Our Safety Blogs

Is There an Expiration Leeway for HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher Annual Training?The HAZWOPER certification is valid for up to 12 months, after which refresher training is required to maintain the certification.The specific expiration leeway for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training can vary depending on the regulations or guidelines that apply to a particular workplace or industry.In general, HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training is required to be completed on an annual basis for workers who handle hazardous substances or waste, or who work in hazardous environments. The purpose of this training is to ensure that workers remain current on the latest safety guidelines and procedures related to their work.However, in some cases, it may be possible for workers to have a brief extension on their training if they are unable to complete it within the specified time frame. For example, if a worker is unable to attend a scheduled training session due to illness or a family emergency, their employer may allow them to complete the training at a later date.It is important to note that any extension of the expiration date for HAZWOPER 8-hour refresher training should be granted on a case-by-case basis, and workers should not assume that they will automatically be granted an extension. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers complete the required training in a timely manner, and it is the worker's responsibility to ensure that they complete the training as required.Renew your HAZWOPER training today by clicking here.

Do Warehouse Workers Require Lithium Training? Lithium is a chemical element that is used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including batteries, lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. It is important for warehouse workers who handle lithium or lithium-containing products to be trained on how to safely handle and store these materials. Here are some general guidelines for training warehouse workers on the safe handling and storage of lithium: Provide information about the properties and potential hazards of lithium, including its flammability, reactivity with water, and potential for producing toxic fumes. Train workers on the proper handling and storage of lithium products, including the use of personal protective equipment and the proper storage of lithium batteries. Discuss emergency procedures in the event of a lithium-related incident, including how to handle a fire, leak, or spill. Make sure workers are aware of any relevant regulations and guidelines related to the handling and storage of lithium products. Regularly review and update training materials and procedures to ensure that workers have the most current and accurate information on lithium safety. It is important to note that these are general guidelines and specific training requirements may vary depending on the specific type and quantity of lithium products being handled and the specific workplace setting. Click here to learn more about our available Lithium batteries online training courses.

What is the Difference Between RCRA and OSHA? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) are both U.S. federal agencies that regulate different aspects of environmental and workplace safety. OSHA is a part of the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for setting and enforcing standards for occupational safety and health in the workplace. OSHA's goal is to protect workers from hazards that can cause injury or illness. It does this by setting standards for things like personal protective equipment, hazardous materials handling, and machine guarding, and by conducting inspections of workplaces to ensure that these standards are being followed. RCRA, on the other hand, is a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is responsible for regulating the management of hazardous waste. RCRA sets standards for the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste, with the goal of protecting human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of these materials. In summary, OSHA regulates occupational safety and health in the workplace, while RCRA regulates the management of hazardous waste. Click here for OSHA and RCRA training.

Which OSHA Training is Needed for Construction Employees? OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has a number of training requirements for the construction industry, depending on the specific hazards present at a worksite. Some common OSHA training requirements for construction workers include: OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training: This is a basic safety training course that covers the most common safety and health hazards in the construction industry. It is intended for entry-level workers, and it must be completed within six months of starting work in the construction industry. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training: This is a more comprehensive safety training course that covers a wider range of hazards and safety practices. It is intended for supervisors and workers with some safety responsibility, and it must be completed within one year of starting work in the construction industry. Hazardous Materials Training: This training is required for workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials on the job, such as chemicals, Asbestos, Lead, Silica, Mold. The specific training requirements will depend on the types of hazardous materials present at the worksite. Fall Protection Training: This training is required for workers who may be exposed to fall hazards, such as those working on roofs, scaffolds, or elevated platforms. The specific training requirements will depend on the type of fall protection equipment being used. Confined Space Training: This training is designed to teach workers the skills and knowledge they need to safely enter and work in confined spaces. Confined spaces are enclosed or partially enclosed areas that are not designed for continuous human occupancy, and they can pose significant hazards to workers due to the potential for oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and mechanical hazards. Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training: This training is designed to teach workers the skills and knowledge they need to safely perform excavation and trenching work, and to use shoring systems to support excavation walls. Excavation and trenching work can be dangerous due to the potential for cave-ins, falls, and other hazards. Electrical Safety Training: Construction sites will also have a need for electrical work. Workers who visit a construction site to undertake electrical work should receive adequate training to safeguard against electrical hazards such as shock, electrocution, arc flash bursts, etc. Our electrical safety training and arc flash safety training courses comply with the NFPA 70(e) guidelines and will support worker protection from electrical and arc flash hazards.  It is important to note that these are just a few examples of OSHA training requirements for the construction industry. There are many other training requirements that may apply, depending on the specific hazards present at a worksite. Employers are responsible for ensuring that their workers receive the necessary training to perform their jobs safely.

