24hour vs 40hour HAZWOPER
The Difference Between 24-Hour and 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
When it comes to initial HAZWOPER training, there is both a 24-hour and a 40-hour course available. So what’s the difference between these two courses and how do you know which is the appropriate course to take for your training?
Which HAZWOPER Training Course Do You Need?
24-Hour HAZWOPER Training
The 24-hour HAZWOPER training course is designed for employees who will be working in the vicinity of hazardous substances and may occasionally be exposed to such materials but will not be faced with the daily hazards of handling or cleaning up hazardous materials. These employees will not be exposed to hazardous substances at or above the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs). PELs are established by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) - See Table Z-1 for Limits for Air Contaminants.
40-Hour HAZWOPER Training
The 40-hour HAZWOPER training course is designed for employees who will be regularly working with hazardous materials or involved in the storage, treatment, or cleanup operations of such materials in a day-to-day capacity. 40-hour training is also required for any workers who will be exposed to hazardous substances at or above the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs).
What Does the 24-Hour HAZWOPER Course Require?
As the name implies, the 24-Hour HAZWOPER course requires 24 hours of HAZWOPER training. All 24 hours of training may be conducted online. In addition to the 24 hours of online study time, a minimum of one day of field experience with a trained and experienced supervisor is required to cover on-the-job specifics.
What Does the 40-Hour HAZWOPER Course Require?
As you likely guessed, the 40-Hour HAZWOPER course requires 40 hours of study time which can be taken entirely online. In addition to the 40 hours of online training, a minimum of three days of field experience with a trained and experienced supervisor is needed in order to cover on-the-job specifics.
Since these individuals will be exposed to hazardous substances that exceed the PELs, they must know how to wear the appropriate PPE. 40-hour certification requires employees to be able to physically wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and a fully-encapsulating suit.
Who Must Complete 24- or 40-Hour HAZWOPER Training?
OSHA-accepted HAZWOPER training is required for anyone who works at a contaminated site. If your workplace is a designated HAZWOPER site under OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.120, you will need to take either the 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER training course. Superfund sites across the United States require a long-term clean-up response.
If you are still unsure which HAZWOPER course is needed for you or your employees, consult our guide to HAZWOPER training requirements.
Sign Up for Your HAZWOPER Training Course Today
Use our online course catalog to register for the appropriate HAZWOPER training course today - you can register individual or sign up your entire team. You can also view a demonstration to learn more about the courses.
