Who Should Take This Course?
Our online HAZMAT FRO First Responder Operations Level II online course is designed to help workers meet the OSHA HAZWOPER requirement for HAZMAT First Responder Operations (FRO) training. This course may be taken as either Initial or annual Refresher training.
Per 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) and 29 CFR 1926.65(q)(6)(ii):
First responder operations level. First responders at the operations level are individuals who respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. They are trained to respond in a defensive fashion without trying to stop the release. Their function is to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures.
The course includes operations level training, such as recognizing and managing HAZMAT incidents; first responder actions; hazardous materials identifications and markings; ERG content; PPE overview; FRO entry operations; decontamination and mitigation; and more. Students taking the HAZMAT FRO training are not required to additionally take the First Responder Awareness (FRA) training. The FRO course meets the training requirement for both responder levels.
The most current version of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) will be required for use during the training. A downloadable version of the ERG is available for students or you may opt to purchase a physical ERG to be mailed.
For information on OSHA HAZMAT training requirements or the HAZMAT courses we offer, visit our HAZMAT First Responder Training page.
Course Outline
This online first responder course consists of 5 modules which include 23 sections. The sections are fully narrated and interactive. Quiz questions within each section help the student retain knowledge that will be needed for the module exams. (The 4-6 Hour Refresher course, if chosen, includes modules 1-3 only.)
| Module 1 | |
|---|---|
| Section | Title |
| 1 | Introduction to Hazmat Emergency Response Hazmat incidents and emergency responder training | What is HAZWOPER | Training levels | Emergency Response Plan (ERP). |
| 2 | Hazmat Emergency Responders Five emergency responder training levels | OSHA definitions and competencies | First responder awareness level: Types of FRAs, PPE, experience, and limits. |
| 3 | Hazardous Materials, Hazardous Substances and Hazardous Wastes Regulating agencies | OSHA, DOT, and EPA definitions. |
| 4 | Recognizing Hazmat Incidents Hazmat response steps | Hazmat incident recognition: Witnesses; DOT placards and labels; pipeline markers; legally required, military, ANSI piping and biohazard markings; container types and packages; other recognition clues. |
| Exam 1 | |
| Module 2 | |
|---|---|
| Section | Title |
| 5 | Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Overview ERG training requirement per OSHA | Acquiring the ERG | ERG origins and content | Hazmat incident initial response phase | ERG familiarity and white pages. |
| 6 | ERG White Pages Quiz |
| 7 | ERG Yellow-bordered & Blue-bordered Pages Overview and use | Violent polymerization materials | Toxic inhalation hazards. |
| 8 | ERG Yellow-bordered & Blue-bordered Pages Quiz |
| 9 | ERG Orange-bordered Pages Potential hazards | Public safety | Isolation distances | Emergency response. |
| 10 | ERG Orange-bordered Pages Quiz |
| 11 | ERG Green-bordered Pages Toxic inhalation hazard materials | Initial isolation distances | Protective action distances | Spill size and time of day. |
| 12 | ERG Green-bordered Pages Quiz |
| Exam 2 | |
| Module 3 | |
|---|---|
| Section | Title |
| 13 | Managing Hazmat Incidents for the FRO Incident Command System (ICS) | NIMS | ICS Principles | Incident management and command | Incident Command Post (ICP) | Command staff | First responder incident command. |
| 14 | Basic Actions for all First Responders First responder safety | Hazard and risk assessment | First responder actions. |
| Exam 3 | |
| Module 4 | |
|---|---|
| Section | Title |
| 15 | Road Trailer Identification First responder operations redefined | Advance identification for the FRO | Non-pressure liquid tanks | Low pressure chemical tanks | Corrosive liquid tanks | High pressure tanks | Cryogenic liquid tanks | Compressed gas/tube trailers | Dry bulk cargo trailers | Mixed cargo trailers | Intermodal tanks. |
| 16 | Rail and Other Modes of Transportation Rail car identification and markings | Transport guidelines for aircraft | Maritime shipment of hazardous materials | Shipping documents. |