Which HAZWOPER Training Best Suits You? The HAZWOPER Standard - Introduction The Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), sets guidelines for workers involved in the management and emergency response regarding hazardous waste. The standard further emphasizes appropriate HAZWOPER training of workers in order to minimize health and safety risks that could occur at the workplace, thereby ensuring the safety and good health of workers.  Before engaging in hazardous waste operations and training workers, including employees, supervisors, and site managers, we need to answer the question – What is appropriate HAZWOPER training? This article provides a detailed answer to not only this question but endeavors to describe various types of HAZWOPER training required by diverse worker occupations.  The HAZWOPER standard provides guidelines for workers involved in the clean-up of hazardous waste or the transfer, storage, and disposal operations of hazardous waste, and the emergency response procedures to be followed in case of hazardous waste and hazardous materials incidents.  Hazardous Substances and Emergency Response in Accordance with OSHA Various hazardous substances can cause different emergencies such as fires, explosions, air pollution, poisonous gas releases, etc. As such, responding to emergencies at hazardous waste sites and when working with hazardous materials or toxic chemicals often go hand in hand.  Let’s understand the definition of hazardous substances and emergency situations as defined by OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard before moving on with this article.  What are Hazardous Substances?  Substances that have adverse effects on health, or substances, when released into the environment, that could cause disease if ingested or inhaled by any person. A hazardous substance can not only cause severe diseases, behavioral abnormalities, and physiological malfunctions but can also be fatal.  Let’s Define an Emergency Situation Any situation that is injurious to health or deadly and requires an emergency response. Such situations include the following: Release of toxic substances into the environment. A situation causing oxygen deficiency in the environment. A risk of ignition or explosion.  A life-threatening situation such as electrocution requiring instant attention to rescue employees. Keeping in mind the perils of hazardous wastes and emergency situations, regulatory bodies necessitate employers to train employees to protect worker health and ensure their safety at the workplace. The Advantages of HAZWOPER Training for the Employers and Employees The main benefits of HAZWOPER training are listed below. As training is mandated by OSHA, the employer will be meeting the relevant regulatory requirements. The employer will reduce the risk of fines and other penalties that may arise due to non-compliance with OSHA regulatory standards. Offering HAZWOPER training to employees will reflect positively on employer responsibility and ensure the organization’s brand as a caring employer is maintained. As hazardous substances can be life-threatening, proper training helps reduce workplace mishaps and accidents while making it easier for employees to handle emergencies and unexpected releases of hazardous substances. HAZWOPER training provides employees with an opportunity to better understand their jobs, widen their knowledge base, and identify probable hazards and how to reduce or prevent them. To learn about HAZWOPER training and its benefits in detail, read our article “What is HAZWOPER Training and Who Needs It?” Jobs Requiring HAZWOPER Training  People directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances must comply with OSHA’s training requirements. There are different types of HAZAWOPER training for different exposure levels and jobs. Occupations requiring HAZWOPER training are listed below. To know more about the levels of HAZWOPER training, you can read our article “HAZWOPER Training Levels - Know the Basics.” Equipment operators, general laborers, supervisors, and on-site managers of hazardous waste sites; General site workers and specialists at treatment/storage/disposal (TSD) facilities; Workers employed by environmental services companies; Specialists and technicians working on hazardous waste sites or with hazardous substances; Emergency responders; Geophysical surveyors; Supervisors and managers of emergency situations; Medical personnel exposed to various diseases and contaminants; Non-medical personnel working in hospitals and exposed to hazmat; On-site workers exposed to at or above Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) levels developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH); Work tasks with exposure to chemicals with a risk of explosion or fire; Work tasks with exposure to poisonous substances; Work tasks with exposure to an oxygen-deficient atmosphere i.e., air containing less than 19.5% oxygen; People working in confined spaces – such as manholes, pipelines, vaults, underground storage, etc.;  Working at underground sites with the possibility of hazardous gas exposure or low oxygen levels; Work tasks carried out at sites exposed to contaminated soil or groundwater; Subsurface investigators; Workers exposed to hazardous materials or hazardous waste at construction sites; and Work carried out at a site listed as hazardous by an official government agency. A Training You Need! HAZWOPER (e) series and (p) series training is required as per a worker’s job specification and the extent of worker exposure to hazardous substances. Let’s further analyze which job roles required which HAZWOPER training. HAZWOPER (e) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training Underground tank cleaners Contaminated soil removers or handlers Groundwater handlers Subsurface investigators Workers exposed to HazMat at construction sites Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of hazardous waste or hazardous substances Hazardous waste site clean-up crews Lab technicians Specialists working in proximity to hazardous waste or hazmat OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training Groundwater monitors Land surveyors Geophysical surveyors Equipment operators HazMat delivery drivers Project managers exposed to hazardous waste or hazardous substances Environmentalists HazMat technicians and specialists occasionally at hazardous waste sites Workers such as electricians, plumbers, laborers, painters, maintenance personnel, etc., who visit hazardous waste sites for short-term work OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training and need to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA annual training requirement OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Managers and supervisors of workers who are directly or indirectly exposed to hazardous wastes and other hazardous substances. This training is obtained in addition to OSHA 40-Hour or OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER Training (whichever is applicable to the managers and supervisor in accordance with the workers they are responsible for). OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Refresher Training Managers and supervisors initially certified with OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training HAZWOPER (p) Series Training Required Job Roles/Occupations Requiring HAZWOPER Training OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in generally any industry Workers exposed to RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) in the construction industry Workers of TSD (treatment, storage, and disposal) facilities of RCRA hazardous waste (F, K, P, U list wastes) OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher – RCRA TSD Operations Training Workers initially certified with OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training and required to refresh their knowledge in compliance with OSHA’s annual training requirements. Get HAZWOPER Training with Electronic Certification and Wallet ID at Your Own Pace!  