/ Hazardous Waste Operator
“HAZWOPER”
Spill Cleanup | 1

Hazardous Waste Operator
“HAZWOPER”
Spill Cleanup

HAZWOPER – Spill Cleanup

Emergency response to spills and spill cleanup refer to the response effort by designated personnel to an occurrence that results in, or is likely to result in, an uncontrolled or unplanned release of hazardous substances.

Spill cleanup and emergency response include, but is not limited to, the following situations:

  • Hazardous substance release required evacuation of employees in the area.
  • The response comes from outside the immediate release area.
  • The release poses, or has the potential to pose, conditions that are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
  • The release poses a serious threat of fire or explosion.
  • The release requires immediate attention because of imminent danger.
  • There is uncertainty that the personnel in the work area can handle the severity of hazard with the PPE provided.
  • The situation is unclear, or data is lacking on important factors.

If an employer chooses to have his own employees respond to release or spills that would require an emergency response, the employer must develop emergency response capabilities that are appropriate for the individual situation.

Those who are responsible for spill cleanup must be:

  • Adequately trained for their intended duties.
  • Properly equipped for the intended duties.
  • Capable of responding to the release in a safe manner.
  • Managed by competent leaders.

The site safety and health plan must identify the hazards of each phase of the specific site operation and must be kept at the work site.

Employee Training

OSHA regulations contain specific training requirements. At 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6), OSHA lists specific training requirements for employees based upon their job responsibilities and duties.

The employer must determine the appropriate level of training for each affected employee and train them appropriately.

Training Tips

  • Review 29 CFR 1910.120 – Hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Using the employee handout, review the basics of OSHA’s HAZWOPER requirements.
  • Identify the specific hazards which employees could possibly be exposed to at your workplace.
  • Describe the type of PPE that employees should be using. Include an explanation of equipment selection and use, maintenance and storage, decontamination and disposal, donning and doffing procedures, and equipment limitations.
  • Review the training that is required for emergency responders.

For more information see 29 CFR 1910.120—Hazardous waste operations and emergency response.

The company site safety and health plan.

HAZWOPER – Spill CleanupHandout

Because of the seriousness of the safety and health hazards related to hazardous waste operations, spill cleanup and emergency response requires that you have a thorough understanding of:

  • How to recognize and prevent hazards.
  • Select, care for and use respirators properly, as well as other types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Use proper decontamination procedures.
  • Understand the emergency response plan, medical surveillance requirements, confined space entry procedures, spill containment program and any appropriate work practices.

Training is Required

If your employer has hazardous substances at your worksite such as: flammable, toxic, corrosive, radioactive chemicals, disease causing agents, or hazardous wastes you will have received training that they are present. You would also be trained in how to protect yourself from the hazards under normal work conditions.

If employees may be likely to witness or discover a hazardous substance release requiring an emergency response, the employer must have an adequate number of employees trained to notify the proper authorities.

Training gives you the ability to decide whether a release requires an emergency response. There are five levels of training outlined in HAZWOPER: on-scene incident commander, hazardous material specialist, hazardous materials technician, first responder operations level and first responder awareness level. Emergency responders with this training are considered the hazardous substance release response team (HAZMAT).

First Responder at Awareness Level – Respond Within Your Capabilities

As a first responder at the awareness level you work in an area where you have the potential to witness or discover a hazardous substance release. Your response actions will be limited to notifying the proper authorities to initiate emergency response procedures.

If you are responsible for spill cleanup and emergency response you must be:

  • Adequately trained for the intended duties.
  • Properly equipped for the intended task.
  • Capable of responding to the release in a safe manner.
  • Managed by competent leaders.
  • Understand the emergency response plan, medical surveillance requirements, confined space entry procedures, spill containment program and any appropriate work practices.

Who to Contact

Who do I contact in an emergency uncontrolled release?

Name: Phone:

What hazardous materials are in my work area?

HAZWOPER – Emergency Response Plan Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on HAZWOPER Spill Cleanup. The session covered:

  • The requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120—Hazardous waste operations and emergency response.
  • The training requirements for spill cleanup and emergency response.
  • Operations at this facility which fall under OSHA HAZWOPER rule.
  • Who must be trained under HAZWOPER.
  • An awareness of the responsibilities of a first responder.
  • Who to contact if you witness or discover a hazardous substance release

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature