13 Apr HAZWOPER Certification

Here at Creation World Safety, employer and employee safety is our number one priority! As your providers of safety certifications in Los Angeles, CA, we aim to offer the most optimal training courses to ensure that your workplace complies with all safety regulations and limits any danger that’s posed by environmental factors. One of the many courses you’ll be able to take from our safety specialists is HAZWOPER certification.

What Is HAZWOPER?

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. This program was developed to protect workers who are in environments that expose them to hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can cause safety and health problems to those who are exposed to it, and cause problems for the environment itself as well. With the help of this program though, you’ll learn everything you need to know about adhering to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Agency) requirements, which will promote employer and employee safety.

Who Needs to Be HAZWOPER Certified?

Those who are exposed to hazardous wastes and substances will need to be HAZWOPER certified. Hazardous wastes and substances are defined as:

• High concentrations of toxic substances
• Environments or situations that can be life threatening
• Conditions that pose a fire or explosion hazard
• Conditions that present an oxygen-deficient atmosphere
• Situations that have required an evacuation of the area

Also, there are five different groups of employers and employees who are engaged in one of the following types of operation who need to be HAZWOPER certified. These include:

• Cleanup operations required by a governmental body that involve hazardous substances at sites
• Corrective actions that involve clean-up operations at sites covered by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976
• Voluntary clean-up operations at sites that are recognized by a governmental body as being hazardous waste sites
• Operations involving hazardous waste that are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 264 and 265 pursuant to RCRA or by agencies under agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in order to implement RCRA regulations
• Emergency response operations for the release (or the threat of the release) of hazardous substances

Types of HAZWOPER Certification

There are two main types of HAZWOPER certification courses. These are 40-hour courses and 24-hour courses. The difference between the two are as follows:

• 40-Hour Course – This is for anyone who works where hazardous waste is present. This 40-hour course will include both classroom instruction and hands-on training with equipment.
• 24-Hour Course – This is for those who have duties that require them to visit areas where there is hazardous waste present. This course includes 24 hours of class and a day of field instruction.

It’s important to note that our safety training isn’t computer-based only. Our safety specialists believe it is essential for trainees to practice with equipment in a non-hazardous setting and obtain hands-on experience that can’t be attained through a strictly online course. Additionally, training in person allows those being instructed to have direct access to an instructor for questions about employee safety.

How Long Does HAZWOPER Certification Last?

HAZWOPER certification will last for an entire year (12 months). Thankfully, you won’t have to repeat the entire certification process after this time has elapsed. If you’ve already completed the initial training requirement, you’ll only have to take an eight-hour refresher course each year afterward. This annual course will maintain your certification and keep you up-to-date with all the training and knowledge you need.

It’s understandable that circumstances can arise which may prevent you from attending this course right before your certification is set to expire. However, it’s important that you schedule this refresher class as soon as you can; if too much time has passed after your certification has expired, it may be necessary for you to repeat the initial course.

About Our Los Angeles, CA HAZWOPER Certification Course

Our class curriculum for our HAZWOPER certification course consists of the following:

• HAZWOPER Elements and Safety Program
• Effects of Biological and Radiological Exposures
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Program and Use of PPE

Get Started with Our Los Angeles, CA HAZWOPER Certification Course!

If you’re in Los Angeles, CA and you’re looking for HAZWOPER certification or any other safety certifications, we encourage you to sign up for one of Creation World Safety’s courses. Feel free to give us a call at (310) 538-1297 to schedule with us. Also, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!