11 Jul 5 Common Myths About HAZWOPER That You Should Know

Creation World Safety in Torrance, CA is proud to offer many types of safety classes, including HAZWOPER training. HAZWOPER stands for the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response guidelines published by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The department released the first guidelines in 1989. These guidelines apply to most industries, covering what to do if a hazardous waste accident occurs and rules about storing and treating the waste. Over the years, many myths have been spoken about the rules. Let’s cover some of them.

Myth #1: All HAZWOPER Classes Are the Same Length

There are three levels of HAZWOPER classes. All employees cleaning up and restoring contaminated sites must undergo 40-hour training. After the initial training, they must take an 8-hour refresher course annually. If you have missed a course, then OSHA will determine on a case-by-case basis if you need the long or short class. Inspectors of uncontrolled hazardous waste cleanup sites must take a 24-hour course.

Myth #2: All Subcontractors Must Take HAZWOPER Training

Many industries use electricians, plumbers, and other specialists to do things for their companies. These workers do not need HAZWOPER training as long as they will not actively help clean up hazardous waste and your company has a written active emergency response plan.

Myth #3: All Employees Must Receive HAZWOPER Training

Even in companies that deal regularly with hazardous waste, not everyone has to have HAZWOPER training. For example, office personnel, non-hazardous emergency response individuals, and construction workers who do not normally encounter hazardous waste may not need the training.

Myth #4: Truck Drivers Carrying Hazardous Waste Must Receive HAZWOPER Training

Truck drivers do not need HAZWOPER training. Instead, they are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation and must be certified by that department. The U.S. Department of Transportation has its own set of regulations and training requirements for truck drivers carrying hazardous waste, which are separate from HAZWOPER training. OSHA safety training in Torrance is not required for truck drivers, even when they are at your job site.

Myth #5: Only Courses Approved by OSHA Guarantee HAZWOPER Certification

No course can guarantee that workers receive their HAZWOPER certification, because individuals must pass a written exam after completing the course. It’s important to note that OSHA does not certify any Torrance, CA safety certification course, and they do not certify them in other locations either. Instead, courses are created by people attending an OSHA Train the Trainer class or have safety knowledge through another method, such as a college degree. This understanding will empower you to make informed decisions about your training.

Get OSHA Safety Training in Torrance, CA

Creation World Safety offers OSHA safety training in Torrance, CA. Classes are held at the company’s site and in various locations in Torrance and Los Angeles. The company also offers a variety of safety courses, each taught by an experienced teacher. Getting Torrance, CA safety certifications can save you from having to pay hefty OSHA fines or facing other penalties.

Contact Creation World Safety today about HAZWOPER and other OSHA safety training courses in Torrance, CA.