Hazmat Training: If your present employment requires hazmat training or if you are interested in hazmat training certification you will find the information below very useful.
Hazmat Training Requirements OSHA, EPA and DOT
Hazmat personnel must first become endorsed by completing a hazmat training session that meets OSHA, EPA or DOT requirements and standards. EPA, DOT, and OSHA Federal regulations require training for all employees who will be handling, transporting, preparing for shipment or even preparing paperwork of hazardous materials.
It is the employers responsibility to provide hazmat training and to also decide as to what particular aspect of or how much hazmat training will be needed. Federal regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) Part 172.702 require that each employer whose employees work with hazardous materials (as defined in sections 49 CFR 171 and 172) must train each of its employees. Hazmat employees include those who prepare the packages for shipping, prepare, sign or review the paperwork, load trucks, drive the vehicles or unload or receive the hazardous materials.
An person who performs any of these duties may not legally perform them unless they have been properly trained in the requirements of hazardous materials (generally: identification, classification, labeling, marking, hazmat placards, packaging, etc.) that apply to that function. It is the duty of each employer to comply with the applicable requirements to ensure that each person that will be handling hazardous materials is thoroughly instructed and endorsed. Employees requiring DOT hazardous materials training must be trained every 3 years.
Some specific examples of who will be required to be trained are:
a person determining if a material is a hazardous material;
an person who creates, produces and/or sells packaging for hazardous materials;
a person determining proper packaging for a hazardous material;
a person who places the hazardous materials in the packaging;
an person who marks and labels the hazmat packaging;
a person who fills out shipping papers for hazmat transport;
a person who loads or unloads the hazardous material;
a person who warehouses the materials during the course of transport;
a person who drives a vehicle transporting the material.
Hazmat training usually consists of General Awareness, Security Awareness, Hazmat Classifications and The Hazmat Table. Courses will also include shipping, labeling, packaging, loading and unloading, handling, responsibilities and liabilities. As a hazmat employee you are required to complete the following training:
1) General Awareness and Familiarization
This training is to familiarize you with DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations. It is also designed to show you how to recognize and identify hazardous materials based on the labels, placards, shipping descriptions and other communication standards contained in the HAZMAT Rules.
2) Safety
This part of your training is to instruct you on the emergency response information required under the HAZMAT Rules, as well as methods and procedures for avoiding accidents. This part of your training will also include information on various protection methods from hazards associated with the hazardous materials to which you may be exposed to in your place of work.
3) Function Specific
Along with General Awareness and Familiarization Training and Safety Training, discussed earlier, your employer will provide training in the HAZMAT rules that apply specifically to your job duties.
4) Driver
If you will be operating any kind of motor vehicle (including an automobile) too transport hazardous materials, it may be necessary for you to receive special driver training, in addition to the three types of training listed above.
As mentioned in earlier discussions be prepared for an extensive background assessment before you receive your endorsement. This is to comply with new regulations and amendments that have come into effect since the introduction of the Patriot Act.
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