. These levels offer HAZWOPER training for those with varying job tasks.

Here’s a break-down of the different HAZWOPER courses available: 

8-HOUR HAZWOPER TRAINING

This level is the annual refresher required by those who complete HAZWOPER training. It is required within 12 months of taking the 24- and 40-hour course and is needed every year to maintain compliance.

24-HOUR HAZWOPER TRAINING

This training is best suited for employees who deal with the clean-up of contaminated hazardous waste sites. “Hazardous materials technicians must receive at least 24 hours of training at the operations level and satisfy certain additional competencies listed in the standard. See 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) and 1910.120(q)(6)(iii).”

40-HOUR HAZWOPER TRAINING

The last level is best suited for employees who perform actions pertaining to the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.

Does HAZWOPER 40 Expire?

Yes, HAZWOPER 40 does expire. The initial 40-hour training program provides foundational knowledge and skills for handling hazardous materials, but it only lasts for one year from the completion date.

To maintain your status and legally work with hazardous materials, you must complete an 8-hour refresher course annually. This helps ensure you stay current on regulations, safety protocols, and best practices in handling hazardous substances.

How Long Is the HAZWOPER Certificate Valid For?

The HAZWOPER certificate is valid for up to 12 months, after which refresher training is required. As indicated by 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(8), refresher training for all operation and technician-level employees is required to offer them the latest information and skills they need to perform their jobs safely.

HAZWOPER compliance training is not designed to train workers with specific technical response activities, such as spill remediation. It trains workers to remain safe when performing a chemical response action and provides them with the knowledge needed to comply with hazardous waste management regulations and standards set by OSHA.

What Is the HAZWOPER Refresher Grace Period?

While your initial 40-hour HAZWOPER training is valid for a year, maintaining your status requires completing an 8-hour refresher course within 12 months of finishing the initial training. This 8-hour refresher offers a crucial update on your knowledge and skills, ensuring you remain familiar with the latest safety protocols and regulations surrounding hazardous materials.

What Is the HAZWOPER Expiration Penalty?

Failing to complete the 8-hour refresher course within the 12-month window results in your HAZWOPER training becoming expired. This means you are no longer legally authorized to handle hazardous materials until you fulfill one of the following requirements:

• Complete the 8-hour refresher to restore current training status, or

• Retake the full 40-hour HAZWOPER to reestablish compliance. 

The appropriate path often depends on your employer’s policies and applicable state requirements. Some employers might require you to retake the entire 40-hour training even if your expiration window is minimal. Regardless, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the refresher course ensures compliance and continued safe work practices.

Start Today With OSHAcampus

There’s no doubt how vital HAZWOPER training is, so ensure your staff has completed all OSHA-mandated safety training and your team and organization are prepared to handle any potential issues.

Effective planning and training with providers like OSHAcampus by 360training is an essential part of preventing hazardous waste emergencies. By prioritizing safety and acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills, you contribute to a safer work environment for yourself and others.

We offer comprehensive, online HAZWOPER courses designed to meet your specific training needs. Enroll today and take the first step towards a safer and more fulfilling career!