You can now easily identify the HAZWOPER training you require according to the job you do. Are you looking for an OSHA-compliant HAZWOPER training provider? Register now for our HAZWOPER (e) series and HAZWOPER (p) series, the e-learning courses which will help you to learn at your own pace from home, work, or wherever you want. All you need is internet access on a PC, laptop, or mobile device of your choice. Once you complete the course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion and will also receive a Walled ID once you upload a passport-size photograph on our system. We also offer group discounts for large organizations. Dial 866.429.6742 to speak to our customer services personnel or feel free to write to info@HAZWOPER-OSHA.com for more details. References: NIOSH. (n.d.). Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Values. Website. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/idlh/default.html#:~:text=The%20Immediately%20dangerous%20to%20life,first%20developed%20in%20the%20mid%2D OSHA. (n.d.). Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Website. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/hazardous-waste-operations/standards

Who is a Competent Person and their Role in Excavation Safety and Fall ProtectionWe often hear the term “competent person” about safety protocols. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration particularly allocates responsibility to workers in the capacity of competent persons for certain work operations and for examining and confirming safety protocols. Hence, many OSHA safety standards and other regulatory documents refer to the term “competent person”, requiring a need for employers and employees to understand the term to allocate responsibility to comply with OSHA standards and regulations.Who is a Competent Person?According to OSHA, a “competent person is defined as one who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has the authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them" [29 CFR 1926.32(f)].”OSHA goes on to explain that a competent person gains knowledge through appropriate education and training, and field experience. Thus, a competent person would be knowledgeable about the applicable safety standards for specific types of works (for example, excavation operations, erection of scaffolding, safe work practices to ensure fall protection, work operations using hazardous or toxic substances like asbestos, etc.). A competent person would also have the capability to identify workplace hazards relating to specific operations and the authority to correct them.Several OSHA standards specify added requirements to be fulfilled by a competent person. Refer to this link for the complete list of OSHA Standards that specify the requirements that a competent person must fulfill.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring OperationsOSHA’s Excavation Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart P specifies organizations involved in excavation and trenching operations appoint an employee as a “competent person” only if they:Have training in soil analysis,Are knowledgeable about protective systems and OSHA excavation requirements,Are able to identify hazards in excavation work, andHave the authority to take prompt action to remove or minimize hazards identified at excavation and/or trenching worksites.At excavation sites, a competent person is required on-site whenever workers are entering excavations.  A competent person’s responsibilities at excavation sites include:Classifying soilDesigning structural ramps for heavy equipmentInspecting worksites daily, as often as neededExamining equipment and materials to make sure they are in good working orderMonitoring water removal operationsMaintaining the authority to take prompt, corrective action to eliminate existing and predictable hazards, and stopping work when required.In instances where there is a need for OSHA to conduct worksite inspections, much time is spent verifying if the competent person on-site understands OSHA’s excavation standards and can identify and eliminate hazards that might harm workers.To better understand the compliance requirements of OSHA’s Excavations Standards, enroll employees in our OSHA Competent Person for Excavation, Trenching, and Shoring Training course without delay. Remember!A “competent person” must not only know the relevant worksite hazards and be given proper training on OSHA Standards but also have adequate authority to take action to stop work in case of any unforeseen circumstances or hazards.The Role and Responsibilities of the Competent Person in Fall ProtectionWhen workers work at heights, OSHA specifies the need for fall protection as regulated by OSHA’s Fall Protections Standards 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. To adhere to the compliance requirements of these OSHA Standards, employers must appoint a competent person to understand the prevailing hazards and ensure the application of relevant safe work processes to minimize or eliminate fall hazards. Accordingly, an employer must appoint a competent person who is responsible for:The identification and evaluation of fall hazards and warning other workers about these conditions.Determining whether the safety nets meet the provisions of the Fall Protections Standards according to Subpart M.The inspection of the personal fall arrest system (PFAS) after a fall.Evaluating any alterations in a personal fall arrest system and its safety.Training employees to recognize fall hazards and follow safe work practices. For comprehensive training on OSHA Fall Protection Standards, enroll in our OSHA Competent Person for Fall Protection Training course today!ConclusionA competent person has an important role to play in the safety and health of employees who work in excavation and trenches and those who undertake work at heights. As such, employers must ensure that personnel designated as competent persons have adequate experience and knowledge and receive regular training to ensure their knowledge remains current and in compliance with any changes in OSHA safety standards.ReferenceOSHA. (n.d.). Competent Person. Website. https://www.osha.gov/competent-person

