HAZWOPER Training Requirements vary by Area

Depending on the area of expertise and work required, the level of HAZWOPER trainings required to be taken by workers can vary. There are 9 basic levels of trainings, each having its own specific program. OSHA is also responsible for setting the training time for each area. Find out more:

1. General Site Workers are required to undergo an initial training of 40 hours, a 3 day hand-on training session as well as an additional 8 hours of annual refresher training.


2. Workers on Specific Tasks or working under acceptable hazardous conditions are required to take the 24 hours of training and a day of hands-on training. They are also required to complete the annual 8 hour refresher course.


3. Managers and supervisors are required to undergo the same trainings as their workers, but with 8 extra hours required.


4. Storage, treatment and disposal workers who handle hazardous wastes should opt for the 24 hour courses and then go for the annual 8 hour refresher courses.


5. The First Responder Awareness Level should show their competence by performing their duties. Adequate training should be gone through in order to display competence.


6. The First Responder Operations Level is similar to the point above, with just an additional training of 8 extra hours.


7. Hazardous Materials Technicians are required to take the 24 hour courses with whatever necessary extra training in order to be more capable.


8. Hazardous Materials Specialists should complete the whole technician training as well as go through extra training on specialized topics.


9. On-Scene Incident Commanders should go through the 24 hour trainings and extra training is certain areas.