OSHA Requirements for HAZWOPER Certification
Who needs HAZWOPER, required hours by role, supervisor training, the annual refresher, and what “site-specific” really means — explained without the legal jargon.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 in 30 seconds
HAZWOPER applies when employees may be exposed to hazardous substances during cleanup, corrective actions, or emergency response. Most workers fall into four groups: 24-hour occasional workers, 40-hour general site workers, supervisors, and emergency responders. Everyone covered by the standard completes an initial course, followed by an 8-hour refresher every year, plus employer-provided site-specific and hands-on training.
What HAZWOPER Covers (at a Glance)
HAZWOPER comes from OSHA’s standards for hazardous waste operations and emergency response (29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65). It applies to certain cleanup, corrective actions, and emergency response activities where workers could be exposed to hazardous substances. Employers determine who needs training based on a hazard assessment of tasks, sites, and potential exposures.
Common examples include hazardous waste sites, treatment or storage facilities, and organizations that maintain emergency response teams for chemical releases.
Who Typically Needs HAZWOPER
- General site workers at hazardous waste operations or similar cleanup sites
- Occasional site workers with limited exposure potential
- Supervisors and managers with responsibility over covered operations
- Emergency response personnel involved with hazardous substance releases
If you’re not sure which group your workers fall into, many employers start with a 24 vs 40-Hour comparison and then confirm with their safety consultant or health and safety manager.
Required Training Hours by Role
24-Hour HAZWOPER (Occasional or Limited-Task Workers)
Commonly selected for workers who visit or perform limited tasks at hazardous waste sites with lower risk of exposure. Employers also provide site-specific instruction and supervision appropriate to the work.
See the 24-Hour HAZWOPER course page for a full syllabus, OSHA references, and current pricing.
40-Hour HAZWOPER (General Site Workers)
Used for workers who perform ongoing duties at hazardous waste operations where exposure potential is higher. Training covers topics such as hazard recognition, PPE, decontamination, and emergency procedures. As with all HAZWOPER training, employers must add site-specific instruction and ensure competent supervision.
See the 40-Hour HAZWOPER course page for detailed curriculum and enrollment options.
8-Hour Supervisor / Manager
Supervisors over HAZWOPER operations complete supervisor training in addition to their own worker-level training (24- or 40-hour as appropriate). This supervisor training focuses on responsibilities such as implementing the site safety and health plan, assigning work, and verifying that controls are in place.
For more information, see our 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor and Supervisor Refresher courses.
8-Hour Annual Refresher
All covered workers and supervisors complete an 8-hour refresher each year to maintain currency. If you miss it, complete it as soon as possible and follow your employer’s policy for making up training. Document the lapse and the date training was completed.
You can complete the online knowledge portion through our 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher course, and your employer can add any site-specific or hands-on elements they require.
Site-Specific & Hands-On Training
Online courses can cover the knowledge portion of HAZWOPER, but OSHA expects employers to build on that with training that is specific to the worksite and the job. This usually includes:
- Site layout, access control, and decontamination areas
- Work practices, SOPs, and job-specific hazards
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection, use, and limitations
- Equipment such as monitoring devices, pumps, and containment tools
- Emergency procedures, alarms, evacuation, and medical response
Employers must also ensure any required hands-on practice or supervised field experience appropriate to the job — especially for workers who will wear respiratory protection or work directly with hazardous substances.
Medical Surveillance (When It’s Typically Required)
Medical surveillance helps verify that employees can safely perform HAZWOPER work. Employers arrange medical evaluations when job conditions warrant them, such as:
- Ongoing or potentially significant exposure to hazardous substances
- Membership on a hazmat team or emergency response unit
- Frequent or routine use of respirators
- After potential overexposures, spills, or symptoms related to chemical exposure
Requirements follow the OSHA standard and the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider familiar with the work.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
Good records make compliance audits easier and help employers plan refresher training. Typical HAZWOPER training records include:
- Course title, provider, hours completed, and completion date
- Topics covered and method of evaluation, as applicable
- Certificates for each employee
- Employer site-specific training records and sign-in sheets
Employees should keep their own certificates as proof of training when moving between sites or employers.
State Plan Differences
States with OSHA-approved plans may have additional requirements or guidance. If you work in a state-plan state, confirm any state-specific rules and resources here:
HAZWOPER Training by State – links to state agencies and state-level expectations where available.
Related Guides
- What Is HAZWOPER Training?
- How to Get HAZWOPER Certified Online
- Does HAZWOPER Certification Expire?
- HAZWOPER Near Me
Ready to Start Your HAZWOPER Training?
Enroll online through our secure training portal, learn at your own pace, and download your certificate as soon as you finish. Your employer can then complete the site-specific and hands-on pieces required by OSHA.