Respirator Fit Testing: An Important Element of Respiratory ProtectionMany workplaces require employees to wear respiratory protection. These range from oil and gas companies, hazardous waste operations, and construction sites to industrial factories and chemical manufacturers. Additionally, respiratory protection is also required to be worn by workers involved in restoration work and mold remediation, as well as medical professionals.  As such a large part of the workforce requires respiratory protection, OSHA recognizing the need for regulating the use of respirators and putting in place best practices for respiratory protection, has developed a Standard for Respiratory Protection 49 CFR 1910.134.According to OSHA, several steps must be followed when requiring employees to wear respiratory protection. One critical element of this is to use the right type of respirator for the right type of hazard. Next, employees must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are healthy enough to wear a respirator while carrying out work tasks. Once they pass the medical surveillance, it is equally important to fit test respirators for individual workers who are required to use respiratory protection to safeguard against airborne pathogens, hazardous gases, vapors, and dusts.What is Fit Testing?As the name suggests, fit testing is the process of determining if the chosen respirator type and style ‘fits’, that is suitable for, the wearer. Part of the fit-testing process is to determine if the respirator forms a seal on the user’s face as not having a good seal would result in inadequate protection for the wearer and resulting in respiratory protection being less effective than expected.When Should Respirator Fit Testing Take Place?According to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, employers must fit test respirators in employees in the below three instances.Before an employee’s initial use of a respirator in a work environment.Whenever a new or different facepiece or respiratory equipment is used.Once, a year, thereafter, to ensure everything is as it should be, and the respirator still fits the worker as it did during the previous fit test.Additionally, fit testing should also be performed in instances where wearers have either gained or lost weight, after any major dental work or facial surgery which could have changed the shape of the face, or in case of scarring on the face around the seal area. Is Respirator Fit Testing Mandatory?Fit testing is mandatory for all positive or negative pressure respirators and tight-fitting facepiece respirators.  As part of the respirator fit testing process, employees must be given the respiratory equipment in advance and shown how to use it, that is, put it on and take it off. Employees are also given the opportunity to choose the size and weight of the equipment components, so the fit is comfortable.  Only after the employee chooses and feels comfortable with wearing the respirator is a seal check performed. This is the critical aspect of Respirator Fit Testing and the basis for whether or not an employee can use the chosen respirator. Note, if during the respirator fit testing, it is found that the respirator seal to the face is not tight enough, then the employee must choose a different style and size of respiratory equipment that would better fit with their face structure. Respirator Fit Testing – Two TypesThere are two types used to fit test if the respirator seal is proper on the worker. These are:Qualitative fit testing (QLFT)Quantitative fit testing (QNFT)Qualitative Fit TestingQualitative fit testing is relatively simple. It is a pass-or-fail test. The QLFT does not measure the leakage of a respirator, it simply identifies that a leak is present. During a quantitative fit test, employees are required to wear a respirator and stand in an enclosed area. The person conducting the test will introduce different ‘agents’ into this sealed booth and the employee will use his/her sense of taste and smell or reaction to a known (non-harmful) irritant to identify if the respirator seal is achieved.OSHA approves four protocols for qualitative fit testing:Isoamyl Acetate Protocol – smells like bananaSaccharin Solution Aerosol Protocol – sweet tasteBitrex™ (Denatonium Benzoate) Solution Aerosol Qualitative Fit Test Protocol – bitter tasteIrritant Smoke (Stannic Chloride) Protocol – causes coughing and has a smoky smellIf the employee can smell or taste the ‘agent’ introduced, then the respirator fit test is a failure. And, if the employee does not smell or taste any of the test agents introduced during the testing process, they pass the qualitative fit test. If an employee fails the qualitative fit test, then they must choose a different respirator and try the test again.Quantitative Fit TestingA quantitative fit test is based on a numerical score that determines how well a respirator fits an individual by measuring the amount of leakage into the respirator. Quantitative fit testing does not depend on the human sense of smell and taste. During a QNFT, sampling probes or other measuring devices are placed inside and outside the respirator facepiece to identify the leakage amount. There are three types of quantitative fit testing protocols as recommended by OSHA. Generated Aerosol Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol - Employees must wear a respirator while the aerosol is released into a testing chamber. Measurements are taken of the concentration of the aerosol particles both inside the test chamber and inside the respirator to determine leakage.Ambient Aerosol Condensation Nuclei Counter (CNC) Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol – Lasers are used to measure the ambient aerosol concentration both inside and outside of the facepiece.  Controlled Negative Pressure (CNP) Quantitative Fit Testing Protocol – This method uses an instrument to exhaust air from inside the facepiece to maintain a constant negative pressure. The measurement of the exhaust stream required to maintain a constant negative pressure produces a measure of leakage into the facepiece.Employees and employers must strictly follow the protocols recommended by OSHA for both qualitative and quantitative fit testing requirements. Appendix A of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, 29 CFR 1910.134, provides complete details on all mandatory fit testing methods and requirements. To know more, click here. Additional TestingIn addition to the qualitative and quantitative fit testing methods explained briefly above, OSHA respiratory protection regulations also require employees to perform several different exercises for 1 minute each. These exercises support employees wearing respirators to ensure they are comfortable with the respiratory protection equipment chosen by them. These are:To practice normal breathing,To breathe deeply,To slowly turn the head from side to side,To slowly move the head up and down,To talk out loud,To smile or frown,To bend at the waist, and  To job in place.Training Employees to Understand Respiratory ProtectionWorkplaces that require employees to wear respiratory protection must provide training to employees to understand OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard. Employees working in hazardous waste operations or emergency response have access to the sections on respiratory protection as part of our HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training, HAZWOPER 24-Hour Training, and the 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher Training.Employees working in TSD facilities receive detailed information on respiratory protection when they enroll in our OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training course.In addition, employers must also provide employees with on-the-job and hands-on training on using and storing respiratory equipment. 

