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HAZWOPER: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response

Definition The U.S. OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, HAZWOPER regulation, 29 CFR 1910.120, regulates the safety and health of the employees involved in clean-up operations at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, employees engaged in certain hazardous waste sites, employees engaged in certain hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) operations, and in any emergency response activities involving hazardous substances. In short, HAZWOPER applies to hazardous waste facilities. The HAZWOPER regulation became effective on March 6, 1990.

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Additional Info

HAZWOPER applies to five distinct group of employers and employees:
1. 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;
2. 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.);
3. Voluntary clean-up operations at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental body as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites;
4. 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;
5. Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of release of, hazardous substances regardless of the location of the hazard.

Examples of emergency situations covered include:

1. High concentrations of toxic substances.
2. Situation that is life or injury threatening.
3. Imminent Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) environments.
4. Situation that presents an oxygen deficient atmosphere.
5. Condition that poses a fire or explosion hazard.
6. Situation that required an evacuation of the area.
7. A situation that requires immediate attention because of the danger posed to employees in the area.

HAZWOPER has a number of important training requirements. These typically involve a required training course that may last from 4 to 40 hours depending on your role and the hazards your are dealing with. There is also an annual refresher training requirement.

Books Available

Safety signs, waste handling spill kits and more are available at Safety Emporium.

"OSHA Hazwoper 8-HR Refresher Course Manual", Spiral-Bound, 2000, 180 pages. Estimated price $29.95. Info and/or order. "Health and Safety at Hazardous Waste Sites: An Investigator's and Remediator's Guide to Hazwoper", Paperback, 624 pages, 2008. Estimated price $165.00. Info and/or order. "An Introduction to the Management and Regulation of Hazardous Waste", Paperback, 139 pages, 2000. Estimated price $24.95. Info and/or order. "The Complete Guide to Hazardous Waste Regulations: RCRA, TSCA, HTMA, EPCRA, and Superfund, 3rd Edition", hardcover, 560 pages, 1999. Estimated price $139.42. Info and/or order.

MSDS Relevance

HAZWOPER is not generally found as a term on MSDS's, but MSDS's are an important component of the HAZWOPER regulation. For example, under SARA Title III, MSDS's or an alternative must be submitted to the state emergency response commission (SERC), local emergency planning committee (LEPC) and the local fire department under these conditions:

When hazardous chemicals (as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1200) are kept in amounts equal to or greater than 10,000 pounds; When "extremely hazardous substances" (a list is provided in Federal EPA's regulation, 40 CFR Part 355 - Appendix A) are present in amounts greater than or equal to 500 pounds, or greater than or equal to the "threshold planning quantity," whichever is lower; When facilities are requested to submit an MSDS or Tier II form by the SERC, LEPC or fire department (the minimum "threshold" for reporting in response to requests is zero; i.e., anytime the SERC or LEPC or fire department makes a request).

Get Title 40 of the US Federal Code, Environmental Protection, in searchable hypertext PDF format on CD-ROM from Safety Emporium.

Likewise, an employer at a hazardous waste facility may use MSDS's (or other information) to determine the level of protection that is appropriate for hazardous substances as well as health hazards when there is no permissible exposure limit or published exposure limit.

Remember that MSDS's are not required for hazardous waste according to 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(6)(i).

Further Reading

• OSHA has a HAZWOPER FAQ.
• View Official OSHA letters of Interpretation containing answers to the most common questions about HAZWOPER.
• The Official OSHA inspection procedures for HAZWOPER (the guidelines OSHA inspectors use!).
• Evaluating HAZWOPER Training Requirements at ChemicalProcessing.com.
• Hazardous Waste Labels are available at Safety Emporium.
See also: CERCLA, EPCRA, RCRA, TRI.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.