How Long is HAZWOPER Certification Good For?

Working with hazardous materials (HAZMAT) comes with its own set of regulations and training requirements. One essential component for anyone handling HAZMAT is a valid HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) certification. But, like many professional licenses, HAZWOPER certification isn’t good forever.

In this blog, we’ll discuss how long your certification is good for, as well as answer some other frequently asked questions about the validity of the HAZWOPER certification.

WHO SHOULD TAKE A HAZWOPER CERTIFICATION?

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 the HAZWOPER certification. 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 CERTIFICATION?

HAZWOPER training is offered at three levels: 8-hour refresher training, 24-hour training, and 40-hour training. These levels offer HAZWOPER certification for those with varying job tasks. Here’s a break-down of the three levels of the HAZWOPER certification:

8-HOUR HAZWOPER TRAINING

This level is the annual refresher required by those who hold HAZWOPER certification. 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 certification 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 CERTIFICATION VALID FOR?

So, how long does HAZWOPER certification last? Your certification is valid for up to 12 months, after which refresher training is required to maintain the certification. 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 certification 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 CERTIFICATION EXPIRATION PENALTY?

Failing to complete the 8-hour refresher course within the 12-month window results in your HAZWOPER certification 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 course to regain your active certification.
• Retake the entire 40-hour HAZWOPER training to start the certification cycle anew.

The specific path you choose to regain active certification often depends on your employer's policies and the regulations of your state. 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

Whether you're just starting your career in a field that involves hazardous materials or need to maintain your existing certification, OSHAcampus by 360training makes it easy. 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!