Respiratory Protection Requirements Respirators are one of the most important types of personal protective equipment (PPE). In hazardous environments, respirators are a critical component of the safety procedures that protect workers.  Regulations dictate using respiratory protection when working with hazardous waste, hazardous materials, or toxic chemicals. The various forms of hazardous materials and chemicals out there require different types of respiratory protection. Resultantly, there are various types of respirators available in the marketplace. Employers must decide on the right kind of respirator by considering the job tasks that expose and may potentially expose workers to different hazardous substances or hazardous working conditions. What is a Respirator? A respirator is a device worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer from inhaling hazardous substances, whether chemical, biological, or radiological. Respiratory protective devices consist of a facepiece connected to either an air source or an air-purifying device. What is Respiratory Protection? OSHA has identified the need for respiratory protection for workers exposed to various airborne hazards arising due to working in and around hazardous wastes and hazardous materials such as silica and hydrogen sulfide, toxic chemicals, and bloodborne pathogens. OSHA also recommends respiratory protection when workers carry out work operations in confined spaces and at excavation sites and trenches where the possibility of encountering hazardous atmospheres or insufficient oxygen levels exists. Respiratory protection mainly comes into play in situations where workplace engineering controls and modifications to work practices are unable to protect workers from these airborne hazards. Accordingly, OSHA has developed respiratory protection standards for General Industry (29 CFR 1910.134), Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.103), and Maritime operations (29 CFR 1915.154, 1917.92, and 1918.102).  Types of Respirators 1. Particulate-filtering respirators 2. Chemical cartridge/gas mask respirators 3. Non-powered, or negative pressure respirators 4. Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) 5. Self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) 6. Supplied-air respirators (SARs) 7. Pressure demand respirators 8. Continuous flow respirators 9. Full facepiece respirators 10. Half mask facepiece respirators How do Respirators Protect Workers? Respiratory protection is used to protect workers from inhaling contaminated air or other hazardous air-borne particles that would impact their good health and compromise safety. Respirators protect workers in case of a lack of or low levels of oxygen in the environment; toxic gases, mists, sprays, or vapors; harmful dust; hazardous fog; and smoke. There are two main categories of respirators that protect workers in two ways: Air-purifying respirators (APRs) - which remove contaminants from the air, so workers breathe in clean non-contaminated air, and Air-supplying respirators (ASRs) - which provide breathable air for the wearer from an uncontaminated air source (e.g., an oxygen tank). Often, a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is used when a different source of air supply is required to ensure workers do not breathe in air from contaminated sites or while working with toxic gasses. It is worth noting that according to OSHA Standards, SCBAs are mainly used in situations that are tagged as ‘Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH)’. To better understand the various types of respirators that are used in different hazardous circumstances, read the article titled ‘Effective Respiratory Protection: How to Choose a Suitable Respirator’. Respiratory Protection Program In a workplace where the use of respirators is necessary to safeguard the health of employees, employers must develop and implement a Respiratory Protection Program to comply with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard. This respiratory protection program must include the following requirements: • There must be a written operating procedure that details which respiratory protection will be used, and why. • Respirators must be selected based on the specific hazards prevalent at that worksite and to which workers are or may be exposed. • Workers should be given training on the uses and limitations of respiratory protection equipment (RPE) they will be using at the worksite. • Respirators must be regularly cleaned, disinfected, and stored in a clean, secure, and convenient location. • Respirators should routinely be examined and tested. • When required, respirators must be repaired or replaced, as needed. • Employers must consistently monitor working conditions and employee stress and exposure. • Before employees use respirators, fit testing must occur to ensure that the respiratory equipment fits each employee properly.  • Medical examinations must be conducted, and medical professionals should determine whether employees are physically able to use respiratory equipment. • The respiratory protection program must be regularly evaluated to ensure effectiveness and reflect any changes in the worksite, and for recommending improvements as required. Choosing the Right-Fit Respirator To ensure proper respiratory protection, employers and employees must not only choose the right-fit respirator but also the correct respirator for the job. Here are three questions that must be answered before workers can begin using a respirator. Question 1: What type of respirator do I need to wear? First, a decision must be made on the type of respirator that a worker needs to wear. Consider the type of hazardous exposure – is it a gas or vapor exposure or a possible situation of contaminated air or low oxygen levels? Accordingly, either an APR or an SCBA respirator may need to be decided on. Also, consider things like the use of a half-face respirator or a full-face respirator, and what type of filter cartridges must be used based on required filter efficiency and compatibility.  Remember, to meet OSHA regulations, employers must provide employees with respirators that are approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This is because NIOSH ensures respirators undergo rigorous testing to increase the protection afforded to the wearer. Question 2: Is it safe for me to wear a respirator? When workers are required to wear a respirator at the workplace to safeguard against hazardous vapors or toxic atmospheres, they must be sure that wearing a respirator will not have any negative impact on their health. Individuals who suffer from asthma, high blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, or other lung and breathing problems may be at risk when using respirators. This is because when wearing a respirator, extra pressure is put on the lungs that may cause blood pressure to rise. Thus, employers must send employees for a medical evaluation before they start wearing respirators at the worksite. It is also required that a Physician or Other Licensed Healthcare Professional (PLHCP) conduct and clear workers for them to be able to use respirators at the workplace. Question 3:  Do I require fit testing/training before using the respirator? The answer to this question is a resounding YES!  To ensure workers can gain the highest levels of protection from respirators, they must undergo a fit test once medical clearance is received for wearing a respirator. The fit testing process helps determine the proper size and type of respirator for each employee as well as checks if the respirator forms a seal on the user’s face to ensure no contaminants are accidentally inhaled.   One part of the fit testing process requires employees to be given respiratory protection equipment and shown how to put it on and take it off. Then, the employee is allowed to choose the size and weight of the equipment components to ensure a comfortable fit. Once the employee chooses the desired respiratory equipment, a seal check is performed. If the seal isn’t tight, the employee will choose a different size or style or equipment that may fit his/her body better. As per OSHA’s respiratory protection standards, employees must perform several different exercises while wearing the respiratory for 1 minute each. These testing exercises include normal breathing, deep breathing, moving the head from side to side and up and down, talking out loud, and bending at the waist or jogging in place.  It is worth noting that fit testing is mandatory for all positive or negative pressure, tight-fitting facepiece respirators.  OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standards recommends employees be fit tested before the initial use of a respirator in the workplace, whenever a new or different facepiece is used, and annually for safety and protection. Two types of fit testing can be conducted – a qualitative fit test and a quantitative fit test. We will discuss this in more detail in our next blog article.  In Conclusion Adhere to Respiratory Protection Regulations! To ensure workers receive the highest levels of respiratory protection based on their workplace exposure to airborne hazards, workers must understand the need for respiratory protection and be given appropriate training. All our safety training courses include a section on respiratory protection aligned with OSHA standards. Training courses such as the OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER course have a dedicated module with five lessons explaining the various aspects of ‘Respiratory Protection’.  Enroll employees in HAZWOPER and OSHA training to ensure they are protected against respiratory hazards while meeting all relevant respiratory protection requirements as recommended by OSHA.  Click here to view our online course catalog.