| 17 | Other Hazmat Container Identification More advanced hazmat identification | Non-bulk packaging of hazardous materials | Radioactive labels for packages | Radioactive material packaging | Storage tanks. |
| Exam 4 | |
| Module 5 | |
|---|---|
| Section | Title |
| 18 | Introduction to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Basic and advanced FRO actions | Risk vs. gain analysis | Incident and site entry considerations | Personal protective equipment (PPE) overview. |
| 19 | Fire Control on a Hazmat Incident Fire control overview | ERG guidance | Water as an extinguishing agent | Flammable liquids fire | Types of firefighting foam. |
| 20 | FRO Entry Operations at a Hazmat Incident Entry considerations and requirements | ERG – Entry, turnout gear, PPE statements | The buddy system | Back-up personnel | Basic life support. |
| 21 | Decontamination and the FRO Decontamination: definition, types, methods, FRO strategies, and basics | Hazmat zones | Emergency decontamination guidelines. |
| 22 | FRO Mitigation Hazmat mitigation | Containment and control | OSHA FRO definition | Defensive containment | Offensive control. |
| 23 | Summary and Conclusion |
| Exam 5 | |
Course Exam
- This course includes 5 exams. One exam must be taken at the completion of each module.
- Each exam consists of 10 questions, which are randomly compiled from a large pool of possible questions.
- A 70% or better score is needed in order to pass each exam. If a student does not pass, they may re-review information in the modules and sections as necessary, and retake the test as many times as needed in order to pass.
Course Format
Designed by Certified Outreach Trainers, this HAZMAT FRO First Responder Operations Level Online Course includes up-to-date, high quality training created with your safety and learning as our top priority. The course features interactive training modules, which combine audio and visual elements for maximum retention. The course is completed entirely online using a computer with an internet connection and is available 24/7. For your convenience, it can be completed over time, and your progress will be saved to the last section completed in our state-of-the-art Online Training System (OTS). Students are given 6 months to complete the course after enrollment. We are so certain you will be satisfied with your experience, that we offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee*.
Once the course is completed, you will immediately be able to download, save or print your Course Completion Certificate which is provided in PDF format.
Accreditation
Our online HAZMAT First Responder Operations training course was designed by OSHA Certified Outreach Trainers. It is OSHA accepted and meets the requirements for 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii).
Certification
Once the course is completed, you will immediately be able to download, save or print your Course Completion Certificate which is provided in PDF format through our Online Training System (OTS).
Course Objectives
The objectives of this OSHA First Responder Operations training are to meet:
- Federal OSHA HAZWOPER training requirement of 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) for general industry
- Federal OSHA HAZWOPER training requirement of 29 CFR 1926.65(q)(6)(ii) for construction
- HAZWOPER training requirements for EPA and State OSHA regulations
Per 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) and 29 CFR 1926.65(q)(6)(ii): First responders at the operational level shall have received at least eight hours of training or have had sufficient experience to objectively demonstrate competency in the following areas in addition to those listed for the awareness level and the employer shall so certify:
- Knowledge of the basic hazard and risk assessment techniques.
- Know how to select and use proper personal protective equipment provided to the first responder operational level.
- An understanding of basic hazardous materials terms.
- Know how to perform basic control, containment and/or confinement operations within the capabilities of the resources and personal protective equipment available with their unit.
- Know how to implement basic decontamination procedures.
- An understanding of the relevant standard operating procedures and termination procedures.
