Both the US DOT and OSHA require special training for any employees expected to work with or around hazardous chemicals. Even if you don’t directly handle these chemicals, you may be expected to train for the off-chance that you do. Luckily, training performed by a regulatory program is accepted by both organizations.
Hazmat and Hazwoper are two types of training for dealing with hazardous materials. However, Hazmat training requirements and expectations are very different.
Here are five things to know about Hazmat training as well as some Hazmat tips.
1. What is Hazmat Training?
The term “Hazmat” is short for Hazardous Materials. Hazmat training is all about informing workers about the dangers of materials deemed hazardous. This includes how to handle them in their workplace to avoid injury.
HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. In contrast to Hazmat, this training focuses on preparing workers for remediating contaminated sites and dealing with emergency situations.
2. Who Needs Hazmat Classes?
Hazmat employees include anyone that could potentially work with hazardous materials. Anyone that handles, stores, transports, or disposes of hazardous waste is legally required to take Hazmat classes of some kind.
Doctors and nurses also work with potentially hazardous items. Instead of Hazmat training, they get HAZWOPER training so they’re prepared to contain and dispose of any spills.
If your workers need Hazmat training, you can visit www.kha.com for more information.
3. Hazmat Training Requirements
OSHA makes the regulations to protect employees that interact with hazardous materials or waste. The kind of training required depends on the types of hazardous materials an employee may encounter on the job. They may need recurrent training and a varying number of training hours.
One of the requirements for Hazmat training is that an employee understands exposure limits and how to reduce exposure. They should also be informed of the dangers of hazardous items.
4. Emergency Response Information
Hazmat employees must be trained on the different types of hazard communication information.
What are the immediate precautions to be taken after an accident? The DOT requires a basic description of the material and any immediate hazards to a person’s health. They also need information on immediate methods for handling:
- fires
- Spills
- Leaks
- Preliminary first aid measures
This information is sent with each hazardous shipment.
5. Who Regulates Hazardous Materials and Waste?
Hazmat materials and waste are regulated by a number of different organizations and groups.
OSHA handles the safety of employees. The EPA regulates effective hazardous waste management. The Department of Transportation regulates the transport of hazardous materials.
Each state also has its own Department of Environmental Protection. Their focus is to enforce laws regarding hazardous waste.
Protect Your Employees from Hazmat
Hazmat training is legally required by the DOT and OSHA. It can help reduce accidents and protect your employees from hazardous materials. This type of training can overlap with other safety programs, so make sure to document everything in your employee training records.
Check out our other articles on lifestyle, business, and industrial topics for more helpful information.Â
