Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
OSHA Resources
Standard Interpretations
HAZWOPER Standard, 29 CFR 1910.120, interpretation letters and HAZWOPER Standard, 29 CFR 1926.65, interpretation letters are available on the OSHA website. Within the collection, standard interpretations and associated documents related to topic areas of interest can be found using the Standard # function provided on the page. Some possible topic areas of interest include: applicability under the scope of HAZWOPER, computer-based training, emergency response operations, EPA and OSHA HAZWOPER jurisdictional issues, incidental spills versus emergency spill, HAZWOPER for medical personnel, medical surveillance clarifications, petroleum spills, post-emergency response, small quantity generators/TSD facilities storing waste for 90 days or less, training, trainer qualification, and training certification.
Enforcement Directives
- Technical enforcement and assistance guidelines for Hazardous Waste Site and RCRA Corrective Action Cleanup Operations HAZWOPER 1910.120(b)(o). Instruction CPL 02-02-071 (November 5, 2003). Provides guidance to ensure the effective management of locally conducted occupational safety and health training for OSHA Agency workers.
- Inspection procedures for 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65 paragraphs (q): Emergency response to Hazardous Substance Releases. Instruction CPL 02-02-073 (August 27, 2007). Updates policies and provides clarification to ensure uniform enforcement of paragraph (q) of HAZWOPER, 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65.
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response; Final Rule and Corrections. Instruction CSP 01-01-024 [STP 2-1.154C] (June 10, 1991). Describes a Federal Program Change to the Regions and State designees.
- Inspection Guidelines for Post-Emergency Response Operations under CFR 1910.120. Instruction CPL 02-02-051 (November 5, 1990). Provides procedures for ensuring uniform enforcement of HAZWOPER training for workers involved in post-emergency response operations.
Fact Sheets, Quick Cards, and Booklets
- Training Requirements in OSHA Standards. Publication 2254, (2015).
- OSHA At A Glance. Publication 3439, (2014).
- All About OSHA. Publication 3302, (2020).
OSHA/Interagency Guidance Documents
- Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. Publication 3114, (Revised 2008).
- Training Marine Oil Spill Response Workers under OSHA's Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. Publication 3172, (2001).
- Hospitals and Community Emergency Response - What you need to know. Publication 3152, (1997).
- 29 CFR 1910.120 Appendix E/29 CFR 1926.65 Appendix E. Non-mandatory guidance for general industry to assist employers in developing a site-specific training curriculum to meet HAZWOPER requirements.
- Emergency Action Plans: How to Plan for Workplace Emergencies and Evacuations. OSHA Publication 3088, (2001).
- Best Practices for Hospital-Based First Receivers of Victims from Mass Casualty Incidents Involving the Release of Hazardous Substances. Publication 3249, (2005). Offers useful information to help hospitals create emergency plans based on worst-case scenarios. It focuses on suggestions for appropriate training and suitable personal protective equipment for healthcare workers who may be exposed to hazardous substances when they treat victims of mass casualties. The document includes appendices with practical examples of decontamination procedures and medical monitoring for first receivers who respond to a mass casualty incident.
- Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders during Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases. Publication 3370, (2009). Provides guidance for emergency medical service (EMS) responders who provide medical assistance during an incident involving a hazardous substance release. It discusses the measures that employers of EMS responders should take to protect their EMS responders from becoming additional victims while on the front line of medical response, including providing adequate training and appropriate personal protective equipment for the incidents and hazards that EMS responders might face.
- Principal Emergency Response and Preparedness: Requirements and Guidelines. Publication 3122, (2004).
- Incident Command System Resource Center. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute.
- Safety and Health Awareness for Oil Spill Cleanup Workers. National Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Training tools for employers and workers who will participate in an oil spill response and cleanup operation to ensure workers receive appropriate training and PPE.