The HazMat Student Advantage
- Fully Narrated, High Quality Training
- Easy to Use Online Interface
- Self-Paced with Saved Progress
- Includes Audio, Photos & Text
- Interactive Quizzes for Retention
- Detailed Student Manual (PDF)
- Take Up to 6 Months to Complete
- Excellent Customer Support
- 100% Money Back Guarantee*
- Course Completion Certificate
- Volume Pricing Available
Course Options
This FRO level course can be taken as either Initial or Refresher training. Two FRO refresher options are available. It can also be taken for for EMS Continuing Education (CE) credits. The desired course option must be chosen during enrollment.Related OSHA HAZMAT Training: First Responder Courses
HAZMAT First Responder Online Training
- HAZMAT First Responder Operations (FRO) Level II Responder
- HAZMAT FRO Level II Responder Refresher (8 Hours)
- HAZMAT FRO Level II Responder Refresher (4-6 Hours)
- HAZMAT First Responder Awareness (FRA) Level I Responder
- HAZMAT FRA Level I Responder Refresher
- Using the Current Emergency Response Guidebook with (Mailed) ERG
- Using the Current Emergency Response Guidebook
HAZMAT First Responder Classroom Training
Continuing Education
All our EMS courses are sponsored and authorized by Safety Unlimited, Inc – CAPCE Provider #SUNI0321 and Ventura County, CA EMS Agency #56-0013. All content is redirected to the Online Training Systems, LLC website and certificates issued by Safety Unlimited, Inc.
The EMS-CE version of this course provides 8 Contact Hours of EMS Continuing Education. If you are taking the course for CE credit, please ensure you enroll in the following course:
Once the EMS-CE course is completed, you will fill out a brief evaluation and confirm your identity. Then the Course Completion Certificate will be provided in PDF format for you to download, save or print.
Additional Training
Please note that this first responder class provides valuable HAZMAT FRO Level II Responder training information which applies to a general population of employees. This course is not meant to replace company-specific or function-specific training provided by your employer on equipment use and procedures for your particular work environment. You must be trained by your employer on the hazards, equipment, engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, policies and procedures and emergency plans specific to your role and workplace.
In ALL situations, employers are required to ensure their employees are adequately trained to do their job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HAZMAT FRO First Responder Operations Level II course?
This online course provides OSHA-compliant training under 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) for First Responders at the Operations Level. It teaches how to respond defensively to hazardous materials releases to protect people, property, and the environment.
Who should take this HAZMAT FRO course?
This course is designed for emergency response personnel, safety officers, and workers who may respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous substances as part of their job duties. It is designed to meet OSHA HAZWOPER First Responder Operations (FRO) training requirements for both Initial and Refresher students.
Is this course OSHA compliant?
Yes. The course is developed in accordance with OSHA HAZWOPER regulations 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) and 29 CFR 1926.65(q)(6)(ii), as well as applicable State OSHA standards for HAZMAT operations-level response.
What is the difference between the Initial and Refresher versions?
The Initial course is for those completing HAZMAT FRO training for the first time. The Refresher option is for individuals who have previously completed initial FRO training and are renewing their course completion certification as required by OSHA’s annual training requirement.
What topics are covered in this HAZMAT FRO course?
Topics include recognizing and managing hazardous materials incidents, defensive response actions, identifying hazardous materials, using the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), PPE awareness, decontamination, mitigation techniques, FRO entry operations, and more.
How long will I have to complete the course?
Students have six months from the enrollment date to complete the training and final exam. The course is 100% online and self-paced, allowing learners to log in and out anytime. Progress is automatically saved.
Will I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes. After passing the final exam and completing the course, you can immediately download and print your Certificate of Completion. The certificate verifies successful completion of OSHA-compliant First Responder Operations Level II training and is widely accepted by employers across various industries.
If you have any questions about your company’s specific training requirements, we recommend checking with your employer or site safety manager to ensure this course aligns perfectly with their needs.
Does this course include hands-on or practical training?
No. This is an online course focused on defensive response strategies. Employers are responsible for providing site-specific or hands-on components required under OSHA regulations.
Can I take this course on a mobile device?
Yes. The course is HTML5 mobile-ready and compatible with most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. You can start on one device and finish on another without losing progress. Tablets typically provide the best learning experience.
Is group or corporate enrollment available?
Yes. HazMat Student offers advance purchase volume pricing and corporate account options. Companies can assign students, track progress, and download certificates directly through a corporate training portal.
