Hazardous Materials/HAZWOPER Training

Every community and workplace should have well-honed response capabilities for hazardous chemical emergencies. Greenville Technical College offers classroom, online and blended courses for compliance with OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) regulations, Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, and EPA RCRA required training.

NEW REQUIREMENTS/NEW COURSE! On February 22, 2019, the US EPA finalized management standards for healthcare facilities and "reverse distributors" handling certain pharmaceuticals that are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) as "hazardous waste" when accumulated onsite or disposed. New Management Standards for Pharmaceutical Wastes, taught by hazardous waste experts from the Williams Mullen law firm, is designed to educate covered facilities on the specific requirements of the New Rule.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Whether you are just starting out on a career path in environmental remediation or adding credentials that will let you serve on a hazmat response team, we have training on hazardous materials that will enhance your skills and increase your knowledge.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations mandate several levels of Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response training for individuals involved in Hazmat spill response.

OSHA's HAZWOPER standard applies to employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances during clean-up operations, emergency response, or the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes.

Three levels of training are required by HAZWOPER regulations:

emergency response training for spill cleanup
worker training for general site cleanup operations
training that meets EPA's requirements for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities

Training Levels

Workers that only need to be able to recognize a HazMat spill and respond from a safe distance only need the 8-Hour "Awareness" Level training. HazMat emergency response workers that will not be exposed to hazardous materials at levels above the Permissible Limit are required to take the 24-Hour "Operations" Level training, although many choose to take the full 40-Hour course and participate in the training scenarios. If there is a potential workers will be exposed to hazardous chemicals at levels that exceed OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits, they will need the 40-Hour "Technician" level training.