California Hazmat Training DOT Hazmat Transportation Training Transportation of hazardous materials within States, across States, and internationally is guided by strict regulations governed by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) enforces the DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) and guides U.S. citizens to comply with such standards to ensure the safety of the people, property, and the environment. Hazmat Transportation Training Regulations in CaliforniaThe state of California is renowned as a strict enforcer of standards and regulations that support the safety and health of employees. On this premise, California expects employers and employees transporting hazardous materials (hazmat) via highway, rail, air, and water, to follow the stringent Hazardous Materials Regulations as developed by the DOT and enforced by PHMSA. The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires drivers of hazmat to have a commercial driver's license (CDL) with an “H” endorsement in line with CFR, Title 49 §383.5, before driving any size or type of vehicle transporting hazmat. To get this “H” endorsement prospective drivers of hazmat must undergo and pass a knowledge test about the regulations and requirements related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Additionally, drivers are also required to have appropriate knowledge of the DOT HMR. This requires drivers to undergo additional training that provides in-depth details of all aspects of hazardous materials transportation including, hazmat packaging, loading, labeling, marking, placarding, and securing awareness training. To fulfill these safety training requirements, hazmat drivers can enroll in the DOT Hazmat Transportation 10-Hour Advanced General Awareness Training course that is specifically designed to give an in-depth understanding of the U.S. DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (CFR Title 49 Parts 171-180).The California DMV also requires all vehicles transporting hazmat to display warning signs as specified by the DOT HMR. These diamond-shaped warning signs are known as “placards”. Our DOT hazmat transportation 10-hour online training course has a module dedicated to explaining the use of DOT placards on trucks, tankers, rail cars, freight containers, cargo transport units, or aircraft unit load devices. On completion of the 2-lesson module, learners will be able to identify and select the appropriate placards for specific classes of hazardous materials and any exceptions to these requirements.Which Hazmat Transportation Training Course is Right for Me?According to the explanation given above, hazmat drivers need to have good knowledge about the hazardous materials they are transporting. Thus, as mentioned, in addition to the knowledge test to receive the “H” endorsement on their CDL, they will also need added training to understand the pertinent elements of the DOT HMR. Remember! As a driver of a tank car or a truck transporting hazardous goods via highway, you must be aware of the type of hazmat you have in the back of the vehicle you drive. To do this safely, you may need to know the correct packaging requirements for different types of hazardous materials, you may also need to know the hazard classification of such hazmat, and if the hazmat packages being transported have the proper labels and markings. Furthermore, as the driver of a hazmat vehicle, it is important that you understand the placarding requirements so that you can be sure that other drivers beside and behind you get some idea that you are transporting hazmat. Such placards are also important in case of emergencies or accidents occurring as it gives proper information to emergency workers such as medical personnel and firefighters. Additionally, knowing the security requirements when transporting hazmat is critical in today’s uncertain times for the safety of all. The training requirements for other hazmat workers are dependent on the work they do while preparing hazardous materials for transportation. For instance, a person who is only involved in the packaging part of the value chain may require in-depth knowledge of hazmat packaging, in addition to general knowledge about the HMR, the hazard classifications, and other topics such as hazmat labels and markings. For personnel with specific requirements, we offer a 4-Hour DOT Hazmat Transportation General Awareness Training course together with a choice of function-specific training for the preparation of shipping papers, and specific requirements for packaging, placarding, marking, labeling, etc. Click here to review all DOT Hazmat Transportation function-specific training courses. However, as a manager of a hazmat shipping department or a supervisor of hazmat cargo, we consider having more knowledge to be better than having less. Hence, it is recommended that personnel in high positions and those who are responsible for a team should receive comprehensive training on understanding the DOT’s HMR by enrolling in our 10-Hour Dot Hazmat Transportation training course.Occupational Health and Safety in CaliforniaCalifornia also leads the way when it comes to occupational safety and health. As one of the 22 States operating an OSHA State Plan, California has more stringent regulations when employees work with hazardous waste, hazardous materials, and other hazardous substances.California OSHA (Cal/OSHA) Regulations California has a dedicated OSHA State Plan covering the safety and health of both the private sector and state and local government workers. Popularly known as Cal/OSHA, the California OSHA State Plan is rigorous and requires employers to make every effort to meet OSHA compliances. According to records, Cal/OSHA consistently surpasses its safety and health inspection goals proving the administration’s dedication to protecting the millions of men and women employed across the State. Besides following the Federal OSHA standards (amended to suit the stringent requirements in line with the Cal/OSHA State Plan), Cal/OSHA has developed several State-specific standards for various topics and industries. These include:Toxic Chemical Handling and ExposureAgricultureRepetitive Motion InjuriesChild LaborHeat ExposureNoise ExposureInjury and Illness Prevention ProgramAerosol Transmissible DiseasesPetroleum Drilling and ProductionPetroleum Refining, Transport, and HandlingWorkplace Violence Prevention in Health CareTraining to Comply with Cal/OSHALike Federal OSHA, Cal/OSHA also accepts online, virtual instructor-led training, classroom training, and on-site group training options for employers to train employees. These training courses are also required to be supplemented by on-the-job training so that employees better understand the workplace-specific processes and procedures implemented by their employer. When enrolling any employees in OSHA safety training courses, employers should ensure these safety training courses meet the training requirements specified in Cal/OSHA and comply with the Cal/OSHA standards. Often, it is aspects such as permissible exposure limits (PELs) for hazardous substances such as acetone, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide (among others) that differ. In the case of the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard, Cal/OSHA requires more information regarding the selection and evaluation of procedures for sharps and needles and a more detailed injury report. When working on scaffolding Cal/OHSA has enhanced the requirements of guardrail systems, while Cal/OSHA has stricter rules regarding fall protection with the need for fall protection systems when working at lower levels compared to Federal OSHA. Furthermore, as Cal/OSHA has State-specific standards, these must also be complied with.

Hazardous Waste Training: Who Needs It?There are various types of hazardous wastes that people are exposed to daily. Workers involved in hazardous waste operations are at greater risk of exposure to adverse health effects than others. These health impacts can vary from mild, short-term illnesses to more severe, long-term health impacts such as eye and skin irritations, allergies, respiratory illnesses, and some forms of cancers. With over 44,000 people employed as hazardous materials removal workers in the United States as of May 2021 (BLS), the risk of occupational diseases arising due to handling hazardous waste and removal of other types of hazardous materials is very high. Considering the growing number of people working with hazardous waste every day, regulatory bodies have developed and implemented stringent standards and frameworks to protect the safety and health of hazardous waste workers. One such authority is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known as OSHA. OSHA, whose focus is to safeguard employees’ health, has developed safety standards and regulations across industries and types of work. The HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) Standards for the Construction Industry and the General Industry is one such standard that must be adhered to by employers and employees. Another is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), a framework that regulates the safe work practices of hazardous solid waste generators. The RCRA is a law that is implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The somewhat diverse objectives of these two regulatory agencies can sometimes lead to confusion as to who needs hazardous waste training and the frequency of such training programs. A basis that all employers of hazardous materials removal and hazardous waste operations can follow is to protect employees exposed to hazardous waste, either in liquid, gaseous, or solid form. This can be done by following the requirements as explained in the OSHA HAZWOPER standards for various worksite control measures. This would involve utilizing proper engineering and administrative controls aligned to the principles of the Hierarchy of Controls at the worksite to protect hazardous waste workers while they carry out their work tasks. Furthermore, employers must provide hazardous waste workers with appropriate online training, on-the-job training, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Fulfilling HAZWOPER and RCRA Training NeedsTo comply with training requirements, guidance can be obtained from the relevant OSHA regulatory standards or the RCRA program. The HAZWOPER standards have segregated training according to different levels of worker exposure to hazardous waste, namely, HAZWOPER (e) training, HAZWOPER (p) training, and HAZWOPER (q) training.For detailed information about HAZWOPER read the article:What is HAZWOPER and What is its Purpose?It, therefore, becomes obvious that hazardous waste workers require suitable and comprehensive training on the safe handling and management of hazardous waste, irrespective of its form (solid hazardous waste, liquid hazardous waste, or hazardous waste gasses). Accordingly, both OSHA and the EPA’s RCRA Program have developed training and education requirements for hazardous waste workers, including the need for initial training as well as annual refresher training.Enroll in our OSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – RCRA TSD Operations Training CourseEnroll in our OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Annual Refresher – RCRA TSD Operations Training CourseEnroll in our RCRA Hazardous Waste Generator Training CourseEnroll in our RCRA Hazardous Waste Generator Refresher Training CourseWho Needs RCRA Training?According to the RCRA, all workers involved in generating, storing, treating, and disposing of hazardous waste must be provided with training by the employer. These hazardous waste workers include personnel employed by large quantity generators (LQG), small quantity generators (SQG), and very small quantity generators (VSQG); as defined by the RCRA program.To better understand the waste generator categories as designated by the EPA’s RCRA Program, read the article:EPA Hazardous Waste Generator CategoriesTherefore, employees whose job responsibilities include all or any one of the following tasks must be provided with RCRA annual training by their employers.Personnel who identify and calculate hazardous waste.Employees engaged in bundling and collecting hazardous waste.Workers involved in marking, labeling, inspecting, handling, or moving hazardous waste containers.Personnel managing hazardous materials (hazmat) waste in satellite areas.Workers operating a waste-generating process.Anyone who reads and applies RCRA regulations at the workplace or worksite.Who Needs OSHA-HAZWOPER Training?OSHA’s HAZWOPER standards apply to employees who are exposed to and could possibly be exposed to hazardous substances and hazardous waste. The HAZWOPER standards divide these employers and their employees into five (5) distinct groups as follows.Employers and employees involved in clean-up operations conducted at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites required by a federal, state, or local governmental body.Employers and employees engaged in corrective actions involving clean-up operations at sites covered by the RCRA.Personnel undertaking voluntary clean-up tasks at sites recognized by federal, state, local, or other governmental bodies as uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.Personnel engaged in operations involving hazardous wastes that are conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities regulated by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 264 and 265 under RCRA, or by agencies under agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement RCRA regulations.  