The HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training

What Is HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training?

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. The HAZWOPER 40 Hour training is required by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.120 for workers who handle hazardous substances, work at hazardous waste cleanup sites, or respond to hazardous material emergencies.

This online course covers topics such as site characterization, hazard communication, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination procedures, air monitoring, emergency response procedures, and more, providing workers with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely in hazardous environments.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion as proof of training.

Who Needs 40 Hour HAZWOPER?

  • Hazardous Waste Site Workers
  • Environmental Remediation Workers
  • Emergency Response Personnel
  • Construction Workers at Contaminated Sites
  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Handlers
  • Industrial Maintenance Workers
  • Utility Workers at Contaminated Sites
  • Site Supervisors and Project Managers

What Is Covered in HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training?

01Foundations of HAZWOPER
02Site Characterization and the Site Safety Plan
03Occupational Toxicology - Understanding Chemical Hazards
04Chemical Hazard Communication and Exposure Limits
05Corrosives, Solvents, Oxidizers, and Explosives
06Hazard Recognition, Identification Systems, and Workplace Safety
07Radiation Hazards, Measurement, and Protection
08Respiratory Protection
09Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
10Site Control
11Decontamination
12Medical Surveillance
13Excavation
14Air Monitoring
15Sampling
16Fire Protection
17Safe Work Practices
18Confined Spaces
19Emergency Procedures

What You Will Learn in This Course

  • Understand OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 regulations, including worker rights, employer responsibilities, and safe work requirements for hazardous waste sites.

  • Learn how to conduct site characterization, identify hazardous zones, and develop detailed Site Safety Plans (SSP) with effective control measures.

  • Understand occupational toxicology and how hazardous chemicals enter the body through inhalation, skin contact, and ingestion and how exposure leads to health effects.

  • Interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), chemical warning labels, Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), and Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) to control chemical exposure effectively.

  • Identify and safely handle hazardous substances including corrosives, solvents, oxidizers, reactive chemicals, and explosive materials.

  • Recognize hazardous materials using DOT placards, NFPA 704 hazard diamonds, and GHS classification systems for accurate hazard communication.

  • Understand radiation hazards, detection methods, exposure limits, and protective safety controls used in hazardous environments.

  • Select, use, and maintain respiratory protection equipment and perform fit testing to ensure maximum protection.

  • Learn how to choose and properly use PPE ensembles (Level A, B, C, and D) based on site hazards and exposure risk

  • Understand site control zones, communication procedures, decontamination processes, and safe entry and exit practices for hazardous work areas.

  • Perform effective decontamination of workers, tools, equipment, and PPE to prevent cross-contamination and secondary exposure.

  • Understand medical surveillance requirements for hazardous waste workers

  • Apply safe excavation and trenching procedures in contaminated or hazardous environments

  • Conduct air sampling, interpret exposure readings, and ensure safe atmospheric conditions for workers on site.

  • Collect environmental samples properly and maintain chain-of-custody documentation for regulatory compliance.

  • Identify fire hazards and apply effective prevention, spill control, and emergency response procedures for chemical incidents.

  • Follow safe handling procedures for tools, equipment, and site housekeeping to reduce workplace hazards.

  • Recognize confined spaces and follow OSHA-compliant entry procedures, hazard controls, and emergency rescue protocols.

  • Implement emergency response procedures for spills, fires, and chemical releases.

How to Complete the HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training

  1. Register and Start Right Away

    • Sign up and begin training immediately. Once your payment is processed, you will receive your login credentials by email. The course is available 24/7 and can be accessed from any device.

  2. Complete All Lessons at Your Own Pace

    • Work through each lesson at your convenience. Each lesson includes a short quiz that must be passed before moving on to the next lesson. You can start, pause, and resume your training at any time.

  3. Pass the Final Exam

    • After completing all lessons and quizzes, you must pass the final exam to receive your Certificate of Completion.

  4. Download Your Certificate of Completion

    • Your printable Certificate of Completion will be available immediately after successfully passing the final exam. This certificate serves as proof that you have completed the 40-Hour HAZWOPER training.

Why Choose OSHA Training School?

  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 Compliant Developed in accordance with federal OSHA standards for hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
  • 100% Online and Self-Paced Complete your training at your own pace, 24/7, on any device. No scheduling or classroom attendance required.
  • 100% Pass Rate Our course is designed for success, helping workers complete their HAZWOPER training and earn their Certificate of Completion.
  • Certificate of Completion Included Receive your printable HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certificate of Completion immediately upon successfully passing the final exam.
  • 24/7 Chat Support Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you throughout your training experience.
  • 4.5★ on Trustpilot Thousands of workers trust OSHA Training School for their safety training needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

HAZWOPER stands for Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. The 40-Hour HAZWOPER training is required by OSHA under 29 CFR 1910.120 for workers who handle hazardous substances or work at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. The training covers site characterization, chemical hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination, air monitoring, and emergency procedures.

Workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, environmental cleanup crews, HazMat responders, and others whose employers require HAZWOPER training under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 may need to complete this course.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a printable HAZWOPER 40-Hour Certificate of Completion right away.

Yes. This course is 100% online and self-paced. You can access it 24/7 from any internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone and complete the training at your own pace.

Yes. Workers must complete the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training annually to maintain compliance with OSHA requirements under 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8). OSHA Training School also offers the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher course.

The HAZWOPER 40-Hour course is designed for workers who regularly perform hazardous waste operations or work at hazardous waste sites. The HAZWOPER 24-Hour course is designed for workers with more limited exposure who do not perform hazardous waste cleanup operations. Many workers involved in hazardous waste operations require the full 40-Hour training.

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