Hazardous materials and waste are part of many work
situations, and can be found on many types of job sites. It is so important that
employees know how to recognize these potentially dangerous substances, as well
as how to handle and dispose of them properly, that OSHA mandates that anyone
working with these substances receive comprehensive training in this area.
In 1976, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to regulate the handling of
hazardous waste "from cradle to grave". Since then other regulations have
followed, including OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.120, also known as HAZWOPER. As part of
these regulations, there are varying requirements for employee training,
depending on an employee's specific level of involvement with hazardous
materials.
"Understanding HAZWOPER" is
designed to explain the regulations and to help employees begin to reduce
or eliminate potential exposure to hazardous materials in their work
environments. Topics covered include: