HAZWOPER Training: First Response, Heat Stress, and Fire Prevention

HAZWOPER refers to Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response. OSHA’s HAZWOPER standard provides safety requirements for the 5 different classes of Hazardous Waste Operations in the U.S. You can read the OSHA standard here.

“HAZWOPER: Haz Matters- First Response” teaches workers about being a first responder for a hazardous materials accident. The course demonstrates to responders what makes hazardous materials incidents different from regular emergencies. Workers learn their role as the first responder while the course provides an understanding of substance identification, the emergency response plan, notifications, the emergency response guidebook, and steps to secure the scene of an accident.

“HAZWOPER: Heat Stress” provides heat stress training specifically for people working with hazardous materials and waste. These tasks often require wearing personal protective equipment that may compromise your body’s natural ability to regulate temperature. Taking proper precautions and following all safety protocols will help you prevent becoming stricken with a heat-related illness, such as heat stroke.
The course covers the following topics:

• How Your Body Cools Itself
• Fluids & Minerals
• Heat Rash, Cramps & Exhaustion
• Heat Stroke
• First Aid
• Acclimatization
• Medications, Food & Clothing

While we want to prevent most fires, a fire involving a hazardous material is especially dangerous. “HAZWOPER: Fire Prevention” addresses fire safety for anyone working with or around combustible hazardous materials. The video explores the different classes of fire, while explaining how heat, fuel, flashpoints, oxygen and water play a part in starting a fire. Advice for preventing fires is provided, as is information on dealing with fire hazards such as chemical spills and sparks. Finally workers are prepared to deal with a fire, as the video models the use of sprinkler systems, extinguishers and evacuation procdures.