OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard uses different training paths depending on the worker’s expected exposure and job duties. The 40-hour and 24-hour courses are not interchangeable.
Who needs 40-hour HAZWOPER?
OSHA identifies the 40-hour path for general site workers who remove hazardous substances or may be exposed above permissible exposure limits, including work where respiratory protection may be required. OSHA also requires supervised field experience in addition to the initial classroom instruction.
Who needs 24-hour HAZWOPER?
The 24-hour path generally applies to occasional or regular site workers whose tasks are unlikely to expose them above permissible exposure limits and who do not need respiratory protection. OSHA also requires supervised field experience for these workers.
Is there an annual refresher?
Yes. OSHA requires an 8-hour annual refresher for workers trained under the 40-hour and 24-hour cleanup-operation paths.
What about supervisors?
Managers and supervisors have additional training obligations under OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard based on the workers they supervise and the conditions of the site.
How to choose a course with your employer
Before enrolling, ask your employer to identify the work you will perform, expected exposure conditions, protective equipment and the training level required by the site’s safety plan. Ask who will arrange supervised field experience and any employer-specific preparation after the course. Keep the course certificate and workplace training records together.
If a job advertisement says only “40-hour safety training,” ask for the full program name. HAZWOPER 40 and NYC SST 40-hour training address different needs. The same number of hours does not make their certificates interchangeable.
Tribune HAZWOPER options
Review Tribune’s HAZWOPER training hub, 40-Hour HAZWOPER, 24-Hour HAZWOPER, and 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher pages.
Official reference: OSHA HAZWOPER preparedness and training guidance.
Employers are responsible for determining which HAZWOPER training level applies to each worker’s duties and exposure conditions.