Emergency response operations for releases of, or substantial threats of releases of, hazardous substances regardless of the location of the hazard.These operations are specified as per OSHA HAZWOPER standards 1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v).(Source: OSHA, n.d.)Enroll in ourOSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) Training CourseEnroll in ourOSHA 24-Hour HAZWOPER – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) Training CourseEnroll in ourOSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher – 29 CFR 1910.120 (e) Training CourseEnroll in ourOSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Course Enroll in ourOSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Refresher Training CourseHow Often Do Hazardous Waste Workers Need RCRA and HAZWOPER Training?Both the EPA’s RCRA Program and OSHA’s HAZWOPER standards require employers to provide mandatory annual online or classroom-style training to their employees. Employees must be trained before they start work at hazardous waste sites or in hazardous waste operations. As per the RCRA rules (40 CFR 262.17(a)(7)), employers classified as large quantity generators (LQGs) must provide mandatory annual training to their employees working in hazardous waste facilities, also known as treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDF). Alternately, the EPA’s RCRA Program does not mandate annual training for hazardous waste workers employed by small quantity generators (SQGs). However, the RCRA rule requires hazardous waste workers to be "thoroughly familiar" with RCRA regulatory requirements. Thus, as a best practice, it is recommended that employees of SQGs also be given annual RCRA training.According to OSHA’s HAZWOPER standards (1910.120(a)(1)(i-v) and 1926.65(a)(1)(i-v)), employees require annual training when involved in work operations at hazardous waste TSD facilities. Thus, employers must provide either the RCRA Training or the HAZWOPER RCRA TSDF training, as relevant, to employees before they start work, and annually thereafter. The RCRA and HAZWOPER RCRA TSD annual refresher training must be completed before the expiration date of the previous training completion certificate.What Should be the Duration of the RCRA and HAZWOPER Training?The OSHA HAZWOPER standards specify the duration of training. Thus, all HAZWOPER training courses identify the training time in hours. For example, 40-Hour HAZWOPER training, 24-Hour HAZWOPER training, and 8-Hour HAZWOPER refresher training. The EPA does not specify the duration of training for its RCRA Program. The requirement is to ensure employees get adequate training to safely conduct their job tasks without adversely impacting their health and well-being while working with hazardous waste. The employer is responsible for identifying the appropriate training duration for each employee based on business operations and an individual’s job tasks. Such training must comply with mandated training requirements as per RCRA regulations. Hazardous Waste Workers: Training Course FAQsWho Needs RCRA Hazardous Waste Initial and Annual Training?Employees engaged in hazardous waste operations involving the generations, storage, treatment, and/or disposal of hazardous waste must be provided with training by the employer.Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER 24-Hour RCRA TSDF Training Course?The OSHA HAZWOPER 24-Hour RCRA TSDF training course is required for all newly recruited personnel at RCRA permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities (TSDF) due to their continued exposure to hazmat and other health hazards. Examples of such personnel include supervisors, workers, and environmental professionals.Current employees of RCRA permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities who do not meet the training requirements as specified by OSHA, also must receive this 24-hour training. Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER 8-Hour RCRA TSDF Refresher Training Course?Hazardous waste workers employed by TSDFs require 8 hours of refresher training annually, as per OSHA HAZWOPER standards.Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Course?OSHA standards require all managers and supervisors who supervise or are directly responsible for employees at a hazardous waste site and seeking Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification to complete at least eight hours of specialized training. Generally, OSHA expects a general hazardous waste site worker who is becoming a supervisor or manager for the first time to receive at least 16 hours of training the year they become a supervisor: 8 hours of the HAZWOPER supervisory training plus 8 hours of the HAZWOPER refresher training.Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER Supervisor Refresher Training Course?Managers and supervisors seeking to refresh their initial OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Supervisor Training Certification in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120(e)(8) and OSHA 29 CFR 1926.65(e)(8) regulations must enroll in this training course. Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER 40-Hour Training Course?General site workers engaged in hazardous material removal or other activities that could expose or potentially expose them to hazardous substances.Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER 24-Hour Training Course?General site workers who encounter hazardous substances occasionally and those not involved in hazardous waste clean-up operations.Who needs the OSHA HAZWOPER 8-Hour Refresher Training Course?General site workers who work at hazardous waste sites, continually or occasionally, and those workers are involved in hazardous waste clean-up operations. Employees need to annually renew the initial 40-Hour or 24-Hour HAZWOPER training certificate to ensure their training meets OSHA compliance requirements.ReferenceOSHA. (n.d.). Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). Website. https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/hazardous-waste-operations/faq-hazpowerU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2021, May). Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics, May 2021. 47-4041 Hazardous Materials Removal Workers. Website. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes474041.htm#(1)